Anglican
Diocese
with the
of CHRISTCHURCH
ABOUT
Sister Eveleen Retreat House is a Christian retreat house nestled amongst native trees and beach flora on Scarborough Hill, Christchurch. Everyone is welcome to visit and spend time in prayer and contemplation. Our mission is to maintain Sister Eveleen as a space for people to rest, replenish their spirit, and immerse themselves in God’s loving presence. Our beautiful garden is a great place to stop and rest. There is also a small chapel on site where guests are welcome to pray.
Sister Eveleen Retreat House is a house of spiritual help and prayer.
​
​
OUR ROOMS
SERH offers ten beds in seven rooms, each offering a range of accommodation choices and prices all with heating. All rooms at our inspiring retreat are warm and inviting with captivating views of sky and sea. Each room has a tranquil and cozy atmosphere, facilitating your refreshing spiritual retreat.
All rooms can also be booked
for day stays (NZ$30)
please get in touch with us via email
Sister Eveleen Ministry and Services
Sister Eveleen Ministry
&
St. Francis Chapel
The chapel is a quiet, reflective space for prayer and small gatherings
and open for all guests.
During the week we have regular
Prayers Times
Monday - Midday prayer, 12o'clock
Tuesday - Taize, 12'o'clock
Wednesday - Evening prayer, 7pm
Thursday
Morning Prayer, 7am
Celtic Christian, 12 o'clock
These are open to the public.
Everyone is welcome to join in.
House Team
​
​
​
​
Sue Sinclair
Resident Host
Sue is the soul of Sister Ev. She offers hospitality to our individual guests who come here to stay and seek peace and refreshment.
Antje Duda
Director
Antje looks after the bookings, planning and the calm running of the annual programme of the house.
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction for individual guests and for groups can be arranged
upon request.
You will be given wisdom and guidance by our qualified spiritual directors, facilitating
your spiritual retreat.
Just get in touch with us.
Housekeeping
Before and after use, the retreat will be cleaned by our staff. All housekeeping will be done, so you don't have to worry about it!
Our garden
​
The garden is beautifully situated on Scarborough hill overlooking the sea. It offers many spots for quiet meditation and prayer.
While bookings are in place, the garden is a private space for all guests.
Kitchen
Our full kitchen will be available for your use at any time during your stay. This includes oven, stove, microwave, fridge, freezer and cutlery, crockery and cooking equipment.We also have a verietry of teas and coffees.
Individual guests have now the option of booking a breakfast. (All other meals are self-catered.)
Group bookings are self-catered.
Retreats are usually fully-catered, unless otherwise stated.
GALLERY
THINGS TO DO
Nature walks
There are many coastal walks easily accessible from the house. Scarborough to Taylor’s Mistake, Flowers Track, and the Esplanade are some.
Sumner Beach
​
Below the house lies Sumner Beach. The beach is a great place to walk, run, swim or relax on a nice day.
Water Sports
Sumner beach is a great place to try out a range of different water sports. There is often good swell for surfing and SUP boarding as well kayaking and even sailing.
Sunday Market
The Sumner Market is held every Sunday from 10am - 2pm, on the corner of Marriner Street and the Esplanade. It is a great place to explore some cool craft stalls, food trucks and meet some locals!
Local Cafes
In Sumner Village there are plenty of great cafes to enjoy good food and coffee. Some of these include: Dot Com, Utopia Ice and Joe's Garage.
Christchurch City
Just a 20 minute drive away is Christchurch city. The city is a great place to learn more about the history of New Zealand, shop, see the sights and explore in a more urban environment.
GUEST REVIEW
AVAILABILITY CALENDAR
ACCESS DISCLOSURE
SERH is a very secluded retreat, which unfortunately means that there is limited vehicular access. Cars should be parked beside the Scarborough pool (Marked on map below), as there is no parking or easy drop off access at SERH. From there, getting to SERH involves a ten minute uphill walk from the Scarborough pool, and then a short walk up a steep uneven zigzag path that is not wheelchair friendly.