[Regarding Mana Retreat]  "Being a yoga rookie with less than 3 months experience and with no knowledge of Ayurveda at all, I knew when I read that the weekend was going to be for "exploring the concept of the perfect Yoga Practice for your Dosha", I was headed either for confusion or a learning experience! Well it most certainly turned out to be the latter.

We had Perry and Denise as our teachers:
Perry was the Ayurveda and meditation specialist. She has a passionate understanding of Ayurveda and spirituality, combined with a deceptively easy teaching style that you almost don't realise you are learning, but you are.
Denise was the "rock star" yoga teacher! She imparts yoga teachings in an inspiring and compassionate manner. Under her skilful guidance, you are safely challenged to find new levels in your yoga practice, while the spiritual wisdom she shares in each session give you insights to yourself and life.
I came home feeling uplifted and rejuvenated, nurtured inside out, and you know something, I now know what is the perfect Yoga Practice for my Dosha!

Alan McCracken

"Learning to quiet the mind and regenerate the soul is an essential tool for wellbeing.  Kate's soothing voice and practical approach to the art of meditation have started me on that journey - highly recommeneded to anyone at any level"

Helen Wood - Devonport

"Gently and lovingly, Kate leads you on an internal journey of relaxation, discovery and release - essential tools for enhancing one's life!"

Heidi Roy

"Practicing Yoga with Denise on a weekend brings much joy, brightness and a welcome respite to my week. After a working week largely spent sitting at a desk in front of books and a computer, it is wonderful to end the week by focusing attention on my body and breathing and to wake up all those stiff, lazy muscles. Denise brings a fresh, bubbly energy to her classes; always a laugh and a smile combined with an educated understanding of Yoga positions, a sensitivity to the variety of body types and their relative limitations, and a playful challenge for those who can to push themselves further. I attended her classes before her move to the Yoga Sanctuary, when Denise was a casual yoga instructor at my local gym. When she announced that she was leaving, I found myself inexplicably moved. I followed her to the Yoga Sanctuary, driving 20 minutes from my home each weekend just to be there. I have found the Yoga Sanctuary such a pleasant place for practice, that I started bring my husband as well!"

Bronwyn Finnigan

"Yoga has been a lifesaver for me. Now weekdays while walking to the bus stop in the morning, I think wow!! that feels great. True mobility at last! It has taken eighteen months to get there and made such a difference to the way I feel. Thank goodness Yoga Sanctuary is such a warm welcoming place with a variety of classes so that I stuck it out. It has also been a true quiet sanctuary bringing calm amid the turmoil of life. Fun too!"

Julian Sefton

"Taking the time to be.  Kate has the most beautiful voice, and ability to help me find the tranquility I know I have inside.  Of course with dedication and practice I can find it for myself but Kate leads me there quickly and effortlessly and guides me through journeys of healing restoration, forgiveness and gratitude.  When I leave my mind is clear, I feel like a human being again, instead of a human doing.  Thank you Kate.

Jackie Frank

“I have been practising Yoga on and off for 7 or 8 years but now I’ve totally committed to my practise at the Yoga Sanctuary. It is very much a sanctuary for me. The range of classes is fantastic. From uplifting, energising Power and Vinyasa Flow to the nourishing General and General/Beginner classes. They are a real complement to each other and Denise is a great mix of caring, fun inspiration. I came to yoga for some control over my stress and anxiety and not only has it helped with that but I now feel so fit and healthy. The benefit of this I can now see in every aspect of my life. I am so grateful for Yoga and the Yoga Sanctuary for helping me access its gifts.”

Jenstar Limited - Jen Wilson

"I am eighty years old and fit, well and relaxed. To what do I owe my most fortunate state? There is no doubt in my mind that it is the practice of Yoga over many years especially at the Yoga Sanctuary at Mairangi Bay. The room is a delight to enter with carpets, heaters and accessories which all give a real feel of a sanctuary. Denise and her teachers are wonderful, inspiring, encouraging and always different. All classes end with an amazing relaxing period after which there is a notable difference to the faces around me - free of stress! I would just urge people to look to Yoga as the finest health remedy in the world."

Lorna Speight

"I walked nervously into my first Yoga class in 2006. I was recovering from Breast Cancer and 18 months of grueling surgeries and treatments. I had always been a keen outdoors woman who tried anything, but I had lost strength, trust and confidence. I had (with gusto) done everything the experts had recommended would increase my chances of survival...all except Yoga. I feared. I feared the stillness of mind and contemplation would allow me to dwell on the past 18 months, I feared I wouldn’t be able to do Yoga. How wrong I was. Denise greeted me with an honest smile and welcomed me whole heartedly. From that moment on, I have been skillfully guided through my practice with compassion, encouraged to breathe purposefully and with connection to my movement and I have learned to still my mind. I have strength, flexibility, belief and confidence in my body and mind. The challenging and dynamic “Vinyasa Flow Yoga” has become my passion with thanks to Denise’s inspirational leadership and encouragement. My now healthy mind and body look forward to each session and my ego no longer mind's being left at the door!" 

A.J. McKellar