Applications are open for the next PG Writer’s Retreat on 19-21 May 2025! But what exactly happens at a retreat? What will you do, where will you stay, what services can you access, and how’s the food?
This article guides you (in great detail!) on what to expect if you are considering applying to, or have been accepted for, a writer’s retreat. Much of this post is specific to the AUT Postgraduate Writer’s Retreats, but if you are attending another writer’s retreat, a lot of the same principles will apply (minus the venue-related bits).
The TL;DR? At a residential retreat, you spend a few days writing intensively in a focused environment. Food and accommodation is provided, and there are expert writing advisors on hand to help you with any stumbling blocks.
Those are the basics… but let’s get into some specifics! Read on or click below for details on:
- the application process
- the writing
- the programme
- the venue
- the accommodation
- the food
- the cost
- transportation
- what to pack
The application process
At AUT we ask you to fill in an online application form to be considered for a place at a retreat. The costs of the retreat are covered by the university, and the application process ensures that places can be allocated fairly. The form asks why you want to attend the retreat, gives space for your supervisor/s’ endorsement (optional) and covers practicalities like dietary requirements.
You can increase your odds of succeeding in this application process by being clear about your objectives for the retreat, and by obtaining a short endorsement from a supervisor. Priority is given to those who haven’t attended a retreat before, and/or those who are at a critical writing stage in their research (e.g. preparing to submit their thesis, drafting a publication, or preparing a written research proposal). That being said, it’s often possible to attend more than one retreat at different points in your research – so don’t be scared to apply even if you think your odds are low.
You will hear the outcome of your application typically within a month (often less). If you are successful (or waitlisted) we recommend making any arrangements necessary for time off work or childcare. Don’t forget the out-of-office email to let everyone know you’re in deep focus mode!
The writing
First and foremost, you can expect to spend most of your time on quiet, independent writing. It’s important to bring everything you need to write: your laptop or other device/s, any key texts (whether physical books / printouts or digital documents and notes), pen & paper if you like to sketch out ideas by hand, and any other materials that you consider to be writing must-haves.
It’s also important to consider how you can make the most of your writing time. How will you focus and prevent distractions? What questions do you want to ask, and have answered? Most importantly: what do you want to achieve, and how will you break down your time to achieve those goals?
Many participants report having a patchy first day as they adjust to the new environment; and then greater productivity on days 2-3 as they build momentum. If your goal is to produce text (as opposed to editing) then depending on your own pace and habits, it’s possible to achieve 1,000+ words per day. Read here for a personal account of one student’s process to write 5,000 words during a retreat!
You can choose to write in your room, in common areas, or even outdoors. Feel free to shift writing locations whenever you like.
At our AUT retreat you can access consultations from writing experts throughout the retreat. You sign up for these in 30 minute increments, and you can have more than one session (as long as availability allows). We typically have one academic writing specialist, and one research education generalist available. They are happy to review your writing, discuss ideas, direct you to resources, and answer questions about thesis requirements. However, they are unlikely to have a background in your field and so usually cannot give advice on subject matter, methods, or other discipline-specific matters.
The programme
While most time is spent on independent writing, there is generally a programme offering other activities as well. Here’s a sample of a previous AUT PG Writer’s Retreat programme. Please note that if you are accepted to a retreat, you’ll receive your confirmed programme in advance of your retreat.
This programme includes some time on the first day to get to know each other, go over housekeeping, and do a free-writing activity. It also includes optional reflections at the end of each day, and an evening session to build your writing and reviewing skills.
You may also like to incorporate some activities of your own – such as walks, yoga, or meditation – to act as writing breaks and keep you in a good frame of mind. We’ve even had people organise impromptu yoga classes on prior retreats!
You can be social or solitary on these retreats. Mealtimes are shared, so there is a chance to chat and get to know people if you like! Some people stay in their rooms and work alone, while others write and take breaks in groups – whatever works best for you is totally fine.
The venue
At AUT, our PG Writer’s Retreats are 2 night / 3 day events held at Vaughan Park Retreat Centre in beautiful Long Bay, Auckland. The venue is a stone’s throw from Long Bay Regional Park, right on the beach. Many retreat-goers make great use of the beautiful surrounds by going for walks and swims.
A few important things to note about the venue:
- Vaughan Park is run as an Anglican centre, meaning there are Bibles in the rooms and religious symbols throughout the venue. However, our retreat is secular and the venue is completely welcoming to people of all faiths.
- The wifi is free and fast enough for research purposes.
- There are plenty of power points to plug in laptops.
- There is a resident (very friendly) cat who loves to visit and sit on laps.
- There are no venue staff onsite overnight, but an emergency number is available for any issues during unstaffed hours.
- Smoking and vaping are not permitted indoors; there is an outdoor ‘amphitheatre’ space for smokers.
- External food is not allowed; though the food provided is pretty good (see below).
- Candles and incense are not allowed in rooms.
- Any alarms are real, not drills! The emergency gathering area is in the main carpark.
The accommodation
You’ll be allocated a room within a shared ‘house,’ which comprises 6 rooms and shared bathroom / lounge facilities. Your room is private and lockable, but the rest of the house is shared (on a single-sex basis). Rooms are small and contain a single bed, desk and chair, sink, and wardrobe. Towels, hand soap, bed linens, and extra blankets are provided. The shared bathrooms have a toilet, sink, and shower.
You will also have access to shared common areas, including a large meeting room, dining room, and lounge space. There is a fireplace, chess set, and small library in the common lounge space for brain-breaks.
This is very much a writing venue and not a hotel! There is no TV or other screens in the rooms or shared lounges – so you can maintain 100% focus on your writing.
The food
At our AUT PG Writer’s Retreats the food is provided by chefs at the Vaughan Park Retreat Centre. They offer 3 meals a day plus morning and afternoon tea. However, please check the programme for details of which meals are included – for instance, breakfast is not included on the first day.
Meals are served like a mini-buffet, and you help yourself. Tea, plunger coffee, and water are available in the dining room at all times, and there is a push-button espresso machine available at a small charge (at the time of writing, $3 per cup or $15 bottomless all day).
The venue does not allow outside food (and they do charge a fine for rule violations), so you need to make sure you eat enough at the set mealtimes.
There’s a lot of variation in the menu, but a typical day could include:
Breakfast: Bacon, eggs, sausages, toast, cereals, yoghurt, fruit, and spreads
Morning tea: Baked item of the day (e.g. cookies, muffins, scones, fruit loaf)
Lunch: One meat or pasta item and several salads, plus breads and condiments, with juice
Afternoon tea: Fruit selection
Dinner: Hot dish (e.g. pasta, meat, or casserole) and several salads, plus breads and condiments
There are alternatives provided for those with dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, halal, etc. However, alternatives are only provided for those who specify a dietary requirement in advance – so be sure to list yours in your application form (and thereafter, contact the organisers to make any adjustments).
The cost
At AUT, the Postgraduate Writer’s Retreat is free to accepted participants! The Graduate Research School covers venue costs, accommodation, and meals. The only cost you’ll have to pay personally is your transportation to/from the venue.
If you ever want to pay for your own DIY writer’s retreat at Vaughan Park, they do offer individual food and accommodation packages. As at the time of writing, this starts from NZ$192 for 24 hours (including your room and catered meals). View the full list of options and rates here.
Transportation
The Vaughan Park Retreat Centre is accessible by car and (somewhat less easily) by bus. Check out the map here.
By car: Follow signs to Long Bay Regional Park. For those travelling from the city, you’ll cross the Harbour Bridge and continue on SH1 until the Oteha Valley Rd exit. Some GPS systems recommend the wrong turn-off toward the venue, so be sure to check your map! The venue entrance is pictured below. There is plenty of parking at each accommodation house, and at the main building.
By bus: Check the AT Hop Journey Planner for directions specific to you (here’s what they recommend for travelling from the AUT city campus). For most people, it’s easiest to make your way to Albany Bus Station, then catch an 856 or 861 bus to Torbay shops. From there, it’s a 10 minute walk to the venue.
What to pack
Essentials:
- Writing materials (including a laptop)
- Chargers for any electronics
- Clothes (think casual and comfy)
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Water bottle
Optional extras:
- Exercise clothes / shoes
- Headphones / earbuds
- Hat & sunscreen
- Togs if you plan on having a swim at the beach (towels are provided)
We recommend packing light if you’re travelling by bus as you will need to carry your bag for a 10min walk.
Questions?
Click here to find out dates and application info for the next AUT Postgraduate Writer’s Retreat. You can contact the organisers with any questions at red@aut.ac.nz.
