🏞️ Deep Cove Writing Retreat

🌄 Day 1 — Arrival in Deep Cove

On the morning of 20 November 2025, at 7:25 a.m., our group of twenty-one people departed from the university. About half were students and the other half supervisors, including collaborators from Massey University, Auckland University of Technology, and Otago Polytechnic.

Three vans parked at the School of Surveys backyard, ready for departure

We had rented three vans in total, with one dedicated specifically to transporting food and living supplies. The lodge we were headed to, located deep in the isolated area of Deep Cove, provides only accommodation, a kitchen, and a shared living area—everything else must be brought in.

Pastoral scenery along the South Island, reminiscent of the classic Windows wallpaper

As the vans travelled along the winding roads, the scenery gradually shifted from pastoral landscapes—green meadows dotted with sheep and cattle—toward snow-capped mountains and dramatic fiord terrain. Around 2:00 p.m., we arrived at Pearl Harbour, where we transferred both our luggage and food supplies onto the passenger boat.

Pearl Harbour

The area is notorious for its sandflies—tiny insects that leave itchy bites— making insect repellent essential. Dr. Martin from France had injured his leg and was walking with a crutch. Since his toes were exposed, Dr. Long suggested wrapping them. Someone found a cloth, and Martin wrapped each toe carefully. The two quickly became our comedic duo for the trip, constantly teasing each other.

Location of Lake Manapouri and the resemblance between Deep Cove’s shape and the silver fern

We boarded the boat to cross Lake Manapouri. The lake’s Māori name means “the sorrowful heart,” originating from a legend of a woman who waited in vain for her lover. Doubtful Sound itself was a place Captain Cook avoided entering in 1770, giving it an air of mystery.

The snow-capped mountains and tranquil lake were breathtaking. Steep peaks surrounded us like stone guardians. Mist swirled over the mountain tops, making them look sacred. The wind was so strong it almost took my phone.

Anushka, Sumudu, and me on the boat

As we sailed deeper into the fiord, heavy rain began to fall, almost as if nature were guarding the area. After nearly an hour on the boat, we arrived at a dock. Locals with rain jackets and large packs immediately set off on foot. I held an umbrella—perhaps a very “Chinese instinct.”

realNZ bus

A realNZ bus took us through fifty minutes of bumpy mountain roads to our accommodation: the Deep Cove Education Centre, built into the hillside. The rain continued pouring for a full twenty-four hours.

Group photo of all twenty-one participants in front of Deep Cove Education Centre

Everyone helped unload supplies into the kitchen and storage room. After receiving our keys, we were assigned rooms of two to four beds. I shared a four-person room with Sumudu, Anushka, and Samantha. Already being classmates, the shared living experience brought us even closer.

Dormitory layout

Around 4:30 p.m., we were exhausted and hungry. Dinner was scheduled for 6:30. Dr. Judy led the cooking team. Dinner was pasta, soft bean sauce, beef with mushrooms, and vegetable salad. After a long day of travel, it tasted heavenly.

At 9:00 p.m., Professor Holger hosted the daily “Little Red Book” meeting. Each participant shared their writing goals. Though we joked the retreat was a “funded holiday,” the core purpose remained academic.

Back in our room, Sumudu and I showered before bed, while the others preferred daytime showers—showcasing different cultural habits. Samantha, an experienced camper, brought fairy lights, board games, and a speaker. Our dorm soon became a lively “mini United Nations dance floor,” with the Indian participant stealing the show.

I fell asleep around 10:30 p.m. My roommates later said I stopped mid-conversation and drifted off while they continued dancing until midnight. Apparently, I can sleep through anything—useful on group trips.

🌧️ Day 2 — Rainy Morning, Comfort Food & Cozy Writing

On 21 November 2025, the second morning of the retreat, I woke up at 6:10 a.m. with an urgent need to use the bathroom. Because the dorm door was loud and required force to open, I hesitated between getting up and waiting. I even dreamed of going to the toilet before finally getting up at 6:30.

Opening the door immediately woke Samantha, who slept closest to it. She is a Virgo—naturally sensitive and a light sleeper—so I silently apologized. Moments later Anushka woke up, and as someone who talks the moment she wakes, she quickly woke Sumudu too.

Afterward, I returned to bed. It was still raining, and the white noise, warm blanket, and cool air made it perfect for more sleep. My roommates and I dozed until around 7:30.

For breakfast, several students were already preparing their “Ganba breakfast”: greyish toast with seeds and a dark spread, plated neatly and paired with French press coffee. Not wanting to stand out, I made the same—two slices of toast and lemon–honey–ginger water.

Dr. Martin joined Ao and me and asked how the food was. I replied, “Very Ganba Lunch.” Ao burst into laughter. Martin immediately asked, “Do you mean white people food?” We explained the Internet meme “Ganba Lunch,” originating from videos of a Chinese aunt whose British husband always prepared dry, unappetizing meals despite using fancy tools. Martin found the story delightful and announced he was adding “Ganba Lunch” to his vocabulary. Soon the entire room learned the phrase.

The campsite before entering the Brasell Point Nature Walk

After breakfast, our four roommates plus Ao decided to explore the surroundings. It was still raining lightly. Samantha was fully geared with rain jacket, rain pants, and hiking boots. I carried a thermos, umbrella, and thick-soled sneakers.

Mist covered the mountains, waterfalls cascaded like jade ribbons, and rain soaked my clothing as I picked up stones by the lake. Further in, we found another trail resembling a scene from The Wizard of Oz or Jurassic Park. Worried that rising water might block our return path, we turned back after a short exploration.

Back at the lodge, we changed into dry clothes and settled into the warm, bright living room with floor-to-ceiling windows—perfect for reading and writing.

At noon, we prepared Chinese-style rice. When the rice appeared, Phyo, Maritsa, Joe, and Ifeoma rushed over—they were tired of noodles. We used a bigger pot. Phyo rinsed the rice thoroughly and he and Joe proudly took charge of cooking it.

We gathered chicken breast, onions, carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, asparagus, tomatoes, and eggs to make a hearty stir-fry. The rice turned out fluffy and perfect. Soon even students from other groups came to share the food.

After lunch, carbs hit us hard—we all napped.

Sour Cream–flavored chips

At 3 p.m., I woke up and continued writing. I opened a bag of Sour Cream chips, expecting an odd flavor—but they were delicious.

For dinner, Dr. Martin cooked a huge pot of large red beans and asked me to fetch bay leaves. We needed more rice. Judy suggested using a measuring cup, but I said it wasn’t necessary. Martin laughed: “Asians don’t need measuring cups— they use their finger.”

Me cutting onions

I prepared vegetables for salad while Anushka made a stew. With no meat, I was slightly disappointed, but mushrooms helped mimic a meaty flavor.

Meals from the past few days

The beans took too long, and everyone was starving by 8 p.m. Long teased Martin nonstop and the two challenged each other’s spice tolerance. I wasn’t full and ate snacks afterward.

During the nightly meeting, others had made significant writing progress. Holly especially impressed me—quiet, humble, and incredibly focused. I later checked her Google Scholar page; she already had several publications.

The men found their dorm too cramped and moved to a larger building despite more Sandflies, even carrying the UV insect lamp with them.

Later, Ao came to my room. We talked for two hours about our PhD journeys, life in New Zealand, and future plans. My roommates were playing board games. Around 11 p.m., I showered and went to sleep. They returned after midnight.

🌿 Day 3 — Henena Falls Track & Curry Night

On 22 November 2025, I once again woke up at 6:30 a.m. sharp. Although my daily schedule is usually irregular, group living always resets my biological clock instantly. Samantha had already planned today’s activity the night before: at 9:00 a.m., our group of eight (Sumudu, Anushka, Samantha, Maritsa, Holly, Phyo, Joe, and me) would hike the Henena Falls Track to see the waterfall.

After finishing my “Ganba breakfast,” I wrote my paper while waiting for everyone to gather. Realizing I could not continue delaying my writing progress, I began typing intensely.

Our group of eight on the Henena Falls Track

At 9:00 a.m., we started our 10 km hike. Holly and Samantha came fully prepared with bug spray, trekking poles, rain jackets, snacks, and hiking packs—ready for an overnight expedition if necessary. I, on the other hand, carried only an umbrella and a bottle of water. Before departure, we covered every exposed bit of skin with insect repellent.

The scenery along the trail was breathtaking—“just as you think there is no way forward, a new vista appears.” The path rose and fell dramatically with steep ascents and descents due to the fiord terrain. Although the waterfall and our accommodation were roughly at the same elevation, the constant ups and downs were exhausting. My shoes gradually became soaked, and after a while, I simply treated my sneakers like sandals.

Forest trail with fluorescent marker poles

The trail was nothing like the well-maintained paths I had imagined. Here, a “track” is marked only by fluorescent poles placed hundreds of meters apart; everything else is untouched wilderness. Many sections required teamwork, so anyone planning to hike in this area should definitely go with companions.

Me at the waterfall with the stones I collected

Group photo beneath the waterfall

Weka nearby

After hiking about 3 km, we reached Henena Falls. I picked up a few stones as souvenirs. Maritsa and I returned early while the others continued. My shoes and socks were fully soaked, so after getting back I washed everything and dried them in the sun and by the heater.

Ao and I cooked lunch: stir-fried tomato and eggs with leftover rice—simple but delicious. The nap that followed restored all my energy, and I spent the afternoon writing intensively.

The small lodge below the main building where Wi-Fi was available

Later in the afternoon, I went to the small lodge with Wi-Fi to video-call my family and check Taobao orders. My daughter refused to hang up, and I quickly ran out of mobile data—twice.

When Samantha came to call us for dinner, Tony had prepared curry rice and vegetable fritters. I finished a fritter immediately and asked for a second one while the curry simmered.

Vegetable fritters made by Tony

While waiting for dinner, we played UNO. Several times I almost won, but Sumudu distracted me on purpose so I forgot to shout “UNO.” I never won a single round.

The dice game “Greed”

The professors looked helpless but tolerated the noise. Afterward, a Kea appeared and tried to steal our food by pulling bags out of the containers.

A visiting Kea

A Kea attempting to steal our food

We played until nearly midnight. Before sleeping, we discussed worldviews. I said the world must be a program written by coders. Sumudu explained karma. Anushka expressed her belief in God. Not long after, I drifted off to sleep.

🌊 Day 4 — Cruise to the Tasman Sea, Penguins & Glowworms

On 23 November 2025, I woke up at 7:00 a.m. sharp. Samantha had already planned the day: at 9:00 a.m., seven of us (Sumudu, Anushka, Samantha, Maritsa, Phyo, Akbar, and me) would take a 2.5-hour cruise from Deep Cove toward the mouth of the fiord to see penguins and sea lions. The activity cost 175 NZD—more expensive than the entire Writing Retreat fee of 150 NZD—so it was a special optional trip.

Knowing we’d face strong wind, I layered up with a hoodie and jacket. My shoes, washed the previous day, were finally dry. Breakfast was the classic “Ganba” style, though I upgraded it with a fried egg and some chicken.

The port at Deep Cove

At 9:00 a.m., we walked ten minutes to the port. The boat waited for a group of local primary school students—another mini “United Nations”—and a busload of French tourists. The vessel resembled the one on Lake Manapouri, with indoor decks and an open viewing platform.

Anushka and I looked for good angles and poses. At first the third deck was full of people with long-lens cameras, but as the boat went deeper into the fiord, the wind and rain intensified. Soon only a few brave souls remained on the top deck.

A photo Anushka took of me on the cruise

A guide narrated through a loudspeaker as we snapped photos. We spotted two small penguins swimming, but they dove underwater the moment they sensed our attention.

Shelter Islands, home to sea lions

The cruise reached the outer edge of the fiord near the Tasman Sea. We saw sea lions resting freely on jagged rocks—creatures seemingly living at the very end of the world. They reminded me of the “Mirage City” from the fantasy novel I read in high school.

Two penguins playing in the water

Finally, I captured a video of two penguins playing. Penguins have always been special to me—from my childhood QQ pet to my QQ Speed motorcycle charm.

Scenic view of Deep Cove

On the return journey, the captain stopped by the tallest mountain in the area. With the engine off, we closed our eyes and listened to water and birds. I felt both small and deeply connected to nature—an unforgettable moment.

Group photo of the seven of us on the cruise

After docking, Professor Akbar—who often visits China—chatted with me about Hangzhou, WeChat Pay, and Alipay, explaining them to the other supervisors.

Professor Akbar preparing dinner

After a simple Ganba Lunch, I wrote my journal until nearly 8 p.m., when the smell of BBQ reminded me of dinner. Claudia cooked—everything she makes is refined and delicious.

BBQ-themed dinner

The BBQ was hearty—beef patty, cheese, salads, grilled mushroom with sesame chili, and sausages. Afterward, Professor Holger led the nightly Little Red Book meeting. Everyone praised the retreat. Claudia introduced “VIBE,” a technology for voice-command AI. I shared my thoughts, and unexpectedly, everyone applauded.

Someone suggested glowworms, so about ten of us hiked into the night. Glowworms dotted the cliffs like fallen stars, while above, a bright Milky Way filled the sky. Anushka suggest using 10-second exposure settings, to capture stunning night photos.

The starry sky we photographed

On the way back, Holly took us to another viewpoint with an even more splendid sky. Glowworm holes lined the cliffs like perfectly spaced mathematical dots—we joked that the glowworms must excel at modeling.

Tony and Kirk sharing guitar music

When we returned near midnight, Tony and Kirk were playing guitar while others chatted. I made lemon–honey–ginger water for Sumudu, who wasn’t feeling well. Later, we girls danced quietly in the room—Claudia and Brendon walked by, jokingly gesturing for us to keep it down.

The puzzle completed by Samantha and Vaughan

☀️ Day 5 — Sunshine, Hiking & Our Final Chinese Dinner

On 24 November 2025, we somehow slept in until 10:30 a.m. We had been way too excited the night before. I woke up sweating, immediately took a shower and washed my hair, then went to the lounge to continue writing. Since we were leaving the next morning at 9 a.m., our food supplies were becoming mismatched. Many high-energy ingredients were gone, especially with so many Asians in the group.

I eventually found a packet of smoked burger meat slices. I pan-fried two pieces, placed them in hamburger buns with sliced tomato, cheese, and egg mayonnaise, heated everything in the microwave, and paired it with a cup of milk—a very “Ganba” lunch.

Brasell Point Nature Walk

At 1:30 p.m., I went hiking with Ao, Sumudu, and Anushka to finish the section of the Brasell Point Nature Walk we hadn’t completed previously.

Trail along Brasell Point Nature Walk

Forest scenery along Brasell Point Nature Walk

The weather was unbelievably beautiful: bright turquoise lake, vivid blue sky, deep green mountains—like every natural filter had been switched on. With just the four of us girls, everyone was relaxed and cheerful, posing playfully at each viewpoint.

Playing on the rocks

A group photo of the four of us

A distant view overlooking Deep Cove

After returning to the lodge, I went to the small cabin with Wi-Fi to continue organizing my journal and inserting photos.

Dr. Long cooking dinner

Meanwhile, Ao helped Dr. Long prepare dinner. Tonight the Asian group cooked Chinese food. Long led the kitchen, Ao assisted, and Maritsa and Joe cooked rice. Days of teamwork had made us efficient—the rice was perfect.

They prepared four dishes: carrot–onion stir-fry, tofu in sauce, stir-fried tomato and cucumber, and sautéed lettuce. Simple vegetable dishes, yet incredibly satisfying. Ao said it was her favorite meal of the entire retreat. Anushka said she loved Chinese food. I joked, “Come to China—I’ll take you to try thousands more!”

Finally enjoying Chinese food on our last night

This was the fastest meal of the entire trip—Chinese cooking is highly efficient. By 7:20 p.m., everyone had finished eating and cleaning. I washed dishes with Phyo and Joe, our consistent “good boys” of the kitchen.

During the final Little Red Book meeting, everyone shared reflections about the retreat. The supervisors also reminded us of the next day’s schedule and suggested taking photos of remaining food for future planning.

With sunset around 9 p.m., the five of us (Anushka, Sumudu, Ifeoma, Holly, and me) decided to hike back to Brasell Point to watch it. For Ifeoma, it was the first time. Though tall, she was surprisingly timid—screaming at each slippery step. We held her hands and reassured her constantly.

Ifeoma was scared but still great at posing for photos

A moment of joy

When we reached the big lake rock, the golden light shimmered across the mountains. We took more group photos and videos.

Watching the sunset from the rock

Sunset at Deep Cove

On the way back, Ifeoma screamed through the steep ascent but continued bravely. By the time we reached the road, she declared she’d never join us again—yet she danced happily all the way back.

We took photos at a roadside sign, using her phone’s music-enabled camera mode. The video came out wonderfully.

Back at the lodge, I showered again, packed some of my luggage, and joined the others in the lounge. Joe shared stories about his family, reminding us to cherish our loved ones. By 11 p.m., the entire lodge was asleep.

🌄 Day 6 — Farewell Deep Cove & Reflections for the Future

On the morning of 25 November 2025, the four of us in the dorm woke up around 7 a.m. After getting up, I quickly packed my luggage and checked the fridge for any remaining food. Almost everything was gone, so I made a simple Ganba-style breakfast. Afterwards, I went down to the small cabin near the lodge to access the internet, mainly to watch videos of my daughter at kindergarten.

At 8:10 a.m., I returned to the lounge where everyone was preparing breakfast and final packing. I noticed the printed papers I had left earlier in the week and quickly tucked them into my backpack.

At 9:25 a.m., our bus arrived. The driver kindly took a group photo at the lodge entrance before we boarded. While loading luggage, I realized we also had to bring back all the rubbish we produced. Considering Deep Cove is remote and environmentally protected, it made perfect sense.

A view overlooking Deep Cove

On the way back, the driver continued explaining unique regional plants, including one with lotus-shaped leaves and small white bell-shaped flowers growing on the cliffs. He also stopped at a lookout point offering breathtaking views of the fiord.

The boat picking us up for the return journey

Once we reached the harbor, our phones instantly reconnected to the internet. Everyone immediately uploaded videos to TikTok and Instagram. After half an hour, the boat arrived. Anushka and I stayed on the upper deck, enjoying the scenery and taking more photos.

At Pearl Harbour, we switched to vans. At 14:30, we arrived in the small town of Core, where we ate some food for lunch, then continued driving another two hours. We reached Dunedin at 17:30.

Passing through Core

✨ Reflections from the Retreat

Looking back on this Writing Retreat, I discovered many fascinating contrasts between cultures and ways of life from around the world.

1. Language & Education

Phyo told me that in Myanmar, primary and middle school are entirely in the national language, with no computers at all. Only in high school and university do they switch to English.

Anushka, born in New Zealand to academic parents, grew up in India attending English-medium schools and English as her first language. Malaysian Chinese maintain a full Chinese education system while also being multilingual. In Sri Lanka, undergraduate education is conducted entirely in English.

In China, from bachelor’s to PhD, most education is in Chinese, giving us a solid foundation in our native language. Though my English isn’t fully fluent yet, I’m improving constantly. This retreat made me realize that China is itself a complete world, and the outside world knows far less about China than many assume. Now that I have seen the outside world, I also understand the Chinese world more clearly. I hope someday I can help bridge these two worlds.

2. Understanding Human Nature

Regardless of nationality or ethnicity, people share the same fundamental emotions—joy, anger, sadness, happiness. Those who join a retreat like this, spending days with strangers, are generally kind, open-minded, and open to new experiences. If the Writing Retreat happens again next year, I will sign up without hesitation.

3. Communication Across Cultures

Inclusion, sincerity, and respect are the keys to cross-cultural communication. But sincerity sometimes touches on sensitive spots, so it helps to first ask if the other person is ready for honesty. Likewise, when someone offends us unintentionally, expressing our feelings usually leads to smoother communication. Anushka taught me a lot about this—she always expresses her boundaries clearly and immediately.

4. Improving My English

Returning to Dunedin, I plan to watch more English daily-life content to expand everyday vocabulary. Words like “firefly” are taught in textbooks, but New Zealanders say “glowworm.” I feel I’ve reached an English plateau and am waiting for my next breakthrough. My goal: English “above daily life but not yet fully academic.”

5. The Value of Personal Hobbies

Singing, dancing, hiking—these interests are international languages that connect people across cultures.

6. Social Awareness Matters Everywhere

One universal truth: people appreciate those who contribute—carrying supplies, cooking, cleaning. If someone consistently avoids contributing, misunderstandings arise. Group travel requires collaboration, and social awareness is valued everywhere in the world.