Queenstown - Igniting Passionate Educators
What’s Included
7 nights' accommodation in a 4-star hotel near Lake Wakatipu
Daily breakfast
6 lunches
7 dinners (with one drink per dinner)
Daily yoga or morning meditation sessions
Workshops, centre visits, and outdoor activities
All local transfers (airport and excursions)
Not Included:
Flights to Queenstown
Any additional drinks
Retreat Overview
Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown, New Zealand, this immersive retreat offers early childhood educators a balanced blend of professional learning, cultural exploration, and restorative wellbeing experiences. Over eight nourishing days, participants will enjoy daily yoga or meditation, thoughtfully designed workshops, inspiring visits to local early learning centres, outdoor adventures, creative sessions, and delicious meals, all while staying in a serene lakeside hotel. With space for connection, reflection, and personal growth woven throughout the journey, the retreat provides a rejuvenating and transformative experience for educators seeking renewal, inspiration, and meaningful professional development.
What Early Childhood Educators Will Learn
Throughout this eight-day retreat, early childhood educators will reconnect with their purpose, deepen their understanding of play-based and nature-inspired learning, and strengthen their ability to create emotionally intelligent, culturally responsive, and inclusive environments. They’ll explore practical strategies for fostering children’s creativity, resilience, and engagement, while also developing sustainable self-care practices to support their own wellbeing. Through hands-on workshops, centre visits, creative reflection, and time in nature, participants will gain fresh inspiration, new tools for the classroom, and a renewed sense of confidence and clarity in their professional identity.
Day 1 – Saturday 30 January 2027
Theme: Arrival, Connection & Intention-Setting
Focus on building a sense of community, setting intentions, and familiarizing yourself with the retreat environment.
Afternoon
12:00 – 17:00: Arrival and Check-In
Accommodation: Check-in to a luxurious lakeside hotel in Queenstown with scenic views and quiet surroundings.
Welcome Packs: Inside each welcome pack are a retreat schedule, local map, journal, and a thoughtful gift.
Free Time: Explore the Queenstown Gardens or unwind by the lake, setting the tone for a peaceful, reflective retreat.
Evening
18:30 – 20:30: Welcome Dinner
20:30 – 21:30: Opening Circle
Meet fellow participants in a group introduction activity designed to create a warm, collaborative environment. Share what fuels your passion for early childhood education on the "Passion Wall." Overview of the week’s schedule and goals for reflection, professional growth, and cultural immersion.
Day 2 – Sunday 31 January 2027
Theme: Reconnecting With Purpose
A day centered on reigniting your passion for early childhood education and integrating emotional intelligence and play-based learning into your practice.
Morning
07:00 – 07:45: Morning Yoga
A grounding session to start the day, focusing on gentle movements and mindfulness.
08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:30 – 10:30: Workshop 1: Reigniting Passion in Early Childhood Practice
Discussion and practical strategies to reconnect with the heart of early childhood education, rediscovering joy and inspiration in your work.
10:30 – 10:45: Morning Break
10:45 – 12:00: Workshop 2: Emotional Intelligence in Early Learners
A deep dive into emotional intelligence and how to cultivate it in both educators and young learners. Practical tools for fostering empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation.
Afternoon
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch
A mix of fresh, locally-sourced options served at the venue or nearby café.
13:00 – 14:15: Workshop 3: Play-Based Learning Essentials
Explore the theory and benefits of play-based learning. Participants will learn how to incorporate play provocations into their teaching practice.
14:15 – 15:30: Workshop 4: Culturally Responsive Environments
In-depth discussion on how to create culturally inclusive classrooms, respecting indigenous knowledge, and using environment design to reflect diverse cultures.
15:30 – 16:00: Group Reflection
Reflection and discussion on the workshops, sharing insights and experiences.
Evening
17:00 – 19:00: Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with Gourmet Buffet Dinner
A serene evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the historic Walter Peak Farm, complete with breathtaking alpine views and a gourmet buffet dinner showcasing the best of New Zealand’s flavours.
Day 3 – Monday 1 February 2027
Theme: Outdoor Learning & Natural Exploration
A day dedicated to the outdoors, exploring how nature can be integrated into early childhood education and fostering nature-based learning.
Morning
07:00 – 07:45: Yoga: Breathwork & Nature Connection
Focus on aligning breath with nature, grounding participants for the day's outdoor activities.
08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:00 – 12:30: Guided Nature Hike – Lake Hayes Circuit
Embark on a 2-3 hour hike through the stunning landscapes surrounding Lake Hayes. Along the way, pause for group journaling prompts on nature’s role in learning and development.
Afternoon
12:30 – 13:30: Picnic Lunch at Bob’s Cove
Enjoy a relaxed outdoor lunch with fresh sandwiches, fruit, and snacks in a beautiful lakeside setting.
13:30 – 15:00: Outdoor Workshop: Nature-Based Play in Action
Hands-on workshops with nature-inspired play activities like mud kitchens, nature weaving, and storytelling circles. Participants will experience how nature can be used to promote creativity and development.
15:00 – 16:00: Nature Scavenger Hunt
Engage in a scavenger hunt designed to connect participants with the environment while reinforcing early learning concepts such as sensory exploration and problem-solving.
Evening
18:00 – 20:00: Outdoor BBQ Dinner
A BBQ meal, featuring local meats and vegetables, complemented by reflections around the campfire on the importance of outdoor education.
Day 4 – Tuesday 2 February 2027
Theme: Wellbeing & Resilience for Educators
A day focused on building resilience, preventing burnout, and practicing self-care strategies.
Morning
06:30 – 07:15: Sunrise Meditation at Queenstown Hill
A peaceful meditation session overlooking Queenstown, helping participants ground themselves and set their intentions for the day.
08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:30 – 11:30: Gentle Hike – Queenstown Hill Time Walk
A reflective 1.5-2 hour walk through Queenstown Hill, where participants will engage with reflection prompts like “Where do I feel grounded?” to explore personal and professional resilience.
Afternoon
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch
Light lunch served with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
13:30 – 15:00: Workshop: Sustainable Practice & Burnout Prevention
Practical tools for managing stress and preventing burnout, including visual energy mapping and stress check-ins. Participants will also explore peer coaching for support and encouragement.
15:00 – 16:00: Restorative Time
Participants can choose between optional journaling, spa treatments, or reading to recharge.
16:00 – 17:30: Group Circle: What Nourishes Me?
A group discussion on self-care and what helps nourish and sustain each participant in both their personal and professional lives.
Evening
18:30 – 20:00: Dinner - Restaurant
A dinner at a renowned wellness-focused restaurant in Queenstown, offering nutrient-rich dishes designed to nourish both body and mind.
Day 5 – Wednesday 3 February 2027
Theme: Rest, Self-Care & Integration
A day for rest, creative expression, and personal reflection, offering time to recharge and integrate the experiences so far.
Morning
08:00 – 09:30: Extended Breakfast & Open Journaling
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with time for journaling. Reflect on what you’ve learned so far and what areas of growth have emerged.
09:30 – 11:30: Restorative Free Time
Engage in a variety of self-care activities such as visiting the local arts center, taking a nature walk, or booking a spa treatment.
Afternoon
12:00 – 13:00: Light Lunch
13:30 – 15:30: Creative Reflection Session
Express your journey so far through creativity by creating a “Visual Mantra” using various art mediums. Music and aromatherapy will be used to create a relaxed and reflective atmosphere.
15:30 – 18:00: Optional Nature Walk or Solo Reflection
Time for a quiet nature walk or solo reflection, allowing participants to process and deepen their experience.
Evening
18:30 – 20:00: Group Dinner & Sharing
An opportunity for group sharing where participants reflect on the unfolding journey of the retreat.
Day 6 – Thursday 4 February 2027
Theme: Inspiration from Local Centres
A day dedicated to exploring local early childhood education centres to gain inspiration and insights into diverse teaching philosophies.
Morning
07:00 – 07:45: Morning Yoga
A grounding session to prepare for a day of exploration.
08:00 – 08:45: Breakfast
09:00 – 15:30: Early Learning Centre Visits
Transport provided for visits to three exceptional local centres: a Reggio Emilia-inspired center, a nature kindergarten, and a bicultural urban ECE setting. The visits include hands-on activities, discussions with educators, and lunch at one of the centres.
Afternoon
16:00 – 17:30: Reflection Debrief Circle
Share insights gained from the visits, discussing what inspired and challenged participants. Reflect on how these experiences can influence their own practice.
Evening
18:30 – 20:00: Dinner at Scenic Queenstown Restaurant
Dinner at a picturesque venue, offering panoramic views of Queenstown’s natural beauty, accompanied by a seasonally-inspired menu.
Day 7 – Friday 5 February 2027
Theme: Taking It Forward: Creativity & Action Planning
A day to focus on applying the lessons from the retreat, plan for future impact, and celebrate the learning journey.
Morning
07:00 – 07:45: Final Yoga: Visualisation for the Year Ahead
A calming session where participants visualize how they will implement what they’ve learned in their professional practices for the year ahead.
08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:30 – 10:30: Workshop: Inclusive & Engaging Learning Spaces
Strategies for creating inclusive, engaging, and stimulating environments for early learners.
10:30 – 10:45: Morning Break
10:45 – 12:00: Workshop: Arts, Music & Storytelling for Deep Engagement
Hands-on techniques to integrate arts, music, and storytelling into early childhood classrooms for enhanced engagement and learning.
Afternoon
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch
13:00 – 15:00: Collaborative Action Planning
In small groups, develop action plans for classroom projects or new teaching approaches based on the retreat’s themes.
15:00 – 16:30: Peer Feedback & Group Gallery Walk
Share action plans with peers and receive feedback. This activity allows for the celebration of ideas and provides an opportunity to refine and inspire further creativity.
Evening: Closing Celebration
18:30 – 21:00: Celebration Dinner & Recognition Night
Awards will be given for categories such as “ECE Trailblazer” and “Most Reflective.” The evening will be filled with live music, storytelling, and dance. Each participant will receive a personalized affirmation card and a New Zealand artisan gift.
Day 8 – Saturday 6 February 2027
Theme: Farewell, Reflection & Return
A closing day for final reflections, gratitude, and farewells.
Morning
08:00 – 09:30: Farewell Breakfast
A relaxed breakfast with time for reflection. Participants write letters to their future selves, reinforcing their goals and aspirations.
09:30 – 11:00: Closing Circle
A final reflective group circle focused on sharing the key takeaways from the week and how participants plan to integrate the experiences into their teaching practices.
11:00 – 13:00: Check-out & Transfers to Airport
Time to bid farewell to newfound friends and head to the airport, carrying with you the inspiration and knowledge gained during the retreat.
7 nights' accommodation in a 4-star hotel near Lake Wakatipu
Daily breakfast
6 lunches
7 dinners (with one drink per dinner)
Daily yoga or morning meditation sessions
Workshops, centre visits, and outdoor activities
All local transfers (airport and excursions)
Not Included:
Flights to Queenstown
Any additional drinks
Retreat Overview
Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown, New Zealand, this immersive retreat offers early childhood educators a balanced blend of professional learning, cultural exploration, and restorative wellbeing experiences. Over eight nourishing days, participants will enjoy daily yoga or meditation, thoughtfully designed workshops, inspiring visits to local early learning centres, outdoor adventures, creative sessions, and delicious meals, all while staying in a serene lakeside hotel. With space for connection, reflection, and personal growth woven throughout the journey, the retreat provides a rejuvenating and transformative experience for educators seeking renewal, inspiration, and meaningful professional development.
What Early Childhood Educators Will Learn
Throughout this eight-day retreat, early childhood educators will reconnect with their purpose, deepen their understanding of play-based and nature-inspired learning, and strengthen their ability to create emotionally intelligent, culturally responsive, and inclusive environments. They’ll explore practical strategies for fostering children’s creativity, resilience, and engagement, while also developing sustainable self-care practices to support their own wellbeing. Through hands-on workshops, centre visits, creative reflection, and time in nature, participants will gain fresh inspiration, new tools for the classroom, and a renewed sense of confidence and clarity in their professional identity.
Day 1 – Saturday 30 January 2027
Theme: Arrival, Connection & Intention-Setting
Focus on building a sense of community, setting intentions, and familiarizing yourself with the retreat environment.
Afternoon
12:00 – 17:00: Arrival and Check-In
Accommodation: Check-in to a luxurious lakeside hotel in Queenstown with scenic views and quiet surroundings.
Welcome Packs: Inside each welcome pack are a retreat schedule, local map, journal, and a thoughtful gift.
Free Time: Explore the Queenstown Gardens or unwind by the lake, setting the tone for a peaceful, reflective retreat.
Evening
18:30 – 20:30: Welcome Dinner
20:30 – 21:30: Opening Circle
Meet fellow participants in a group introduction activity designed to create a warm, collaborative environment. Share what fuels your passion for early childhood education on the "Passion Wall." Overview of the week’s schedule and goals for reflection, professional growth, and cultural immersion.
Day 2 – Sunday 31 January 2027
Theme: Reconnecting With Purpose
A day centered on reigniting your passion for early childhood education and integrating emotional intelligence and play-based learning into your practice.
Morning
07:00 – 07:45: Morning Yoga
A grounding session to start the day, focusing on gentle movements and mindfulness.
08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:30 – 10:30: Workshop 1: Reigniting Passion in Early Childhood Practice
Discussion and practical strategies to reconnect with the heart of early childhood education, rediscovering joy and inspiration in your work.
10:30 – 10:45: Morning Break
10:45 – 12:00: Workshop 2: Emotional Intelligence in Early Learners
A deep dive into emotional intelligence and how to cultivate it in both educators and young learners. Practical tools for fostering empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation.
Afternoon
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch
A mix of fresh, locally-sourced options served at the venue or nearby café.
13:00 – 14:15: Workshop 3: Play-Based Learning Essentials
Explore the theory and benefits of play-based learning. Participants will learn how to incorporate play provocations into their teaching practice.
14:15 – 15:30: Workshop 4: Culturally Responsive Environments
In-depth discussion on how to create culturally inclusive classrooms, respecting indigenous knowledge, and using environment design to reflect diverse cultures.
15:30 – 16:00: Group Reflection
Reflection and discussion on the workshops, sharing insights and experiences.
Evening
17:00 – 19:00: Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with Gourmet Buffet Dinner
A serene evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the historic Walter Peak Farm, complete with breathtaking alpine views and a gourmet buffet dinner showcasing the best of New Zealand’s flavours.
Day 3 – Monday 1 February 2027
Theme: Outdoor Learning & Natural Exploration
A day dedicated to the outdoors, exploring how nature can be integrated into early childhood education and fostering nature-based learning.
Morning
07:00 – 07:45: Yoga: Breathwork & Nature Connection
Focus on aligning breath with nature, grounding participants for the day's outdoor activities.
08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:00 – 12:30: Guided Nature Hike – Lake Hayes Circuit
Embark on a 2-3 hour hike through the stunning landscapes surrounding Lake Hayes. Along the way, pause for group journaling prompts on nature’s role in learning and development.
Afternoon
12:30 – 13:30: Picnic Lunch at Bob’s Cove
Enjoy a relaxed outdoor lunch with fresh sandwiches, fruit, and snacks in a beautiful lakeside setting.
13:30 – 15:00: Outdoor Workshop: Nature-Based Play in Action
Hands-on workshops with nature-inspired play activities like mud kitchens, nature weaving, and storytelling circles. Participants will experience how nature can be used to promote creativity and development.
15:00 – 16:00: Nature Scavenger Hunt
Engage in a scavenger hunt designed to connect participants with the environment while reinforcing early learning concepts such as sensory exploration and problem-solving.
Evening
18:00 – 20:00: Outdoor BBQ Dinner
A BBQ meal, featuring local meats and vegetables, complemented by reflections around the campfire on the importance of outdoor education.
Day 4 – Tuesday 2 February 2027
Theme: Wellbeing & Resilience for Educators
A day focused on building resilience, preventing burnout, and practicing self-care strategies.
Morning
06:30 – 07:15: Sunrise Meditation at Queenstown Hill
A peaceful meditation session overlooking Queenstown, helping participants ground themselves and set their intentions for the day.
08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:30 – 11:30: Gentle Hike – Queenstown Hill Time Walk
A reflective 1.5-2 hour walk through Queenstown Hill, where participants will engage with reflection prompts like “Where do I feel grounded?” to explore personal and professional resilience.
Afternoon
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch
Light lunch served with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
13:30 – 15:00: Workshop: Sustainable Practice & Burnout Prevention
Practical tools for managing stress and preventing burnout, including visual energy mapping and stress check-ins. Participants will also explore peer coaching for support and encouragement.
15:00 – 16:00: Restorative Time
Participants can choose between optional journaling, spa treatments, or reading to recharge.
16:00 – 17:30: Group Circle: What Nourishes Me?
A group discussion on self-care and what helps nourish and sustain each participant in both their personal and professional lives.
Evening
18:30 – 20:00: Dinner - Restaurant
A dinner at a renowned wellness-focused restaurant in Queenstown, offering nutrient-rich dishes designed to nourish both body and mind.
Day 5 – Wednesday 3 February 2027
Theme: Rest, Self-Care & Integration
A day for rest, creative expression, and personal reflection, offering time to recharge and integrate the experiences so far.
Morning
08:00 – 09:30: Extended Breakfast & Open Journaling
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with time for journaling. Reflect on what you’ve learned so far and what areas of growth have emerged.
09:30 – 11:30: Restorative Free Time
Engage in a variety of self-care activities such as visiting the local arts center, taking a nature walk, or booking a spa treatment.
Afternoon
12:00 – 13:00: Light Lunch
13:30 – 15:30: Creative Reflection Session
Express your journey so far through creativity by creating a “Visual Mantra” using various art mediums. Music and aromatherapy will be used to create a relaxed and reflective atmosphere.
15:30 – 18:00: Optional Nature Walk or Solo Reflection
Time for a quiet nature walk or solo reflection, allowing participants to process and deepen their experience.
Evening
18:30 – 20:00: Group Dinner & Sharing
An opportunity for group sharing where participants reflect on the unfolding journey of the retreat.
Day 6 – Thursday 4 February 2027
Theme: Inspiration from Local Centres
A day dedicated to exploring local early childhood education centres to gain inspiration and insights into diverse teaching philosophies.
Morning
07:00 – 07:45: Morning Yoga
A grounding session to prepare for a day of exploration.
08:00 – 08:45: Breakfast
09:00 – 15:30: Early Learning Centre Visits
Transport provided for visits to three exceptional local centres: a Reggio Emilia-inspired center, a nature kindergarten, and a bicultural urban ECE setting. The visits include hands-on activities, discussions with educators, and lunch at one of the centres.
Afternoon
16:00 – 17:30: Reflection Debrief Circle
Share insights gained from the visits, discussing what inspired and challenged participants. Reflect on how these experiences can influence their own practice.
Evening
18:30 – 20:00: Dinner at Scenic Queenstown Restaurant
Dinner at a picturesque venue, offering panoramic views of Queenstown’s natural beauty, accompanied by a seasonally-inspired menu.
Day 7 – Friday 5 February 2027
Theme: Taking It Forward: Creativity & Action Planning
A day to focus on applying the lessons from the retreat, plan for future impact, and celebrate the learning journey.
Morning
07:00 – 07:45: Final Yoga: Visualisation for the Year Ahead
A calming session where participants visualize how they will implement what they’ve learned in their professional practices for the year ahead.
08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:30 – 10:30: Workshop: Inclusive & Engaging Learning Spaces
Strategies for creating inclusive, engaging, and stimulating environments for early learners.
10:30 – 10:45: Morning Break
10:45 – 12:00: Workshop: Arts, Music & Storytelling for Deep Engagement
Hands-on techniques to integrate arts, music, and storytelling into early childhood classrooms for enhanced engagement and learning.
Afternoon
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch
13:00 – 15:00: Collaborative Action Planning
In small groups, develop action plans for classroom projects or new teaching approaches based on the retreat’s themes.
15:00 – 16:30: Peer Feedback & Group Gallery Walk
Share action plans with peers and receive feedback. This activity allows for the celebration of ideas and provides an opportunity to refine and inspire further creativity.
Evening: Closing Celebration
18:30 – 21:00: Celebration Dinner & Recognition Night
Awards will be given for categories such as “ECE Trailblazer” and “Most Reflective.” The evening will be filled with live music, storytelling, and dance. Each participant will receive a personalized affirmation card and a New Zealand artisan gift.
Day 8 – Saturday 6 February 2027
Theme: Farewell, Reflection & Return
A closing day for final reflections, gratitude, and farewells.
Morning
08:00 – 09:30: Farewell Breakfast
A relaxed breakfast with time for reflection. Participants write letters to their future selves, reinforcing their goals and aspirations.
09:30 – 11:00: Closing Circle
A final reflective group circle focused on sharing the key takeaways from the week and how participants plan to integrate the experiences into their teaching practices.
11:00 – 13:00: Check-out & Transfers to Airport
Time to bid farewell to newfound friends and head to the airport, carrying with you the inspiration and knowledge gained during the retreat.
Prices
Deposit and Prices Below.
Remaining due Friday 29th October 2026
Remaining due Friday 29th October 2026
Solo PricesMaximum 1 x Person Per Room
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Twin (Solo)We pair you with another traveller
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Twin (2 People)2 x People Per Room
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