Rotorua marked a unique milestone last week, launching its first-ever 8-Day Wellness Programme from Sunday 11 May to Sunday 18 May 2025—a vibrant fusion of spirituality, cultural connection and wellbeing.
The event was a joint effort between local tourism platform Look After Me and the Hindu Heritage Centre, drawing 103 participants from across the North Island. Women made up over 90 per cent of attendees, with ages ranging from 8 to over 70 and ethnicities including Māori, Indian, Colombian, British, American, German, and Pacific Islander.
“We’ve created a space where people can explore wellness practices aligned with their personal values and beliefs,” said Dr Julia Anne, award-winning scientist turned entrepreneur and the lead organiser.
Participants enjoyed a broad range of activities including yoga, meditation, sound healing, addiction support, cultural experiences, and a Wellness Market showcasing rongoā Māori, cacao, detox remedies and natural health products. Senior-friendly sessions and volunteering opportunities were also part of the inclusive programme.
The newly refurbished Hindu Heritage Centre, which opened in May 2024, served as the central venue for classes, meals and gatherings. “The Centre has always been about service,” said Dr Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand. “Hosting Wellness Week is a natural extension of that, supporting Rotorua as a destination for holistic healing and spiritual tourism.”
Opening on Mother’s Day, the event served as a tribute to Dr Julia Anne’s late mother, Lois Connelly, and was the realisation of a vision she had first imagined in 2008. “This feels like the culmination of a dream,” said Julia. “The dream only became reality thanks to the support of Dr Guna Magesan… and cornerstone investor in Look After Me.”
Among the week’s highlights was a moving performance by the Mantra Band, whose soulful chanting deeply resonated with many in attendance. The performance made such an impact that Dr Magesan personally invited the band to perform at DharmaFest later this year.
Local yoga teacher Nilamani Wright described the week as a “sanctuary for like-minded souls.” Participant Rob Bailey from Warkworth called the weekend “brilliant,” while Alison Lawrence from Tauranga said it was “enlightening, calming and energising.”
With overwhelmingly positive feedback, organisers now hope to make Rotorua a national hub for wellness tourism. “We’ve created something that brought people together in harmony—through movement, sound, stillness and service,” said Julia. “This was more than a wellness event. It was a celebration of being human.”