Rest, reflect and reconnect with WHALENESS
- wellbeing created by whales, for the planet and the people.
ᨒ THE RETREAT WHERE MOUNTAINS MEET THE SEA &
WHALES MEET THE SOUL ༄
When: 20th - 22nd June 2025 (Matariki Weekend)
Where: Kaikōura, Sudima Hotel
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.
It's your time to rest, reflect and reconnect. Inspired and guided by whales, you will calm your nervous system and recharge your mind, body and soul.
We stay at the Sudima Kaikōura:
A new 5-star hotel with stunning views of mountains and sea, located on the shoreline of Kaikōura, the perfect surrounding to unwind and reconnect to nature and the whales.
Learn about and experience first hand the power of WHALENESS
- wellbeing created by whales for the planet and the people.
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Rest, reflect & reconnect
This is time for yourself. Inspired and guided by whales, you will calm your nervous system and recharge your mind, body and soul.
The concept of Whaleness
Learn about the concept of Whaleness - Wellbeing created by whales for the planet and the people. We will learn about the importance of whales for the ecosystem we are living in and experience how whales can help to increase our own wellbeing.
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.
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 20th 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.
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!
Remember who you are
Remember who you are. This weekend will help you to reconnect with nature and your true self. We dive in to resurface.
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
Located on the shoreline, Sudima Kaikōura is a new 5-star hotel. From breathtaking ocean and mountain views, to spectacular sunsets. Even dolphins and whales have been spotted. Private community space for gatherings, yoga, mediation and breathwork.
Your room options:
> Deluxe Twin (BASIC)
> Deluxe Twin with Ocean view (SIGNATURE)
> Deluxe King with Ocean view and Balcony (DELUXE)
> Share a room (BRING A BESTIE)
-
Included:
✓ 3 days / 2 nights
✓ 5-star ocean view accommodation
✓ 7x plant based meals
✓ yoga, meditation & breathwork
✓ whale sound journey
✓ pool session✓ guided intentional nature hike
✓ exploring local seal colony
✓ whale movie screening
✓ unforgettable experience
✓ be part of an amazing community
✓ Matariki celebration under the stars
✓ guided whale watching trip
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, Whale Woman, Founder & CEO of we.are.tohorā, International Keynote Speaker and Visionary & Thought Leader in Whaleness. Julia is a trained yoga teacher and coach, has brought together already many people in the past and worked alive and deceased 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:
-
BASIC
You need some time off and want to reconnect with whales?
Check this out:✓ 3 days / 2 nights
✓ 5-star hotel with ocean view
✓ 7x plant based meals
✓ yoga, meditation & breathwork
✓ whale sound journey
✓ guided intentional nature hike
✓ exploring local seal colony
✓ learn about & experience whaleness
✓ whale movie screening
✓ unforgettable experience
✓ be part of an amazing community
✓ Matariki celebration under the stars
✓ guided whale watching trip
Where you sleep:
✓ Deluxe Twin Room
✓ double sized bed
$ 1399 (NZD)Only 2 spaces available!
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE*
-
SIGNATURE (Most popular)
Join us for an amazing weekend retreat and connect with a like minded community:
✓ 3 days / 2 nights
✓ 5-star hotel with ocean view
✓ 7x plant based meals
✓ yoga, meditation & breathwork
✓ whale sound journey
✓ guided intentional nature hike
✓ exploring local seal colony
✓ learn about & experience whaleness
✓ whale movie screening
✓ unforgettable experience
✓ be part of an amazing community
✓ Matariki celebration under the stars
✓ guided whale watching trip
Where you sleep:
✓ Deluxe Twin Room
✓ double sized bed
✓ Ocean View
PLUS:✓ goodie bag
$ 1.599 (NZD)
Most popular
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE *
-
DELUXE
This is the ultimate package if you want it all! - Private Balcony & 1:1 Coaching
✓ 3 days / 2 nights
✓ 5-star hotel with ocean view
✓ 7x plant based meals
✓ yoga, meditation & breathwork
✓ whale sound journey
✓ guided intentional nature hike
✓ exploring local seal colony
✓ learn about & experience whaleness
✓ whale movie screening
✓ unforgettable experience
✓ be part of an amazing community
✓ Matariki celebration under the stars
✓ guided whale watching trip
Where you sleep:
✓ Deluxe King
✓ King sized bed
✓ Ocean view
✓ Balcony
PLUS:✓ goodie bag
✓ 1x private coaching session
$ 2.099 (NZD)Limited spaces available
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE*
-
UP TO 50% 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 get up to 50% off on the second person!
+ $799 (NZD)
Price for BASIC: $ 2.198 = $ 1.099 (NZD) per person
Price for SIGNATURE: $ 2.398 = $ 1.199 (NZD) per personPrice for DELUXE: $ 2.898 (NZD) = $ 1.449 (NZD) per person

* If you choose the option of a payment plan an initial payment of $250 (NZD) will be payed. We will contact you after your booking to establish a suited payment plan. Each payment plan includes an added $100 (NZD) processing fee.
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