Introducing Wainui Park
WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE DO, AND WHY WE DO IT
Over three-quarters of a million New Zealanders have visited YMCA Wainui Park since it's conception in 1929 as part of the YMCA of Christchurch. Groups of all kinds have appreciated the natural magic that this unique setting has to offer. Formed by volcanic activity billions of years ago, Akaroa Harbour is a geographical masterpiece home to many species of native flora and fauna, including the Hectors dolphin, one of the rarest dolphins in the world.
Today YMCA Wainui Park is a hive of activity greatly accelerated by the recent addition of our new building: Wainui Heights. Built with New Zealand beech wood to compliment its natural surroundings, this tasteful conference centre is in a league of its own. Perched high on the north-facing hillside, every room boasts a classic country view that refreshes the mind. Wainui Heights was architecturally designed for use by a vast cross section of people, and provides warm modern accommodation, conference facilities and dining.
Traditionally YMCA Wainui Park is associated with the childhood memories of wooden huts, mud sliding and singing songs around a campfire - in other words, 'kids camp'. These cabins still exist on another part of the property and kids camps are still a big part of our organisation - providing outdoor adventure and developmental programmes for the children and youth of New Zealand.
However, Wainui Heights has now created for us a completely separate niche market. Built with the help of donations and community grants, the income we receive from corporate conferences held in the building is funnelled directly back into the programmes we offer children and young people. This reflects the goal of the Christchurch YMCA - helping to build stronger young people, families and communities - and keeps the Wainui Park staff team focused on what is important.
TO FIND US:
YMCA Wainui Park is only 75 minutes from Christchurch and 20 minutes from Akaroa. Leaving from Christchurch take State Highway 75 towards Akaroa. Travel through Little River up to the Hill Top Saddle and down to the Wainui Road turn off (on the right), just prior to Barry's Bay Cheese Factory. Follow this road along the harbour for 8km; turn right onto Wainui Valley Road. YMCA Wainui Park is 1km up this road on the left.
CONTACT US TODAY FOR AN INFORMATION PACK
Ph: 03 304 8460
Fax: 03 304 8784
Email: wainui@ymcachch.org.nz