Our Vision and Values
environment for young people to enjoy
quality equine & outdoor adventures,
introducing them to Jesus Christ in a
gospel-centred environment.
We want to see our unique facilities and talented staff working together to transform lives, as young people encounter Christian faith, love & hope.
Sonshine Ranch Charitable Trust is a Christian Outdoor Adventure Centre known for its unique set up which combines the outdoors with adventure activities, horse riding and faith on the outskirts of Auckland.
Sonshine Ranch is located 12km from Papakura and 6km from the Clevedon Village. The motorway is an easy 15 drive away making Sonshine Ranch an accessible place for people all across the wider Auckland.
There are many activities on offer at the Ranch and the versatility of the place makes it a great destination for School groups and Youth Groups all year round. The Ranch also offers Holiday Camps, Riding Lessons, Horse Treks which take place rain or shine.
From horse riding to sleeping in the bush, rock-climbing, kayaking, and a water confidence course, Sonshine Ranch is able to provide Outdoor Adventure no matter the group. Many groups return because of the opportunities that Sonshine Ranch opens up to them, it is an experience everyone remembers!
To find out more look at the other sections to see all that Sonshine Ranch has on offer.
Support Us
Sonshine Ranch is a registered charity, if you believe in our mission and would like to partner with us in that click below to find out more
Our team of dedicated instructors
Our Values.
FAITH
We look to Jesus as our model for how we live, work
and play.
SAFETY
We work hard to provide a safe environment that
considers all aspects of wellbeing.
EXCELLENCE
We love giving our best, and doing things well.
FUN
We laugh & play in all of our adventures together.
CARE
We are gracious and generous, as we build genuine
relationships.
SERVICE
We serve others wholeheartedly & joyfully.
Our History.
The concept of Sonshine Ranch began in the hearts and minds of Hans and Margrit Notter, who purchased the land, which is now known as Sonshine Ranch, in 1985. Hans and Margrit had a passion to offer a safe haven, with its own unique challenges, for the young people of the community.
Sonshine Ranch Charitable Trust was established in 1991, and has steadily been developing programs and facilities since that time. The property is 12km from Papakura and consists of 34 hectares overlooking the Ardmore / Clevedon valley, with about ten hectares in mature native bush, streams, waterfalls and dams.
Our Trustees & Connections.
Trustees
The current trustees, are Mark van Wijk (Chairman), Sarah Chalmers, Peter Todd, Richard Iles and Stuart Turner.
Our Connections
Sonshine Ranch is part of the CCCNZ (Christian Community Churches of NZ), which is a family of churches, camps and ministries, working together to point people to Jesus, through the gospel from the Scriptures.
Sonshine Ranch is also a member of CCNZ (Christian Camping New Zealand), who help us operate with excellence, and connect us with dozens of camps right across NZ.
Our faith is at the heart of all we do and we aim to foster relationships with as many local churches as possible. If you are part of a church and would like to connect with us or if you are part of our riding community and would like to connect with a local church please contact us.
Support us.
We are on a mission to see the young people of our nation reach wholeness in every area of their lives. As a Christian organisation, we believe the best way to see this is through the transformative power of the gospel and relationship with Jesus. If you beleve in this mission and would like to support us we invite you to make contact. We are a NZ registered charity.
Join our supporters mailing list by emailing office@sonshineranch.co.nz