Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, the Shotover…oh my!  Queenstown is the most visually dramatic and laid back town imaginable.  People from all over are drawn to this lakeside spot and the local mix is exceptionally international. The permanent buzz of Queenstown is palpable and the quest for outdoor adrenaline is easily satiated.  For this yoga retreat, arrive with your sense of adventure in tact!

Our accommodation at Nugget Point overlooks the stunning blue Shotover and sunrise over Coronet Peak is a daily postcard. Yoga in the morning and evening leave ample time to sample Queenstown’s cafes and activities, the local vineyards, a bungy jump! or a massage in the hotel spa.

Reset your year, your goals, your yoga and Renew this New Year’s with Kerri Kelly.  Ring in 2014 with your yoga practice and inspire the best for your new year.

Accommodation Options:

The River View rooms on the 1st floor are comfortable and spacious with a patio and partial views of Coronet Peak. Each room incorporates a sitting room as well as a bedroom in the same space.

All River View rooms can have either two twin beds or one king size bed. For all worker-bees, wifi is available throughout the hotel.  

The Superior River View rooms have just that, superior river views. Each room has a private balcony with two chairs and a table for evening star gazing and morning coffee.  Sunrise over Coronet Peak can’t be beat.

The rooms have the same living and sleeping area of the River View rooms with the added bonus of spa baths and, again, the stunning view. Two twin beds or one king bed can be configured to accommodate friends or couples.

The hotel dining room, fireside bar and sitting area, yoga room and massage rooms all have first class views to the peak and blue Shotover River.

Hotel amenities include property wide wifi, shuttle service to Queenstown (between 10am and 6pm daily) and full spa services with wet and dry saunas.

Yoga will be twice daily in the morning and evening.

Arrival into Queenstown will be early with plenty of time to relax and get situated.  Mid afternoon we will have a welcome and de-plane yoga session.  Departure day allows for a morning session with ample time to pack and say goodbye.

With your days free, check out this sampling of activities in and around Queenstown.  Remember to check out Destination Queenstown for a more complete offering.

Optional Activities and Excursions:

The Spa at Nugget Point (retreat hotel) - A full range of services with a full and gorgeous view of Coronet Peak.  At any time during the week book facials, massages, scrubs and wraps or enjoy the pool or dry and wet saunas.

Skydive Lake Wanaka - Because we already know one yogi that's itching to jump!  Take the plunge over Middle Earth (literally).  Get close to the world from 9,000 - 15,000ft...  Join Kathryn and more than a few of us intrepid yogis as we jump out of a perfectly good airplane together.

Flight-Seeing - Although a pricey option, flight-seeing is an amazing and unparalleled way to view the awesome nature and surprising change of scenery.  Head to Milford Sound, Mt Cook, see the glaciers or fly Middle Earth.  The Travel Yogi has done this one and highly, highly recommends it.

Walk, Wine & Picnic - Enjoy Central Otago wines and scenery on this full day walking tour.  Enjoy a morning of outdoor education in local fauna and flora and afternoon wine tasting a 4 regional wineries.  Transportation and lunch at Carrick Winery included. 

Milford Sound Cruise - Nature guides and amazing scenery are the heart of the Milford Sound experience.  Cruise the fjord watching for penguins, seals and dolphins and cool off under the waterfalls.  The greens and sheer cliff faces are hard to imagine and even harder to describe.

Dart Stables - From short treks across the Dart and Rees Rivers to full day rides to Paradise Valley. Like so many top vendors, Dart Stables has exclusive rights to ride to Lord of the Rings filming sights in Paradise Valley. Beginner and expert riders welcomed and catered to with horses cared for by an expert team of horse lovers.

Onsen Hot Pools - Science and nature combined. Indoor/outdoor hot pools specializing in pure water, fresh mountain air and amazing Shotover River views.

Kawarau Jet - Board the big yellow jet for a boating experience to be had only in New Zealand.  Enjoy Lake Wakatipu, the willow lined Kawarau River and high speed boating (and turning) on the shallow Shotover River.  Ask a fellow yogi to take a picture from our hotel as your boat speed by!

Nomad Safaris - Explore the south island's back country.  Choose from a little NZ gold rush history or a more modern Lord of the Rings film location sites. 

Bungy Jump - Well, we can't offer a New Zealand adventure without mentioning the original bungy jumping crazies!  AJ Hackett started the trend and they are still going strong.  Those with a healthy heart and crazy head can take the plunge over the Nevis.

Coronet Peak Gliding - It would be an amazing way to get out and see the countryside!  So much of a trip to NZ is the nature; enjoy an exhilarating birds-eye view of this alpine world.

 Canoe Safari - Experience wilderness exhilaration with canoe serenity in the World Heritage serenity of Mt Aspiring National Park.  discover the natural and cultural diversity of this amazing region.

What's included:

• Yoga twice daily 
• Excursion to Moke Lake - walking, hiking, kayaking
• Excursion to Cromwell - wine tasting
• Welcome reception
• Accommodation at Nugget Point
• Shuttle service to and from Nugget Point to Queenstown (10min) 10am-6pm daily
• Continental Breakfasts
• Five dinners at Nugget Point and two evenings out in Queenstown
• Transfer to and from Nugget Point from the Queenstown airport (on arrival & departure days only)
• New Year's Eve party!

What's not included:

• Airfare to Queenstown
• Lunches
• Additional excursions
• Alcohol or items of a personal nature/souvenirs
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• Gratuities

Join Kerri for a rejuvenating retreat in paradise. The experience will be grounded, playful, and fortifying as we bring ourselves into balance in preparation for the new year. Our journey will include two energizing yoga classes each day, breathtaking scenery, excursions to Moke Lake and Cromwell (wine country!) and vibrant cuisine. There will be ample space for rest, reflection, adventure and community connection. Explore the land and country through hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, adrenaline junkie jumps and much, much more.

Drawn to yoga in 1999 after a series of injuries from running/sports, Kerri quickly discovered the practice of yoga not only as a way to heal her body, but also as a vital tool in cultivating strength and grace in all aspects of her life.

Kerri believes in yoga as a powerful form of healing, self-expression and activism. In her class you will develop strength and flexibility in the body and mind as you cultivate the process of awakening and transformation through yoga. Her classes are known to be challenging but playful as she guides her students to get connected, inspired and on purpose.

Kerri has developed a Yoga for Runners/Athletes program and teaches cross-training workshops throughout the Bay Area.  She is the Global Catalyst for Off the Mat, Into the World ®, and organization bridging yoga and activism, director of YogaVotes and mentors individuals on finding their purpose and putting it into action. She is dedicated to mobilizing the yoga community around positive social change.

What airport do I fly into?
You'll want to schedule your flight into Queenstown (ZQN).  New Zealand is an amazing and varied country so do consider arriving early or extending your trip and feel free to roam!

Do I need a passport/visa?
US citizens will need a valid passport to visit New Zealand, but no visa is required at this time. Passports will need to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.  New Zealand reserves the right to refuse entry if passports expire before the 6 month mark.

Nationals of all other countries should check travel requirements well in advance of their retreat.

What is the electrical currency/outlet in New Zealand?
New Zealand utilizes their own style of plug with three flat blades and is at 240V.  Adapters and converters will be necessary if you are bringing any electrical items.

Is there internet access on property?
While we hope you'll try and unplug... yes, there is wi-fi on property.

Do I need to bring my own mat, blocks, straps, etc?
Yes, please plan on bringing your own mat and any yoga accessories you use or want in your daily practice.

Do I need to book any of the optional activities ahead of time?
All of the activities can be booked when you arrive in Queenstown; however, if there is something that you know you HAVE to try, it is always best to book early. 

What do I need to bring?
Think 'New Zealand holiday' with yoga clothes thrown in.  Queenstown is a very international and eclectic town with a great restaurant, pub and club scene, so come prepared.  Your yoga mat and any accessories you use in your practice will also need to come with you.

Do I need to rent a car?
A van will be making trips to the airport (on arrival and departure days only) as well as into town during the retreat.  The van will run from the hotel into town from 10am to 6pm daily and all excursion operators will pick up either in town or at the hotel.  However, if you want to take a longer independent day trip or plan to travel pre/post retreat, a rental car is a good option.

What is the weather like that time of year?
Flip your seasons and be prepared for summer weather in December.  Summer days can be anywhere from 70-80* with brisk evenings.  The evenings can still get cool (think ~60*s) so it's best to bring summer clothes that can layer with a light jacket for nights on the town.

  Double Occupancy
  River View: $1995.00 per person   
  Superior River View: $2295.00 per person

  Single Occupancy
  River View: $2749.00
  Superior River View: $2949.00

Deposits are non-refundable.  Travel insurance is recommended for this retreat.

Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy

Have questions? Please contact The Travel Yogi:

more@thetravelyogi.com or 562.335.8000