Welcome to Dune Lakes Lodge

A Retreat & Horse Inspired Learning Centre

The power of nature is at the core of every experience at Dune Lakes Lodge, As you are greeted by your first view of the wild west coast and gaze down on the Dune Lakes land you'll be transported into another realm. Escape the hum-drum and venture into a space of tranquillity and serenity ..... only an hour from Auckland.

This retreat sanctuary, nestled in the ancient sand hills on the south side of the Kaipara Harbour is a secluded retreat, a haven for those who seek a transformative escape—where wellness, mindfulness, and nature intertwine in blissful harmony. Here, amidst breath-taking landscapes that are home to a herd of free-roaming horses, you are invited to unwind, to reconnect, to simply be.

The essence of Dune Lakes lies in its simplicity, its grounded-ness, and stunning beauty. While immersing yourself in the sensory experiences of nature, dormant senses will be awakened. You may even step into boundary-pushing practices that defy convention, where human nature meets its edges, where self-discovery knows no bounds.

At Dune Lakes Lodge, you are welcomed into a tranquil, nature-immersed retreat where healing, growth, and reconnection unfold organically. We offer visitor accommodation, horse-inspired learning, wellness retreats, spiritual workshops, nature-based experiences and venue hire. A place where individuals and groups realign with the natural rhythms of life and connect to the timeless landscape—the dunes, the native bush, the pristine wetlands and the lake— all hold space for reflection, rest, and personal transformation.

While the horses—majestic, free, wise and flowing with the rhythm of the land—remind you of the beauty of living with an open heart and a quiet mind, tethered only to the present moment. This is a place of quiet awakening, where every moment offers a gentle invitation to return home to the very essence of who you are.

A Unique Venue - the Facilities, the Horses, the Land

The Facilities

The Flying Horse Barn

A Spacious, Inspiring Venue for Connection and Creativity

The Flying Horse Barn is a unique and beautifully designed space at Dune Lakes Retreat, offering a serene and inspiring environment for a wide variety of activities. This spacious, light-filled room is a true highlight of the lodge, with large windows that bring in natural light and open up to the peaceful views of the surrounding landscape. It’s the perfect setting for creative workshops, group discussions, yoga sessions, meditation, team-building activities, and more.

Whether you're looking for a space for mindfulness and reflection, or a dynamic setting for interactive group activities. The Flying Horse Barn is a versatile venue with kitchen, plus the spacious layout of the converted barn and tranquil ambiance create an ideal environment for personal growth, teamwork, and creativity, making it the perfect complement to your retreat or event at Dune Lakes Lodge.

Out-Of-The-Weather Spaces

The Yurt An oasis at the edge of the wetlands surrounded by native bush. Made from storm-damaged fallen eucalyptus trees, milled and fabricated by volunteers..... a truly hand-made structure. A beautiful space for creating art, small meetings or meditations.

Covered Outside Dining Area A space by the frog pond, ideal for shade on hot summers days or those wonderful rain-filled days that keep our paddocks so green. Set alongside the outdoor kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven.

Covered meeting platform Cosy couches and colourful carpets and a stunning view of the steep hillsides where horses roam free!!

Rustic Accommodation and Retreats

Our rustic-style accommodations offer a unique and authentic retreat experience, blending comfort with the beauty of nature. Choose from two studio rooms, two bunk rooms or a cabin, spaces are also available for camper-vans - everything to suit your needs! Whether seeking a private sanctuary or a group setting, each option offers a peaceful retreat with natural surroundings to enhance reflection and rejuvenation. For those seeking a venue for events, Dune Lakes Lodge provides a versatile space for transformative gatherings.

Unit off the Circle of Life Centre

The Horses

At Dune Lakes Lodge, the horses live as nature intended—beneath wide, open skies, with the wind as their companion and the land as their sanctuary.

The eleven Dune Lakes Horses form an established herd, grazing together in harmony as they roam freely 24/7 across the open landscape. Untethered by reins, they are barefoot and uncovered, and are never ridden. Instead, they live as sovereign beings—honoured not for what they can do for us, but for who they are.

What makes them truly unique is their role as quiet teachers. These magnificent beings offer no instruction, yet they guide us. Simply through their presence, they demonstrate how to live with authenticity, presence, and grace. In their stillness, we remember our own.

To witness them is to glimpse a way of being that is deeply rooted, gently powerful, and entirely free—a reminder of the harmony that’s possible when we return to the rhythms of the earth.

The Land

The LAND, The LAND ….It all starts with the land.

This land is magical….sensual….a feast for the senses.

Gently rolling paddocks, leading up and up into a regenerated native New Zealand bush, filled with hideaways and simple sanctuaries ….. you’ll be able to get away from it all. And with lake and ocean views….oh my, this land has it all.

Here, humans, horses and hundreds of birds inhabit this peaceful haven. Strolling barefoot, as the horses do, and breathing slowly, quietly…. time stands still. Wherever you gaze, this land, sees and hears you. Joining with it ….. ahh.

What Is Calling
To You?

Retreats

Accommodation

Workshops

Individual or Group Horse Sessions

Newsletter

Venue Hire

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My young horse, Praise, turned a big corner with her education and training during the Natural Horsemanship weekend at Dune Lakes Lodge. This was our first experience of riding 'bit less'. Praise seemed happy and relaxed without a bridle - and I certainly didn't have any difficulties with my communication with her.

Karen

Our weekend getaway was incredible….!!! We had fantastic friendly hosts, learnt amazing new skills, made new friends, all on a beautiful relaxed property.

Olwyn & Nadine

I can’t thank Rosemary enough...the learning’s from spending time with horses translates into other areas of our lives. They have much to offer in teaching us about ourselves.

Bridget

Thank you for changing my life in such a gentle and receivable way.

Joy

In 30 years of teaching I can honestly say that this is the most powerful learning outside of the classroom I have ever observed children engage with.

Janet

Rosemary showed us are not a one-off fix but an on-going way of life for you and your horse to enjoy. You wouldn’t believe the change in my boy and ME! I was able to enjoy my baby again... I’m hooked!

Nadine

Prior to attending this course my horses walked all over me. I've had tonnes of lessons both here and in Australia and in a short number of hours I was taught the most valuable lessons. I felt safe and in control of the relationship with my horse, a first for me!"

Vanessa

Testimonials