Crystal Springs

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“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” Revelation 22:1

Crystal Springs BaseTop ↑

Crystal Springs is home to 2 separate YWAM ministries namely Family Ministries NZ and Pursuits NZ (Visit their homepage). Pursuits conducts two DTS a year and focuses on discipling young people through specific areas namely music, worship, outdoor adventure, surfing and skating. Pursuits have also recently pioneered the School of Signs and Wonders which is a 12 week, level 2 school that aims to impact lives through imparting greater levels of faith and experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit.

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HistoryTop ↑

The Crystal Springs were opened by W Owen Garland about 1913. The grounds have numerous hot artesian wells springing up. A river (Waihou river) also runs along the boundary of the property. He developed swimming and bathing facilities in the hot pool as well as a bowling green and a camping ground. The Springs prospered with campers coming to stay for their holidays and it was popular for day visits to the attractive pool surrounded by native bush and ferns on the banks. Disaster struck when amoebic meningitis affected several swimming patrons in 1969 and the swimming pool was closed. The owners then drilled for hot water and a new building was erected and opened in 1976 as the Moana-iti, a licensed restaurant, with an indoor swimming pool. In 1979 the name was changed to Crystal Springs Park and Motor Inn. It is now officially known as YWAM Crystal Springs and is privately owned by YWAM Family Ministries NZ.

About MatamataTop ↑

Crystal Springs is located in rural town of Matamata a.k.a Hobbiton as a nearby farm was the location set in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film trilogy. As visitors drive into Matamata a large “Welcome to Hobbiton” sign has been placed on the main road. Matamata is also known for its numerous dairy, sheep, as well as thoroughbred horse breeding and training farms. Please refer to our links page for more information about Matamata.