By the time you start getting close to Te Henga Studios, you begin to think your final destination will be a farmhouse or state-of-the-art paddock. The forest on either side of the winding road makes you think you have gone much further than the 50minute drive from Auckland.
The front of the studios is beautiful, warm colours evoking a Tuscan manor surrounded by dark Waitakere bush. I had traveled to this creative oasis to lead a poetry workshop and share some stories with local poets and poetry enthusiasts. On arrival I was led to an enclosed yurt where the workshop was to take place. Decorated with the tools of the spiritual trade, I always find circular rooms to be very democratising and relaxing.
The workshop was well attended and full of writing and laughter that made the time fly. We were fed pies by our gracious hosts before I was left alone to spend the night in the yurt.
Waking up to a very respectful rooster who started crowing at around 8am, I knew I intended to return for longer. Te Henga Studios is purpose built to relax, engage and inspire.
Ben Fagan Performance Poet • Arts Co-ordinator
"Exquisite location, beautiful workshop, walk away grounded, refreshed, peaceful and inspired ... Sometimes we have to give to ourselves too, this is one of those gifts you thank yourself for again and again."
Melissa Rowthorn
"A very large wave of gratitude and thanks to Gus Simonovic and his gorgeous partner Siri for the wonderful retreat at Te Henga Studios.
For those in need of perspective, nourishing food, inner peace and a place that feels like home. X"
Kimberly Nieborak
"A big thanks you to Gus Simonovic for a wonderful day of yoga, creativity, nutritious food and great company in the most beautiful surroundings. I highly recommend the One Day Yoga Retreats….such good value and lovely people. I am also looking forward to reading your Poetry and trying Siri's gorgeous face oil too!"
Sonya Young
"Spent an amazing weekend at Te Henga Studios creating music with our band Tamani.
A great place to relax, create, sing, dance and drum.
This place has some serious style too, classy and retro, perfect."
Chewie Wilson - Tamani
"Thank you for a blissful day at the magnificent Te Henga Studios, Gus.
My creative juices are now overflowing from our deeply therapeutic yoga sessions infused with delightful energy from all the beautiful souls that were present today. I highly recommend this for anyone."
Nina Sophia Wong
"Kia ora Sally,
I wanted to say the HUGEST thank you from myself and the Teach First NZ team!
What a stunning place, and what a perfect environment for us to have our team retreat.
It was such a focused and amazing time and I believe it was due to such a wonderful space that we were able to be so connected and that we had the conversations we had to head into the next season of our organisation.
Thank you for the lovely rooms and then weather you put on for us too! ;)
I hope to be back their again soon with some friends! what a spot!
Kindest regards,"
Emily and the Teach first NZ team!
"Thank you again for your wonderful hospitality and lovely day of yoga and creativity on Saturday. It was exactly what I needed."
Natalie Grace, The Wellbeing Centre
"I thoroughly enjoyed today. Thank you so much Gus."
Heidi Padain
"Thanks Gus and Te Henga Studios for an energising, nurturing and fun day"
Kimberly Ann Nieborak
"Thanks for today Gus, really enjoyed meeting the group and feel thoroughly rejuvenated."
Nicholas Kearns
"A huge thank you to the team at Te Henga Studios. What a beautiful, peaceful and uplifting place to be. We had a wonderful time. Thanks again."
Lisa Brickell - Clown Doctors NZ
"Great workshop, I've done it twice and looking forward to the next one. Highly recommended."
David Hoyne
Te Henga Studios have had the delight of hosting a number of international people, here is some of what they had to say:
"Te Henga Studios is one of those hard-to-find-places, where one can thrully concentrate and get creative work done."
Tejopala Rawls - Sustainability contractor and performance artist
"Gorgeous accommodation and setting. It felt like I was treating myself to something special. The design and the touch of 'collectibles' to use was delightful. I would highly recommend it for small groups."
Akasa Daka.
The place was comfortable and cozy, and very close to nature. Our family loved the veggie garden :) Sally, our host ensured that she was present to welcome us when we arrived - even though it was quite late at night.
We will definitely be recommending this to our friends!
Marianne T
"This place is AMAZING! So beautiful and welcoming. A garden out the front door, a lovely deck and outside dining room, plus a cozy window seat inside to read in the sun. Close to many trails and swimming spots. Cant recommend this enough. Wonderfully decorated and lovely warm and accommodating hosts."
Michelle Sarchiapone
"Sally, and the house were both extremely hospitable! Sally was friendly, responsive and helpful throughout our stay. Her house is beautiful with abundance of character which shows her love for the space and the people who she shares it with. My friends and I had the best time out there, visiting Bethells beach and admiring the scenic views around the house. We would love to come back here in a heartbeat. Thank you again Sally!"
Amy Jiwon Lee
"Spent the weekend out here for a leaving get together with a group of my friends, and had a fantastic time. The house was amazing and Sally was a great host who went above and beyond to help us out. We would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a secluded weekend getaway."
Kurt McCarthy
"Not only was it clean and tidy, the layout of the property, inside and outside, was perfect for us. We had five families with us and stayed over there for the weekend. Everyone had a great time. Visiting the sand dune and the lake was wonderful. We would love to make this an annual event."
Albert Wong
Lovely peaceful retreat. Perfect for my purposes - needing a get away to write and read. The nearby beach is beautiful. October 2016
David ·
"It was a warm and delicate house for our group. Quite special. We had a very nice day there. Thanks Sally - it was fantastic!"
Jamie Lyu
"Te Henga Studios is a beautiful place to stay! The house itself was beautiful with really nice facilities. We had everything we needed.
Amazing atmosphere and perfect for a getaway or retreat. Our hosts were very welcoming and made contact during our stay when needed."
Crystal Vaega
“We loved staying at Te Henga Studios, and really appreciated the lovely and warm welcome that Sally and Gus gave us.”
Nic
“So awesome to deal with, thank you Sally for making it a pleasure. Truly a stunning venue. Highly recommended. XR”
Rayna
“Very friendly and helpful.”
Sergio P
Melissa Rowthorn
"A very large wave of gratitude and thanks to Gus Simonovic and his gorgeous partner Siri for the wonderful retreat at Te Henga Studios.
For those in need of perspective, nourishing food, inner peace and a place that feels like home. X"
Kimberly Nieborak
"A big thanks you to Gus Simonovic for a wonderful day of yoga, creativity, nutritious food and great company in the most beautiful surroundings. I highly recommend the One Day Yoga Retreats….such good value and lovely people. I am also looking forward to reading your Poetry and trying Siri's gorgeous face oil too!"
Sonya Young
"Spent an amazing weekend at Te Henga Studios creating music with our band Tamani.
A great place to relax, create, sing, dance and drum.
This place has some serious style too, classy and retro, perfect."
Chewie Wilson - Tamani
"Thank you for a blissful day at the magnificent Te Henga Studios, Gus.
My creative juices are now overflowing from our deeply therapeutic yoga sessions infused with delightful energy from all the beautiful souls that were present today. I highly recommend this for anyone."
Nina Sophia Wong
"Kia ora Sally,
I wanted to say the HUGEST thank you from myself and the Teach First NZ team!
What a stunning place, and what a perfect environment for us to have our team retreat.
It was such a focused and amazing time and I believe it was due to such a wonderful space that we were able to be so connected and that we had the conversations we had to head into the next season of our organisation.
Thank you for the lovely rooms and then weather you put on for us too! ;)
I hope to be back their again soon with some friends! what a spot!
Kindest regards,"
Emily and the Teach first NZ team!
"Thank you again for your wonderful hospitality and lovely day of yoga and creativity on Saturday. It was exactly what I needed."
Natalie Grace, The Wellbeing Centre
"I thoroughly enjoyed today. Thank you so much Gus."
Heidi Padain
"Thanks Gus and Te Henga Studios for an energising, nurturing and fun day"
Kimberly Ann Nieborak
"Thanks for today Gus, really enjoyed meeting the group and feel thoroughly rejuvenated."
Nicholas Kearns
"A huge thank you to the team at Te Henga Studios. What a beautiful, peaceful and uplifting place to be. We had a wonderful time. Thanks again."
Lisa Brickell - Clown Doctors NZ
"Great workshop, I've done it twice and looking forward to the next one. Highly recommended."
David Hoyne
Te Henga Studios have had the delight of hosting a number of international people, here is some of what they had to say:
"Te Henga Studios is one of those hard-to-find-places, where one can thrully concentrate and get creative work done."
Tejopala Rawls - Sustainability contractor and performance artist
"Gorgeous accommodation and setting. It felt like I was treating myself to something special. The design and the touch of 'collectibles' to use was delightful. I would highly recommend it for small groups."
Akasa Daka.
The place was comfortable and cozy, and very close to nature. Our family loved the veggie garden :) Sally, our host ensured that she was present to welcome us when we arrived - even though it was quite late at night.
We will definitely be recommending this to our friends!
Marianne T
"This place is AMAZING! So beautiful and welcoming. A garden out the front door, a lovely deck and outside dining room, plus a cozy window seat inside to read in the sun. Close to many trails and swimming spots. Cant recommend this enough. Wonderfully decorated and lovely warm and accommodating hosts."
Michelle Sarchiapone
"Sally, and the house were both extremely hospitable! Sally was friendly, responsive and helpful throughout our stay. Her house is beautiful with abundance of character which shows her love for the space and the people who she shares it with. My friends and I had the best time out there, visiting Bethells beach and admiring the scenic views around the house. We would love to come back here in a heartbeat. Thank you again Sally!"
Amy Jiwon Lee
"Spent the weekend out here for a leaving get together with a group of my friends, and had a fantastic time. The house was amazing and Sally was a great host who went above and beyond to help us out. We would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a secluded weekend getaway."
Kurt McCarthy
"Not only was it clean and tidy, the layout of the property, inside and outside, was perfect for us. We had five families with us and stayed over there for the weekend. Everyone had a great time. Visiting the sand dune and the lake was wonderful. We would love to make this an annual event."
Albert Wong
Lovely peaceful retreat. Perfect for my purposes - needing a get away to write and read. The nearby beach is beautiful. October 2016
David ·
"It was a warm and delicate house for our group. Quite special. We had a very nice day there. Thanks Sally - it was fantastic!"
Jamie Lyu
"Te Henga Studios is a beautiful place to stay! The house itself was beautiful with really nice facilities. We had everything we needed.
Amazing atmosphere and perfect for a getaway or retreat. Our hosts were very welcoming and made contact during our stay when needed."
Crystal Vaega
“We loved staying at Te Henga Studios, and really appreciated the lovely and warm welcome that Sally and Gus gave us.”
Nic
“So awesome to deal with, thank you Sally for making it a pleasure. Truly a stunning venue. Highly recommended. XR”
Rayna
“Very friendly and helpful.”
Sergio P