A Self-Made Retreat on Waiheke
This weekend, I gifted myself something I haven’t had in far too long — a true Waiheke retreat. No work, no family commitments, no housework — just 24 hours for a soulful reset by the sea.
The idea sparked from the realisation that I come to Waiheke regularly but don’t normally take time out for myself or tap into the talented Waihitians who specialise in wellness. Previously I have enjoyed a week away at Gwinganna – but I wasn’t looking for a luxury package or a five-day schedule. I wanted something simpler — space to reset, right here on this beautiful island. What unfolded was my own, self-made retreat. And it was magic.
Morning Stillness & Qi Gong on My Waiheke Wellness Getaway
My Saturday day began in Auckland with a nourishing breakfast and a quick dash to make the 8 a.m boat as I had booked a three hour wellness workshop in Onetangi.
I caught the bus from Matiatia, dropped my bags at The Beachfront and headed to the Onetangi Hall for my first ever Qi Gong practice. A moving meditation that blends breath, body, and energy work. The session was powerful. Three hours of gently reconnecting with my body, learning to feel water move through it, exploring breath in a new way. The group energy was calm and grounded, and being surrounded by kind, open-hearted people amplified the experience.
Nourishing Myself
Back at my room, I made simple, healthy lunch and let myself move slowly through the afternoon. I swam. I soaked in the spa. I rested. And then — still riding that quiet energy — I decided to go for a walk.
Childlike Wonder on the Coast
I started with a beach stroll, intending to loop around to the vineyards. But when the beach ended, I didn’t. Instead, I scrambled barefoot over rocks, tapping into my inner child ( I used to love climbing rocks) and found myself in a tucked-away bay, entirely alone. Just birdsong, waves, and sunlight. A moment of pure presence.
From there, I followed the winding Seaview Road, meandering past vineyards and late-winter blooms. Everything felt brighter — birds were singing, the sun was warm, and the island seemed to be reminding me that life doesn’t always have to be full. It can be soft, too. Perhaps most surprising – the middle of winter on Waiheke on a clear day – can be beautiful, mid July – who knew! Perhaps this is why the locals love winter so much.
A Quiet Celebration
I stopped by the shop on my way home and picked up something simple and nourishing for dinner from the local Four Square. As the evening settled in watched the sunset and then I curled up to watch a modern take on a period drama — the kind of thing I’d never choose at home with my husband, and loved it precisely for that reason.
I was impressed at myself that I didn’t do a single bit of work. Not an email. Not a list. Not a “quick thing.” For someone like me, that’s unheard of — but it felt good. Really good. My busy mind had been put to rest.
Deep Sleep, Deep Reset
That night I went to bed listening to the sound of the waves at around 10 and slept through until 7 — the kind of restful, uninterrupted sleep I haven’t had in months.
A Note to You (and Me):
You don’t need an International Self Care day, five-star retreat or a plane ticket to Bali to reset. Sometimes all it takes is a conscious choice to step away — even for just 24 hours. Find a pocket of nature. Turn off the noise. Let the day unfold gently.
If you’re on Waiheke — or anywhere coastal — it’s all here waiting for you. The ocean, the quiet, the sunrises and sunsets, the stars and the space to remember who you are underneath all the doing.
Let this be your sign: claim a day and a night just for yourself. You’re allowed and will feel better for it.