The long table on the lower deck at Black Barn Valley Retreat, the venue for intimate gatherings near Auckland

Gatherings · Helensville

An intimate venue to gather, near Auckland.

— What we offer

Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions and small celebrations, 45 minutes from Auckland. We keep gatherings intimate, and limited to twenty-five guests, with up to eight staying overnight in the Main House. Mostly outside, in the valley air, we provide the space, a few bar leaners and outdoor seating, and the rest is yours to shape. Planning a wedding? See our intimate weddings and elopements page.

Please note, we don’t host 18th or 21st birthday parties.

— 01

Up to 25 guests, 8 overnight.

Up to eight guests stay overnight in the Main House, across three king bedrooms, and up to twenty-five guests in total during the day. We keep it intimate, with a minimum two-night stay.

— 02

Outdoors, in the valley.

We set out a few bar leaners and outdoor seating, on the deck and across the garden. The valley does most of the work. You bring whatever else makes the day yours.

— 03

Tell us what you’re looking for.

Every gathering is a little different. Tell us what you have in mind on the enquiry form, and we’ll review your dates and the shape of the day case by case.

Enquire now

— Pricing

Eight guests, per night

NZ$ 1,104


Each additional guest, on the day

NZ$ 55 per person · up to 25 in all


Minimum stay

Two nights

Every gathering is reviewed individually. Send us the shape of your gathering and we’ll come back with a quote, any extras, and confirmation of the date.

Make an enquiry

— Midweek

Team offsites, strategy days and quiet working weeks.

Eight people, one house, no distractions, 45 minutes from the office. Two lounges, a long table, fast wifi, a full kitchen and a spa pool for the end of the day. The whole property is yours, nobody else on site, and midweek dates are the easiest to get. Writers, founders and small leadership teams: this is the room you’ve been looking for.

Ask about midweek dates

Gatherings

Questions about gatherings.

How many guests can a gathering have?

Gatherings are limited to 25 guests in total, with up to 8 staying overnight in the Main House.

How much does it cost to hold a gathering?

The Main House is NZ$1,104 per night for 8 guests, plus NZ$55 per additional day guest, up to 25 in all. Every gathering is quoted individually once you send an enquiry.

Is there a minimum stay for celebrations?

Yes. Weddings and celebrations have a 2 night minimum.

What is included for a gathering?

Exclusive use of the whole property, a few bar leaners and outdoor seating on the deck and across the garden. The rest of the day is yours to shape.

Can we hold a milestone birthday at the retreat?

Yes. 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays, anniversaries and family reunions of up to 25 guests are all welcome. We do not host 18th or 21st birthday parties.

Can we hold a team offsite or work retreat at the retreat?

Yes. Midweek is ideal for teams of up to 8: two lounges, a long table, fast wifi, a full kitchen and a spa pool, with the whole property to yourselves, 45 minutes from Auckland. Enquire with your dates and numbers.

Do you need to book the whole property for an event?

Yes. Every gathering is a whole property booking, with the Main House, both decks, the spa pool and the grounds reserved for your group only.

“Absolutely blown away by how beautiful the home was. Photos do not do this place justice.”

Verified guest · Airbnb