SURF. RELAX. ESCAPE. UNWIND.
Escape your every-day routine with an incredible group of like-minded, ocean-loving women!
For ALL stages and fitness levels, designed for all ages (adults 18+ only).
Upcoming Retreats
- 27 February - 1 March 2026
- 27 - 29 March 2026
Want a custom retreat just for your friends, workplace or team?
Contact us to create one for you!
Introducing Aotearoa Surf’s leading Women’s Program, the Women’s Wellness Retreat. Empowering women to get out, get active and show everyone in the line-up what it looks like to ‘surf like a girl’!
Following on from our popular Surf Sistas women’s only progressive surf lessons, our Wellness Retreats are designed to help women improve their physical fitness, mental health, and overall well-being through a combination of surfing lessons, yoga classes and other wellness activities with other like-minded women.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, Aotearoa Surf School’s programs provide a safe and welcoming space for women to learn, grow, and experience the transformative power of surfing.
Join our exclusive Women's Surfing Community on Facebook
What’s Included?
- Modern Eco Pods or Glamping accommodation for 2 nights
- Welcome including non-alcoholic drinks, nibbles & property tour
- Healthy breakfast each day (2 x breakfasts)
- Spread lunch on the Saturday – plant based (1 x lunch)
- Dinner table bookings at local venues (optional)
- 2 x yoga sessions including instructor
- 2 x surfing sessions including coaches
- All equipment (yoga mats, surfboards & wetsuits)
- Photo package of the weekend including you surfing!
- Unlimited surfboard and wetsuit hire for your entire stay
- Unlimited water, tea coffee and juice
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Help organising lift shares and transport options
Optional Add ons:
Massage / Spa Treatments (on site)
Join organised dinner at local eatery (Saturday night)
Surf Coaching
Following on from our Surf Sistas Progressive Surf Clinics, our Women’s Wellness Retreat is a fun, holistic weekend designed to help women of all ages and skill levels learn to surf, improve their surfing skills and build more confidence in the ocean.
We will be photographing your surf sessions, allowing you to review your surfing and provide tips allowing you to achieve progression!
Lessons take place on Auckland’s favourite east coast surf beach, Te Arai, where you can expect crystal clear water, sunshine and good people!
Beginners
- Beach awareness & safety.
- Reading the wind & waves.
- Board ocean entry & handling.
- Catching waves with best practice.
- Paddling style & the pop up.
- Surfing position & posture.
Intermediates
- How to accelerate and turn the board.
- Getting out the back.
- Positioning and wave selection.
- Timing, take-offs and getting down the line.
Video Analysis Coaching
Awesome footage and playback of your surfing!
We will work through your technique together identifying those small changes to make big improvements
- Wave Selection
- Timing & take off
- Position on the wave
- Body position
- Compressions and speed
- Turns & maneuvers
Get ready ready for the ultimate learning experience
Yoga Lessons
Our Slow Hatha Flow Yoga is a combination of traditional yoga poses, dynamic movement and functional flow to help improve agility, strength and balance to complement your surfing experience. All whilst connecting to your breath and body to encourage a sense of calm and centredness. The classes are layered to cater for all levels.
Introducing your yoga instructor
Hi beautiful ladies!
My name is Francesca – I have been practising yoga for about 20 years and teaching for almost 4. I have 500 + hours of yoga teacher training, my last training was with Nikki Ralston (an amazing teacher based in Auckland theralstonmethod.com). I love functional movement that allows people to have more freedom in their everyday lives and allows them to do what they love.
I’m also a surfer! I love surfing because it makes me feel alive, it connects me to nature and it has pushed me out of my comfort zone which has given me confidence in all other areas of my life. It also makes me feel part of a community and inspires me creatively.
Finally, I’m a qualified Clinical Nutritionist and real food enthusiast – I’m looking forward to meeting you all at the Women’s Wellness Weekend!
Finally, I’m a qualified Clinical Nutritionist and real food enthusiast – I’m looking forward to meeting you all at the Women’s Wellness Weekend!
Accommodation
Aotearoa Surf Eco Pods make an impact from the moment you step onto the property. Enjoy the fresh air with unparalleled panoramic ocean views that will bring an instant sense of relaxation.
Just an hour from Auckland and within close distance to the North Island’s most incredible surf breaks and beaches including Te Arai, Forestry, Mangawhai, Omaha, Waipu, Langs and beyond.
Choose your room when booking!
We have a total of 3 Eco Pods and 3 Glamping Teepees Accommodation has been designed to allow private for 1 woman or shared for 2, 3 or 4 women.
Facilities
- Ocean Views
- Healthy Breakfast
- Heating/ Cooling
- TV
- Free Wifi
- House Keeping
Communal
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Sun Deck
- BBQ's
- Entertainment Areas
Transport Options
Transport
We are just an hour from Auckland CBD and you can either drive to and from the retreat, or catch the Intercity Bus!
Intercity Bus
For those travelers that dont drive, catch an Intercity Bus to Wellsford on the day of the retreat and we will pick you up
Coming from North – Arrive in Wellsford at 4.15 pm
Coming from South – Arrive in Wellsford at 2.15 pm
After the retreat
Dont buy your return bus yet! We have several ladies that regularly offer ride shares after the retreat back to Auckland or Whangarei. You can always get your return bus ticket once at the retreat.
Optional Free-time Activities
Mangawhai Cliff Top Walk (offsite)
This amazing walk takes you along the beach, up along the clifftops with breath-taking, panoramic views.
Take in the View (onsite)
Find the table at the highest point on the property to get the best view in all of Te Arai. From here you will be able to see all of the East Coast islands.
Visit the Mangawhai Museum (offsite)
With stories as diverse as WWII shipwrecks and geology at the beach, the museum offers a fascinating look through Mangawhai’s past and the people who shaped it.
Our Testimonials
What our retreat guests are saying
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Shoot us an email instead!
The Aotearoa Surf Women’s Wellness Retreat is a holistic surf and yoga weekend designed for women of all ages and abilities. It combines surfing, yoga, and relaxation to help you build confidence in the ocean, connect with other women, and recharge in a stunning coastal setting.
Yes. Our retreats are perfect for first-time surfers and beginners. Our experienced female instructors guide you through everything from paddling to standing on your first wave, with patient, supportive coaching and a safe beach environment.
Each retreat includes accommodation and meals, multiple surf lessons, yoga and mindfulness sessions, wellness workshops, photo and video analysis, massages, and time to relax. It is all about confidence, connection, and self-care, both in and out of the water.
Our Women’s Wellness Retreats typically run for 2 nights and 3 days, depending on the event. Each retreat includes accommodation, meals, coaching, and wellness sessions, with flexible options available for shorter or extended stays.
The retreat includes accommodation, surf coaching, yoga classes, wellness sessions, and all meals. You will also receive use of all surf gear including surfboard, wetsuit, and rash top, plus access to our beautiful retreat spaces at Te Arai.
Not at all. Our retreats are designed for every level, from complete beginners to experienced surfers wanting to progress. Lessons are tailored to your ability, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and supported.
We recommend bringing swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, comfortable clothes for yoga, bathroom supplies, and a reusable water bottle. All surf gear, yoga mats, and meals are provided. Just bring your positive energy and an open mind.
Our retreats are based at Te Arai and Mangawhai, two of New Zealand’s most beautiful east coast beaches. Both locations offer clean waves, peaceful surroundings, and accommodation just steps from the ocean.
Retreat prices range from $795 to $875, depending on accommodation type and inclusions. This covers everything including surf lessons, yoga, accommodation, meals, and activities. Payment plans and gift vouchers are also available.
You can view and book all upcoming Women’s Retreats directly on our website under Events > Women’s Retreats. Spaces are limited and often sell out in advance, so we recommend booking early or joining our mailing list to be first to know about new retreat dates.
Questions
If you have any further questions please contact us or phone Che on 09 4315760 / 021442163Shoot us an email instead!
Give the gift of surfing
Did you know you can buy the Women’s Wellness Retreat as a GIFT for your loved ones?
The PERFECT Birthday present, Mothers Day present, Christmas gift for women!
