Akhanda Kirtan ~ Sound Journeys ~ Cacao/Chai Tent ~ Dances of Universal Peace ~ Forest Drumming Circle ~ Kids Zone ~ Shared Meals ~ Lots. Of. Kirtan.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of old growth forest and open fields at Strathean Retreat, Ōtaki. Kirtan Fest Aotearoa is an inclusive, family‑friendly mini‑festival, easily accessible from Wellington.
Dates: Saturday 2nd – Tuesday 5th January 2027
Not too big, not too small - just right for genuine community, connection and heart‑opening practice.
The Experience
Over 3-4 days we come together in Bhakti Yoga - the Yoga of the Heart - singing, listening, resting, dancing, sharing meals and living in community.
You can expect:
Community kirtan with kirtanists from around Aotearoa
A powerful 7‑hour Akhanda Kirtan (continuous, no breaks)
Deeply restorative Sound Journey
Dances of Universal Peace in the forest
Forest Drumming Circle
Ecstatic & Embodied Dance
Kids Zone so tamariki are happy and parents can relax
Shared lunches and plenty of space to simply BE
Accommodation
Accommodation options include:
Camping (tents or campervans – all non‑powered sites)
Private or shared rooms/cabins
✨ Children under 5 attend free
Day Passes are available (day attendance only, off‑site accommodation).
If you want us to create a group/family ticket that's not listed on our ticket page just email and we will do that. This way you save on paying the extra fees.
Food & Meals
This is a vegetarian‑only site.
Breakfasts: Self‑catered (venue kitchen or camp kitchen) - or option for pre ordered breakfasts.
Food trucks will be available or prepare your own in the main house (accommodation only) or camp kitchen. No individual gas burners allowed
Included with your festival ticket:
2 lunches (Tuesday & Wednesday)
Tuesday: Hare Krishna Kai Buffet (12-2pm)
Wednesday: Community Lunch (beans, rice, corn chips, salad, greek yohurt)
Meal numbers must be confirmed by 1 January 2027. If you book after this date, a meal ticket may not be available.
Self‑catering is also possible using the camp kitchen (for campers) or venue kitchen.
Kids Zone
Your kids will have just as much fun as you - which means parents can fully relax and enjoy the festival.
Dedicated Kids Zone sessions daily
Under 5s must remain under parent/caregiver supervision
Sound Journey
We are honoured to host deeply experienced sound practitioner Jason Hotton
Drawing from a deep well of spiritual connection to create spaces of relaxation, restoration and bliss.
Kirtan
Many brilliant kirtanists from across Aotearoa will gather to share this sacred practice.
Different traditions, lineages and histories - one shared love of singing together.
Akhanda Kirtan
A 7‑hour continuous kirtan held in respectful silence within the marquee. Buffet lunch provided in the main house during the Akhanda Kirtan.
This is a profoundly powerful and devotional offering.
Schedule (Subject to Change)
Saturday 2nd Jan
Arrival from 3pm
Opening Havan (Fire Ceremony) & Kirtan 7–9pm
Sunday 3rd Jan
Morning Movement 7–7:45am
Hanuman Chalisa & Kirtan 7:45–8:10am
Dances of Universal Peace (Forest) 9–10:30am
Kids Zone 10am–12pm & 2–4pm
Akhanda Kirtan 11am–6pm
Hare Krishna Buffet 12 - 2pm
Embodied Movement with Jasmin Amrita 7:30 - 9pm
Monday 4th Jan
Morning Movement 7–7:45am
Hanuman Chalisa & Kirtan 7:45–8:10am
Forest Drumming Circle with Andrzej & Jason 9–10am
Kids Zone 10am–12pm
Community Kirtan 10am–12.30pm
Community Lunch 1–2pm
Sound Journey with Jason Hotton 2–3.30pm
Kirtan Jam Circle (Cacao Tent) 3:45–5pm
Healing Sanctuary 10am–4pm
Ecstatic Dance with DJ Arkaya Rising 7.30 - 9pm
Tuesday 5th Jan
Community Offerings 9 - 11am
Dancing Chi Movement Meditation with Billy Soul 11am - 12pm
Closing ceremony 12 - 12.30pm
Food Truck 11am–1pm
Festival Close & Check‑out 1.30pm
Important Notes
Drug & alcohol free event. Please consider being device free as well.
No dogs allowed
Program may change due to circumstances beyond our control - we will always do our best to honour the spirit of the festival
Pay It Forward
We offer a Pay It Forward option to help support people experiencing financial hardship. If you’re able, please consider donating any amount to help others attend.
Contact & Updates
Adhyatma: 021 054 8756
Anna: 021 024 30430
https://www.kirtanfest-aotearoa.nz
Follow Kirtan Fest Aotearoa on Facebook for updates and information.
There is a pay it forward option to help support people in hardship. Please consider donating any amount towards this as we have people in need who wish to join the festival but otherwise cannot.
Oh… and did we mention KIRTAN?
