Clear Head Retreat
A private retreat · Turangi, New Zealand
A few days away in Turangi. Get outside, eat well, and take some proper time for yourself.
What this is
A small retreat. Not a programme, not a course.
Clear Head Retreat is a private stay at a quiet home in Turangi.
Time outside, good food, and no rush. It has a shape and someone runs it, but it isn't therapy or counselling. It's a break, and it's the sort most of us keep putting off.
No two run the same. We set the dates, the length and the pace around whoever is coming.
You don't need a reason beyond wanting the time away. Most people come because they want a few days outdoors with good company.
Honest about fit
Who it's for, and who it isn't.
This is for you if you…
- Want a few days outdoors with good company
- Like the sound of a quiet house and no schedule
- Value your privacy
- Want time to think without anyone hurrying you
- Feel overloaded and need a reset
It isn't the right place if you…
- Are in a mental health crisis
- Are looking for therapy or counselling
- Are after a party weekend or a packed itinerary
If you're in crisis, please reach out to a GP or, in New Zealand, call or text 1737 any time to talk with a trained counsellor.
Who's behind it
Meet Wade.
Wade was born in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, and grew up in South Africa. He lived and worked in the UK for a number of years before settling in New Zealand. He has been self-employed for most of his working life, has been married for over thirty years, and has two sons.
Running and the outdoors have always been how he clears his head, and over the years he has completed a fair number of marathons and ultramarathons. That is a good part of why the retreat is built around getting outside.
While he was living in the UK he received a commendation and a bravery award, though he would never mention either himself. Closer to home, he tends to be the one the family call when things get difficult. Helping people has always come naturally to him.
Getting outside
Plenty to do. None of it compulsory.
There's no set schedule. These are things you can do, not things you have to do. Some people are out from morning till dark, others are happy with a coffee and a book.
Walks
Forest and river tracks at an easy pace, with good views along the way.
Fishing
The Tongariro is world famous trout water. No experience needed, and we arrange the rest.
Golf
A relaxed round at the local course when the weather allows.
Mountain biking
Trails for every level, from gentle to genuinely challenging.
Horse riding
An easy way to get out and see the area.
Tongariro adventures
The alpine crossing and the mountains up close, when conditions are right.
White water rafting
Cold water and a great deal of laughing, on the rivers nearby.
Whakapapa ski field
Snow on the mountain in season, a short drive from the door.
Thermal pools
Warm natural water to soak in and let the day slow right down.
Some depend on the weather and the season. Specialist activities are run by local guides we know and trust. If there's something else you'd like to do, just ask.
A few quiet days in good country.
Group size
Three at a time, no more.
We keep it small on purpose. Nobody sits at the back and nobody gets treated like a delegate.
Wade gets to know you properly, and that only works with a few of you.
Come on your own and we'll place you with an open retreat. Or bring two others you already know and have the house to yourselves, whether that's friends, workmates or family.
- It's easy to relax in a group this size
- The house stays quiet and easy
- People tend to stay in touch afterwards
By invitation
There's no booking button, and that's on purpose.
Every retreat is arranged personally. You send a short enquiry, we give you a call, and we work out the dates, the length and the cost from there.