15 - 17 August, Te Roto o Okataina
Limited spots available!
Get Tickets
New Ticket Category Announcement
We’ve heard you, Rotorua!
Many of you have told us you’d love to join the KUPU Writers’ Retreat without the full staycation package — so we’re introducing the ROTORUA PASS.
For $150, you’ll enjoy three inspiring days at Lakes Lodge Ōkataina filled with workshops, kōrero, cultural activities, and the creative buzz of being part of the retreat whānau.
You may miss those late-night cuppas with an amazing writer, waking up to the lake at your doorstep, and the unique magic of staying in the ngahere… but there’s still so much to take away from this retreat.
Lakes Lodge Okataina
Lakes Lodge is owned by Te Komarunui ki te Rangi Limited Partnership which is a full subsidiary of Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust who have occupied Okataina and its many pa sites around its shores. Ngāti Tarāwhai welcome you to their lands and hope that you enjoy your stay.
WRITERS RETREAT - Cost
$450 per person
Full Retreat Pass
What’s Included
✔ 2 nights' accommodation at Lakes Lodge Okataina
✔ All meals – breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
✔ Full access to workshops, kōrero and creative sessions
✔ Cultural activities including pōhiri, lake cruise, and glow worm walk
✔ Transport to/from Lakes Lodge Okataina (from central Rotorua)
✔ Industry mentoring and one-on-one time with facilitators and publishers
$150 per person
Home-Retreat Pass
What’s Included
✔ Full access to all workshops, kōrero, and creative sessions
✔ Cultural activities including pōhiri, lake cruise, and glow worm walk
✔ Kai
✔ Industry mentoring and one-on-one time with facilitators and publishers
What’s Not Included
✘ Accommodation to Lakes Lodge Ōkataina
✘ Transport to/from Lakes Lodge Ōkataina
Keen to bring whānau or friends? (Full Retreat Pass only)
- +$150 for a non-attending guest sharing a room
- Free for children under 5
- Groups of 2-4: please enquire via admin@kupu.org.nz about shared arrangements
Payment methods
- Card
- Zip/Afterpay
- Invoice
WRITERS RETREAT - Programme
Friday 15 August 2025
- 6:00pm – Pōhiri (Okataina)
- 6:30pm – Welcome Dinner
- 7:30pm – Introduce Facilitators & Setting the Scene
- 9:00pm – Glow worm walk
Saturday 16 August 2025
- 8:00am – Breakfast
- 9:30am – Kaikōrero tuatahi
- 10:30am – Morning Tea
- 11:00am – Workshops 1–2
- 12:30pm – Lunch
- 1:15pm – Workshops 3–4
- 3:00pm – Workshops 5–6
- 4:00pm – Afternoon Tea
- 6:30pm – Dinner
- 7:30pm – Entertainment & Networking Evening
- 9:00pm – Open Mic
Sunday 17 August 2025
- 8:00am – Breakfast
- 9:30am – Lake Okataina Cruise
- 10:30am – Q&A Session
- 11:00am – Workshops 7–8
- 12:30pm – Lunch
- 1:15pm – Presentation of work
- 3:00pm – Karakia Whakakapi
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.