Aio Wira Retreat Centre

Aio Wira Retreat Centre "Āio Wīra" meaning "peace wheel" in Māori. A symbol for honouring the centre of peace within.

Aio Wira was founded in 1970, by a group of yoga students who gave their time, energy, and money to create the Centre. It is not based on any specific spiritual philosophy but exists to support all who wish to develop their body, mind, and spirit. The Centre is governed by a Trust Board and operated by a small staff. Aio Wira is set on four hectares of native bush in the Waitakere Ranges on the western outskirts of Auckland City. Bordered by the Waitakere Stream on one side and bush reserves on the other, there are some delightful bush walks at the Centre and Cascade Kauri Park. Other nearby recreational activities include Te Henga/Bethells Beach and the Waitakere Golf Club. This beautiful, quiet setting is still very accessible to Auckland City - 40 minutes by car or one hour by train from the downtown area. Groups who share our vision use the Centre on most weekends and often for longer periods. Individuals use the Centre for personal retreats, while others work in exchange for their food and keep whenever there is a need.

***
As a Charity it's important to the Aio Wira board that the center is moving in the right direction to serve our community, If you have any suggestions or would like to share your experience with Aio Wira, please send through your messages to aiowirachairperson@gmail.com

08/04/2026

Sue shares why she keeps returning to our monthly Juice Fasting Retreats, this year marks her tenth!

At the recently finished Easter retreat, we welcomed first-timers alongside guests who’ve been coming for over 26 years. It’s always such a special, supportive group.

Āio Wīra provides a down-to-earth, grounded space for anyone ready to prioritise their health, with experienced guidance every step of the way.

If you are keen to try fasting for yourself. We still have spaces in our May Juice Fast facilitated by Kiri, beginning Friday 22nd - Sunday 26th.

Find the rest of our 2026 dates here: www.aiowira.org.nz/juicefasts

07/04/2026

Sue shares why she keeps returning to our monthly Juice Fasting Retreats, this year marks her tenth!

At the recently finished Easter retreat, we welcomed first-timers alongside guests who’ve been coming for over 26 years. It’s always such a special, supportive group.

Āio Wīra provides a down-to-earth, grounded space for anyone ready to prioritise their health, with experienced guidance every step of the way.

Our annual WORKING BEE is booked for Sunday, April 19th from 10am - 3pm. We hope you can join us for all or part of the ...
07/04/2026

Our annual WORKING BEE is booked for Sunday, April 19th from 10am - 3pm.

We hope you can join us for all or part of the day. We will work towards completing some light tasks around the centre while having a fun catch-up with the extended Āio Wīra whanau. We will provide a nourishing lunch and there will be the chance to jump in the sauna or spa if you wish.

Please RSVP to Carissa at mail@aiowira.org.nz so that we have numbers for catering.

We would love to see you there!

A special visitor at Aio Wira yesterday. ❤️Shirley was one of the original founders of the centre in the early 1970s. A ...
05/04/2026

A special visitor at Aio Wira yesterday. ❤️

Shirley was one of the original founders of the centre in the early 1970s. A dedicated yoga teacher, she continued teaching right up to 90. Now 97, she remains an inspiring part of Aio Wira’s story.

What to do this Easter? Try this. 🍂 In Japan, they call it forest bathing, simply spending time in nature, without an ag...
03/04/2026

What to do this Easter? Try this. 🍂

In Japan, they call it forest bathing, simply spending time in nature, without an agenda.

It might be sitting quietly, listening to the movement of the trees, or noticing the small details you’d usually pass by. No need to achieve anything or be anywhere else.

Our native ngahere has a quiet way of settling the nervous system and bringing you back to a steadier place. It’s simple, but it matters.

Time in nature is worth making space for.

Learn more about our retreat offerings here: www.aiowira.org.nz/coming-up

Looking after your health isn’t something to put off for later.Taking time now to rest and reset can make a real differe...
02/04/2026

Looking after your health isn’t something to put off for later.

Taking time now to rest and reset can make a real difference to how you feel day to day. At Āio Wīra, our retreats offer space to step out of your usual routine and reflect on what’s working, and what might need to change.

3 Day Wellness Retreats provide a gentle reset. Enjoy nourishing, wholesome food your body really craves, daily movement sessions, gentle yoga, and a supportive group environment. Optional bodywork therapy is available. If you’re feeling burnt out or overwhelmed, this weekend retreat helps you pause, restore, and recharge.

5 Day Juice Fasts focus on your digestive system, a chance to reset, refresh, and establish a new baseline. With the same movement sessions, daily yoga, and workshops (more of them over five days), you’ll feel the support of a group who, like you, prioritise their health. Regulars return year after year, testament to its lasting benefits.

It’s not about doing everything at once, it’s about discovering a way forward that’s realistic, nourishing, and sustainable.

Contact us about availability on a retreat that will suit you: www.aiowira.org.nz/coming-up

29/03/2026

Time to be. Time to think. Time to rest.

That’s what our Āio Wīra retreats offer. Whether you choose a 3 Day Wellness Retreat or a 5 Day Juice Fast, it’s a chance to step out of the usual pace and reconnect with yourself.

Take what feels supportive, let go of what doesn’t, and return to daily life feeling clearer and more steady.

Find our upcoming retreats here: www.aiowira.org.nz/coming-up

New to fasting? Our juice fasting retreats offer a gentle, supported introduction suitable for most people.Our next 5-da...
28/03/2026

New to fasting? Our juice fasting retreats offer a gentle, supported introduction suitable for most people.

Our next 5-day juice fast runs from Friday 22 May to Tuesday 26 May. Your facilitator is Kiri, a qualified naturopath and medical herbalist, and an experienced faster. She’ll guide you through the process, including the benefits of fasting, different approaches, and how you might incorporate it into your own life.

Many people return to our retreats year after year, some for decades. One recent guest attended annually from age 17 for 28 years. For many, Aio Wīra becomes a bit of a home away from home.

Our aim is to offer a supportive environment and a sense of community as you take time to focus on your health.

For more dates and information:
www.aiowira.org.nz

Our next working bee is Sunday, April 19th from 10am - 3pm. We hope you can join us for all or part of the day. We will ...
25/03/2026

Our next working bee is Sunday, April 19th from 10am - 3pm. We hope you can join us for all or part of the day. We will work towards completing some light tasks around the centre while having a fun catch-up with the extended Āio Wīra whanau.

On our list is tackling some invasive weeds around the property, tidying up some light fallen debris in the gardens, waterblasting Ruru's deck, sanding and staining the sanctuary doors and doing small paint touch-ups in some of the bedrooms.

We will provide a vegetarian lunch. Please RSVP to Carissa at mail@aiowira.org.nz so that we have numbers for catering. We would love to see you there!

Post-fast glow from these lovely ladies, a mix of first-timers and returning fasters on this retreat.One guest shared:“I...
24/03/2026

Post-fast glow from these lovely ladies, a mix of first-timers and returning fasters on this retreat.

One guest shared:
“I really value the consistency of the experience each time I come. It’s always such a calm, inclusive, and caring space to fully relax in. Barry does a great job holding the space for the group.”

Go well everyone, we look forward to seeing you again.

Chocolate not your thing? Or maybe it’s been a bit too much of a thing lately?No judgement here, just a supportive space...
21/03/2026

Chocolate not your thing? Or maybe it’s been a bit too much of a thing lately?

No judgement here, just a supportive space to reset your habits, clear your head, and give your digestive system a proper rest. Fresh organic fruit and vegetable juices are provided, along with a nightly potassium broth to help replenish essential minerals.

Each day includes gentle movement and mindfulness sessions, with time to unwind in the spa and sauna. No experience needed, your facilitator Di, will guide you through the whole experience.

We have only 2 places left for our Easter Fast. Find our other 2026 dates here: https://www.aiowira.org.nz/juicefasts

Contact: mail@aiowira.org.nz for more details or to book.

Address

8 Aio Wira Road
Waitakere
0781

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Aio Wira Retreat Centre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram