New Ticket Category Announcement

We’ve heard you, Rotorua!

You’ve told us you’d love to join the KUPU Writers’ Retreat without the full staycation package, so we’re introducing the ROTORUA PASS.

You may miss those late-night cuppas with an amazing writer, waking up to the lake at your doorstep, and some of the magic that comes from staying in the ngahere… but there’s still so much to take away from the retreat!

15–17 August 2025 | Lakes Lodge Okataina, Rotorua

The KUPU Writers’ Retreat 2025 invites all kinds of writers — poets, playwrights, novelists, composers, journalists, screenwriters and more — to a three-day wānanga grounded in mātauranga Māori and manaakitanga.

Held at the secluded Lakes Lodge Okataina, surrounded by the waters and ngahere of Ngāti Tarāwhai, this retreat is a rare opportunity to recharge, create, and connect with experienced writers and industry leaders.

With a full programme of workshops, kōrero, a cruise, and lakeside activities — plus all meals, accommodation, and transport from Rotorua included — this is an all-inclusive experience for writers at any stage of their creative journey.

Programme Highlights

Friday 15 August 2025

6:00pm – Pōhiri (Okataina)
6:30pm – Welcome Dinner
7:30pm – Introduce Facilitators & Set 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

Facilitators

Shilo Kino
Nadine Hura
Matariki Bennett
Tīahomarama Fairhall
Monty Soutar
Hira Nathan
Hana Tapiata
James (Hēmi) Kelly

Publishers & Industry Leaders

Louise Russell (Bateman Books)
Mairātea Mohi (Auckland University Press)
Qiane Matata-Sipu (Self-publisher & writer, NUKU)
Jemma Moreira (Bateman Books)

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

Cost

$450 per person (Full Retreat Experience), or

$150 per person (Rotorua Pass) (new!)

Keen to bring whānau or friends?

+$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 options

Credit Card
Invoice
Zip/Afterpay

This retreat is for writers — whether you're emerging, established, or just getting started. You’ll be surrounded by mana, encouragement, inspiration, and the space to write your way forward.

KUPU Writers’ Retreat 2025 | Te Roto o Okataina

Choose your tickets

General Admission ticket

Extra Adult (Shared Room – must pair with General Admission) ticket

Rotorua Pass (new!) ticket

Donations

Koha - Tautoko KUPU | Support the Festival