Rewild Retreats®
Rewild Waitata – A Women's Wilderness Expedition (25th Feb to 2nd March 2027)
Rewild Waitata – A Women's Wilderness Expedition (25th Feb to 2nd March 2027)
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Hidden deep within the Marlborough Sounds lies Waitata Bay — a remote pocket at the northernmost reaches of Te Waipounamu, Aotearoa (New Zealand’s South Island), where forest meets ocean, majestic stingrays glide through the bay alongside octopus, small sharks and schools of fish, and the pace of life returns to something far more instinctual & spacious.
For six days we gather here — not just to retreat, but to fully immerse in what it means to be wild.
To swim in wild waters.
To paddle to private bays accessible only by water.
To create, write, paint and photograph — and be photographed.
To sit around the fire under a sky full of stars while bioluminescence dances in the sea.
And to remember something many of us have forgotten in the noise of modern life.
How to feel fully alive again.
To remember who we are.
To heal, and reconnect with the wild woman within.
This expedition is for those who feel the pull toward wild places — and the parts of themselves that come alive when they step outside the everyday.
It’s part adventure, part creative immersion, part deep reset and transformative healing.
Not a retreat where you sit in a room all day talking about life — but an experience where life itself becomes the teacher.
Over Six Days in Waitata Bay You’ll Experience
🌊 Ocean Adventures
Kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding and free diving in the crystal-clear waters of Pelorus Sound.
🌿 Wild Nature Immersion
Forest walks, sunrise swims, hot tub evenings under the stars, and the simple medicine of slowing down in nature.
🎨 Creative Expression
Creative writing, art therapy, photography workshops, and a Rewild Portrait Experience that captures you in your most natural, powerful and playful state.
🔥 Ceremony & Connection
Guided movement, somatic practices, meditation, and intentional gatherings that reconnect you with your body, your instincts, and the natural world.
✨ A Community Experience
Shared meals, laughter, deep conversations, and the friendships that form when people step outside their normal lives together and let the bullshit fade away.
We aren’t here for small talk.
We are here for real healing and nourishment.
Optional 1:1 sessions available throughout the retreat:
Therapy • Energy work • Bodywork • Tarot readings • Water therapy
Why Waitata?
Waitata Bay Lodge is one of those rare places that feels untouched by time.
Accessible only by water taxi, this wild and remote sanctuary sits deep within the Marlborough Sounds — surrounded by native forest, breathtaking bays and layered mountain landscapes that stretch endlessly into the horizon and deep into the sounds.
It is a remarkable place to spend time.
There truly is nothing quite like it.
It’s the perfect place to unplug from the pace of modern life and return to something more elemental — something more sensual.
A way of engaging the senses.
Of attuning to life within and around you in a way that feels deeply restorative and inspiring.
Here, nature becomes both the setting and the guide.
The Journey Begins Before You Arrive
Your expedition doesn’t start when you arrive in Waitata.
In the months leading up to the experience, you’ll be invited to two live online sessions designed to prepare you for the journey ahead — exploring intention setting, somatic practices and creative prompts so you arrive ready to fully immerse.
This includes:
• One group online workshop
• One private 1:1 session to reflect on your journey and explore the creative process
This is an Intimate Expedition
Only 10–12 participants join this journey each year.
This is our one and only annual immersion programme for Rewilding.
Small enough to feel personal.
Large enough to create a powerful group experience.
This is the type of experience that’s difficult to fully explain until you’ve lived it.
But those who come often leave with:
• renewed clarity
• deeper connection to themselves
• creative energy reignited
• friendships that last long after the expedition ends
If you feel the pull toward wild places — and toward a version of yourself that feels more alive in them — this expedition may be calling you.
If Waitata Is Calling You
Trust that instinct.
Rewild Waitata is an intimate expedition and spaces are limited each year.
Only 10–12 participants join this journey.
Many participants say this experience comes into their life exactly when they need it most.
If something in you feels curious, excited, or a little nervous reading this… that’s usually a good sign.
Dates for the 2027 Expedition
February 25th – March 2nd
6 days / 5 nights immersed in the wild beauty of Waitata Bay in the Marlborough Sounds.
Investment
We operate on a tiered pricing model to help make the experience accessible while supporting the sustainability of the programme.
Early Bird – $2250 NZD
Available until sold out or until 1st June 2026
Tier 1 – $2850 NZD
For those financially well-resourced. This tier includes our pay-it-forward model, helping us provide scholarship opportunities for participants who may otherwise not be able to attend.
Tier 2 – $2650 NZD
For those with medium incomes and access to financial resources.
Tier 3 – $2450 NZD
For those with lower incomes, caregiving responsibilities, or from marginalised communities.
Payment Options
Flexible payment plans are available.
A non-refundable $500 deposit secures your place.
Payments can be structured monthly, fortnightly, or broken into 2–6 instalments depending on what works best for you.
Full payment is due by 5th January 2027.
Afterpay is also available.
Take a moment to reflect before committing. This is an investment not just in a retreat — but in your personal growth, wellbeing, and creative expansion.
How Do You Get There?
We make the logistics simple so you can relax and focus on the journey.
All you need to do is get yourself to Blenheim Airport by 1:00 p.m. on February 25th.
From there we take care of the rest.
Our shuttle will depart Blenheim Airport at 1 p.m. and transport the group to Havelock Marina.
From Havelock you’ll board a water taxi to Waitata Bay Lodge, departing at approximately 1:45 p.m. and arriving around 3:15 p.m.
At the end of the expedition on March 2nd, the departing water taxi will leave Waitata Bay at 10:00 a.m., returning you to Havelock where our shuttle will bring you back to Blenheim Airport by approximately 12:30 p.m., in time for afternoon and evening flights.
If you need help organising flights or accommodation the night before, we’re happy to assist.
Booking flights early is always recommended so you can secure the best travel times and prices. We have arranged these dates to make it accessible for same day travel/flights in and out.
Your Investment Includes
• Two pre-retreat Zoom sessions and self-guided preparation practices
• A Rewild Portrait Experience during the expedition
• Return shuttle transport from Blenheim Airport
• Water taxi transport to and from Waitata Bay Lodge
• 6 days / 5 nights accommodation at Waitata Bay Lodge
• All meals & drinks. (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between)
• All adventures and activities including kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding, free diving and forest exploration
• Daily guided movement and meditation practices
• Soul-connecting workshops and group experiences
• Creative art therapy sessions including pottery, painting and writing
• Ocean immersion and forest bathing experiences
• Connection with a community of like-minded women
• Hot tub sessions under the stars
Optional 1:1 sessions available during the retreat include:
Massage • Energy Work • Trauma-informed therapy • Tarot readings
This Is Your Moment
A chance to reconnect with nature.
A chance to slow down.
A chance to rediscover the wild and authentic parts of yourself that modern life often buries.
Spaces are limited and the expedition fills quickly each year.
If this experience is calling you, trust that instinct and secure your place early.
Early Bird Pricing: $2250 NZD
Available until 1st June 2026 or until sold out.
If you’d like to reserve a place, request an information pack, or talk through whether this journey is right for you, feel free to reach out.
Once you secure your place, we’ll send through your registration form and begin preparing you for the journey ahead.
Refund Policy
Thank you for your purchase and for supporting our work! Please note that all sales are final, and we do not offer refunds or exchanges for any reason. Tickets are also non-transferable unless this is purchased as a gift for someone, please let us know in advance.
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and we strive to approach every situation with compassion. If you find yourself unable to attend, we will do our best to fill your spot. Should we successfully find a replacement, we will refund your payment minus any processing fees & work completed. However, due to the logistical planning involved—such as securing accommodations, transportation, and other non-refundable expenses—this cannot be guaranteed.
We encourage you to carefully consider your investment, capacity, and time before booking, and recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us—we’re always happy to assist you. By finalising your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
Thank you for your understanding and support. We deeply appreciate your trust in us and the experiences we create!
FAQs & Terms/Conditions
Can I make a payment plan?
Yes absolutely! We have Afterpay facilities and if you get in touch with us directly we can organise a payment arrangement that may suit your needs.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
We are currently in the process of building up scholarship funds by submitting for grants & funding, along with donations and in kind sponsorship. We try our best to ensure everyone can be a part of Rewild, so if you are feeling the call but not sure about your financial situation then get in touch with us and we'll see what we can do to help.
If you are applying for a scholarship, you can email us directly at info@rewildretreats.co.nz. Let us know why you'd like to attend, why you need a scholarship and what you could afford to pay.
What if I need to cancel my booking? Do you offer refunds?
This is okay and we understand that things happen. Unfortunately due to the planning, involved logistics, coaching sessions prior to retreat and upfront costs of these events we do have a non-refundable deposit policy on all of our events/expeditions & workshops.
Most of our weekend retreats, there is a $250 non-refundable deposit and our week long full immersion programme there is a $500 non-refundable deposit.
We do also try to accomodate our participants however we can. In most cases, so long as we can replace your booking / fill your spot, we are happy to process a full refund minus any work completed or processing fees.
Is transport provided?
For most of our retreats, you'll need to get to the location on your own. If you do need assistance with this, we can help but please give us advance notice of this. For our full immersion programmes in Waitata Bay/Pelorus Sound, we have a full shuttle & water taxi service. You only need to get yourself to Nelson Airport.
Transport details for each retreat are listed on the event page.
I'm not an artist. Is this retreat for me?
Absolutely! All of our creative workshops and activities we offer are for beginners and seasoned artists alike, no art experience necessary! Our retreats are much more about gathering inspiration and exploring our internal landscapes through various modalities. Creative art therapy is a wonderful way to tap into your intuition & develop it. We’ll provide you with creative prompts but you will be at your own pace and it’s completely up to you how you’d like to use your creative time.
Can you accomodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! We have an amazing chef that caters each of our retreat menus specifically for the group that attends.
All we ask is that you say exactly what you can and cannot have so that we can ensure your catering is to your liking.
This is also a practice in asking for what you need, don't be shy. We want this experience to be completely nourishing for you, and this includes nourishing kai.
Do you offer private retreats?
Yes we do! If you are interested in a custom retreat for your company, friend group or wellness group please get in touch. Email the team at info@rewildretreats.co.nz and let us know!