The Strawberry Cottage Weekend
One weekend. Up to four people (2 couples). Once a week, so it's never crowded or rushed.
Herbs, breathwork, and time in the bush, out past Kumeu — built for men who'd rather just get on with it.
The Land
Native bush, a stream running through, and enough quiet that you'll actually notice it.
This isn't a retreat centre dressed up to look remote — it's a working property past Kumeu, and for the weekend it's genuinely just you, the other guests, and the land.
What's Included
Herbal support
Rosemary, thyme — nothing you can't pronounce.
Guided breathwork
The kind with actual research behind it.
Tibetan bowl sound
For when your body needs to switch off rather than think its way there.
Tree planting
A few hours planting trees, because doing something with your hands beats talking about feelings.
A proper detox protocol
Clearing out what's been quietly working against you.
Space to put something down
If you want to. If you don't, that's fine too.
Meals are provided for.
The Details
- Who it's for
- Men only (along with their partners). Any age, though most who come through are 40s and up.
- Group size
- Up to four people (2 couples) per weekend.
- How often
- Once a week - we deliberately don't run it more, so it never feels rushed.
- Length
- Friday afternoon to Sunday.
- Where
- Strawberry Cottage, past Kumeu.
- Cost
- $600 per person. Meals and all activities included.
How it Works
Check available dates
No commitment, just see what's open.
Cliff calls you
Ten, fifteen minutes. He'll answer every question you've got — including the ones you're embarrassed to ask.
Pick your weekend
A deposit secures your spot.
Turn up Friday. Leave Sunday.
That's it.
No forms about your feelings beforehand. No "intention setting" before you've even had a cup of tea.
Check Available DatesWhat Changes
You won't come home a different bloke. You'll come home more like yourself.
Practically, that tends to look like: sleeping properly for the first time in months. Sitting at the table instead of finding a reason to be somewhere else. More patience than you had a fortnight ago. People close to you noticing, without you needing to explain anything.
Nothing Forced, Nothing Risky
Every herb and every practice used at Strawberry Cottage is legal in New Zealand. This isn't a grey-area retreat, and it won't put you or your family at any risk.
You're not locked into anything once you arrive, either. If a session isn't for you, you sit it out — no explanation needed. Cancel anytime before your weekend and your deposit is fully refunded.
Questions Before You Book
Do I need to talk about my feelings all weekend?
No. Nothing's forced. Some people talk a lot, some barely at all. Both are fine.
Is any of this illegal?
No. Everything used is legal in New Zealand.
What if I want to leave early?
You're free to go anytime. No questions, no hard feelings.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, boots for outdoors, and nothing to prove.
Can I talk to Cliff before I commit to anything?
Yes — that's actually step two, before you pay for anything.
Make Your Booking
Pick a time and Cliff will call you. Ten or fifteen minutes, just a conversation about whether this is the right weekend for you.
Friday to Sunday · $600 per person · up to four men per weekend · nothing is booked or paid for on the call
Times shown in New Zealand time. Prefer to write instead? Send Cliff a message.
Not ready to book yet?
Get Cliff's 7-Step Method guide instead — the same foundation behind everything at Strawberry Cottage. Free, no obligation, no follow-up calls.
Get the free guide