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About Tōtara Springs
Nestled at the foot of the Kaimai ranges in Matamara, Tōtara Springs is one of the largest centres of its kind in New Zealand. With 90 acres of native bush and park-like grounds it's a pretty neat place to experience your event.
The ultimate venue for church retreats, school camps, sports activities, business conferences, artistic events, holiday camps and family reunions.
Our job is to show them
Our heart's desire is to see, to know and experience God. Building friendships and gaining a sense of accomplishment. Achieving what didn't seem possible.
To see God's beauty all around; to know that he is close; to know that He listens; to know that He cares. To experience community in Christ.
Our job is to show them who He is and how He sees them; they are His children.
What we offer
We have beds for 427 people in 27 motels, 3 lodges and 19 cabins. Onsite there are also powered caravan and practically unlimited tent sites. Camps and events are fully catered by our resident catering team and special dietary needs can be accommodated. A wide range of sports equipment is available as well as a laundry, Wi-Fi, photocopying, microphones and other sound equipment.
A place of welcoming, camaraderie and a sense of belonging... Find it at Tōtara Springs
History of Tōtara Springs
The story of Tōtara Springs starts back in 1940 at the Te Aroha Sports Domain where an Easter Camp for young people was held for the first time. As the event grew, it moved around a number of locations until a farm was bought and in 1967 the first Easter Camp was held at Tōtara Springs.
It was believed hot water could be found in the area so in 1968 it was time to start drilling. After drilling 235 meters down into solid rock the money was gone and no hot water was found. The committee prayed and decided to drill another 27 meters and still no water was found. The faith of the committee was strong and after drilling another 60 meters hot water was found! This still feeds the swimming pool with a pleasant 36C all year round.
That same year a permanent kitchen and dining room was built and still makes up part of the current dining and admin facilities.
In 1980 the auditorium was built to replace the use of marquees for large events. It was the biggest building project undertaken at the time and was initiated by the need for a covered venue for the international Rally Arura to be held in 1982 with 1500 children attending.
Since then the motels, lodges and conference centre have been built as well as a kitchen upgrade in 2011 and an extension to the dining room in 2013. Over all this time God has faithfully provided Tōtara Springs with what it has needed to continue to do his work in the Waikato.
Our Mission
We are a Christian camp that brings God’s love to each person who visits. We are especially committed to serving our guests with outstanding hospitality.
Our Vision
To create a life-changing experience for all our guests.
Our Purpose
Seeking to continually share the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ in all that we do, growing our ministry-impact at Tōtara Springs into a centre of excellence.
Our Values
We are a people who are characterised by our love for God & one-another. We seek to serve with a motivated, diligent heart, a can-do attitude and a pioneering-spirit. We strive for excellence in all that we do.
CAMP AT TōTARA SPRINGS
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288c Taihoa North Road, RD3, Matamata, 3473
New Zealand
Tōtara Springs is a New Zealand owned business. We are a registered charity CC56824.
