Group Venues & Meeting Spaces

Every year El Rancho hosts hundreds of groups safely in a peaceful and tranquil setting providing everything you need to create an amazing event whether it be a school camp, conference, community group, reunion, Christian camp or retreat. We specialise in group accommodation for 20-500 people from budget to premium accommodation.

Our onsite activities provide great opportunities for recreation and include swimming, tennis, mini golf, disc golf, volleyball, basketball, petanque and water slide. We also offer instructed activities including horse riding, go karts, rock wall, zipline, rifles and archery. Wireless internet is available, unmetered showers, kitchen, dining and games rooms and BBQ's for hire.

El Rancho is conveniently located on the beautiful Kapiti Coast, just one hour's drive from both Wellington and Palmerston North.

Our property is a peaceful oasis bordering the Waikanae River and a short walk from Waikanae Beach and Estuary.

 

Accommodation & Conference Facilities

 
Elm Complex
Elm Lodge (1)
14-122 Beds
Redwood Complex
Exterior 1 400 x 266
110-154 Beds
Pinewood Complex
IMG 0849
35-72 Beds
 

Large Conferences & Conventions


Kauri Hall
 

Arise jumping kauri hall-131

Arise seated kauri hall-809-341

If you need more space, Kauri Hall is perfect! 

Kauri Hall is a conference venue or concert hall, seating up to 700 people theatre-style with roll out carpet and staging (available on request).

Designed also for basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer and games, roller skating, rockwall climbing and team-building activities.
 

Smaller Spaces

Apiti Chapel
 
Church 005-691 Chapel 1 2015 resized-580


Situated on a hill overlooking our site, this picturesque wooden chapel is steeped in history.

Step through the little steepled porchway, and you’ll be transported back in time to New Zealand’s early pioneering days.

Built in 1899 and originally sited near Feilding, it has been a quiet retreat for many generations of worshippers.

The name “Apiti” means Gorge, named after the river landscape where the church originally stood.

In 1988 the chapel was re-sited to El Rancho and carefully restored.

The original stained glass window has been removed and remains in Fielding and a new window was commissioned, reflecting the unique Kapiti Coast seascape. 

The Church provides a beautiful setting for small wedding ceremonies.


Founders Lounge
 
Founders exterior Founders interior


Once used as a fully functioning cafe, Founders Lounge has it's own disabled bathroom facility and large kitchen space. 

There is a range of couches, seats and small cafe style tables that can be configured in whatever way best suits your group's requirements.
 

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