YWAM Oxford is a beautiful 1.2 hectare property with three additional houses in nearby sections. We have recently built a modern multi-purpose building with a kitchen, dining room, classroom, and office block. There are additional older buildings on the campus, and a charming character home which was built in 1870. This beautiful home, called Providence, is the original structure on the property.
Our goal is to be a home away from home for students and staff, with nutritious and tasty meals, and comfortable shared rooms. Accommodation ranges from dorm-style to modern housing, where couples have their own rooms, and singles share with one or two others. We aim to provide a family atmosphere.
Oxford is a beautiful rural town set in the foothills of the majestic Southern Alps in New Zealand’s South Island. Approximately 2100 people live in this thriving farm town, situated in the Waimakariri district of Canterbury. Verdant farms surround the town, but many people commute 50 kilometres into the city of Christchurch for work each day. The town has a full range of retail and service facilities including a supermarket, post office, chemist, weekend movie theatre, 3 cafes/diners, and several speciality gift shops.
Ashley Gorge is just 8 kilometres from Oxford, and is a fantastic picnic and swimming spot with beautiful surroundings and crystal clear water. There are many popular hikes/tramps in the surrounding hills and mountains, including our own Mount Oxford, a challenging hike even for experienced walkers. The beautiful and historic city of Christchurch is just 50 kilometres away, with the Avon river running through it. Many new and hip buildings have arisen since the earthquake leveled much of Christchurch city center in 2011. The beautiful Botanical gardens and Hagley Park are a must-see in the city.
Oxford has a large Christian community and there are several fruitful churches in town, including one of the largest rural churches in New Zealand. We encourage the staff and students alike to be involved in the churches and community around us as they spend their time in New Zealand.
This is foundational to all that we do as followers of Jesus and what we do here at the YWAM Oxford Campus. Throughout the week we spend time seeking the Lord in corporate worship and intercession, and we want to grow together as a campus through these times!
Whether it’s involvement in the local church’s youth group or traveling into the city for street evangelism, we love being involved in the community around us in the North Canterbury region!
To help the campus run smoothly and to help the community around us, we have a time during the week of community work duties (gardening, washing vehicles, etc.) We are a family here, and we live like it! Many hands make light work.
We have a night of fellowship, worship, and teachings followed by a cuppa (hot drink) and snacks. We love to invite people to come join us for the evening!
