Create Explore Connect Relax

Multi-day Art Retreats

What You Can Expect

Escape the pace of everyday life and immerse yourself in a multi-day creative retreat where art, nature, adventure and discovery come together in one of New Zealand's most inspiring landscapes.

Stay in beautiful accomodation surrounded by mountains, wide open landscapes. Spending time at carefully selected locations on the land with fully immersed creative sessions. Each retreat combines a a deep dive into knowledge and history of the landscape, which gives you a strong connection of place and environment. Followed by guided sketching and painting with explorations into high mountains, old forests, alpine rivers and conservation areas with mirrored lake reflections. Designed for artists of all experience levels, these bespoke experiences offer time to slow down, develop your creative practice, connect with nature and enjoy the hospitality of some of the South Island's most remarkable locations. Every retreat is thoughtfully tailored to the group.

A Creative Escape Designed Around You

Every Art Adventures NZ retreat is individually planned, allowing us to create a unique experience that reflects your interests, group size and preferred level of adventure.

Whether you are seeking a peaceful painting holiday, a private small group experience with friends, a corporate wellbeing retreat or an artist's immersion in nature, we work with carefully selected accommodation partners throughout the Southern Lakes region. Retreats are typically available as 2 or 3 day experiences. with the option to add extra days of Art Adventures, relaxing or local experiences.

Each retreat includes:

  • Daily Art Adventures of guided sketching and painting sessions.

  • Professional art tuition suitable for beginners through to experienced artists.

  • Led by experienced artist and guide who encourages exploration, while holding space for deep immersion in nature.

  • Connection is a core part of the process. You’ll learn just as much from the group journey as from the painting process itself.

  • Visits to spectacular lakes, rivers, forests and mountain landscapes

  • Guided walks through conservation areas and native bushland.

  • Opportunities for photography towards , sketching, painting and creative exploration

  • Comfortable luxury accommodation in stunning unique locations

  • Gourmet meals and locally sourced produce. Dietary needs can be assisted.

  • Small and private group sizes for a personalised experiences.

  • All plein air art materials provided including Moleskin sketching kit and packaging for any paintings.

  • Our retreats prioritise creativity along with comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.

Retreats can be designed to your groups needs, allowing each retreat experience to respond to the seasons, weather and your group's core interests.

With additional experiences like horse riding and Kayaking available.

A Retreat for Every Creative Spirit.

Our multi-day art retreats are designed for solo travellers, couples, friends, families, creative beginners, practising artists, photographers, nature lovers, corporate wellbeing groups and international visitors seeking an authentic New Zealand experience. No previous drawing or painting experience is required—just a sense of curiosity and a love of nature.

Every retreat is guided by a professional exhibiting artist with years of experience exploring the hidden valleys, mountain landscapes, rivers and forests of New Zealand's Southern Lakes. More than an art holiday, Art Adventures NZ offers the opportunity to slow down, see the landscape with fresh eyes and create lasting memories through meaningful experiences, expert guidance for every experience level and genuine local hospitality.

Create Explore Connect Relax

Book Your Retreat

Register interest

How It Works

  • Choose whether you would like to have one day of Art Adventure or 2 days mixed in with some wonderful local experiences. Or perhaps a little more.

  • By sending us through an email with what your large or small group needs, we can look at the dates and details and get back to you with an answer on your queries.

  • After reviewing the booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—any detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.

  • We'd recommend booking your flights to Queenstown as soon as you have decided on joining us, so as to get the best deals. We suggest you arrive even 1 day before and enjoy a night in Queenstown to allow for any delays. We can then pick you up with comfortable transportation to and from the accomodation to ensure you can arrive with ease for your Art adventure.

  • Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure. Feel free to send us any questions about Queenstown or weather expectations to help with your packing.