Top Ayahuasca Retreats in New Zealand: Plan Your Transformative Trip

Ayahuasca (or «iowaska», «ayawaska»), the powerful Amazonian brew known for its deep visionary and healing experiences, is quietly making its way into New Zealand. This article explores the landscape of Ayahuasca retreats in the country, along with the legal, cultural, and safety issues surrounding its use.

Ayahuasca, a psychedelic drink traditionally used in Amazonian ceremonies, or "the mother of plantas," as indigenous people refer to it, is illegal in New Zealand. The key ingredient, DMT, is classified as a Class A controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. This means possession, use, or importation of Ayahuasca is a criminal offense, regardless of spiritual or cultural intent. New Zealand does not recognize religious exemptions for its ceremonial use. Authorities have previously taken action against underground ceremonies, posing legal and safety risks to participants. Experts advise traveling to countries where Ayahuasca is legal and regulated for those seeking authentic and safe experiences.

Traditional Ayahuasca retreats are primarily held in South American countries such as Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador, where the brew originates and is used within indigenous healing traditions. These countries offer legal and culturally rooted ceremonies guided by experienced shamans. In recent years, some European retreat centers—particularly in Spain and Portugal—have begun offering Ayahuasca experiences, often in collaboration with indigenous facilitators and under careful legal frameworks. While these European options provide greater accessibility for some, traveling to South America for holidays remains the most authentic way to experience Ayahuasca in its traditional context

The top three destinations for Ayahuasca holidays in South America are Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil, each offering a unique approach to the ayahuasca tourism.

If you're seeking an Ayahuasca ceremony but prefer not to travel to South America, there are options available in Europe. Countries like Spain and Portugal have more flexible legislation, allowing some retreats to operate within a legally possible framework. If you choose to attend a retreat in Europe, it's important to ensure that it is guided by an authentic shaman (not guru) from the Amazon and that it honors the traditions and values of the indigenous cultures from which Ayahuasca originates.

Here is a list of recommended Ayahuasca retreats outside of New Zealand that are truly worth considering. These centers honor the traditional practices with deep respect and place strong emphasis on the medical safety and well-being of each participant throughout their journey. These retreats are designed to ensure that participants feel safe, supported, and confident in their potential for spiritual transformation.

In this section, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Ayahuasca in New Zealand.

Due to the illegal status of Ayahuasca in New Zealand, there are no authorized retreats operating within the country. You may come across various underground Ayahuasca retreat offers in New Zealand, with prices ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars depending on the length of the retreat—ranging from weekend tours sessions to 5-, 6-, or even 8-day programs. However, we strongly advise against participating in such activities. Since Ayahuasca is illegal in New Zealand, these ceremonies operate without regulation, posing serious legal and safety risks. For a safe, authentic, and respectful experience, it is best to take part in Ayahuasca retreats in countries where the legality of its use is established and the ceremonies are guided by both traditional wisdom and proper medical support.

Yes, New Zealand is home to indigenous Māori healers and spiritual practitioners who may be referred to as tohunga or other culturally specific terms. However, they do not work with Ayahuasca, as it is not part of Māori tradition and remains illegal in New Zealand. While there may be individuals offering underground psychedelic ceremonies influenced by Amazonian practices, these are unregulated and not connected to local indigenous cultures. For an authentic Ayahuasca experience, it is recommended to travel to regions where its use is legal and culturally rooted.

Tradition & Lineage
Choose retreats guided by indigenous shamans with deep training, such as Shipibo or Kofan. Authentic ceremonies often include ikaros (healing songs) passed down through generations.

Medical & Psychological Safety
A safe retreat will screen for physical and mental health risks, especially medications and past trauma. Make sure there's a plan in place for emergencies and access to professional support.

Integration Therapy
Integration is key. The best retreats offer group sharing, 1-on-1 talks, and follow-up support to help process the experience after the ceremonies.

Group Size & Team
Smaller groups mean more personal care. Ensure the team includes trained, trauma-informed facilitators alongside the shaman.

Retreat Space
The environment should feel clean, peaceful, and secure, whether it is a jungle camp or a luxury resort. Check for comfortable accommodations and private or shared spaces that support rest and reflection.

Transparency & Communication
Honest centers clearly share schedules, diet rules, ceremony structure, and pricing. Avoid any place that is vague or evasive.

Reviews & Testimonials
Look for genuine feedback from past guests, especially about how the team handled challenges or supported participants during difficult moments.

Legal & Ethical
Choose a retreat in a country where Ayahuasca is legal or tolerated. Ethical centers also work fairly with indigenous communities and honor traditional practices.

Ayahuasca is called “plant medicine” because it is a traditional healing brew made from Amazonian plants, primarily Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, used for centuries by indigenous cultures to treat physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. Unlike recreational substances, Ayahuasca is seen as a sacred medicine that works through visions, purging, and deep introspection, guided by trained shamans. The term “plant medicine” reflects its role in indigenous healing systems and emphasizes its therapeutic and spiritual purpose rather than labeling it simply as a psychedelic or drug.

In the Sacred Valley of Peru, Ayahuasca is increasingly used in holistic rehab programs because of its deep healing potential rooted in Amazonian traditions. Known as a “plant medicine,” Ayahuasca is believed to treat not just physical symptoms but also the emotional and spiritual roots of addiction, trauma, and depression. Guided by experienced shamans, ceremonies aim to cleanse the body, reveal hidden psychological patterns, and reconnect individuals with a sense of purpose. Unlike conventional rehab, this approach combines ancestral wisdom with nature-based therapy, offering an alternative path to recovery in a sacred and supportive environment.