The land Tōtara Springs Christian Camp is built on was purchased in 1961. After five consecutive years of Easter Camps, it was time to start building more permanent buildings. A master plan was produced and in late 1966 and early 1967 there was a tremendous hive of activity on the site.
It was believed hot water could be found in the area so in 1968 it was time to start drilling. The committee stood on the exact spot they believed water could be. They prayed together, then started drilling. As the drill went down it passed through different strata levels but no water. At 235 metres down the drill was deep in solid rock but no water was found. This was testing their faith. They prayed again and continued for another 24 metres. Still nothing and now their funds were drained. ‘However, if the money was exhausted, their faith was not, and drilling recommenced. After another 60 metres of rock, the drill broke through into clear, hot water.
A rotary pump tapped it and could produce 7000 gallons an hour, sufficiently hot for showering and excellent for swimming. In addition, Health Department testing proved the water to be satisfactory for drinking and of such low mineral content that initially it was used for all camp purposes.’ Over 60 years later, that same bore still feeds the swimming pool with a pleasant 36 degrees all year round.
