Epworth operates as an affordable Christian accommodation facility. It is owned by the Methodist Church of New Zealand and is managed under direction from the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Synod.

Epworth derives its name from the birthplace of John Wesley, the well-known Methodist Evangelist from the United Kingdom.

Epworth is set on 10 acres beside the Waikato River and also maintains and utilizes 2 acres of water frontage.

The land was gifted in 1949 and the dedication and first Easter Camp was celebrated in 1951. Arthur Finlay first gifted land beside Epworth to the Baptist Church before a Methodist woman from Cambridge was bold enough to ask if he would give a block to the Methodists also. Having enjoyed fellowship at the Methodist Church in Te Aroha previously, he readily agreed.

Many, many volunteers have given their time or invested financially in the developments that have taken place over the 50+ years Epworth has existed. Without their commitment and support, Epworth would not be the beautiful facility we have today. We acknowledge all those who have come and gone before us.

What ‘s happening now?

Many changes have taken place since the early days. The facility is continually being upgraded to keep up with changing client demands.

In the last two years a beautiful native bush area has been developed for quiet reflection. 

The four courtyard bunkrooms have been upgraded to include more storage area and the beds have been upsized to better suit bigger bodies.