Information and Rules for Visitors

Beloved in Christ,

Those who wish to retreat for a minimum of 3 nights and a maximum of 7 nights are welcome according to these rules and guidelines.

Getting Here

Saint Karas Guest Cottage is located at 3743 State Highway 12, Taheke, Northland, New Zealand 0473. You can locate it here on Google Maps. We are 10 minutes west of Kaikohe on State Highway 12 – a large wooden cross on the front lawns behind big black gates.

Please note that the monastery is remote and has no public transport that comes out to the monastery. There is an expensive shuttle service ($120 one way from Kerikeri) or for an extra donation of $60 a member of the monastery can collect and return you to the airport or bus station. We can stop in Kaikohe so you can stock up on food there for your stay. This must be booked in advance.

Note that the monastery community is not a tour service and will not take you to sites, shopping or general ferrying from place to place. If you have your own car you are welcome to come and go as you please. Otherwise, please plan for remaining on the monastery grounds for the duration of your stay. 

This means that you must plan to bring or buy in Kaikohe all the food that you require. The monastery does not provide meals. St Karas Cottage is self-catering. We find that guests prefer this level of autonomy and privacy while on retreat. The cottage is fully equipped in the kitchen and general goods are provided: olive oil, spreads, teas and coffee, sauce, herbs, salt and pepper, free range eggs from our hens.

Please make the cottage your home away from home and be blessed by our Lord for your stay.

Saint Karas Guest Cottage

+ Saint Karas Guest Cottage is available to Christians to book as an individual or part of a group of retreatants. It is not a family holiday home and groups of men are not permitted. 
+ No person other than those booked in for retreats are permitted on the property – except for the purposes of dropping the retreatant off and picking them up.
+ The cottage is self-catering. You will provide your own food. It has a fully equipped kitchen, oven/stove, microwave, dishwasher, pod coffee maker
+ The cottage has heating and air-conditioning
+ All linen, towels, soaps, shampoos are provided
+ Kitchen must remain tidy and all utensils and kitchen goods must be cleaned after use
+ Cleaning goods are provided and rooms must be cleaned before leaving. Bed linen placed in or near washing machine
+ It has its own security entrance; is self-contained and approximately 200 metres from the main monastery building and Sanctuary
+ All retreatants are welcome to attend morning liturgy at 9am.

Dress Code

The Monastery is holy ground. Please dress accordingly. 
+ No tank tops or low cut sleeveless tops
+ No short skirts or excessive make-up or accessories
+ No short shorts or strong perfumes or scents

General Conduct on the Premises

+ Please avoid running and yelling
+ Respect the premises and the spaces you visit by not littering
+ No smoking (this includes vaping) or consumption of alcohol or drugs on any area of the property
+ Personal pets and animals are not permitted on the property

Code of Conduct in the Monastery Sanctuary

+ Prompt arrival before or on the prayer bells
+ Reverential behaviour before Christ in the Sanctuary
+ No general talking 
+ No shorts or t-shirts to be worn
+ No short skirts
+ Head covering for women is optional
+ No outstretched legs
+ Absolutely no interruptions during service (no mobile phones)
+ Prompt departure after liturgy

You Are Entering a Rural Property

+ All fences are hotwired to keep cattle in – PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH – the shock will harm you
+ Please be aware of trip hazards, uneven paths, orientation in forest (no cultivated paths)
+ Be aware that from time to time the property has wild goats, wild pigs, peacocks and turkeys – be welcome to observe but for your own safety keep your distance
+ There are numerous bee hives on the property – do not stand beside them or near the entrance
+ Monastery ducks and chickens often roam freely – please be courteous to them
+ Garden paths are slippery when wet
+ Bring suitable all weather clothing with you as it can rain heavily, blow a gale and be super sunny all in one day