Many people are amazed at the recent growth and diversity that is happening at Living Springs, having historically known this as largely a place for school and church camps. Recent innovations include the refurbishment of both Bell Bird Heights and Harbour View and significant developments in the adventure programme under the professional guidance and energy of Grant Whitehead.

The arrival of Executive Chef John Donaldson has seen a major step forward in our catering capabilities. With John’s skills we can easily provide everything from formal banquets for weddings and functions, to delicious barbecues in the bush.

I have to commend our team who have worked extremely hard through this period and have taken to heart the message of 'maximising the customer experience.’

We are excited about the year ahead and would love for you to experience Living Springs for yourself.

Over the summer autumn period a number of business and professional groups have ‘discovered the wonder’ of the newly refurbished facilities at Bell Bird Heights. The combination of peace and seclusion, birds singing, the stunning views and well appointed facilities have provided the perfect setting for planning, training and team building activities. The feedback has been overwhelming. “How come we never knew this was here” and “this must be one of Canterbury’s best kept secrets” are representative of the types of responses we have been getting.

Bell Bird Heights offers four well appointed motel units and six spacious bunkrooms with a total accommodation capacity of thirty six people. The comfortable lounge/ meeting room has seating for sixty people and is fully equipped with whiteboards and data equipment. The setting and the views have to be experienced to be appreciated.

It’s been a busy summer for the Outdoor Pursuits and Adventure Based Learning Team. They have run a wide range of programmes and delivered some amazing experiences for participants at all levels.

Wonderful memories have been created at the Bush Camp and Outdoor Camping Centre. Our range of activities now includes Sea Kayaking with fourteen new sea kayaks, Rock Climbing with two bolted sights, Initiative Activities and a newly commissioned Low Ropes Course as well as Archery and Air Rifle ranges. We have team building and outdoor experiences covered!

After 4 great years running the Farm Park George Taylor is passing on the baton and the Park will be under the reins (pun intended) of new Manager Zane Scott. Zane comes to us from Katikati where he learnt the skill of natural horsemanship and using horses in a camping situation.

Zane’s enthusiasm and energy are infectious and he has big plans for the Farm Park. His passion for horses is clearly evident as he & his wife Mel plan a horse camp for Queen’s Birthday weekend – definitely a first for Living Springs. Zane is incorporating his natural horsemanship skills into some new aspects of the Farm Park experience – it’s not to be missed!