If the answer is yes - you definitely don’t want to miss this weekend! The Kaikoura Whale Lover Retreat 2024 is a beautiful merge of adventure and community, yoga and connection and of course whales and the incredible
outdoors!

ᨒ THE RETREAT WHERE MOUNTAINS MEET THE SEA &
WHALES MEET THE SOUL ༄

When: 28th - 30th June 2024 (Matariki Weekend)
Where: Kaikōura, South Bay

An unforgettable weekend:

Experience WHALES like never before!

This is your chance to connect with like minded people and explore the vibrant nature & wild life of Kaikoura – habitat of semi resident sperm whales, a thriving seal colony and the pathway of the migrating humpback whales. 

We stay at a cozy private accomodation, located in Kaikōura with direct view of its beautiful coastline from the mountains to the sea, the perfect surrounding to unwind and reconnect to nature and the whales.

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Find your people

Find your people and connect where the mountains meet the sea and the whales meet the soul. Be part of a passionate community of people who care about whales, the environment and each other. A whole weekend together with other whale lovers! Omg pinch me pls!

Connect with whales

This is your chance to connect deeper with te wairua te tohorā - the spirit of the whale.

We offer an array of opportunities for you to connect deeper with those magnificent creatures. A special Whale Sound Journey, intentional nature hikes, the Whale & Dolphin Count, a guided trip with local Whale Watching Kaikoura, a private movie screening and plenty of opportunity to talk about your most favourite animal.

Whale Sound Journey

Relax to the sound of whales. Connect with these magnificent creatures in a new and profound way. This incredible session will connect you deep with the world of whales and nourishes your mind, body and spirit.

Whale Watching

Not just will we be looking for those magnificent creatures from the beautiful high coastline of Kaikōura, also we will get up close and personal from the water with local tour guide Whale Watching Kaikōura. Different perspectives will not just be fascinating to look at, also it will give you a new perspective to experience the essence of the whale.

Whale Count & Citizen science

Explore your inner marine scientist, be part of the annual Whale and Dolphin Census and the Great Kaikoura Whale Count and get valuable experience and insights into the work of marine scientists. YAY! No experience needed. We will teach you anything you need to know!

You want to work in the field of marine science? Even better - we all know how hard it can be to get your first step into this world. This will be a valuable experience for you and you will even receive a certificate at the end if it!

Morning in Silence

We start our day with a morning practice of silence and turning inwards. This will have a positive effect on the rest of your day and enables you to start your day with gratitude and reflection.

Yoga & Meditation

Our Yoga & Meditation practice is designed for all levels of experience. You don't need to have any experience in yoga. All shapes and bodies are made for this nourishing ancient practice. Those sessions will help you find inner peace, balance your nervous system and reduce stress.

Breathwork

Breathing exercises will help you connect with your breath and improve your overall health and wellbeing. It will also help calm your mind and regulate your nervous system. We will learn from the master of breath – the whale.

Intentional Nature Walks

Leave your worries behind. We will spend some quality time in nature. On intentional Nature Hikes you will fully arrive in the now, slow down and reconnect with nature and yourself. And the best part of it? You have others to share your experience with.

Kaikōura Seal Colony

On our nature walk we will be exploring the beautiful coastal nature of Kaikōura and its local seal colony. With a respectful distance you will be able to observe those fascinating mammals of the sea.

Matariki celebration

Matariki falls on Friday 28th June, the first evening of our special weekend retreat. Matariki is the Maori New Year, marked by the rise of the Matariki star cluster and celebrated as a time of reflection, renewal, and cultural significance. We celebrate this special event under the stars surrounded by the ocean and the mountains.

Plant based catering

Enjoy a weekend of delicious plant based food. Nourish your body and soul. No need to cook or think about the next meal. We’ve got you covered for the whole weekend! Cruelty free and climate friendly.

༄ Reconnect with yourself

By connecting with nature - we connect with ourselves. This is a safe space that allows you to reconnect with your true self.

Sea side Accomodation

Cozy accomodation with an incredible view right from the living room and balcony. From breathtaking ocean and mountain views, to spectacular sunsets. Even dolphins and whales can be spotted. Lovely and warm community space for gatherings, yoga, mediation and breathwork.

Your room options:

> Private room with Queen size bed
> Double Room Single bed

  • Included:

    ✓ 3 days / 2 nights

    ✓ cozy ocean view accommodation

    ✓ 7x plant based meals

    ✓ yoga, meditation & breathwork

    ✓ whale sound journey

    ✓ guided intentional nature hike

    ✓ exploring local seal colony

    ✓ be part of the country wide whale & dolphin count and the Great Kaikoura Whale Count

    ✓ whale movie screening

    ✓ unforgettable experience

    ✓ be part of an amazing community

    ✓ Matariki celebration under the stars

    ✓ guided whale watching trip

    ✓ goodie bag

    ✓ certificate of completion (whale & dolphin count)


    Please note transportation to & from Kaikōura is not included.

    Nevertheless, we will offer a space to connect with other participants for potential car sharing.

Meet your host

Julia Graeter, Founder and CEO of we.are.tohorā will host you here in beautiful Kaikōura. Julia is a trained yoga teacher and coach, has brought together already many people in the past and worked as Head Research Assistant in Rarotonga with migrating Humpback Whales. Her passion for whales goes back to her childhood when she first saw the movie Free Willy. She made it her mission to reconnect people and whales.

Your options

You have three main options to join us at this retreat:

  • WHALE ENTHUSIAST

    On a budget and keen to share a room with another whale enthusiast? Check this out:

    ✓ 3 days / 2 nights

    ✓ cozy ocean view accommodation

    ✓ 7x plant based meals

    ✓ yoga, meditation & breathwork

    ✓ whale sound journey

    ✓ guided intentional nature hike

    ✓ exploring local seal colony

    ✓ be part of the country wide whale & dolphin count

    ✓ whale movie screening

    ✓ unforgettable experience

    ✓ be part of an amazing community

    ✓ Matariki celebration under the stars

    ✓ guided whale watching trip

    ✓ goodie bag

    ✓ certificate of completion (whale & dolphin count)

    Where you sleep:

    ✓ shared room (2 beds)

    ✓ single sized bed

    $ 1099 (NZD)

    Only 2 spaces available!
    PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE*
  • WHALE LOVER

    Join us for an amazing weekend retreat and connect with a like minded community:

    ✓ 3 days / 2 nights

    ✓ cozy ocean view accommodation

    ✓ 7x plant based meals

    ✓ yoga, meditation & breathwork

    ✓ whale sound journey

    ✓ guided intentional nature hike

    ✓ exploring local seal colony

    ✓ be part of the country wide whale & dolphin count

    ✓ whale movie screening

    ✓ unforgettable experience

    ✓ be part of an amazing community

    ✓ Matariki celebration under the stars

    ✓ guided whale watching trip

    ✓ goodie bag

    ✓ certificate of completion (whale & dolphin count)

    Where you sleep:

    ✓ private room

    ✓ queen sized bed

    $ 1.399 (NZD)

    SOLD OUT
    PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE *
  • EXCLUSIVE!

    Make it 3 nights! This is the ultimate package if you want it all! - WHALE NERD & DEEP HEALING PACKAGE

    ✓ 3 days / 2 nights

    ✓ cozy ocean view accommodation

    ✓ 7x plant based meals

    ✓ yoga, meditation & breathwork

    ✓ whale sound journey

    ✓ guided intentional nature hike

    ✓ exploring local seal colony

    ✓ be part of the country wide whale & dolphin count

    ✓ whale movie screening

    ✓ unforgettable experience

    ✓ be part of an amazing community

    ✓ Matariki celebration under the stars

    ✓ guided whale watching trip

    ✓ goodie bag

    ✓ certificate of completion (whale & dolphin count)

    Where you sleep:

    ✓ private room

    ✓ queen sized bed

    PLUS:

    ✓ 1x extra night!! (incl. 1 extra sunset)

    ✓ 1x dinner and social time at the local themed restaurant "The Whaler"

    ✓ 1x private 1:1 whale song healing session

    ✓ 1x sunrise & breakfast in Kaikoura

    $ 1.799 (NZD)

    SOLD OUT - Still interested in this option? Get in contact with us!
    PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE*
  • UP TO 55% OFF FOR YOUR BESTIE

    Bring your bestie for only $799!

    If you have a partner or close friend you'd like to bring with you - this is your bet! Share your room and sleep in one bed and get up to 55% off on the second person!

    ! Only valid in conjunction with WHALE LOVER or WHALE NERD ticket !

    + $799 (NZD)

    Price for WHALE LOVERS: $ 2.198 = $ 1.099 (NZD) per person
    Price for EXCLUSIVE - WHALE NERDS: $ 2.598 (NZD) = $ 1.299 (NZD) per person

Only limited spaces available

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