Need a getaway?
COME REFRESH YOUR SOUL
Over the years Orama has been a place of refuge and shelter for many. We offer specific retreats for those who need a place to rest, to heal and to reset. Are you looking for a change of pace? Come take some time apart in the stunning Karaka Bay.
We offer different retreat packages with varying customisable options. A Getaway tailored to your specific wants and needs.
“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
OUR RETREAT OPTIONS
We offer a number of retreat options. If you’re looking for a change of pace, a place to reset, rest and heal then Orama could be the place for you.
MINISTRY RETREATS
For those in Ministry who just need a getaway. Join us for some well earned rest and recreation.
PERSONAL RETREATS
A Personal getaway, take a moment to reflect and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility that Orama has to offer
RECOVERY RETREATS
Here at Orama we provide a space for people in recovery, a place of safety and serenity.
MINISTRY RETREAT
Sunset at Orama, Karaka Bay
Need a getaway? You’re in good company! Even Jesus needed space to pray and be empowered.
Come refresh your soul and 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. 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.
There are different options of how and where we can accommodate you.
Orama includes multiple accommodation options: a Lodge with communal dining, a commercial kitchen and accommodation, 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 where communion with the Trinity, creative inspiration, and belonging around the table are everyday rhythms.
Most of the accommodation options overlook the beautiful 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 through Friday, and dinner is available seven days a week. Our hospitality team will cook these nutritious meals.
Our catering options include:
Full Catering – Lunch & dinners
Half and Half – Let us cook you dinner
Self-Catering – Need some alone time and space and prepare your own? We can do that too
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
Set in a stunning seaside location, Orama offers a unique, peaceful setting beside the sea in Karaka Bay on Great Barrier Island. No matter the reason or length of your stay, we look forward to sharing our space with you. Orama has many facilities, such as a lodge with communal dining, a commercial kitchen and accommodation, 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.
Accommodation
We offer a range of accommodation options from stunning sea view self-contained units to Lodge rooms and rustic recently refurbished whalers c’ cabins. Most of the accommodation options overlook the beautiful Karaka Bay. All linens and towels will be provided during your stay.
Catering Options
All meals can be provided. From Monday to Friday, our hospitality team will cook your lunch and dinner. As a community, we have a high value for gathering around the table. Over the weekend, we will provide you with supplies to self-cater in the communal kitchen.
Full Catering – Lunch & Dinners (Monday to Friday)
Half and Half – Let us cook you dinner
Self-Catering – Need some alone time and space and prepare your own? We can do that too.
RECOVERY RETREAT
Here at Orama we provide a space for people in recovery – a place of safety and serenity.
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.
Psalm 23: He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
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.
A current medical certificate from a doctor
police check form completed
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.”
WHO WE ARE.
“We are an unashamedly Christian faith based community who doesn’t discriminate based on race, faith, gender or social standing. All we require, is a genuine desire to be walking the steps of recovery and a respect for the principals of our faith in Christ.”
To book in please complete the below booking form.
RECOGNISE SOMEONE ELSE YOU KNOW NEEDS A RETREAT?
Here is an opportunity to support someone else to take some time out, get respite from ministry, stressful situation, loss, family challenges, and refuel, feel nurtured, refresh, at our beautiful Orama Sanctuary at Karaka Bay, Great Barrier, Aotea.
To nominate someone, please complete the below form.