Kirtan Fest Aotearoa 2027

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

kirtanfest.aotearoa@gmail.com
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?