Need a getaway?

Come refresh your soul

We offer specific retreats for those who need a place to rest, to heal and to reset.

Over the years Orama has been a place of refuge and shelter for many. Are you looking for a change of pace? Come take some time apart in the stunning Waikaraka, or Karaka Bay.

We offer different retreat packages with varying customisable options. Let us host a getaway tailored to your specific wants and needs.

Feed your body and soul. Enjoy the glorious sunsets, calm waters, bush walks, and more. Experience the daily rhythms of creation as you sit and watch the tides ebb and flow.

  • Our lodge hosts communal dining, has a commercial kitchen, a lounge with views over the bay and a lecture/library room.

    We have an art studio, cabins nestled in the hillsides, and a chapel.

    Our grounds were made to be a resting place. Communion with the Trinity, creative inspiration, and belonging around the table are everyday rhythms.

  • We offer a range of accommodation options from stunning sea view self-contained units to lodge rooms and rustic recently refurbished whaler’s cabins.

    Most of the accommodation options overlook beautiful Waikaraka, or Karaka Bay. All linens and towels will be provided during your stay.

  • As a community, we value gathering around the table. Meals can be purchased. Depending on which option you choose, lunch is available in the main dining room Monday - Friday, and dinner is available 7 days a week. Our hospitality team will cook these nutritious meals.

    Our catering options include:

    • Full catering – Lunch & dinners

    • Half & half – Let us cook you dinner

    • Self-catering – Need some alone time and space and prepare your own?

Ministry retreat

Need a getaway? You’re in good company! Even Jesus needed space to pray and be empowered. Join us for some well-earned rest and recreation, whether it’s for two days or two weeks. You’ll find us to be a friendly fraternity who will call you by your first name.

Personal retreat

“Sometimes you just need a change of scenery, a place to pause, relax and recalibrate. That’s what we wanted to create when we set up our personal retreat care package” Treena Salthouse, GM. No matter the reason or length of your stay, we look forward to sharing our space with you.

20-23 February 20251
5-18 May 2025
24-27 October 2025

6-10 February 2025

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

Recovery retreat

If you’re looking for a change of pace, a place where daily rhythms of prayer, worship, and involvement in our community provide an environment for healing, to nurture you to a place of wholeness, then Orama could be the place for you. Our focus is not on detoxing or rehabilitation, but this has been an outcome for many who have come to this sanctuary. We are the place to come to when you’ve been through those first fragile stages…but are wanting to cement those hard-fought foundations in your recovery. Perhaps you need a little more time to heal? Perhaps after all the dust has settled, you’re asking yourself where to next?

Here at Orama, our purpose is to provide a physical place that embodies the promises of the ancient text: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul” Psalm 23.

Restoration and respite are what we believe we can provide here.

Orama is not a one size fits all treatment center. We take each person as an individual with your own specific needs for safety and respect for your privacy. We also take into consideration the well-being and safety of others in the community so make our decisions about coming here with great care. Does that make us exclusive? In a way, Yes. We would rather have a smaller number of people in respite care to attend to your personal well-being than have you feeling like you’re just a number. You are not!

What’s the process?

The first step is to fill in the application form.

We take into consideration all inquiries, however as a guide, it would be advisable to have had a minimum of 4 weeks substance free.

We require a:

  • recommendation from a counsellor, minister, or case worker.

  • current medical certificate from a doctor, and

  • completed police check form

Once we receive the above information, your application will be considered. Orama is not a one size fits all treatment centre. We take each person as an individual with their own specific needs for safety and respect for your privacy. We also take into consideration the well-being and safety of others in the community so make our decisions on who we can accommodate here with great care. If accepted we will then contact you to arrange the next steps.

If you are currently subject to legal ramifications for your past. We suggest you get that sorted first. Then come back to us when you’re ready.

Recognise someone who
needs a retreat?

Support someone to take time out, receive respite from ministry, a stressful situation, loss or family challenges, and leave refueled, nurtured and refreshed.