AUTUMN 2024 writing retreat with ELIZABETH KNOX
From 23-28 May 2024 on the doorstep of the Abel Tasman National Park, west of Nelson
Abel Tasman National Park beach in Autumn Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Whether you are writing short fiction, a novel, or a work of creative non-fiction there is always a way in which your story will want best to be told.
Our focus
Acclaimed New Zealand author Elizabeth Knox (The Absolute Book, The Vintner's Luck), will support you to find a clear direction for your story - and, along the way, you'll learn to become a shrewder, more flexible, confident and daring storyteller.
Overview of retreat:
Are you having trouble starting or staying with your story? Are you maybe in the wrong character's head? Do you have pacing problems? Or does the tone seem wrong? Do you like how you've started, but feel that you're wandering as you go on? Or have you been writing for some time, getting your story down, but now feel you're lost in a wilderness you might not be able to write your way out of? Or do you know very well what story you want to tell – because it's something that happened to you – but are bewildered by all the possible approaches to telling it?

The focus of the retreat is on experiential learning. You will learn about story structure, plot, pacing, character development, dialogue and more.

Whether you are writing short fiction, a novel, or a work of creative non-fiction, there is always a way in which your story will want to best to be told. Elizabeth will provide you with feedback to help you find your way forward.

In addition, there will be opportunities to share your writing with, and get feedback from, your peers.

What this retreat offers is a period of intense concentration, outside your everyday life, with like-minded people. The writing teacher is a highly experienced writer of novels, and of creative non-fiction.

Each of the workshop's participants is invited to submit a piece (or two) of writing before the retreat weekend (no more than 5000 words altogether) in good time for Elizabeth to read it before we meet.

The weekend will consist of writing exercises, facilitated discussions, workshopping of some part of each writer's work, one-on-one story doctoring sessions with Elizabeth, and plenty of free time for writing.

The aim of the retreat is that everyone who attends will leave with a clear feeling for how to proceed with confidence, energy, and renewed engagement.
What past retreat participants say
Register today
2 (of 12) spaces available
'The Absolute Book is everything fantasy should be: original, magical, well read. Its language is assured, lyrical yet never overwrought, and in its surprising twists of fate, its deft characterisation and constant forward momentum, it is both accessible and compelling.' — Nina Allen, The Guardian, 25 March 2021
Your space to write
Retreat schedule for 23-28 May 2024
Thursday, 23 May
14:00 - 16:00 - Arrive and settle in
17:00 - Welcome/Mihimihi
18:30 - Dinner
20:00 - Q&A session with Elizabeth - facilitated by Kerry
21:00 - Free time
Friday, 24 May
07:00 - Yoga flow (60 mins)
08:00 - Breakfast
10:00 - Writing workshop (2 hrs)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Individual writing time / one-on-ones with Elizabeth
17:00 - Yoga stretch & restore (45 minutes)
18:30 - Dinner
20:00 - Group discussion (1 hr)
21:00 - Free time
Saturday, 25 May
07:00 - Yoga flow (60 mins)
08:00 - Breakfast
10:00 - Writing workshop (2 hrs)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Individual writing time / one-on-ones with Elizabeth
17:00 - Yoga stretch & restore (45 minutes)
18:30 - Dinner
20:00 - Group discussion (1 hr)
21:00 - Free time
Sunday, 26 May
07:00 - Yoga flow (60 mins)
08:00 - Breakfast
09:00 - Individual writing time or optional Abel Tasman adventure (includes picnic lunch)
15:00 - Individual writing time / one-on-ones with Elizabeth
17:00 - Yoga stretch & restore (45 minutes)
18:30 - Dinner
20:00 - Group discussion (1 hr)
21:00 - Free time
Monday, 27 May
07:00 - Yoga flow (60 mins)
10:00 - Writing workshop (2 hrs)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Individual writing time / one-on-ones with Elizabeth
17:00 - Yoga stretch & restore (45 minutes)
18:30 - Dinner
19:30 - Reading session (2 hrs)
21:30 - Free time
Tuesday, 28 May
07:00 - Yoga flow (60 mins)
08:00 - Breakfast
10:00 - Reflections and farewells
11:00 - Depart
Our inspiring venue
The Abel Tasman Lodge is set amid tranquil gardens and is only a seven-minute walk from the beach and the walking trails of Abel Tasman National Park. The 14 luxurious studios feature wood ceilings and private porches with garden views. The 1- and 2-bedroom apartments include living rooms with kitchens. This peaceful rural setting is only a short walk to Marahau's cafes and the beginning of the Abel Tasman Great Walk. Join us here from 23-28 May 2024.

Find out more about our awe-inspiring location.

Find out more how to get to the retreat.
Scrumptious meals by Food Forest Catering
Food Forest Catering will provide nourishing and delectable vegetarian meals - all created with gluten-free and organic ingredients from head chef Chloe Keylock's family land, a diverse permaculture farm in the Lud Valley north of Nelson.

Follow Chloe on Instagram
Your investment
Prices include five nights' accommodation, all meals, tea and plunger coffee, all writing tuition and yoga classes. There are a range of accommodation options. Choose your preferred style of accommodation below.
Own room in 2-br apartment
1 space available
$2,250
  • Your own room with King bed, sharing a two-bedroom apartment with one other
  • Self-contained with lounge/kitchen
  • Share bathroom with one other (toilet separate from bathroom)
BOOK NOW
Private studio
1 space available
$2,450
  • Queen bed
  • Ensuite bathroom
  • Additional single bed (share with a friend and save $200 each)
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Views of lovely native gardens from your private deck
BOOK NOW
Private 1-bedroom chalet
FULLY BOOKED
$2,550
  • Self-contained with lounge/kitchen
  • Separate bedroom with king size bed (share with a mate and save $200 each)
  • Separate modern bathroom
  • Views across farmland to Abel Tasman National Park
JOIN WAITLIST
A 35 per cent deposit must be paid within five business days of booking to secure your place. The balance must be paid one month before the retreat (i.e. 23 April 2024).

General cancellation policy:

If YOU cancel anytime before 7 April, your deposit (and full payment if already made) will be refunded.

If YOU cancel between 8 April and 4 May, you will receive a refund less the 35 per cent deposit.

If YOU cancel anytime after 5 May, no refund will be possible unless your position is filled by someone else.