by Jocelyn Watkin | Jan 16, 2025 | Information |
Imagine stepping through these torii gates at the Hie Shrine, in Tokyo.
Can you imagine a series of tantalising experiences in Tokyo that nourish both your body and soul? Absolutely! I’ve not only imagined it but planned every detail to bring it to life for you.
Join me in Tokyo from 16 – 22 November 2025 for five fabulous food filled days with tranquil tai chi to satisfy your soul.
I have explored Japan over 10 times in the last 22 years. For a long time, I’ve dreamed of sharing my love for Japan with you all, especially its divine and delectable food and its Zen-inspired way of life. I’ve transformed my dream into reality and would love for you to join in.
If you are tempted to immerse yourself in the spirit of Japan and to explore how tai chi and qigong intertwine with profound Zen philosophies, then this trip is for you.
The Zen of tai chi
Tai chi beginners through to seasoned practitioners will all be very welcome.
Spaces are strictly limited to just SIX people, so don’t hesitate—reach out today to secure your potential spot, or to ask for more details. You can email, text or phone me (Jocelyn) on 027 493 9851 or use the Contact Form on the Kia Ora Tai Chi website.
Imagine this…
1. The food – a culinary heaven
Japanese cuisine is a masterpiece of flavours and artistry. You’ll taste ‘heaven on earth’ and sample a selection of sensational and seasonal tasty treats, guided by an expert tour operator that curates in culinary adventures and magnificent meals. Mmmmm, Oishi!! (Yummy)
2. Fabulous foodie experiences
Experience an authentic Japanese cooking class
- Be awed by the art of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, paired with a delicate seasonal sweet.
- Create your own authentic Japanese dishes in a hands-on cooking class.
- Wander through a dazzling department store food hall, overflowing with culinary treasures.
- Discover top-quality Japanese cooking knives and kitchenware that will transform your home kitchen.
3. Food for your soul
Tranquil tai chi and qigong sessions in peaceful parks
This amazing adventure isn’t just about the sensational food you’ll eat—it’s also about the sensation of balance, harmony, and connection with your mind. In Tokyo, you’ll say, “Kia Ora and Konnichiwa” to these inspiring experiences with me:
- Tranquil tai chi and qigong sessions in peaceful parks.
- A fascinating Japanese Reiki energy healing experience in a real Japanese tea house that has been restored from the days of Tokugawa Shogunate. You’ll explore Reiki’s harmony with Chinese Qigong (the skill of getting more energy, breath, life-force).
- Awesome, ancient shrines and temples.
- The way of the warrior: Strut your stuff like a Samurai – not just cos-play, but also learning the art of wearing and wielding a sword, and testing your skills with Ninja stars.
Learn the way of the warrior
4. Beautiful beds for ‘beddy-byes’
You’ll be able to relax completely in a modern hotel, in your own room with an ensuite bathroom. No futons on the floor—just comfortable beds and restful nights to recharge for each day’s adventures.
5. Small group size
The tour group is limited to just SIX participants (plus me and my two guides, of course), which will ensure a personal and intimate experience.
6. Yes, for ‘shopaholics’ there’ll be time for shopping (or exploring if you’re not into shopping)
Quirky shops like this one selling parasols
Essential Details
- Tour dates: 16 – 22 November 2025
- Adults only: Participants must be aged 18 or over
- Fitness Level: You need to have a moderate level of fitness. This includes, but is not limited to, being able to walk unassisted for 2 to 3 hours or 5 to 8 kilometres daily; stand without support for up to 30 minutes; ascend and descend several flights of stairs; walk over cobbled streets or uneven surfaces; stand on the Tokyo metro train for up to 30 minutes; handle your own luggage.
- Dietary Notes: Unfortunately, due to the specialised nature of this tour, the providers of the food and culinary experiences are unable to cater for special diets.
Pricing
- $NZ 7,095 per person – double or twin occupancy (Not including international airfares. Please ask me for the full Terms & Conditions for all inclusions and exclusions)
- $NZ 7,295 per person – single occupancy (Not including international airfares. Please ask me for the full Terms & Conditions for all inclusions and exclusions.)
- Reserve a place with a deposit of just $150 per person, which is fully refundable until 10th February 2025. At that point, you can request a refund of the $150 or put it towards the full deposit of $1,500 per person (non-refundable) and complete the booking process.
- A non-refundable full deposit of $NZ 1,500 per person is required by 28 February 2025.
- Note: Guaranteed tour departure is subject to a minimum of six people.
Spaces are strictly limited to just SIX people, so don’t hesitate—reach out today to secure your potential spot, or to ask for more details. Please email, text or phone me (Jocelyn) on 027 493 9851 or use the Contact Form on the Kia Ora Tai Chi website to request:
- A detailed itinerary
- The full terms and conditions
- The booking form
If you yen for a genuine, authentic and tantalising trip to Tokyo, please join me for this fabulous feast of the senses.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Kia Ora Tai Chi
Jocelyn Watkin
Jocelyn Watkin, based in Auckland, is the founder and director of Kia Ora Tai Chi. She is a qualified qigong and tai chi instructor and has enjoyed the health benefits of these ancient Chinese arts for over 20 years.
She is also qualified in the Japanese practice of reiki (which has similarities to qigong) and has achieved brown belt in the Japanese martial art of karate.
Jocelyn has explored Japan over 10 times and has visited China three times. She loves researching the traditional philosophy and the concept of Zen of both countries.
She has organised and taught several tai chi and qigong, workshops and retreats from 2012 to 2024, including three international tours and workshops.
She is registered as a group exercise provider (with own choreography) with the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).
With Jocelyn, you’ll ‘feed your soul’ with the Zen of tai chi, qigong and reiki in the soothing serenity of Tokyo’s tranquil parks and gardens.
Eating Adventures
Sue and Janice
Wellington-based Sue Dempsey (on the left) and Janice Kirkwood are the founders of “Eating Adventures”.
Their idea for Eating Adventures started back in 2007, when they began annual food forays to explore the Tokyo food scene, while running their own hospitality ventures in New Zealand. In 2017, they led their first guests on the inaugural “Eating Tokyo” tour.
Their carefully curated “Eating Tokyo” has evolved into a truly unique and authentic culinary experience, which is perfect for anyone interested in getting to the heart of the Tokyo food scene.
They will take you on a culinary adventure to unlock some of Tokyo’s hidden gems. From the back streets of Roppongi to Tsukiji market, the heart of Shinjuku to the laneways of Asakusa, they will introduce you to some of their favourite finds.
by Jocelyn Watkin | Jan 11, 2025 | Information |
Yes, it’s happening and for the 8th year in a row!! The free summer tai chi and qigong sessions with me in Cornwall Park are back for summer 2025. Details below
These FREE sessions are outdoors in Cornwall Park from mid-January to the end of March 2025. All welcome, ideal for beginners and suitable for all ages and abilities.
Dates and times:
- Starting Sunday 12 January 2025, 9 – 9.45am: Please note there is no tai chi on Sunday 26 January, which is during Auckland Anniversary Weekend. There will be tai chi on all other Sunday mornings from 12th January until 30th March 2025 (weather permitting)
- Starting Tuesday 14 January 2025, 6 – 6.45pm and every Tuesday evening until 25th March 2025 (weather permitting).
Location in the park: Same as in previous years. If coming into the park from Greenlane Road West, you’ll be on Pōhutukawa Drive (the main road into the park). The tai chi sessions will be under the trees on the left-hand-side about half-way up Pōhutukawa Drive. (If you get to the roundabout, you’ve gone too far.)
Bring your water bottle and a sun hat/sunblock. Wear comfy clothing and footwear. Registrations are not required, just show up 5 – 10 minutes before each session starts.
As all of the sessions are outdoors, the weather needs to be on our side to go ahead. If you are uncertain on whether the session will be held you can:
I can’t wait to see everyone again who attended in previous years and also to meet anyone new, who would love to try tai chi and qigong this summer.
Curious about tai chi and qigong? Find out more here: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/tai-chi/
Please be aware that Cornwall Park is NOT owned by Auckland Council. It is a private park, thanks to the generosity of the founder, Sir John Logan Campbell. He gifted his land, which became known as Cornwall Park, to the people of Auckland. Also, huge thanks to the Cornwall Park Trust Board, which administers his legacy and provides funding for these sessions so you can attend for free.
Contact me or sign up for my free monthly newsletter to get an early ‘heads up’ on when there are even more free sessions of tai chi and qigong.
by Jocelyn Watkin | Dec 8, 2024 | Information |
1-Day Retreat: Healing Qigong and the Zen of Kintsugi (Golden Harmony)
When: Saturday 3 May 2025, 9am – 3.30pm. Please arrive between 8.45 – 9am
Where: Auckland Botanic Gardens (in the Friends Building), 102 Hill Road, The Gardens, Auckland 2105
This 1-day retreat is truly unique as this amazing combination of ancient Chinese and Japanese practices has never been offered before by Kia Ora Tai Chi. Join us for a day of self-care, where the team will guide you on how to nurture your health, let go of stress, and embrace the golden magic of imperfection.
Participants: Adults aged 18+. Beginners will be very welcome.
Embrace the Healing Power of Qigong from Ancient China
Awaken the energy flow within you with qigong
Discover the art of healing qigong (pronounced ‘chee gong’) with deep meditative breathing and mindful movements.
Experience a golden glow within as you awaken the energy flow (qi) throughout your body, calm your mind, and enhance your overall wellbeing.
Find Flow through the Japanese Zen concept of Wabi Sabi
Unlock the secret to inner peace with wabi sabi. This centuries-old Japanese philosophy finds beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and the natural flow of life, which will leave you feeling ‘as good as gold’.
How liberating would it feel to stop trying to be perfect all of the time? Absolutely, it would be like winning a ‘get out of jail free’ card in a board game. By embracing imperfection and going with the flow, your movements will become more fluid and you’ll improve your qigong.
By integrating wabi sabi into your qigong practice and also everyday life, you’ll let go of stress and tension, sleep better at night and feel more energised during the day.
Rediscover Wholeness with Kintsugi (all materials will be provided for this)
Broken ceramic bowl that has been joined back together using golden glue (kintsugi)
Experience the magic of kintsugi (literally “golden joinery”), which is the centuries-old Japanese art of mending broken pottery with golden glue.
This practice teaches us that flaws and cracks are what make us truly unique. By applying this philosophy to life, you’ll learn to see beauty in every moment and cherish the golden experiences that shape you.
During this workshop, and with the guidance of an expert sensei (teacher), you’ll create your own kintsugi piece to take home—a beautiful reminder that nothing is ever truly broken.
Explore the Tranquil Auckland Botanic Gardens
Camellia garden in the Auckland Botanic Gardens
At the end of the retreat, there will be time for your own self-guided tour of these peaceful gardens. You may like to:
- Explore the serene beauty of the Camellia Garden, which will be just coming into bloom. Camellias are native to both China and Japan (and other parts of Eastern and Southern Asia).
- Immerse yourself in Shinrin-yoku (Japanese for ‘forest bathing’) in the dappled seclusion of the native bush area.
- Admire: the many fascinating and intriguing sculptures throughout the gardens.
- Embark on your own ‘sniffari’ and delight in the aromas of the edible and herb gardens.
- Get dreamy with the palms or in the rose garden.
- Or simply wend your way along the many walkways to feast your eyes and senses on nature at its best.
$195 per person | Limited to 10 participants.
Please contact Jocelyn (of Kia Ora Tai Chi) to reserve a place in this unique retreat by phoning or texting her on 027 493 9851, or using the Contact Form on the Kia Ora Tai Chi website. She will advise options for payment.
About your instructors
Jocelyn Watkin
Jocelyn Watkin is a qualified qigong and tai chi instructor in Auckland, New Zealand, who has been enjoying the health benefits of these ancient Chinese arts for over 20 years. She has visited China three times and Japan over 10 times. She loves exploring and researching the traditional philosophy and the concept of Zen of both countries.
She is the founder and director of Kia Ora Tai Chi and is registered as a group exercise provider (with own choreography) with the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).
Testimonial: “I really enjoyed your style, Jocelyn. Friendly, caring, informative and non-judgemental. You made me feel relaxed and welcome. Thank you.” (Participant in the Stardome mini-retreat, March 2022)
Ema Frost
Ema Frost is a New Zealand artist, illustrator and ceramic designer who has been teaching Kintsugi for over five years. She regularly travels to Japan to study and learn new techniques.
Testimonial: “I really enjoyed the kintsugi workshop with Ema. She is very patient and a great teacher. And now I have the skills to make anything with this style, and have even made one as a gift. Really enjoyable day. Fun and relaxed atmosphere. Would definitely recommend this workshop. (Lisa)
Who should attend?
This workshop is open to anyone aged 18+ who seeks to refresh and rebalance their body, mind, and soul. Ideal for beginners and also for tai chi and qigong enthusiasts who want to get more out of their practice.
Here are all the details of this 1-Day Retreat for Healing Qigong and the Zen of Kintsugi (Golden Harmony)
When: Saturday 3 May 2025, 9am – 3.30pm, please arrive between 8.45 – 9am
Where: Auckland Botanic Gardens (in the Friends Building), 102 Hill Road, The Gardens, Auckland 2105
Parking: Plenty of free parking is available in the main car park at the Auckland Botanic Gardens. The Friends Building is a small house located next to the main carpark (on the Western side of the car park).
What to wear: Comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to move in and flat-soled shoes. Please bring a jersey or hoodie to keep warm, as we will be sitting still for some of the time. If you want to explore the gardens after the retreat, please also bring an outdoor jacket.
Please bring: Your lunch, pen and paper to take notes, filled water bottle and a snack.
$195 per person | Limited to 10 participants
Please contact Jocelyn to reserve a place in this unique retreat by phoning or texting her on 027 493 9851, or using the Contact Form on the Kia Ora Tai Chi website. She will advise options for payment.
What is qigong (pronounced chee-gong)?
Qigong breathing is healing and liberating
For thousands of years the Chinese have had a secret. A secret that helps to increase longevity and assists the body to heal from injury, illness and trauma.
That secret is qigong – a deep, meditative breathing and movement exercise that connects the mind to the body.
The main reasons why people learn qigong are to manage and reduce stress, and improve their overall health and well-being.
Qigong is about releasing stress, not suppressing it. Through special qigong breathing you can learn how to let go of stress so you can enjoy more of the good and creative things in life.
Jocelyn and Ema would love to share their knowledge with you at this very special retreat so you can immerse yourself in Healing Qigong and the Zen of Kintsugi.
Cancellation policy
This retreat must be paid for in full to reserve your place. A 90% refund is available if you withdraw before 1 February 2025. A 50% refund is available if you withdraw before 1 March 2025. No refunds are available from 1 March onwards.
If you are unwell on the workshop day (3 May 2025)
Please do not attend if you are sick or have cold or ‘flu-like symptoms. In these circumstances, you will be issued with a credit to attend another tai chi or qigong workshop or retreat by Kia Ora Tai Chi.
All participants will need to respect the need for social distancing at all times during the retreat. Anyone is welcome to wear a face mask if they wish.
The room will be well-ventilated and hand sanitiser will be provided.
We will abide by the NZ Government’s health advice and regulations as they apply at the time of this retreat.
by Jocelyn Watkin | Oct 5, 2024 | Information |
Jocelyn crossing the Perry Cycle Bridge on Te Awa, The Great New Zealand River Ride
I love how tai chi is perfect for improving balance. As well as making you fitter and stronger and less likely to have a fall, tai chi is also great for cycle riding.
I organised a successful fundraising event on e-bikes for the Mental Health Foundation of NZ (the foundation) during July 2024’s Mindfulness Month. As well as the participants, many of you also generously donated and, together, we raised over $1,000. Woot!
This meant that, by August 2024, I was awarded the title of ‘fundraising hero” by the foundation and featured on their website: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/fundraising-heroes
A huge thank you to the teams at River Riders NZ and Electrify NZ Botany who sponsored the e-bike ride on Te Awa (the Great New Zealand River Ride) by providing free e-bike hire, helmets and minibus transport to and from Auckland.
Many thanks, too, to everyone who helped with the fundraising, either as a cyclist or the many others who supported the cyclists and also generously donated to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
You are all the real heroes!
If you want to know more about how tai chi can improve your balance, read this…
The e-bike group that completed the successful fundraising event during Mindfulness Month
by Jocelyn Watkin | Sep 24, 2024 | Information |
I’ll be teaching three FREE tai chi sessions in Cornwall Park, Greenlane Road West, Auckland, Saturday 28 September, 11am – 2pm for their Heritage Day celebrations. All ages and abilities welcome. Ideal for beginners.
The sessions will be scheduled at approximately 11.15am, 12.15pm and 1.15pm.
Note: These will be outside Huia Lodge and not in my usual summer tai chi spot.
There’ll be heaps of other free activities for Heritage Day in Cornwall Park, including:
- March, jive, groove and bop along to tunes from the last 121 years with the Auckland Big Band
- Step back in time and picnic like it’s 1929 with Art Deco Society Auckland Inc.
- Fly and make your own kite with CLM Community Events.
- Admire how past visitors would get to and from the park in style with the North Island Model A Ford Club Inc.
- PLUS you can pick up your own limited edition Cornwall Park Trading Card on the day.
Find out more about this amazing Heritage Day event in Cornwall Park: https://cornwallpark.co.nz/whats-on/heritage-day-recreation
If postponed on the 28th due to rain, the next scheduled day for this event will be Saturday 5 October, 11am – 2pm. Please check the Cornwall Park webpage or their Facebook page for updates about the weather.
This event is part of Auckland Council’s Auckland Heritage Festival 2024, which runs from 28 September to 13 October. There are lots of other free and low-cost events that will be part of this festival: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/heritage-festival/heritage-festival-events/