It’s New Year, and applications are now open for this popular camp! Are you looking for a time out for fellowship with good food, recreation, singing and ministry from the Word? If so, here is your answer – come to this year’s Retreat at Lakeview Bible Camp, Rotorua.

Map for Lakeview Bible Camp (opens in a new window)

Who is it for?
There are no lower/upper age limits but it’s planned around older folk who love the Lord and enjoy the company and conversation of fellow believers. While there are camps each year at Lakeview which cater for families, the Retreat is for those who appreciate a quiet environment and a slower pace without the responsibilities of children.

What do we do?
The programme varies each day. There are sessions for singing and ministry each morning and evening, and there is plenty of time for mingling and fellowship. Most meals are in-house, with campers helping out with kitchen and dining room operation. We don’t have any staff, but there is a spirit of willingness to serve one another. The afternoons are more for relaxation and if the weather is good, there are outings suited to our age demographic. The camp fees include the cost of entry fees if we are visiting attractions.

When is it?
While most arrive during the afternoon, we officially start with dinner and welcome 6pm on Mon 9 Feb 2026 and finish with morning tea and clean up about 11am Fri 13 February.

Please send in your application form by 31 Jan 2026 so we can plan accordingly.

What is the accommodation?
On-site accommodation is in The Lodge and cabins surrounding the main hall and kitchen/dining rooms. The camp is elevated and views are pastoral and impressive, overlooking Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island.

Campervans and caravans are welcome. If you bring one, it’s a win-win – you get the privacy and comfort you’re used to, and we get an extra room for others. There are four weatherproof 15A power sockets in the car park for such vehicles.

What will it cost?

• The full-time fee is $180 per person accommodated in camp (4 nights) or staying locally
• This covers a donation to the camp, food costs, and excursion fees
• For part-timers or day visitors, the fee is $50 per night or day
• Fees will be refunded if ill-health requires you to keep away.

How do I pay the fees?
Preferred payment is by direct credit. You will be emailed the account number when your application is approved. If you are coming from Australia/overseas or cannot do electronic banking, then pay on arrival.

What do I bring?

• • Bedding. For North Islanders, bring your own bedding, including pillow slips. Bed linen and blankets are available for those travelling by air or Intercity bus.
  • Baking. This is optional, but your homemade treats will add much-loved variety to our morning and afternoon teas and suppers.
  • Photos. Also optional, for the dining room display wall. We suggest you bring one or two photos which will be of interest to campers. Give us some conversation starters for when we’re down that end of the room!
  • Sales Table. If you are able to make or donate saleable items these will be most welcome. Items of food are reliably popular, and things that can be gifted to grandchildren. Last time (Feb 2024) we raised $1,100 in sales and donations which was given to the Indian Mission for the support of a needy widow. Our intention is to elicit support for the Lord’s work, rather than focus on the prices.
  • Thursday Banquet! Bring smart casual clothes to dignify the evening. Here is your opportunity to participate with an item or song. No compulsion to contribute, but it’s fun when we can relax and enjoy mutual entertainment.
  • Electronic devices – please be considerate for noise and bring headphones/ear buds if you wish to listen for more than a minute or two.

Enquiries/Registrar:
Roger C. (Auckland)
Ph. (09) 817 6208
Mob. 022 060 9226

Over the past 40+ years these retreats have proved to be great times of encouragement as we have enjoyed ministry, singing, praying, and holidaying together. Do come!

The application form has been designed for those self-registering and for people who are applying on behalf of those not using the internet.

Application Form (opens in a new tab/window)