Wellderness Journeys
The story and theory behind it all
Where the journey started
About Wellderness
Company Director and lead guide, Steve Hodkinson, comes from a background in both Outdoor Education and Wellbeing & Resilience training. With 20 years experience working in schools across the globe, thousands of outdoor education trips, a Masters in Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Wellbeing, Steve decided to combine his passions into one ground breaking company - Wellderness, wellbeing journeys.
Steve says “The feedback from our initial trips was phenomenal, it gave us the drive and motivation to work through the logistical challenges that a venture like this must overcome”.
The benefit of being in nature
“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread."
- Edward Abbey, 'Desert Solitaire'.
We all know it, we feel better when we have spent time in nature. Recently scientists have tried to find out why. Hundreds of studies have identified the benefits of spending time in nature; recovery from illness, improved mood, reduced blood pressure, heart rate and stress, improved memory and increased connection, to name but a few.
At Wellderness we believe time in nature is fundamental to positive wellbeing. It is the backbone of our courses and we promise you will leave us wanting more.
Our courses are designed to...
Our courses are designed to take you on a physical and mental journey filled with learning, connection and laughs. During the course we will empower you to be more aware of your wellbeing and to take action which benefits you, your whanau and your colleagues. Wellderness courses work on the basis of "we do real". As you journey through nature by foot, raft, ski or bike, remember Henry Ford's advice, "Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realise this".
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What is Wellderness?
At Wellderness, everything we do comes from a genuine love of the outdoors and what it can offer us as individuals and communities.
We take you, your team, or whānau, into the outdoors and guide them through a Wellbeing Journey. The two or three day trip involves travelling through some of the most beautiful and stunning scenery in New Zealand, using rafts, feet, kayaks, bikes or even skis. On your journey you will learn and experience a range of wellbeing strategies and tools whilst developing strong connections with those around you.
Wellderness courses are driven by our business values:
Awe
We reveal the wonder
Experience
We create memorable moments
Exploration
We challenge people to go somewhere new
Connection
We provide the space to discover connections
Authenticity
We do real
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What is the accommodation?At Wellderness, we understand the significance of your comfort and strive to provide an unparalleled experience. Our retreats take place in exclusive, luxury glamping venues featuring Yurts or Tipis (depending on the location) that are equipped with power, heating and double or twin beds. Ensuite facilities can also be provided upon request.
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What groups size can you accommodate?Wellderness private retreats are exclusive for groups between 2 and 12 people and accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels.
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What level of fitness do I need?At Wellderness we pride ourselves in creating courses that fit with each unique group. Prior to the course we will ask about your current activity level so we can set the challenge at the appropriate level. All our courses involve some physical activity (walking, paddling in a raft or Kayak, Snow shoeing etc), however the aim is to balance the physical & mental/emotional challenges. Remember, it is a retreat, we want you to leave inspired not shattered.
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What about the transport?Wellderness will collect you from your accommodation in Queenstown or Wanaka or ZQN before whisking you away to your retreat. All transport within the course is included.
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Is food included?Yes, we have created a delicious gourmet menu that fits with our values and courses. All meals, snacks and drinks are provided. We cater for specific dietary requirements. We also include a chef cooked meal on some retreats.
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What if the weather is bad?Wellderness has 25 years experience running outdoor trips, we know when to go and when to change the plan. In the case of poor weather we will consider alternative locations but on occasion we may have to postpone your experience. All money will be refunded should we need to cancel your retreat.
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What gear do I need?Wellderness can provide all the gear necessary, however if you have some of your own we recommend you use that, particularly footwear. A gear list is emailed out prior to the course for you to highlight what you need to borrow from us.