Murder Mystery in the Wilderness

14 - 18 August 2026

Something is not quite right at Lake Brunner.

A hosted long weekend of mystery, dining, and shared experience, created exclusively for women, set against the stillness of New Zealand’s West Coast.

Step into a story of secrets, suspicion, and unfolding clues.

This is not just a stay.

It’s an experience you become part of.

Package Price:

$5,100 per person—share twin

$5900 per person - solo room (limited to just 2 rooms)

Maximum group size: 12 women

From Arrival to Revelation

Your weekend begins before you even arrive.

Day 1 - Christchurch to the High Country

You are met in Christchurch and welcomed into a luxury Merceds vehicle, where the journey west begins.

Your first stop is Flockhill.

Here you’ll step into the high country for a guided clay bird shooting experience, followed by a signature Flockhill lunch, paired with a glass of bubbles and sweeping alpine views.

From there, the journey continues to Lake Brunner.

On arrival, you’re welcomed with a glass of bubbles and a shared platter as the pace softens and the setting begins to work its magic.

Person kayaking on Lake Brunner, West Coast New Zealand, surrounded by native forest and calm water.
Guest relaxing in a private hot tub at Lake Brunner Eco Lodge, enjoying drinks surrounded by native West Coast bush.

Day 2 - 3 - The Experience Unfolds

Mornings are slow.

Coffee. Lake air. No rush.

Over the next few days, the experience opens up through a series of curated moments, both at the lodge and beyond.

You might find yourself kayaking across still water, walking to Carew Falls, or stepping out to explore Hokitika. Try your hand at gold panning, experience local craft through glass blowing, or simply take time to wander.

As evening arrives, the pace softens again.

The hot tub is ready. Conversations deepen. The group begins to connect.

And throughout it all, something quietly builds.

Clues begin to emerge. Details start to matter. The story is unfolding, often when you least expect it.

Long communal dining table set for a hosted dinner at Lake Brunner Eco Lodge, with lake views and warm natural light.

Day 4 - The Final Reveal

Sunday evening brings the final chapter.

Over a hosted dinner, the mystery reaches its conclusion.

Secrets are revealed.
Stories come together.
And the truth emerges.

Day 5 - The Journey Continues

The experience doesn’t end at the lodge.

You travel back via the TranzAlpine Scenic Plus journey, one of New Zealand’s most iconic rail experiences.

That evening, you gather once more in Christchurch for a final shared dinner.

Day 6 - A Gentle Close

After breakfast, the journey continues to Akaroa.

Time to wander. Browse. Enjoyed a relaxed lunch.

Then, a return to Christchurch, bringing the weekend to a close.

Everything is taken care of

From transport and experiences to dining and hosting, every part of this journey is curated for you.

You don’t need to organise anything.

You simply arrive and let the experience unfold.

Limited places. Hosted as an intimate, women-only small-group experience.

A Fully Hosted Experience

From Christchurch to Akaroa, every part of this journey is curated, hosted, and taken care of.

Your experience includes:

The Journey

✔ Luxury return transport from Christchurch
✔ TranzAlpine Scenic Plus rail journey
✔ Akaroa visit with time to explore and enjoy lunch

Signature Experiences

✔ High country experience at Flockhill, including clay bird shooting
✔ Signature Flockhill lunch with bubbles
✔ Fully facilitated murder mystery experience

Your Stay at Lake Brunner

✔ Three nights at Lake Brunner Eco Lodge
✔ Welcome bubbles and shared platter on arrival
✔ Three-course hosted dinners each evening
✔ Continental breakfast each morning

Nature & Local Experiences

✔ Guided glowworm experience
✔ Kayaking on Lake Brunner
✔ Walk to Carew Falls
✔ Hokitika exploration, gold panning, and glass blowing

Time to Unwind

✔ Evening hot tub access
✔ Final group dinner in Christchurch
✔ Akaroa visit with time to explore and enjoy lunch

Everything is designed so you don’t need to organise a thing.

You simply arrive and step into the experience.

A Women’s Weekend, Guided with Ease

This weekend is run in collaboration with experienced host and facilitator Lesley Whyte, known for creating engaging, well-paced experiences that bring people together naturally.

This experience is created especially for women. A space where you can relax, connect, and take part in something a little different, without pressure or expectation.

There is no need to perform.

No acting experience required.

You can take part in as much or as little as you like, whether that’s fully immersing yourself in the mystery or simply enjoying the atmosphere as it unfolds around you.

It’s relaxed. It’s welcoming.

And it’s designed so everyone feels comfortable from the moment they arrive.

Most guests arrive not knowing what to expect and leave having loved every moment of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Not at all.

    There is no pressure to perform, and no acting experience is needed. You can take part in the mystery as much or as little as you like, whether that’s fully immersing yourself or simply enjoying how it unfolds around you.

  • That’s completely normal.

    Many guests arrive not knowing anyone else. The weekend is designed to feel relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of natural opportunities to connect, without anything feeling forced.

  • The mystery unfolds gradually across the weekend through shared moments, conversations, and subtle clues.

    You can engage as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. There’s no right or wrong way to take part.

  • Yes. This is not a fast-paced or tightly scheduled weekend.

    There’s plenty of time to enjoy the lake, unwind in the hot tub, or simply take a moment for yourself.

  • Your stay includes accommodation, all hosted dining, transport from Christchurch, curated experiences, and the fully facilitated murder mystery.

    Everything is taken care of. So you don’t need to organise anything yourself.

  • No. This is a small, intimate experience.

    Guest numbers are limited to ensure the weekend feels personal, relaxed, and easy to be part of.

  • Absolutely.

    Many guests attend on their own, and this experience is designed to feel comfortable, inclusive, and easy to step into.

    This package is limited to 2 rooms of solo travelers.

Enquire About Our Murder Mystery in the Wilderness

If this feels like the kind of weekend you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Use the inquiry form below to check availability or ask any questions. We’ll respond personally.