The retreat
What a few days here looks like.
Mornings are usually out and about. Afternoons are yours. Evenings are a proper meal with whoever's around.
No two retreats are the same. We build each one around who's coming and what they're after. Nothing is compulsory. Skip whatever you like.
What you can expect
The experience
Getting outside
Walks on the tracks nearby, through the trees and along the water. For most people this is the best part of the day.
On the water
Trout fishing on the Tongariro, and the thermal pools for sitting in hot water and doing nothing at all.
Time to yourself
Nobody minds if you take a coffee and disappear for an afternoon.
Something to take home
A few practical ideas that still make sense once you're back at work.
Conversation
Most of it happens on the track or over dinner. Nobody gets put on the spot.
Good food
Real food, cooked here and eaten together.
A rough shape
Roughly how it goes
A rough shape, not a timetable. It moves with the weather and what you feel like doing.
Getting there
Arrive in the afternoon, drop your bags and meet the others. The first night is dinner and an early night if you'd prefer.
Out into it
A full day outside. A walk, a fish, a round of golf, whatever the weather allows. Back for a meal in the evening.
The middle of it
By now you know the others and you know the place. This is usually where people properly switch off.
Heading home
A slower morning, a decent breakfast, and off you go when you're ready.
Where you stay
A quiet home, not a facility.
You stay in a comfortable, private home in a quiet street in Turangi. Warm, lived in and easy, the kind of place that already feels calm when you walk in.
Tell us about any dietary needs or allergies in your enquiry and we'll take care of it.
Location & privacy
Turangi, and why it works.
Turangi sits at the southern end of Lake Taupo, under the mountains. The house is tucked away in a quiet part of town. The river, the lake and the tracks are all a short drive away. Quiet at night, everything within reach by day.
For the privacy of every guest, the exact address isn't published. You'll receive it once your place is confirmed. What's said here stays here.
Come prepared
What to bring
The weather here changes fast. Pack for all of it and you'll be comfortable whatever the day turns into.
Warm, weatherproof clothing
A proper rain jacket, warm layers, and something for cool evenings, even in summer.
Sturdy walking shoes
Broken-in boots or trail shoes for forest tracks and riverbanks.
Togs & a towel
For the thermal pools and the river.
Sun & the basics
Sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, and any medication you take.
An open mind
You don't need to prepare anything. Just turn up.
Your own gear
Bring your rod or your bike if you have them. If you don't, we provide them.
Leave the laptop at home if you can. It works better when the outside world waits until you're back.
Before you ask
Questions people usually have
Is this therapy or counselling?
No. It's a retreat, not treatment. It isn't therapy, counselling, or a substitute for professional mental health care. If that's what you're after, we'll say so.
How long is it?
Most stays run three or four nights. There's no fixed package. We work the length out with you beforehand.
Do I have to be going through something to come?
No. Most people come simply because they want the time away. Some are overloaded and want a reset. Others simply want a few days outdoors with good company and someone else doing the organising. Both are fine.
What will we be eating?
Real food, cooked here and eaten together. Proper breakfasts, something to take out with you for the day, and a good dinner in the evening. Nothing fussy and plenty of it.
Tell us about any allergies or dietary needs in your enquiry and we'll take care of it.
Do I need to be into the outdoors or fishing?
Not at all. Everything is offered, nothing is required. Plenty of people arrive having never held a fishing rod.
Will I have to talk about personal things in the group?
As much or as little as you like. Some people talk straight away, others sit and listen. Both are fine.
Who else will be there?
At most two others, plus Wade. Everyone goes through the same short enquiry and conversation beforehand, so the group isn't random.
Can I book it for my own group?
Yes. If there are three of you already, you can have the place to yourselves and we'll build the stay around you. Mention it when you write.
What does it cost?
We talk pricing on the phone, since it depends on when you come, how long you stay and what you want to do. There's no online checkout and no obligation in enquiring.
What if the weather turns?
It often does, and the plan moves around it. Anything alpine or on the water only runs when it's safe, and there's always something else to do.
How do I get there?
Turangi is a straightforward drive from most of the North Island. We send directions through with the address beforehand.
What if I'm going through something serious right now?
If you're in a real crisis, this isn't the right place, and the conversation beforehand helps us both be honest about that. In New Zealand you can call or text 1737 any time to speak with a trained counsellor, or contact your GP. We're happy to point you somewhere better suited.
Next step
If it sounds like your kind of thing, start with an enquiry.
No commitment, just a short form and a conversation to see if it fits.