Accommodation & Logistics

Accommodation

Onsite accommodation is available in units with between seven to ten rooms. You can book this when you register for the Retreat. Each unit has a bathroom, lounge, and kitchenette where you can make tea and coffee. Sole occupancy or shared rooms (maximum two occupants) are available. If you would like to book out an entire unit for a group (minimum 7 people) please note this in your registration form.

If you are staying onsite, you will need to bring your own duvet and/or blanket. Please bring your own fitted sheet, pillow, and pillowcase. Alternatively, El Rancho is able to provide a fitted sheet, pillow, and pillowcase at a cost of $15 per person. Please indicate your preference when booking accommodation.

Alternatively, there are many baches and bed and breakfasts in the area.

Getting there

El Rancho is situated at 58 Weggery Drive, Waikanae, Kāpiti Coast. You can drive or take public transport to the area. If you are coming from Wellington, you may want to catch the train, as the traffic heading out of town on a Friday can be quite heavy. We provide a shuttle that can take you to and from the Waikanae Station. See below for more details.

Coming by public transport

If you wish to come by public transport, from the South it is easiest to catch the Tranz Metro train service heading to Waikanae. From the North, you would need to travel by bus. The Intercity travels through Waikanae.

We will provide transport to take participants, who register beforehand, from the Waikanae train station to the venue, departing at 2:30 pm on Friday and returning to Waikanae Station at the close of the event on Sunday. You can indicate your interest in the shuttle when you register.

Coming by car or bike

If you are driving or cycling follow the expressway to Waikanae Beach, then follow the signs to El Rancho. Drive through the complex and turn right just before the office into Elm Lodge, where we are staying.

If you have any questions regarding getting to the venue, or you wish to offer seats in your car to others in your area, please get in touch.

What to bring

Please bring all the materials you need to write. If you are staying onsite, you will need to bring your own duvet and/or blanket. Please bring your own fitted sheet, pillow, and pillowcase. Alternatively, El Rancho is able to provide a fitted sheet, pillow, and pillowcase at a cost of $15 per person. Please indicate your preference when booking accommodation.

You will need to bring a towel and your own toiletries. If you want to join in the morning yoga bring a mat and a light blanket or shawl.