Day 1

Arrival & East Coast Soft Landing

We arrive in Auckland and quickly slip away to New Zealand’s East Coast, landing in Gisborne where the pace drops immediately. Tatapouri Bay becomes home—oceanfront cabins and glamping, shoes off, salt air doing its thing. Jet lag fades faster than expected. The first afternoon is intentionally light: sauna, hot tubs by the sea, or simply sitting still. A welcome dinner that evening sets the tone—local, generous, and easy. By the end of night one, the group already feels like a group.

Day 2

Water, Wine & Story

Mornings start with coffee by the sea, followed by a respectful, unforgettable wild stingray experience—quiet and close, never performative. The afternoon brings a long wine lunch inland, where flavors and conversation stretch comfortably. That evening, a private film screening adds texture and context, deepening your sense of where you are and what you’re moving through.

Day 3

Sunrise & Scale

We rise early for sunrise on Mt. Hikurangi. Sacred land, first light, and a feeling that’s hard to put into words but easy to carry forward. The rest of the day opens up on purpose—nap, sauna, surf, or nothing at all. Dinner is classic fish and chips on the beach, eaten barefoot as the sky dims and the trip really settles in.

Day 5

Road Trip & Fire Night

We head south with curiosity as the only agenda—river swims, roadside pauses, and laughter along the way. Arrival brings cocktails and a Camp Yoshi cooking workshop that turns into a long, joyful lunch. As night falls, we move into a bespoke forest camp tucked into a secluded valley. Fire pits, dessert, whiskey, and stories carry the evening. This is one of those nights people talk about years later.

Day 5

Road Trip & Fire Night

We head south by road with curiosity as the only agenda—river swims, roadside pauses, and laughter filling the van. Arrival brings cocktails and a Camp Yoshi–led cooking workshop that effortlessly turns into a long, joyful lunch. As night falls, we transition into a bespoke forest camp tucked deep in a secluded valley. Fire pits crackle, dessert circulates, whiskey pours, and stories stretch late into the evening. This is the night people bring up years later, unprompted.

Day 6

Alpine Shift

A midday flight carries us south to Queenstown, where the landscape sharpens and the air cools. Mountains rise fast here. We check into our alpine base, settle into lunch, then soak in hot pools overlooking the valley below. Dinner stays close and grounding. You can feel the trip shift gears—from coast to alpine, from soft to expansive—without losing its soul.

Day 7

Play or Pause

This day is yours. Optional helicopter and glacier experiences are available at guest expense for those craving altitude. For everyone else: slow coffee, cycling by the lake, or wandering town at an easy pace. Everyone comes back together for dinner—stories overlapping now, laughter easier, the group fully formed.

Day 8

Move & Meander

We ease into the day with optional yoga or a trail run—movement for those who want it, space for those who don’t. Lunch follows at a historic hotel that feels beautifully stuck in time, the kind of place that invites you to linger a little longer than planned. The afternoon unfolds around Lake Wanaka—cycling at an easy pace, stopping when the view tells us to. We finish with a wine tasting at Rippon, perched above the lake and framed by mountains, where the setting alone earns the pause and the wine just seals it. Evening brings us back to Queenstown for a relaxed night. No agenda. No rush. Just a day that lands exactly where it should.

Day 9

Backcountry Energy

A 4WD tour opens the land even further. Picnic lunch, followed by an unhurried afternoon. Dinner in Arrowtown and drinks afterward add a cozy, timeless note. New Zealand flexes quietly here.

Day 10

Into the Wild

Day 10 —

We travel to Glenorchy, gateway to true wilderness. Horseback riding or a Routeburn Track hike pulls us deeper in. We settle into an eco lodge surrounded by mountains, share a picnic dinner, and let silence take over. The trip slows again—right when it should.

Day 11 — River & Release → Return

Jet boating and canyoning on the Dart River bring one last burst of movement and laughter. The afternoon is for reflection and rest. A final dinner closes the circle—full, calm, connected. Late morning return to Queenstown, with evening flights home. You leave tired in the best way.

The Camp Yoshi team made everything feel seamless and welcoming; they were helpful, accommodating, and felt more like friends than hosts.

I loved every second of it and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to disconnect and reconnect at the same time. Already planning my next Camp Yoshi trip—this time international!

— Asleigh W.

Camp Yoshi is everything! A good way to introduce you to the outdoors if you’re a newbie. I selfishly don’t want to share this gem of a company because I want to keep it to myself. I will say when I went on my first Camp Yoshi trip I was sad it came to an end. So the Monday I came home after that beautiful weekend in Utah, I booked my next Camp Yoshi trip and I immediately felt better. ☺️ I have met a lot of cool people and made some new friends. I think about trying different travel groups but the small intimate group sizes, hosts that feel like family, the amazing food, the immersion into the atmosphere and culture is top tier. You will not regret choosing this travel group. You really come as strangers but leave as family. I miss the people I met and get excited to see them again. 🥰🏕️

— Sherrie F.

If you’re even thinking about Camp Yoshi—stop thinking and just book it!

From beginning to end, Rashad and Alex were absolutely phenomenal hosts. Every detail was handled with care, and the energy never dropped. Alex and Rashad really did their thing—they showed us the real Puerto Rico. Every single day was a new adventure, packed with incredible people, amazing food, nonstop activities, and over-the-top fun.

It’s honestly been a long time since I’ve had an experience this good. What made it even more special was how personal it felt—Alex even shared his beautiful family with us. His dad made us coquito (and yes… it was that good). We explored mountains, caves, and beaches, and had some authentic amazing meals!

Most importantly, I felt safe and comfortable the entire trip, which allowed me to fully enjoy every moment without hesitation.

Rashad, Alex, and the entire Camp Yoshi team—thank you for creating such an unforgettable experience. This wasn’t just a trip, it was a memory I’ll carry with me for a long time. Highly, highly recommend. 💯

— Bernadette M.

We had the best time In Puerto Rico !! From the time we arrived to the last day , we were active doing hikes and swimming riding horsing and doing all the things regular tourist that visit PR couldn’t do . This experience was truly special for my friend an I as it was our first time in PR . Alex and Rashad curated anexperience that was insightful , exciting and relaxing . This was my first camp yoshi trip and it won’t be my last!

— Kenya M.

All Lodging [NZ]

Every place we stay is chosen with intention—for comfort, character, and how it supports the rhythm of the journey. You’ll move between oceanfront cabins, well-appointed boutique hotels, eco lodges set deep in nature, and one beautifully curated camp night designed for connection and atmosphere. Each stay offers a proper place to rest, reset, and feel held at the end of the day, never feeling rough or improvised.

Meet Your Guide, Mark. [NZ]

Mark isn’t here to put on a show. He’s here to welcome you in. A good friend of Camp Yoshi and a New Zealand native, Mark knows these coasts, valleys, and mountain roads the way locals do—by living in them, not pointing them out. He has a natural feel for timing: when to start early, when to slow things down, when to let a moment breathe. He sets the tone quietly. Sunrise walks, long meals, late nights by the fire—it all feels easy, never forced. This trip is Mark opening up his backyard and saying, “Come see it the way I do.” And that makes all the difference.

All Group Meals & Experiences (NZ)

From the first welcome dinner to the final shared meal, food is woven into the experience as a point of gathering and grounding. Expect locally rooted flavors, long lunches, firelit dinners, and meals that reflect where we are and who we’re with. Nothing is rushed, nothing feels performative—just thoughtful, well-timed moments around the table that naturally bring the group together.

FAQ

Every great adventure begins with a few questions—that’s part of the journey. If you're curious about what’s ahead or wondering if this experience is right for you, our FAQs have you covered. You’ll find thoughtful answers to help you feel confident, grounded, and excited for what’s to come.
Who is this trip designed for? (NZ)

This trip is designed for anyone who’s ever felt the pull of New Zealand and waited for the right way in. New Zealand has been on our radar for a long time. We didn’t rush it. We waited for the right person to host it, the right rhythm to move through it, and the right moment to bring it into the Camp Yoshi world. That moment is now.

If you’ve traveled with us before—to Canyon Country or Morocco—you already know how much a local perspective changes everything. Seeing a place through someone’s lived relationship to it doesn’t just show you more, it shows you better. That same philosophy guides this journey.

This experience is for travelers who want balance. Movement without exhaustion. Stillness without boredom. Food that reflects where you are and who you’re with. Days that open outward into wild landscapes, followed by soft landings in thoughtful, boutique accommodations that let you reset properly.

It’s for people who care less about checking off sights and more about how a place feels when you give it time. Who value context, good meals, quiet access, and the kind of experiences that don’t announce themselves but stay with you. If you’ve been waiting for a New Zealand trip that feels considered, personal, and deeply rooted in place—this one was designed for you.

How big is the group?

Twelve. That’s it. Just enough for a mix of personalities, but small enough that by day two, you’ll know who snores and who always asks for seconds.

Can I arrive late or leave early?

We get it — life happens. But because of how remote some of our trips are, arrivals and departures are coordinated pretty tightly. If you need to arrive late or duck out early, let us know before booking so we can figure out if it’s possible.

Will the itinerary change after booking?

Nature’s the creative director. Weather, permits, or partner shifts may tweak the plan. Nothing cancels—it adapts. You’ll still get the magic, just in a different wrapper.

Do I have to participate in all the activities?

Nope. If you want to skip a hike and linger at the hotel with a book and a poolside spritz, go for it. That said, this trip is designed like a story — each chapter builds on the last. Miss one, and you might miss the plot twist.

What kind of support can I expect?

Think of us as your guides, hosts, and low-key hype team. Your local guide plus the Camp Gurus handle the logistics, transport, meals, and all the behind-the-scenes wizardry. We also roll with wilderness first responders, so you can feel safe going deep. Your only job? Show up and live it.

Are allergies and dietary preferences accommodated?

Yes. Food is the heartbeat here. Vegan, gluten-free, pescatarian — we’ll make sure your plate feels thoughtful. Just know this is harvest-to-table, so flexibility helps. If a fisherman pulls in snapper that morning, it’s going on the grill.

Once you make a payment, each camper on your reservation will receive an e-mail asking to complete their Camper Profile where allergies and dietary restrictions can be shared.

What is your policy around alcohol and drug use?

We love a good toast. Alcohol is not included in the trip price, but campers are welcome to purchase their own — and trust, there will be plenty of opportunities to lean into the island’s rum, wine, and cocktails. At certain meals, we’ll include alcohol pairings (think bubbles at sunset or a local rum tasting), but for the most part, it’s BYOB or direct-purchase.

Cannabis? Only where it’s legal and if it fits the vibe. Out on boats, during hikes, or in technical terrain, it’s off-limits. Trust us: kayaking through a glowing bioluminescent bay at night is a natural high all on its own.

What is your policy around firearms?

Nope. Not here. The only thing we’re shooting is photos and maybe an espresso shot before the hike.

What is your cancellation policy?

We design our experiences with care and commit early to the people and places that make them possible—farmers, chefs, guides, drivers, and hosts. Because of this, our cancellation policy is built to balance flexibility for our guests with fairness to our partners.

If you cancel 90 or more days before departure, you may choose either a full refund minus a 5% processing fee, or a Camp Yoshi credit valid for 18 months. Credits are transferable and can be applied to any Camp Yoshi experience.

If you cancel between 60 and 89 days before departure, you will receive a 50% refund and a 50% Camp Yoshi credit, valid for 18 months.

If you cancel between 31 and 59 days before departure, you will receive a Camp Yoshi credit for 75% of your total trip cost, valid for 12 months. At this stage, most logistics are locked, but we want to make it possible to join us again when timing allows.

Cancellations made within 30 days of departure are non-refundable, as lodging, food, staffing, and permits have been finalized. In some cases, credits may be considered if we are able to fill your spot. We encourage guests to reach out early—communication matters.

At any point prior to departure, you may transfer your reservation to another guest at no additional cost, provided they meet the trip requirements. This is often the easiest way to recover your full investment.

If Camp Yoshi needs to cancel a trip for any reason, guests will receive a full refund or a full Camp Yoshi credit, at their choice.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment against unexpected changes.

How can I contact Camp Yoshi?

Visit our Contact page. We might be outside when you hit send, but we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.