New Zealand Retreat 2026
Memoir Writing Retreat
with Alison Wearing
Puka Park Resort
February 8-14, 2026
Registration is now open!
See below for details about the New Zealand retreat.
Click HERE for the Australia retreat.
This 6-night retreat will take place at a secluded luxury lodge set amidst 25 acres of New Zealand native bush, in the glorious Coromandel Peninsula, a two-hour drive from Auckland. From the retreat venue, Pauanui Beach and its 3 kms of golden sand are just a short stroll, making this both a forest and beach setting.
In rhythm and appreciation for this beautiful natural setting and the inner spaciousness it inspires, daily writing workshops will be balanced with free time for reflection, rejuvenation, and creation. Alison will also offer small group sessions to discuss the specifics of each person’s individual project.
Literary/Body/Soul Nourishment
This retreat offers a balance of inspiring teachings and the plentiful space and time we need to see our writing with fresh eyes and replenish our creative well (and our tired bodies!).
Bestselling author Alison Wearing will offer focussed daily teachings on the critical elements of memoir and how to employ them in our writing, as well as small group sessions and informal Q&As, ensuring that all participants have a chance to discuss and explore their ideas and projects in depth over the course of the week.
The aim of the retreat is to provide writers with inspiration and insight, as well as the direction, focus, clarity, enthusiasm and energy they need to move forward with their writing projects. This retreat is dedicated to literary nourishment: feeding the creative spirit in an inspiring and supportive environment.
When not writing, participants are invited to stroll to nearby Pauanui Beach, or stay back at the lodge and soak up the therapeutic benefits of the spa and sauna, or enjoy the pool with its views of the Coromandel Ranges. Your choice! :)
Just to clarify: if you are looking for direct feedback on your manuscript, this is not the retreat for you. But if you are looking to deepen your understanding of the essentials of memoir and what you need to consider and employ when crafting your story or book; if you are looking for inspiration and direction, clarity and companionship, joy, beauty, literary nourishment and balm for the soul — this will be a good fit for you. :)
Details
YOUR RETREAT PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Daily talks, teachings, Q&As with Alison Wearing
Small group coaching sessions with Alison, in which we delve into the specifics of your writing project, address any questions or challenges you may be facing, and map out clear next steps for your writing so you leave the retreat with clarity and creative fuel!
Full access to the pool, spa and sauna of the Puka Park Resort
Easy walking access to Pauanui beach
Exquisite gourmet meals prepared by on-site chefs; vegetarian options available
Daily teas and snacks
Airport transfer to/from Auckland airport (AKL)
Preparatory group calls to ensure that you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare; to connect you with other participants and give you the option of travelling together to Coromandel Peninsula, if desired; and to confirm that have everything you need to be able to relax, enjoy, and get the most out of this extraordinary experience
An advance writing session (over Zoom) to get your writing primed before we meet in person
Possible dance party :)
Pricing
Early Bird Price (before August 1): NZD$3,800
Regular Price (after August 1): NZD$4,000
The Retreat fee does not include accommodations; see below for details.
Accommodations & Rates
Once you have registered, rooms must be booked separately, directly with our retreat venue, Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort.
Our retreat guests have access to premium chalets at the generously discounted rate of NZD$250/night. The retreat runs for 6 nights.
Therefore, the TOTAL cost of the retreat plus accommodations is $3,800 + $1,500 = NZD$5300
How to Register
To reserve your spot, please click the button below to fill out a short registration form and make your deposit of NZD$2,000.
Once you have paid your deposit, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to book your accommodation at our special discounted rate. Once your hotel reservation is made, you can relax and begin dreaming!
We will be in touch with the schedule of preparatory calls and writing session (as well as a warm welcome & enthusiasm!).
Your balance of payment will be due 90 days before the retreat begins. We’ll send you reminders and the payment link one week before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The retreat will begin on Sunday, February 8, with a welcome event at 5pm and we will wrap up on the morning of Saturday, February 14.
ARRIVAL: On day 1 of the retreat, Sunday, February 8, we have a shuttle bus departing at 2 pm from the domestic terminal of Auckland Airport. When making your travel arrangements, please ensure you give yourself enough time to get to our meeting place no later than 1:30 pm. You do not want to miss the shuttle bus!
DEPARTURE: On the last day of the retreat, Saturday, February 14, we have a shuttle bus departing at 9:30 am, returning everyone to the Auckland Airport. It’s a 2-hour drive to the airport, scheduled to arrive at approximately 11:30 am. If you are booking a departing flight, please ensure you give yourself enough time to get checked-in and to your terminal so you don’t miss your flight!
DRIVING: If you are planning to drive to the retreat or arranging alternate transportation, the address is 42 Mount Avenue, Pauanui Beach 3546.
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Once you make your registration deposit, you will receive instructions on how to book your room at the resort with our special reduced “retreat participant” pricing.
All room payments and arrangements are made directly with the hotel.
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Absolutely! You're welcome to bring a partner or friend to share your accommodation and enjoy the resort while you’re participating in retreat activities.
Please be sure to inform the resort at the time of booking how many people will be staying in your room.
Dining Together:
While there are independent dining options at the resort, if you'd like your guest to join you for retreat meals, you can add the “Partner Meal Plan” option when paying your final retreat balance. Cost in New Zealand: NZD $1,300 -
You are welcome to share a room with another retreat participant. In this case, please note the only shared cost is the accommodation, which is booked and paid for directly with the resort.
Each participant will register for the retreat individually, paying the full retreat fees.
If you are sharing your room with another participant, please let us know so we can keep track of how many hotel rooms are booked in our retreat package.
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The balance of your retreat fees will be due 90 days before the retreat begins. We will send you the payment link and reminder email one week before.
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We have breakfast and lunch included daily throughout the retreat, as well as group dinners on all but one evening!
Mid-week, we invite you to go into town to explore the surroundings, enjoy the hotel restaurants, or maybe even create a group outing for your free evening!
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YES! We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance and check all of your policy inclusion as some may or may not include cancellation refunds should be you be unable to attend for any reason.
We strongly recommend that you purchase refundable or changeable travel tickets and cancellation insurance whenever possible.
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Sometimes life gets in the way of plans! Please review our cancellation policy and also double-check your travel insurance policy for trip cancellations, including reimbursement of any non-refundable trip costs.
