tag: Untitled Document

 

Festival 2018

GCI's annual festival has been the highlight of the church's calendar since its inauguration in New Zealand in 1969, in Taupo.  Each year it is a time for celebrating Christ's presence and working in our lives, his love for each person and the mission he sends the Church to.  It is a time of teaching and equipping, of worship, and of being strengthened spiritually for life and service.  And it is also a time of fellowship, renewing friendships and making new ones. The festival for 2018 will be again held in Waikanae at the Elm Court Complex of El Rancho Christian Camp, which is located at 58 Weggery Drive.

Our special guest speaker this year is Kerry Gubb, a longtime pastor and educator from GCI Australia.

Festival Dates & Service Times:  This year's festival has been positioned in the fortnight of school holidays, beginning on Wednesday, 10 October and concluding at midday on Sunday, 14 October.  For early arrivers there will be an evening supper from 7:00pm for catching up on friends and general socialising on Tuesday, 9 October.  The festival itself will begin with a song service followed by sharing communion together, starting at 11:00am.  The afternoon service, our first full service, begins at 2:30pm.  Thereafter daily services will begin at 10:30am.

Travel Information

Ngongotaha is easily accessed by road, rail or air, sitting on the western coast of New Zealand's North Island 60 km from Wellington.
 
AIR: Wellington is the closest international airport.  Thereafter it is necessary to take public transport to Waikanae or hire a rental car.  If coming through Auckland International Airport, one can transfer to the Domestic Terminal and fly directly to Paraparaumu, after which one will need to hire a rental car or call a taxi for the short 10 minute drive to the El Rancho Campsite.
 
ROAD: If travelling by car, Waikanae is less than an hour's drive from Wellington.  Rental cars are accessible at all airports.

The two main coach companies are InterCity and Nakedbus.

Other useful websites:

Directions for travel - NZ Road Maps

ACCOMMODATION: Most will elect to stay in the El Rancho Campsite, which is largely self contained with meals taken in their Dining Hall. (More details will be posted alongside the 2018 Registration Form.) If motel or hotel accommodation is preferred, you might wish to check the following websites: