Wanting to record your travel experiences whether exploring New Zealand or travelling further afield? Join experienced travel writer Yvonne Van Dongen and learn how to put these experiences into words for a blog, an email, a journal or for publication.
Interested in attending any future dates of this course?
Register your interest now
This lively interactive workshop is for anyone who wants to write about their journeys, whether just for family and friends or as a published and paid travel writer. Exotic locations, your own place, the next town, or your experiences as you travel through life - here's your chance to learn what readers and editors really want (in print and electronically).
Yvonne van Dongen has been a travel editor and writer for over 20 years. She's edited the travel section of the largest newspaper in New Zealand as well as the country's first dedicated glossy travel magazine. She's worked at Conde Nast Traveler in New York. Yvonne has won numerous travel writing awards including a fellowship to study travel writing at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.
Other awards include: Dulux Junior Feature Writer of the Year (1983); Young Reporter of the Year (1983); Qantas best newspaper tourism/transport feature (1984); Cathay Pacific Travel Writer of the Year (1995); Qantas best newspaper health/medicine feature (1997); Avis Awards - best article about the travel industry (in 1995, 1998 and 2000); Commonwealth Media Awards - winner tourism & transport (in 1997 and 1998); Qantas award for best government, diplomacy & foreign affairs feature (2000); Qantas Travel Journalist Award (2004); MPA Lifestyle Journalist of the Year (2004); Qantas Media Awards Winner Best Tourism & Travel Column (2007).
Yvonne has a BA in English & Religious Studies, as well as a post-graduate diploma of Journalism from the University of Canterbury. She also teaches travel writing at the University of Auckland, and lives in Auckland City.
You are invited to attend our opening address at 9am on Saturday 26 August 2023. Carole Beu from The Women's Bookshop will fire up the day with an early morning talk on her raves and faves. Have a cuppa, listen to Carole and meet others. Please register here so we know how many to expect.
- Good ideas and reminders about strengthening writing. Yvonne ensured we all had the opportunity to participate. 2018
- Enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the positivity of Yvonne - welcoming and supportive. I have picked up some gems that I can use to get started. Was able to share her expertise with us in a fun way. 2018
- The interactive exercises really helped to reinforce the writing situation and problems {I'm} trying to grapple with. 2018
- Yvonne was great. She gave constructive feedback and shared her experiences. 2018
- Yvonne was excellent. Clearly knows her stuff and presented it well. 2018
Open Hours
Term Time: Monday - Wednesday 9:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday - Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm
School Holidays: When courses are running the office is open 9:00am - 4:00pm