COME HOME TO GOD
A Quiet Place of Prayer, Silence and Renewal
Come away to a deserted place, all by yourselves and rest awhile.
Mark 6:31
St Karas Cottage is prayerfully offered as a Christian retreat house for believers wanting to retreat awhile from the world.
Solo and group retreats are welcome, whether staying quietly self-contained or partaking of the monastery’s morning liturgy.
• 2 Bedroom – B1 Queen + KSingle; B2 2 x King Singles
•. Self-Catering fully equipped kitchen
• Shower, toilet, washing machine, dryer outside, clothes line
• Forest walks at your doorstep
• Beautiful views of the valley hills and range
• Quiet, private, peaceful
Walks through untouched forest to the sound of many bird calls
St Karas Guest Cottage – named after Saint Karas – is situated in the natural beauty of Northland’s forests at the top of a kilometre long tree lined colonade – Deification Drive – beyond the gates of St Enoch and St Elijah Monastery. St Karas Cottage (SEASEM) invites Christian pilgrims and retreatants to respite, pray, write, rest, read and relax while enjoying the peace of Christ that the monastery property offers space for in its natural beauty, walks, and gardens.
A 1km reflective walk along the drive allows you to stop at scriptural signs to stop for prayer.
A SELECTION OF TESTIMONIALS
‘The whare is a sanctuary. I am almost a new person, finding what I didn’t know I was looking for and filled with thankfulness. May the Lord doubly multiply the fruits of your efforts and the many seeds sown bring forth an abundant harvest in due course.’
‘Nga mihi nui i te whare nei. Such a lovely peaceful cottage and setting.’
‘A true respite. Perfect, comfortable stay. In more ways than one I received food for my soul.’
‘Thank you. We felt truly at home here in this sacred place. And it will always hold a special place in our hearts.’
WORKSHOP SPACE
The main house has a wing with L shaped room with 3 x kingsize single beds, modest ensuite toilet, shower and kitchenette with this large community room (left) available for workshops.
SANCTUARY
The main Sanctuary (right) is available for private prayer during 1030am (after Divine Office) to 4pm. Guests are welcome to attend morning liturgy at 9am – it is a sung liturgy to the glory of God. Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays offers a non-priestly remembrance of Jesus Christ, His life, crucifixion, and resurrection in the partaking of the Eucharist.
GETTING HERE – CAR
The monastery and guest cottage are a 4 hour drive from Auckland airport along State Highways 1 and then 12 (with a wee break included). We are 10 minutes west along SH12 when you exit Kaikohe. Open in Maps here.
GETTING HERE – FLYING
The flight from Auckland Airport AKL to Kerikeri Airport (Bay of Islands) KKE is 50 mins. You can arrange for a hire car to collect at the airport or for an extra $60, the monastery community will collect you and take you back to the airport.
Please read the information and rules for visitors before booking your stay at the monastery.
We do look forward to welcoming you in Christ’s name.