Accommodation Available at Friends Centres in New Zealand

Accommodation is available in a number of Friends Centres around New Zealand, as well as at Friends' Settlement, Whanganui. Any Friends or Attenders travelling are invited to use the facilities outlined, but are advised to arrange dates and times in writing with the Resident Friends in advance, to avoid disappointment.

Whanganui Friends Settlement, 76 Virginia Rd, Whanganui

Friends Settlement is a community of Quakers living in individual houses, operating communally using Friends' processes and providing service and support for the Seminar Centre. The Centre comprises a common room/ dining area, library, kitchen, and bunkroom sleeping accommodation for up to 40 persons. A new block offers motel-style twin-bedded units each with their own bathroom, for up to 10 persons.

A programme of seminars/ workshops/ retreats for Friends and others is organised at the Settlement each year. These programmes should be available from your Monthly Meeting Clerk, your local WEST (Whanganui Educational Settlement Trust) Representative, or from the Settlement Secretary, 76 Virginia Rd, Whanganui.

Accommodation is often available for sojourners, study or retreat. Opportunities exist for longer stays in rental houses and for those considering joining the community. Enquiries for accommodation should be to the Bookings Secretary, 76 Virginia Rd, Whanganui, New Zealand. (Ph. 06-347-7409) settlement@quaker.org.nz

Waiheke Friends' House

Waiheke Friends' House was built by Friends as a meeting house and a "retreat" for Quakers - a special place of peace and renewal. It is not a public facility, and bookings will only be accepted from Quakers.

Situated on a hill overlooking Palm Beach on Waiheke Island, it has wide views of the Hauraki gulf. The beach and a playground are less than 5 min walk. The facilities can be used by families or groups. Twin bedroom, also group sleeping area with 10 beds, plus further mattresses. Two showers and toilets, modern kitchen and laundry. Meeting room (30 people) can be used as a living room. The house has been designed to be safe for children.

Auckland Friends Centre

The Centre is situated at 115 Eden Road, 09-630-6834, next door to the Meeting House and is easily accessible by bus from the City. The accommodation available for visitors is two bedrooms, each with twin beds, and with shared shower and toilet facilties. Breakfast is provided. Details of the charges are available from the Resident Friends. These are moderate and are a contribution towards the cost of the Centre.

Wellington Friends Centre

The centre is located at 8 Moncrieff Street, Mt Victoria, next door to the Meeting House. It is close to Courtenay Place at the eastern end of the central business area of the city and within easy walking distance of downtown Wellington. Two bedrooms are available, with overflow space in the lounge, to accommodate a maximum of five people. Stays are usually limited to five days. Charges are moderate and include breakfast. There are simple self-catering facilities and there are also numerous place to eat out nearby, with a wide range of prices. To book accommodation, contact the Resident Friends, WN.friendscentre@quaker.org.nz or telephone 04-385-4897; Wellington Friends Centre, 8 Moncrieff Street, Mt Victoria, Wellington 6001

Nelson Friends Meeting House

Nelson Friends Meeting House, 30 Nile St, Nelson, has very simple accommodation for Friends and Attenders wishing to stay for up to a week. Advance notice is required. Can sleep 3 (or 4 at a pinch). $15.00 per night per adult. Own sleeping bags and towels required. Toilet and bath with shower, kitchen with minimum cooking facilities; food is not provided. There is no resident warden and the key must be obtained on arrival from David 03-547-5055