Golden Bay (NZ) women’s wellbeing writing retreat
* For women who long to write
* For women needing time out to rest, relax, renew
* For women longing to clarify their direction and reset priorities
Golden Bay 2024: a gentle gathering of women writing and wandering New Zealand’s fabulous west coast, at the top of the South Island where the river meets the sea.
> 3.5 days of inspiration, rest and renewal
The Golden Bay wellbeing writing retreat is an opportunity for women to take a breath in purposeful time out.
We use writing, wandering and inspired human engagement as pathways to wellbeing.
This event offers a range of facilitated workshops designed to help you clarify your ideas, remove obstacles and navigate clear pathways forwards. Explore ideas, nurture creative passions, wander the shoreline or curl up by the fire.
This is an exclusive event. There are 7 places only and our west coast farmhouse will be entirely ours for the duration of the retreat.
Over four nights and three days in October, you’ll be treated to daily writing workshops and hearty feasting.
GOLDEN BAY (NZ) RETREAT DATES
OCTOBER 25-28 2024
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for women with unfinished business.
This includes:
- women who identify as writers
- women who long to write and have yet to put pen to paper
- women who want time to themselves to reset their priorities and make a mud map for the journey ahead.
Women on previous retreats have gone on to start that small business, write that book, take that trip they’ve been putting off for years, build themselves a house, reset relationships at home ….
“This retreat has been a journey I have never been on before. It has taught me to write my thoughts down and then read over them and take the steps I need to take to make the changes in my life that I WANT. To stand strong and be in control of what is going on within me. Trust my decisions and take little steps to make it happen.”
Previous retreat participant, 2018
IWWI GOLDEN BAY, NZ
OCTOBER 25-28 2024
What previous retreat participants have to say
“Thank you Stephanie and my Paika retreat buddies for giving me the push I needed to start my business.
Nervous and excited!”
Retreat participant, 2019
“We leave today as changed women,
ready to take on life’s challenges.”
Retreat participant, 2017
“Thank you Stephanie, for helping me to clarify my vision for the future and to focus on the one thing that I’m passionate about. You have given me a clear direction. I feel inspired and invigorated; wish I’d met you years ago!”
Retreat participant, 2022
“Gave me the opportunity to take time out, challenge thought patterns, reflect on my journey and clarify the direction I really want to take. Stephanie supported and nurtured us all and the beautiful venue and food added to the nurturing atmosphere. Thank you.”
Retreat participant, 2019
“The retreat gave me encouragement to own my voice. It helped me go beyond what I already know. This will benefit others, as it gave time for myself to take times out of a busy life. Not worry about the past, not worry about the future. I met some lovely people and found courage in stuff I doubted myself in.”
Retreat participant, 2022
Where will the retreat be held?
Our retreat will be held in an historic farmhouse on New Zealand’s South Island, situated at the mouth of the Paturau River.
We have hills, forest and farmland at our back, the river and the Pacific Ocean at our door.
Our accommodations are shared rooms. Our shared living spaces are sheltered verandahs that catch the sunshine, and cosy living areas warmed by a wood fire.
The farmhouse is horseshoed by New Zealand native bush. The stunning shoreline is renowned for its striking rock formations, driftwood clusters, rock pools, tidal flows and ocean life – a writers’ paradise.
For reasons of kitchen space, hearty vegetarian soups and breads are provided for evening meals, while breakfast is byo and lunches will either be shared offerings on the lunch table or, for special diets, byo. Teas and coffee will be provided; byo wine and other special drinks.
Time away in Golden Bay
Your retreat facilitator
Dr Stephanie Dale
All workshops in the Golden Bay retreat are facilitated by IWWI founder and workshop developer Dr Stephanie Dale.
Stephanie spent 10 years delivering wellbeing-through-writing workshops to rural and remote Australians in the Outback and online, including the iconic bi-annual Paika women’s wellbeing writing retreats on the fringe of Mungo National Park, and the Bali women’s wellbeing writing retreat.
Steph has a PhD on the relationship between wellbeing and writing.
Logistics and FAQs
Retreat dates: Friday 25 October – Monday 28 October 2024
How much does the retreat cost? IWWI Golden Bay Women’s Wellbeing Writing Retreat costs NZ$650. Your place is confirmed with 50% non-refundable deposit.
How many places are in the retreat? There are 7 places only available in this retreat.
Arrival: Check in between 4pm and 6pm on Friday 25 October. Please arrive no later than 6pm, to give you time to settle into your room before the retreat formally begins at 7pm.
Travel arrangements: The Paturau River is on the west coast of Golden Bay, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. It is a 90 minute drive from the Tākaka township, which is where you can pick up supplies before heading out along the Golden Bay coastline to Paturau. If you are flying in for the retreat, contact us for travel guidance.
Departure: The retreat closes at 2pm on Monday 28 October.
What will we be doing?
Our time on retreat in Golden Bay is an easy mix of structure that includes workshops, meals and time out. We will have opportunities to walk and to wander, to keep good company or enjoy solitude, to take photographs, or sit, chat, rest, reflect.
What is included in the retreat cost?
A 3-day series of facilitated writing workshops. Retreat inclusions are: shared accommodation; meals include antipasto platter for Friday evening arrival, hearty vegetable soups (no dairy, no eggs, no meat) and Bacca breads for dinner Saturday and Sunday evenings. BYO breakfast and lunch foods to share. Strict diets please byo.
What is the refund policy?
Places in IWWI Golden Bay Women’s Wellbeing Writing Retreat are confirmed with a minimum 50% non-refundable deposit, with full payment due 4 weeks prior to the start of the event. Within 4 weeks of the start of the retreat, full payment is required unless by prior arrangement. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full refund details.
Previous retreats
