Hiking and Meditation Retreat - Queenstown, NZ

Hiking and Meditation Retreat in Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand, is a multi-day meditation retreat led by meditation teacher Tom Cronin, with breathwork coach and yin yoga teacher Anna Pham. It is for anyone who feels worn down by the pace of work, screens and responsibility and wants real time for stillness, rest and clarity. Newcomers and long-time meditators are both welcome.

The retreat is called Alchemy. It combines meditation, gentle yoga, breathwork, time on the land and quiet reflection, with talks and workshops on purpose, self-awareness and mindful living.

What to Expect

The days follow a steady rhythm of silence, movement, learning and rest. Mornings begin with meditation and yoga to wake the body and settle the mind, and evenings close with meditation too. In between there are workshops, talks and breathwork sessions, along with mindful walks, time in nature, and quiet periods for journaling and introspection. Extended stretches of silence are built into the program, so you have room to go inward without distraction. Devices are set aside as far as possible.

The breathwork and yoga draw on pranayama and restorative breathing to help the body release tension and regulate the nervous system, preparing the mind for deeper meditation. The talks and workshops look at purpose, emotional renewal and shifting old patterns of thinking. Meals are plant-based and prepared with care, and the group is small enough that many people leave with friendships as well as practices they can keep using at home.

About Tom Cronin

Tom Cronin is a meditation teacher, coach, keynote speaker and author based in Sydney. He spent 26 years in finance as one of Australia's leading bond and swap brokers, and on paper he was successful. Underneath, he was living with stress, anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks. He came to meditation when that anxiety reached a crisis point, and found that by listening to his inner voice rather than running from it, he reached clarity, peace and purpose. He later left finance to do the work he felt called to.

Tom founded The Stillness Project, a global movement to inspire one billion people to sit in stillness daily. He teaches meditation courses, including Vedic meditation, and has guided people for over two decades. His teaching blends ancient wisdom with modern insight.

About Anna Pham

Anna Pham is a breathwork coach, yin yoga teacher and cacao ceremony host. She spent many years as a fashion designer before turning to a more embodied path, guiding people back into connection with themselves through breath, movement, ritual and stillness. Her work supports emotional release, nervous system regulation and self-awareness, and she is known for a grounded, nurturing presence that invites people to slow down and soften.

The Setting

The retreat takes place in Queenstown, in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island. Tom's retreats are held in peaceful natural surroundings, and this one adds hiking to the usual mix of walks and time outdoors.

Before You Go

No prior experience is needed, only a willingness to be present and open. Whether you have never meditated or practise daily, the teaching meets you where you are. You will go home with simple practices that fit into everyday life.