The retreat
Three nights, shaped by the weather and the people in the room.
There's a rhythm rather than a rigid timetable. Mornings tend to be active and outdoors; afternoons soften into reflection and conversation; evenings are simple food and easy company.
Nothing is compulsory, and there's always room to step back and just be.
What you can expect
The experience
Time in nature
Guided walks through native bush and along the river — the part most men say does the quiet work.
On the water
Trout fishing on the Tongariro, and thermal pools nearby when you want to soak and slow down.
Honest conversation
Facilitated group conversations, and one-on-one time with your host when you want it.
Something to take home
Simple, practical mindset frameworks — nothing clever, just tools that hold up back in real life.
Room to reflect
Unstructured space built into every day. Silence is welcome here, not awkward.
Shared meals
Simple food, eaten together. Some of the best conversations happen over the table.
A rough shape
How the three nights tend to flow
This is a guide, not a schedule. Weather, the group, and how everyone's feeling all move things around — and that's the point.
Arrival & settling in
Arrive in the afternoon, find your feet, meet the other two. A relaxed first evening and a shared meal — no agenda beyond landing.
Out into it
A full day outdoors — a walk, some fishing, a round of golf. The afternoon eases into the first proper conversations.
Deeper in
By the middle day the group has settled. This is where the honest talking and the frameworks tend to land, with plenty of quiet around them.
Carrying it home
A gentler final morning to gather your thoughts and work out what you're actually taking back with you, before an unhurried departure.
Where you stay
A quiet holiday home, not a facility.
You stay in a comfortable, private Turangi home surrounded by nature — the kind of place that already feels calm before anything begins. It's a house, not a conference centre: warm, lived-in and easy.
Meals are simple and shared. Nothing fancy, made well, eaten together. Let us know about dietary needs and allergies in your enquiry and they'll be looked after.
Location & privacy
Turangi. Quiet, private, surrounded by bush.
Turangi sits at the southern end of Lake Taupo, on the Tongariro River, in the shadow of the mountains. It's remote enough to feel properly away, close enough to reach without a saga.
For the privacy of every guest, the exact address isn't published. You'll receive it once your place is confirmed. What happens on the retreat stays between the people there.
Come prepared
What to bring
The weather here has opinions and changes fast. Pack for all of it and you'll be comfortable whatever the mountains decide.
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 bush tracks and riverbanks.
Togs & a towel
For the thermal pools and the river. A quick-dry towel earns its place.
Sun & the basics
Sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and any medication you need.
An open mind
You don't need to prepare anything to say. Turning up willing is enough.
Fishing licence
If you'd like to fish, we'll let you know about licences in advance — easy to sort.
Leave the laptop at home if you can. This works best when the outside world can wait three days.
Before you ask
Questions men usually have
Is this therapy or counselling?
No. Clear Head Retreat is a wellbeing and personal-development experience — facilitated, structured, and honest, but not clinical. It isn't therapy, counselling, or a substitute for professional mental-health care. If that's what you need, it's genuinely the better path, and we're happy to say so.
Do I need to be into the outdoors or fishing?
Not at all. Everything is offered, nothing is required. Plenty of men arrive having never held a fishing rod. The outdoors is the setting, not a test.
Will I have to talk about personal things in the group?
Only as much as you want to. Conversations are facilitated so no one's put on the spot. Some men open up straight away, others sit and listen for a while first — both are fine.
Who else will be there?
At most two other men, plus your host. Everyone goes through the same short enquiry and conversation beforehand, so the group is considered rather than random.
What does it cost?
Pricing is discussed personally once we've confirmed the retreat is a good fit — it depends on dates, the group and any optional activities. There's no online checkout and no obligation in enquiring.
What if the weather turns?
It often does. The plan flexes around it. Anything alpine or on the water only runs when it's safe, and there's always a good indoor and low-key alternative.
How do I get there?
Turangi is a straightforward drive from most of the North Island. Once your place is confirmed, you'll get the address and clear directions.
What if I'm going through something serious right now?
If you're in an acute crisis, this isn't the right place, and the short 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 can point you toward better-suited support if that's what's needed.
Next step
If it sounds like what you need, start with an enquiry.
No commitment — just a short form and a conversation to see if it fits.