More than 150 people immersed themselves in wellness activities at the inaugural Breathe Tekapo at the weekend.
The scene for the weekend was set on Friday evening at Dark Sky Project where MC Sarah O’Connell provided a welcome and karakia.
The festival programme included over 25 events and workshops built around the festival’s themes of food, movement, inspiration and nature.
Keynote sessions were hosted by Nigel Beach, Nadia Lim and Julia Rucklidge who each imparted their knowledge and shared how everyone could apply wellness principles to their everyday lives.
Breathe Tekapo was created by five local people who were looking to establish Tekapo as a well-known destination for wellness.
Tekapo Wellness owner Penny Wilson said the weekend was everything they had hoped for.
"[It provided] space and time for people to learn and connect in a stunning environment.
"We are so grateful to those who supported the vision for the festival.
"We are looking to establish Breathe Tekapo as an annual event on the calendar and are looking forward to getting planning under way for 2025."
Event manager Kate Brand was delighted with how the first event went.
"In working with such a passionate team of local organisers, it was fabulous to see the festival come to life this weekend.
"The feedback we have had has been overwhelmingly positive.
"We are delighted to have welcomed so many like-minded people passionate about their wellness to Tekapo for the event."
Several events were set in the surrounding landscape including an alpine plunge in Lake Tekapo, sunrise yoga, foraging in the township, mountainbike rides, stargazing and trail walks.
The event featured leading wellness experts and offerings from local businesses, including Tekapo Springs, Dark Sky Project, Bespoke Bike Tours, Tekapo Wellness, Tekapo Trails and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
