Join us for a 3-night Creative Writing and Reading Masterclass Retreat with NZ best-selling author Naomi Arnold.
Due to popular demand and encouraging feedback on our first one, we are running the second Creative Writing and Reading Masterclass Retreat this Winter from 5 to 8 June 2026.
Naomi Arnold is an award-winning journalist and natural history writer. She contributes to most national publications including RNZ, North & South, Wilderness, and New Zealand Geographic, as well as international outlets including The Washington Post and The Guardian. Learn more about Naomi here.
4-day Creative Writing and Reading Masterclass Retreat with Naomi Arnold:
Friday 5 June to Monday 8 June 2026
Only 5 villas left! Maximum of 10 guests.
This Winter, step into a storybook setting with New Zealand best-selling author, Naomi Arnold, as she leads her second Creative Writing & Reading Masterclass at Maruia River Retreat. Creative writing workshops will help you work on writing that feels alive, and gentle mindfulness exercises will help you come up with a plan to tackle any personal and professional barriers to your writing. You’ll leave with a big dose of passion and momentum. In between, hot soaks, sauna, gentle yoga, forest bathing, and guided walks will weave wellness into each moment, while top-class nourishing meals warm the soul. It’s a retreat where writing and nature meets, leaving you refreshed, invigorated, and a little more inspired.
The 3-night Retreat Package includes:
3-night Private villa solo or twin-share accommodation with river, mountain and forest views
All meals
Daily yoga classes with Cristina
Creative writing workshops, daily reading workshops, activities and sessions with Naomi Arnold (total of 10-12 hours), including an optional 20-minute one-on-one session with Naomi.
Guided nature walks in 500-acres of native beech forest
Forest bathing in the outdoor Stoked Hot Tub, Infrared Chroma-therapy and Finnish Sauna
Use of all wellness facilities
Optional extra: spa and massage treatments
Early Bird Rate savings of $300 below. Sign-up quickly as this Retreat has previously SOLD OUT.
Master Villa Solo: 1 villa at $2950 total 1 person
Master Villa Twin Share: 1 villa at $2490 per person or $4980 total for two
Luxe Villa Solo: 1 villa at $2650 total for 1 person
Luxe Villa Twin Share: 3 villas at $2250 per person or $4500 total for two
Payment Terms: One-night reservations deposit and balance due 30-days before check-in date.
Email reservations@maruia.co.nz or message Cristina via WhatsApp or Viber at +64 275633143 to inquire and sign-up.