Napier Retreat

4th May to 7th May 2026
Esk Valley, Napier

Empowerment

Support

Wellbeing

Residential Cancer Care 4 Day Retreat

We invite you to journey with us on a unique retreat designed for anyone facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. You are welcome on your own or you may choose to bring a support person, this could be a friend, partner, family member or carer.

About the retreat

Our programme is an educational and experiential process, we promote science backed information and aim to give you practical tools you can use to help yourself.

Our workshops cover:

  • Holistic Health
  • Nutrition
  • Meditation
  • Integrative Medicine
  • Cancer Stress Management
  • Emotional Healing
  • Gratitude
  • Transforming Grief
  • Pyscho-Social Support + Connection
  • Open conversation on death and dying
 
Massage – will be available for an additional koha.
 
Lydie Tournier is a highly experienced massage therapist qualified in Oncology Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and Orthobionomy. She has worked with cancer patients through the Cancer Society in Hawke’s Bay for nearly three years and has nearly 20 years of experience in therapeutic soft tissue massage and realignment.
 
Lydie is passionate about the benefits of massage during physically challenging times. Research suggests that gentle touch and light massage can help promote and support the immune system. Her caring technique is tailored to each individual’s needs.
 
Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes a brief initial consultation. The massage can be performed using lavender balm while draped in towels, or over comfortable, soft clothing if you prefer. Let us know if you’d like to book in, she is only wiht us on Wednesday, so space is limited.

Daily Schedule Example

From 8am Breakfast
9am Session One
11am Morning Tea
11:30am Session Two
1pm Lunch + time to rest, relax, read a book, have a massage, enjoy a walk.
3pm Session Three
4.15pm Afternoon Tea
4.45pm Session Four
6pm Dinner

Cost

We recognise that a cancer diagnosis impacts your financial wellbeing as much as your physical wellbeing. Please contact us for financial assistance to attend, as cost should not feel like a barrier to attend this event.

$950 King/Twin bed with ensuite
$850 King/Queen bed with shared bathroom
$1600 King bed with ensuite sharing with a support person

$650 Live locally in Napier and joining daily 8am-7pm

Meet your faciltators

Susie Brown
Trustee & Facilitator, Prekure Mental Health Coach & Cancer Navigator. Also a Celebrant, Mum and Physiotherapist.
Kaytee Boyd
Trustee & Facilitator, Fitness mad, Surfer, Champion Cyclist, Integrative Nutritionist, Business owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of food will I be eating?

Meals are mainly plant-based with protein such as Organic Chicken or Fish. Moderate dietary needs are provided for. A health & nutrition form will be sent out after confirmation of a booking.

It can be cold in the morning and evenings; below is a list of suggested items to bring to make your stay as comfortable. We suggest:
  • Loose comfortable clothing
  • Socks or slippers
  • Jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm tops for evenings
  • A warm hat and or Sunhat
  • Water bottle
  • Blanket or wrap to be cosy in the meeting room
  • A torch
  • Your own pillow if preferred
  • Ph charger cords!
  • Any healthy snacks you can’t live without!
We recognise that a cancer diagnosis impacts your financial wellbeing as much as your physical wellbeing. Please contact us for financial assistance to attend, as cost should not feel like a barrier to attend this event. We receive funding to off-set the costs for this programme. The fees we charge for attendance help us to achieve our mission to serve all those who are impacted by cancer in our community, but do not cover the full cost of the retreat. Pay it forward donations are also welcomed. If you can make a donation to assist others to attend our retreat, 100% of your donation will apply directly to that cause. In the past some of our attendees have also received support from their friends, whānau and community to attend. We can assist you with information to share about the benefits of supportive cancer care retreats for your wellbeing.
Airport pick-ups are available, please enquire.
To ensure a personalised and safe group experience we limit numbers to a max of14 attendees​. Our venues are smoke & alcohol-free. The houses are warm, comfy and cosy, socks and slippers are welcome!
You’ll need to be able to manage your own daily health including pain relief and bring any medications you require. We are 20 minutes from a doctor/hospital.​​​ ​There is no medical facility on site, or GP close by. In the event of an emergency we will call an ambulance. It is important your emergency contact is available to attend and support you if necessary at short notice. There is a fridge available for medication, please bring all you need plus and extra day.
People having chemotherapy, those with allergies or chemical sensitivities can feel unwell from perfumed products, so we request that you do not use these products while on the retreat.
The retreat is an opportunity to lessen digital use. Please be mindful of other participant’s when making phone calls.
We find it better for everyone if visitors do not pop into your retreat. If you feel that there is a particular need for a visitor, please speak with us.​​
  • We require a $150 deposit to secure your booking. This includes a $150 non-refundable booking fee that is not refunded unless your retreat is cancelled by us.
  • If you attend a retreat and decide to leave during the retreat of your own volition, there is no refund.
  • If you cancel less than 14 days prior to the retreat commencement date – 50% of your total payment will be refunded.
  • If you cancel more than 14 days prior to the retreat commencement date – your total payment, less $150 non-refundable deposit will be refunded.
  • It may be possible to transfer to another Aratika Cancer Trust Retreat (within 12 months) if you let us know 14 days or more that you cant make it.