Lessons from the Road: Queenstown, New Zealand

What happens when you slow down just enough to actually hear, reflect, and connect—with yourself, with others, and with God? That’s exactly what I’ve been learning on our working sabbatical across New Zealand and beyond. Yes, it’s a crazy, wonderful paradox—part travel, part rest, part ministry, and all of it soaked in purpose.

Listen to the podcast here: Heaveninbusiness.com/podcasts/heaven-in-business-podcast/episodes/2149004506

Recently, we found ourselves in the breathtaking South Island of New Zealand, where I had the opportunity to hike, host a retreat, and most importantly, listen. Here are some reflections and lessons from the road—specifically from the stunning landscapes and sacred moments in and around Queenstown.

The Power of Slowing Down

Our adventure began with a hike through the Routeburn Track, crossing two national parks—Aspiring and Fiordland. Three days, 35 kilometers, mountain huts, waterfalls, mossy forests, and even some Lord-of-the-Rings-worthy scenery. It was physically demanding, but the real challenge (and reward) was internal: slowing down enough to take it all in.

I learned (sometimes the hard way—yes, there’s a video of me falling near a waterfall) that the goal isn’t the accomplishment. The real goal is connection—connection with the people you’re with, the environment you’re walking through, and the Creator who made it all.

Queenstown: The Capital of Adventure… and Clarity

Following the hike, we hosted a three-day business retreat in Queenstown, welcoming 19 entrepreneurs and leaders from across New Zealand, the U.S., and Singapore. We mixed adventure with intentionality: prophetic prayer, masterminds, and shared meals on boats and mountaintops. From the ancient TSS Earnslaw steamship to jet boats on the Dart River, we wove joy and beauty into every moment.

But it wasn’t just adrenaline and ice cream (though there was plenty of that). It was the invitation to pause. To be still. To notice. In fact, one of the most powerful moments came during a silent pause in a public café. As we stilled our hearts, the entire room quieted. God’s presence doesn’t need a microphone—just agreement.

Three Key Lessons from the Road

Are You Too Busy to Notice? Most of us are. We’re addicted to busy. But when we slow down—even for 30 seconds—we begin to notice what we’ve been missing. Beauty. People. God. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Stillness isn’t laziness; it’s spiritual strategy.

Small Choices Compound Over Time Whether it’s eating habits, thought patterns, or intentional community, small daily decisions shape your future. We’re seeing the fruit of years of tiny, faithful choices—and also the consequences of avoiding them. Progress or regression—it’s all cumulative. Be intentional.

Suffering Will Shape You Everyone suffers. The difference is whether it shapes you into bitterness or beauty. Pain is a tool in the hands of a redemptive God. Don’t isolate. Don’t make excuses. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, sharpen you, and pull you toward heaven’s perspective.

Final Thoughts from a Kiwi Back Home

New Zealand is stunning. No doubt about it. But the real treasure isn’t just in the views—it’s in the vision you carry while you're in them. Don’t just take in the scenery. Let it remind you of your purpose. Let it refresh your soul. Let it reconnect you with why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place.

As I reflect on these moments—from misty mountaintops to shared laughter over ice cream—I’m reminded: life with God isn’t a sprint or even a marathon. It’s an ultra-marathon. One step at a time, one choice at a time, shaped by presence, perseverance, and people.

Thanks for journeying with me. If you want to jump into what’s next—retreats, events, or just some inspiration—check out heaveninbusiness.com/events. We’re heading to Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan next… and maybe we’ll see you on the road.

Go big—and then go home.