Mindfulness in the Trees Highlights Ways to Boost Wellbeing 

A successful collaboration between three Queenstown organisations – Ziptrek Ecotours, headlight and lululemon Queenstown – saw locals tune into their wellbeing and reconnect with nature in a Guided Mindfulness x Ziplining Experience on Bob’s Peak.  
 
Attendees first participated in a treehouse meditation session, followed by Ziptrek’s fun Kererū two zipline and drop experience. 
 
The sold-out event's unique combination of mindfulness, connection, nature and adventure/adrenaline highlighted the many ways the Whakatipu community can help boost their wellbeing. 
 
lululemon Queenstown ambassador and Aro Ha Glenorchy programme manager, Chris Wille facilitated the mindfulness portion of the experience. 
 
“Combining nature, presence, and community is a recipe for magic… and meditation in the treetops was exactly that,” said Chris. 
 
Chris introduced the Japanese concept of Shinrin-yoku – the practice of ‘bathing’ oneself in nature with the intention of receiving therapeutic benefits – to the group and encouraged attendees to focus their breathing in harmony with the trees during the meditation session. 
 
After meditating, the group connected over a fun ziplining experience and supported each other to take the leap off Ziptrek’s thrilling Kererū 21m drop. 
 
A percentage of proceeds from the event were donated to headlight, helping the charitable trust to continue delivering mental health education and programmes. 
 
“It’s wonderful to be able to highlight the work we are doing as a local charity to support community mental wellbeing all year round through this unique event,” said Anna Dorsey, Chief Executive of headlight. 
 
“Our focus is very much on building local skills, capacity and knowledge around mental wellbeing such as with our upcoming small business workshops (see www.headlight.org.nz for more info). Every dollar raised will help us to keep delivering this important mahi.”