El Rancho is a 60-acre getaway located at a scenic location on the spectacular Kapiti Coast and alongside Waikanae River. We host more than 16,000 visitors annually for a variety of events including school holiday camps, retreats, teambuilding getaways, family reunions and ministry conferences.

Our history goes as far back as 1961 when John Campion and several other people came together to buy the land on which El Rancho sits today. The aim was to create a place where people would come together to interact, build their faith and strengthen the community.

Our Services

Over the years, we have become the preferred destination for numerous events in the Greater Wellington Region. Our services include;

1. Group venues

Hundreds of groups come to El Rancho every year for the tranquil setting and the myriad of activities available. Whether you are planning a Christian camp, school camp, family reunion or retreat, El Rancho is the perfect place to hold it.

We provide accommodation for between 20 and 500 people. The accommodation ranges from low-cost to premium. Some of the group accommodation venues include;

• Elm Centre. Ideal for groups composed of 20 to 120 people. It includes the large Elm dining room, twin and triple single rooms and three types of meeting rooms.

• Redwood. Popular with school camps and large group retreats. Consists of 154 bunk beds in 18 rooms that are divided among three lodges. Other amenities include meeting rooms and a large dining area.

• Pinewood. Located at the heart of El Ranch. It is popular with families, youths and smaller groups. Has several accommodation options ideal for families as well as a games room, a common kitchen and a dining area.

Large groups can also take advantage of Kauri Hall (capacity 700 people) and the historic Apiti Chapel first constructed in 1899 to hold large events.

2. Activities

El Rancho Waikanae is full of fun activities to make your stay here memorable. Not only will you have plenty of fun, you will also be able to bond as a group while learning a lot together. Activity instructors are available to ensure complete safety for everyone.

Activities include air rifles, go karting, archery, zip lining, rock wall climbing, horse riding, wilderness survival and tubing. Instructor-free activities include mini-golfing, tennis, swimming, water slides, trampolines and many others.

3. Events

You can book a number of events at our camp. We have a Kids’ Camp where young children can learn, grow and have a lot of fun in a safe environment. There is also a horse camp where everyone from kids to grandparents can learn horse riding.

A Great Place to Grow, Bond and Have Fun

El Rancho is a one of a kind getaway. We combine the aspects of community bonding, personal growth and fun to create a memorable experience for every guest. We have all the necessary facilities (accommodation, restaurants, conference rooms, meeting halls, activity areas and more) and amenities to make your stay convenient and complete.

Visit our website http://elrancho.co.nz/, to contact us and tell us what event you have in mind. You can also make a booking enquiry online.