Accommodation and Study Facilities

The main building now called "Bodhi House" is the original building built when the Monastery was established in 1976. Then called the "Big House" it housed the shrine and meditation room as well as the kitchen area and some sleeping facilities. (Once the temple was built (1984-87) the meditation room became the bunk room and the shrine area, the library). All the main facilities of the Monastery are located in the Bodhi House including library, shop, office, kitchen and bathrooms. After some renovations in 1996 Ven Lama Samten and Ven Lama Shedrup renamed it the "Bodhi House", meaning “a place to blossom”.

Accommodation at the monastery is in one of the huts situated in the bush. Depending on demand this could be in a shared dormitory or on your own. Cooking facilities are shared with all those that are staying at the monastery (except those in solitary retreat). Bedding is provided; however, in the winter months it could be advisable to bring an extra blanket if you suffer from the cold. If you are staying overnight a torch is essential, especially in winter, as well as a raincoat and umbrella. In the winter warm clothing and strong waterproof footwear such as gumboots are recommended.

Whilst staying at the monastery (not in retreat), you are expected to attend the core daily spiritual activities. There are 2 daily meditation sessions in the Temple, each of one hour’s duration, the morning session at 6.30am and the evening session at 6.00pm.

All visitors to the monastery are asked to respect the codes of conduct of abstaining from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct and the use of intoxicants. The front gate to the property is locked at 7.30pm and opened at 6.15am daily.

Costs of staying vary as to whether you are able to contribute work around the monastery. There is always a range of work that can be tailored to suit your abilities and interests i.e. gardening, painting, cleaning, sewing and building to name just a few. Three hours work each day qualifies you for the reduced rate, leaving the rest of the day free for your own interests. If you are unable to work, or prefer to have the entire day free, then the higher rate applies. Accommodation charges include refreshments and three meals a day, which are predominately vegetarian, with some meat meals. All prices include 12.5% Goods & Services Tax.

The monastery has developed over the years purely from volunteers giving their time, skills and donations. The monastery continues to rely on members and visitors generosity so that it can continue to support our Venerable Lamas and their activities in developing the Karma Kagyu Buddhist teachings in New Zealand. If you are unable to stay overnight at the Monastery, but would like to spend the day enjoying the facilities, lunch is available for a minimum donation of $5. Please advise the office if you intend to do this and require the meal. Self service tea and coffee is available for $1.

All donations and accommodation fees go the maintenance and development of the monastery. Offering your skills during your stay is an important way of supporting the Lamas' activities. The staff at Karma Choeling are all volunteers, offering their time and skills in support of the monastery’s activities. We are very fortunate to have people who are able to dedicate whatever time they can to help the monastery.

Disabled Access

Due to the hilly terrain of the monastery, disabled access is limited both around the property and in the accommodation facilities. There are substantial steps up to the Temple, which look more difficult than they actually are; many elderly people have been surprised that they have managed them. For wheelchair access there is restricted vehicular access to the Temple by road. The Bodhi House has a disabled toilet and shower area; unfortunately there is no disabled toilet at the Temple itself. Vehicular access to the Buddha Statue can also be arranged prior to your visit, by contacting the office.

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