For some, wellness means heading to the gym five days a week. For others, it’s their morning meditation. And for a few mere mortals in the community, the practice of wellness is having a rosé on a Friday (Tuesday), naming no names. It’s a bit of a buzz word at the moment, but at its core wellness is the state of being well and in good health in your mind, body and soul. And as we’re all unique wonderful humans with agency, what we do to try and achieve a state of wellness (if that’s even an attainable goal) will differ. Nevertheless, here are some things to do in November, December and January that may help you feel a little less stressed, and a little more zen.
November
Wellington
EXPLORE BUDDHISM WITH LIKE-MINDED SOULS
Delve deeper into the teachings of Buddhism with a group of 18 to 35 year olds who are all facing similar challenges as yourself, whether that’s with relationships, social media, addictions and career challenges. Meeting every Wednesday, the Wellington Young Buddhists’ group will equip you with some take-home practices and lessons that you can implement in your everyday life for a more peaceful mind. You’ll finish up the session with a
guided meditation. People from all walks of life are welcome.
When: Wednesday 20, 27 November, 7-9pm
Where: Wellington Buddhist Centre, 6-8 Broomhedge St, Wellington
For more information, click here.
Auckland
FROM BEGINNER TO YOGI IN FIVE WEEKS
If you’ve always wanted to be able to touch your toes or are curious to understand what’s all the fuss about yoga, then this five-week beginners’ course may be ideal for you. Kicking off on Tuesday, 19 November, there will be weekly yoga classes where you’ll learn the basics of the practice, core postures and the importance of movement with breath. Leave feeling rejuvenated and that you can take on anything, like a warrior (pun intended).
When: Tuesday 19, 26 November & 3, 10, 17 December, 7.30pm-8.30pm
Where: Kanuka Yoga Space, 102C Hobsonville Rd, Hobsonville, Auckland
For more information, click here.
Christchurch
GET DOWN AND DIRTY IN THE GARDEN
Get your hands dirty and your thumbs green by learning how to grow your own veggies at the self-sufficiency workshop with the Richmond Community Garden. The group aims to support the local community with their projects and workshops that include native planting and mulching, vegetable and fruit trees gardening and composting. Help create a beautiful garden for all to enjoy, meet new friends and take home some new tricks on how to lead a more eco-friendly life.
When: 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30 November, 10am-1pm
Where: Avebury House, 9 Eveleyn Couzins Avenue, Richmond, Christchurch
For more information, click here.
Hamilton
UNLEASH YOUR INNER PICASSO WITH LIFE DRAWING
If you’ve ever wanted to try life drawing and take home a piece of your art, here’s your chance. The untutored group meets on a Wednesday evening to unwind and let the creative juices flow while enjoying views of the Waikato River. You can come as an artist or as a model—just make sure to bring your own drawing materials.
When: 20, 27 November, 6pm-8pm
Where: Waikato Sport Fishing Club, Grantham Street, Hamilton, Waikato
For more information, click here.
Tauranga
SUMMER YOGA OUTSIDE IN THE MOUNT
Practice your downward dog in a park in Mount Maunganui with this weekly summer yoga class. Every Thursday finish your day on a positive note with a vinyasa flow while seeing views of the Mount—and breathe in some fresh air if you’ve been inside all day. Bring swimmers and a towel and head into the ocean afterwards for a swim.
When: 21, 28 November, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Where: Moa Park, Ocean Beach Road, Mt Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
For more information, click here.
December
Wellington
ESSENTIAL OILS, MAY BE MORE THAN A NICE SMELL
Learn about aromatherapy and how plant extracts and essential oils may be used to restore and calm the mind, body and soul during this three-hour workshop. In it, you’ll hear about the possible befits of essential oils, including how Thieves Oil could be your new natural cleaning product. You’ll also get to make your own rollerballs, spritzes and other essential oil products that you can take home and mention for a subtle brag next time someone comments on your lovely scent.
When: 5 December, 6pm-9pm
Where: Wellington High School, 249 Taranaki St, Wellington
For more information, click here.
Auckland
DANCING IN THE DARK
As the clichéd saying goes, “Dance like no one is watching.” Well, you literally can with this Monday dance class that’s in the dark. The lights turn off for one hour, the music is turned up and you can shake it out to a whole range of styles and genres including pop, rock, disco, hip-hop and more. Anyone can go, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve never danced before—it’s just to have a great time. What’s more, they take song requests via Facebook if you want to dance to your favourite banger.
When: 2 December, 8pm-9pm
Where: Birkdale Hall, 136 Birkdale Road, Birkdale, Auckland
For more information, click here.
Christchurch
MEDITATE TO A CALMER YOU
Lowered stress levels and anxiety, improved concentration and sleeping patterns and feeling more peaceful and happier—there are numerous science-backed benefits to the regular practice of meditation. Drop in to an evening class on a Thursday and be guided through a simple meditation, and come out feeling calm and relaxed. It’s okay if you’ve never meditated before—all experience levels are invited to come.
When: 5, 12 December, 6pm-6.45pm
Where: Kalpa Bhadra Buddhist Centre, 24 Rugby St, Christchurch
For more information, click here.
Hamilton
SCULPTURES IN NATURE
Experience art immersed in nature along the 2km trail at The Sculpture Park, one of New Zealand’s largest outdoor galleries. As well as appreciating more than 20,000 trees from all around the world, there are over 100 sculptures and installations for you to wander past on a Sunday. The park is designed to inspire, nourish your senses and ignite your imagination to run wild in a natural environment. Much better than being inside.
When: 1 December, 10am-5pm
Where: Waitakaruru Arboretum and Sculpture Park, 207 Scotsman Valley Rd, Tauwhare.
For more information, click here.
Tauranga
WASTE-FREE LIVING WORKSHOP
If you’re wondering how you can do more to take care of the environment for future generations, there’s a waste-free living workshop in December that you can attend. You’ll be given a bunch of practical tips and tricks on how to minimise your waste at home, including using re-usable coffee cups and cloth nappies. Kate Meads will hold the workshop—she’s been travelling the country for 10 years giving waste minimisation seminars. Kate
believes that if everyone did one small thing for the environment daily, we will make a difference. Us too.
When: 10 December, 6.30pm-9pm
Where: Tauranga City Council, Meeting Room, 306 Cameron Road, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
For more information, click here.
January
Wellington
BRING IN THE NEW YEAR AT A MEDITATION RETREAT
For an alternative to the usual end of year and New Year celebrations of drinking champagne, half-arsed resolutions and hangovers, do a four-day yoga and meditation retreat instead. Give yourself the time to reflect on what has been, reset and feel rejuvenated for what 2020 will bring. Over the four days you’ll practice mindfulness, yin, yang and restorative yoga, breathing practices, meditation, sound healing, walks in nature, a
fire ceremony and opportunities for silence. A New Year’s Eve you won’t forget.
When: 29, 30, 31 December, 1 January 2020
Where: Space Yoga Studio, 8 Lookout Rd, Wellington
For more information, click here.
Auckland
A FUN RAINBOW NIGHT FOR ALL
Feel welcomed and comfortable at the Rainbow Women’s Social Night, held on the last Wednesday of every month at the Auckland Women’s Centre. A night of relaxation and socialising with either a movie or games for all queer, lesbian, bi, Takatāpui and trans women. You don’t need to book, just turn up. And bring your dinner along if you would like to.
When: 29 January 2020, 7pm-9.30pm
Where: Auckland Women’s Centre, 4 Warnock St , Grey Lynn, Auckland
For more information, click here.
Christchurch
FEEL GOOD AND DO GOOD WITH A HALF MARATHON
Work up a sweat, challenge yourself and make a difference with The Women’s Half Marathon. There’s a 5km, 10km and 21km run for you to chose between depending on your fitness level. The event has chosen the charity Look Good Feel Better to support, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life and self-esteem of people who are undergoing treatment for cancer. Hosted by Villa Maria Estate, expect to be running around beautiful
vineyards and green fields during the marathon.
When: 19 January 2020, 8am-12pm
Where: Villa Maria Estate Winery, 118 Montgomerie Rd, Mangere, Auckland
For more information, click here.
Hamilton
LIVE MUSIC WITH YOUR LUNCH IN THE SUNSHINE
Get out of the office on your lunch break during summer and head down to Garden Place and listen to live music. Each Friday there will be different musicians, from four piece bands to solo artists. It’s a great way to support local artists and shake up the working week.
When: 17, 24, 31 January 2020, 12.15pm-1.30pm
Where: Garden Place, Hamilton, Waikato
For more information, click here.
Tauranga
AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO LIVE
The Alternative Solution Convention is an expo for those looking for alternative solutions for health and wellbeing. There will be a range of practitioners there to meet, as well as informative talks, healthy food, eco products, reiki, tartot card readings, energy healing, and more. The event will begin with a group meditation and will finish on the topic of goals and how to manifest the life you want in 2020.
When: 25 January 2020, 12pm-6pm
Where: Papamoa Sports and Recreation Centre, 80 Alice Way, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
For more information, click here.
Need more activities on your plate? Check out the Ultimate Foodie Summer itinerary here.
Image credit: Kate Mason