Houchen Retreat House

About Houchen Retreat House

Houchen House is a rural haven set in five acres of gardens, native bush and beautiful bird life. It is ten minutes drive from the centre of Hamilton and ten minutes from Hamilton International Airport. This makes Houchen an ideal location for weddings, family celebrations, conferences, retreats, meetings, training events, or simply a place to revitalise your spirit in the serenity of our spacious grounds and labyrinth.

Conference Facilities

Main Centre

This has seating for 40 people with sliding doors into a dining area for extra seating;

a fully equipped commercial-styled kitchen and outdoor BBQ; TV; DVD & video;

O/H projector; whiteboard; CD/Tape player and piano.

You can provide your own catering or we can supply the name of an excellent

professional chef.

Homestead Lounge

This was built in the late 1800s. It has a tastefully refurbished interior, is surrounded by

gardens and is quiet and peaceful. It can be used as a meeting room or a private area

for a wedding party. The facilities include seating for 15-18 people, a lounge, kitchen,

dining area, toilets, and bathroom.

Chapel

This has seating for 30 – 60 people and is a modern square building overlooking the

parkland grounds. It is suitable for traditional or informal occasions and is equipped

with an electronic organ and a high quality CD and tape player.

(Not available as a conference facility unless booked in conjunction with the Main Centre or Homestead).

Accommodation Facilities

Two Accommodation Wings (Attached to Main Conference Centre)

These contain 2 twin rooms and 16 single rooms with hand basins and desk/tables.

They have shared shower/toilet and kitchen facilities

Houchen House Labyrinth

The Houchen Retreat House Labyrinth was designed in March 2003 by a group of people affiliated with

the retreat house. The design work was influenced by two main sources: the ancient ‘Classical’ or ‘Cretan’

design and the group’s response to the land and space where the labyrinth was to be located.

These various influences, together with the inspiration of the group, resulted in a unique design.

The design takes into account the slope of the land and its hill top location. There are two additional

circles added to the labyrinth before entering the seven circle pattern. These extra circles allow time

for the walker to establish focus and a rhythm of movement before entering the central pathway.

The gazebo beside the labyrinth provides a place to sit and review the experience either in solitude or

with companions.

Houchen Retreat House staff are available to further discuss the experience of walking the labyrinth.

Flaming torches can also be provided to illuminate the labyrinth for night time use.

Retreats, Workshops and Quiet Days

Houchen Retreat House organises many events throughout the year, in addition to privately organised weekends,

courses, and retreats. See the programme for 2009

To Find us in Hamilton

Houchens Road is off Ohaupo Road – also known as State Highway 3 - and takes you to Hamilton

International Airport, Te Awamatu, and Waitomo Caves.

Bookings

Please contact our office for all bookings

Email list

If you wish to receive programme updates, you can be added to our email list.
Please email us: houchen.house@xtra.co.nz

Updated June 2009