
TESTIMONIALS
From our 2022 retreats
“Thank you Susan
For the wonderful meditation
Retreat recently in Glenorchy
It opened my eyes to the benefits
Of meditation on a deeper level
Than just chilling out to music
I came away with a new lease on life
The vegetarian food was amazing and plentiful and the other participants
Were really lovely people
It has prompted me to investigate further
This method of meditation as I truly
Believe it can make a big difference to my life.” (Elaine)
- What an absolutely amazing experience! From start to finish my heart and mind we’re open to receive all the knowledge and learnings that Suze so eloquently shared. I’m so grateful that I got to be apart of such a transformational retreat and connect with not only myself but the other awesome humans who showed up for themselves. The meditations themselves were so valuable and insightful and invoked such powerful questions and deeper thinking. Learning about the Tibetan Buddhist ways through the dharma has opened up my mind and my heart! I have been less reactive since integrating after the retreat and am feeding my thirst of Buddhism knowledge (as well as sitting!) and I feel so very lucky to have had the opportunity. Thank you Suze, you truly are a wonderful human who lives and breaths passion!read moreread lessKimberley S.4/03/2025Amazing 5 days spent on our retreat at Hawea. Suze made the entire experience both interesting and pleasurable. It was a privilege to attend.read moreread lessGary M.12/07/2024Suse is an incredible teacher with the ability to communicate meditation teachings in a clear and accessible manner. The yoga in the morning and the stunning location at Lake Hāwea was also a boon. Will definitely be back for more.read moreread lessLouise B.12/07/2024
- I can’t recommend joining Suze on retreat enough. Her teaching is phenomenal. Clear, simple and really focused on achieving the practical impacts on life that meditation can deliver. Her approach is both full of humour and demanding. Her secular and fundamentally New Zealand approach means this would be my first recommendation to any friends who are just dipping their toes into meditation but would be at risk of being put off by an overtly mystical approach. Thanks so much Suze - I’ll be back and will be bringing friends and family!read moreread lessBelinda B.12/07/2024I attended Susan's 5 day meditation retreat at Lake Hawea Camp last week and it's been an absolutely incredible experience. I am so grateful to have been a part of it all.
Susan's passion for meditation and holistic approach to all aspects of life really shows in her teaching. I didn't expect to get so much knowledge in just 5 days, all presented in a very understandable way and full of practical examples. Learning from her has been an invaluable and eye(mind)-opening experience.
If you ever have an opportunity to attend one of Susan's retreats please go for it, I can highly recommend it!read moreread lessLenka S.12/07/2024The beautiful retreat on Sunday was everything I needed. I felt guided through the yoga and meditation sessions in a safe and enriching way. The food was so healthy and delicious and every moment was an experience I’d love to repeat. Thank you Susan for filling up my soul and reminding me to breathe 🙏🙏read moreread lessJonny a.11/07/2024 - I spent the 13 October at a Retreat run by Suze Allen. It was held at the most beautiful home called Lake Hāwea View. There were 15 lucky ladies that enjoyed yoga, meditation, rest, sauna, spa and fabulous food and drinks served by Evelyn.
It was a pleasure to spend the day with super, friendly ladies and something I would recommend as a special treat to yourself.read moreread lessHeather M.11/07/2024Suze's 5 day retreat was amazing. This was my second time around and I found the concentration and insight practices to be really beneficial. Suze creates an inclusive environment which is enjoyable to be a part of. Whether you are a beginner or a more seasoned meditator, this is an incredible retreat to enhance and develop your meditation practice.read moreread lessJames K.8/05/2024I did a 4 day meditation retreat with Suze in Auckland. It exceeded all my expectations. Suze is a wonderful teacher and generous with her knowledge. I Can't recommend highly enough to anyone who is interested in meditation, regardless of your level of experience.read moreread lessCaroline F.8/05/2024 - The 6 day Tranquility and Insight Retreat with Suze was truly life changing. If you are ready to listen, learn and embark on a deep journey, this is for you. Suze is an absolute wealth of knowledge and her delivery of information and practices is truly special. I met some incredible people on this Retreat and I would certainly attend again in the future. Em xread moreread lessEm K.7/05/2024I did a 6 day meditation retreat with Susan and found it incredibly beneficial. I already had my own meditation practice but wanted to deepen it. Susan had all the knowledge and skills to help me with that. Susan has a very calm, carefully paced, intelligent, and well structured approach to teaching. I am really hoping to establish an ongoing teacher-student relationship with her in the future. Arohanui, Karen.read moreread lessKaren N.7/05/2024My heart feels very full after spending the last 5 days with Suze at her meditation retreat. I’m still integrating a lot of what I learned, but the most powerful insight for me has been the purpose behind my practice. Suze helped me understand what I am a part of, and how lucky I am to be a part of it. I have been opened up to a whole, new awareness and I feel so grateful and full of love. Thank you Suze. You, your knowledge and your passion is such a gift.read moreread lessBree N.7/05/2024
- I have just come off a 5 day meditation retreat hosted by Susan. I am so grateful to have been a part of it all. Susan is very passionate and it shows in her teaching. She has the ability to create a safe space filled with love and compassion. I have taken home with me a gift of knowledge (a gift that keeps on giving). I am looking forward to putting my learnings into my home meditation practices. If you ever have an opportunity to attend one of Susan's retreats I say go for it! Highly recommend.read moreread lessAdele M.7/05/2024Fantastic meditation retreat. Professionally run, warm environment, Susan is highly experienced, appropriate for beginners as well as those more advanced and very good value for money. I will definitely be attending another course!read moreread lessjane p.7/05/2024Nestled amidst the serene mountains, Susan Allen Meditation Retreat held at Mana Retreat Centre offers a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I recently embarked on a six-day retreat here, seeking solace and a deeper connection with myself through meditation and mindfulness practices. Location and Atmosphere: The retreat is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by lush greenery and towering pine trees. The air is crisp and clean, adding to the overall sense of tranquility. The architecture of the meditation hall and accommodations blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, fostering a peaceful ambiance that is conducive to introspection and relaxation. Accommodations: I stayed in a cozy yet spacious cabin that was impeccably clean and thoughtfully designed. The minimalist décor and comfortable furnishings provided a perfect sanctuary for contemplation and rest. The sound of rustling leaves and occasional birdsong outside the window added to the calming atmosphere. Meditation Sessions: Led by experienced instructor Susan Allen, the meditation sessions were the highlight of my retreat experience. The schedule was well-planned, with sessions ranging from guided meditations to silent contemplation periods. Each session was designed to deepen our practice and foster mindfulness, helping us cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity. Food and Dining: The meals at Mana retreat were a delightful surprise. Served buffet-style, the vegetarian cuisine was not only nutritious but also delicious, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The dining area offered panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, providing a serene backdrop for mindful eating and reflection. Activities and Facilities: In addition to meditation, the retreat offered optional activities such as yoga sessions, massages, nature walks, and evening discussions on mindfulness. The facilities, including a sauna and outdoor meditation spaces, were well-maintained and enhanced the overall retreat experience. Community and Support: One of the most rewarding aspects of the retreat was the sense of community fostered among participants. Through group discussions and shared experiences, I felt supported and inspired on my journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. Conclusion: Susan Allen’s Meditation Retreat exceeded my expectations in every way. From the breathtaking natural surroundings to the well-crafted meditation sessions and nourishing meals, every detail was thoughtfully curated to create a transformative experience. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or new to mindfulness practices, this retreat offers a welcoming space to reconnect with yourself and find inner peace. I left feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to retreat into stillness at Mana retreat centre. If you're seeking a retreat that combines relaxation, mindfulness, and natural beauty, I highly recommend Susan Allen Meditation Retreat. It's an investment in your well-being that yields invaluable returns long after you leave its serene embrace. Please check her website www.retreats.nz for more informationread moreread lessPradeep M.7/05/2024
“I came away from the retreat with new ideas and learnings that I feel will help me to take my meditation practice to a new level. Suze shared her knowledge, skills and experiences with the group in a way that was safe, with clarity and she checked in with us to make sure we understood and that the learning was meaningful.
The venue was spectacular, amazing views and amenities. The food was delicious, nourishing and made with care.
I would recommend a yoga retreat with Suze and I hope to attend another one run by her.” (Sue)
From our 2020 retreats
“The retreat was amazing. Suze is such a poised and graceful person and her way of teaching was far superior than anything I’ve encountered before. The yoga and meditation practices were very carefully considered and delivered where they built up slowly over the length of the retreat. I would highly recommend the Mana Retreat Centre for all it offers including beautiful food and can’t recommend Suze enough for all invaluable teachings and her generosity in sharing her knowledge and experience. Thank you.” (Lurene)
“A wonderfully grounding few days away from the stresses of work and family. I loved how Susan led us so knowledgeably and calmly through the yoga asanas. Her explanation of meditation was a revelation to me and I can now see how a regular meditation practice will benefit so many areas of my life. Mana retreat is a hidden gem with beautiful buildings, peaceful bushwalks and amazing food.” (Susan)
From our 2018 retreats
"I was privileged to attend a yoga and meditation retreat run by Susan at the beautiful Mana Retreat on the Coromandel. The whole retreat was so uplifting. From the very peaceful surroundings, the incredible food, the retreat's outlook over the Coromandel harbour to the most wonderful yoga and meditation. I loved every moment and couldn’t have wished for more. I came away feeling renewed and energised with a new perspective on life and its challenges and also a better understanding of how yoga and meditation could enhance my life. It was a truly enlightening experience. (Kim)
"Mana retreat on the Coromandel is a fabulous place for a yoga retreat surrounded by native bush in a tranquil environment. The accommodation is very comfortable and the food spectacular. Over the five days we participated in extensive yoga and meditation workshops which were taught by Susan and Vincent who are very experienced yoga teachers. The group attending the weekend were very supportive and welcoming. I found the weekend to be very educational and rewarding with lots of excellent tools to take home for my home practice." (Carin)
From our 2017 retreats
From our 2016 retreats
Give yourself a gift, an immersion retreat just for yourself
Susan Allen who is leading the retreat is the founder of Yoga Ground, studios in Auckland and Wanaka, New Zealand. She also owns Entering the Stream, a world class online yoga and meditation platform and The Yoga Transition, a yoga teacher mentorship business. Read more about Susan here.

Retreats NZ | susan@theyogatransition.com | +64-21-222-6550
Retreats NZ susan@theyogatransition.com
+64-21-222-6550