Wet can't deter Christian campers

Despite a wet summer, the weather isn't having a negative impact on Rotorua's Christian camps.

Camp groups reported good turnouts over the holidays.

Holden Bay's Keswick Christian Camp manager Terry Hammond believes Christian camps are appealing in New Zealand in all weather conditions.

"We've been around for 84 years in Rotorua," he said. "There is a real legacy of camping and Christian camping in New Zealand."

He said the camp was booked up until April and they had yet to receive a cancellation this year.

"The safety aspect is really appealing I think," Mr Hammond said. "When we have schools here I don't even allow campervans in."

Tui Ridge Park camp manager Royce McMurtrie said some big camps were almost cancelled but were able to proceed.

"We had two really big events this summer, the Seventh-day Adventist Church had 1500 people booked.

"They lost about a quarter of that number because of bad weather. We almost cancelled it but it still went ahead."

He said muddy facilities were the biggest problem during the camps.

"Unfortunately, it trashed the grounds and 2700 Girl Guides turned up for their camp.

"The grounds were in such poor condition that we put a couple of thousand dollars worth of mud mats, straw and sawdust around the grounds.

"But the weather came good in the end which was great."

He said the attraction of Christian camps in Rotorua was affordability and surroundings.

"I think the big attraction is you can have all the fun adventures in a safe environment.

"We're cheap as well ... $15 a night."

Lakes Ranch camp manager Barry Smith said the weather had made things a bit awkward during the early summer months buthe had no cancellations.

There are four Christian camps surrounding Lake Rotorua.