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)
Day 1 – Saturday 31 January 2026
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
Taste a selection of New Zealand’s seasonal produce, including specialties like lamb, seafood, and local cheeses.
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 1 February 2026Theme: 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
Buffet breakfast with fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, eggs, and more.
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: Optional Scenic Lake Wakatipu Cruise
A scenic 2-hour cruise on the tranquil Lake Wakatipu, providing an opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
18:30 – 20:00: Dinner
For those not on the cruise, enjoy a delicious meal at the retreat venue, offering a choice of locally-inspired dishes.
Day 3 – Monday 2 February 2026Theme: 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
Healthy breakfast to fuel for a day of adventure and exploration.
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 3 February 2026Theme: 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 at Wellness-Focused 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 4 February 2026Theme: 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 5 February 2026Theme: 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 Venue
Dinner at a picturesque venue, offering panoramic views of Queenstown’s natural beauty, accompanied by a seasonally-inspired menu.
Day 7 – Friday 6 February 2026Theme: 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: Visualization 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 7 February 2026Theme: 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)
Day 1 – Saturday 31 January 2026
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
Taste a selection of New Zealand’s seasonal produce, including specialties like lamb, seafood, and local cheeses.
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 1 February 2026Theme: 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
Buffet breakfast with fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, eggs, and more.
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: Optional Scenic Lake Wakatipu Cruise
A scenic 2-hour cruise on the tranquil Lake Wakatipu, providing an opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
18:30 – 20:00: Dinner
For those not on the cruise, enjoy a delicious meal at the retreat venue, offering a choice of locally-inspired dishes.
Day 3 – Monday 2 February 2026Theme: 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
Healthy breakfast to fuel for a day of adventure and exploration.
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 3 February 2026Theme: 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 at Wellness-Focused 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 4 February 2026Theme: 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 5 February 2026Theme: 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 Venue
Dinner at a picturesque venue, offering panoramic views of Queenstown’s natural beauty, accompanied by a seasonally-inspired menu.
Day 7 – Friday 6 February 2026Theme: 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: Visualization 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 7 February 2026Theme: 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.