Outdoor Education


We encourage all our students to make the most of the opportunities in the outdoors.  The skills developed in the outdoors are transferable and lifelong.  They will enable our students to overcome adversity, become independent and resilient, and stand up and take leadership.

We provide an extensive and challenging Outdoor Education program progressing through the year levels.  The outdoor activities provide hands-on learning with meaningful choices and opportunities to learn from personal experience.  There is a focus on teamwork to enhance personal and social development.

Participation in our program provides an introduction to outdoor recreation activities for life beyond school and encourages our students to engage with our communities and environment.

Year 9

This overnight camp for each core class is the highlight of a programme which emphasises team building and “getting to know you" activities, confidence course and hiking in the outdoors. Senior Peer Support Leaders go on camp with the students.

Year 10

This five-day outdoor education programme concentrates on developing bush craft and outdoor skills takes place at the end of Year 10. A choice of programmes including tramping in the National Parks and Great Walks of New Zealand with options for water activities. Students are tenting or in tramping huts and learn to cook their own meals on camp stoves.

Spirit of New Zealand Y10 Challenge
This opportuntiy arises once every two years with Students participating in a 10 day secondary schools' competition to complete 30 challenges ranging from orienteering to problem solving activities.

Get2Go Challenge
This event is open to junior students only. Teams compete in a one day event with activities that include mountain biking, kayaking and orienteering.

Year 11

Geography students participate in a five-day camp at Glentanner Station, Mt Cook. The focus is on geography field work and research.

Levels 1, 2 and 3 NCEA Outdoor Education

The focus at all levels is on developing skills in outdoor pursuit activities such as rock climibin, mountain biking, orienteering, tramping and kayaking. The students will progress from participating and extending their personal comfort zone in the outdoors to building leadership and risk management strategie that will enable them to enjoy future outdoor pursuits.

Year 12 Physical Education Camp

This is a three-day camp which is usually held at Moke Lake near Queenstown. The students sleep in tents and do activities such as mountain biking, white water rafting, and tramping. It is a challenging, exciting few days in which students have planning responsibilities, cook their own meals and enjoy camping at this magical venue. Assessments take place for NCEA Level 2.

Year 12 Geography and Biology

This is a five day outdoor education progamme at Borland Lodge which includes practical work, caving, tramping and canoeing. Field work and research is carried out for NCEA Level 2 assessments. 

Other year twelve students have an opportunity to participate in an outdoor pursuit’s leadership camp based in Waikouaiti with activities which include mountain biking, stand-up paddle board, waka ama and abseiling.

Year 13 Physical Education

This is a five-day cross country skiing experience on the Wairou Snow Farm in the Cardrona Valley near Wanaka. Students learn a range of skiing techniques, go on short ski tours, learn to build and sleep in snow caves, develop resilience, and enjoy living in a snow environment. For many it is the trip of a lifetime and it is also part of the NCEA Level 3 Physical Education course.

Outward Bound, Spirit of Adventure

There are opportunities for senior students to participate in a personal development and leadership program. Students have come back with new skills, fresh outlook in life, energetic, positive and resilient.

 Whole School Ski and Snowboard Trip

This is a four-day ski trip to Coronet Peak for learners and experts in August and it is open to all students. It is an opportunity to build friendships with students from across all year levels.

Rock Climbing

Qualified instructors are employed to teach at the school's climbing wall.This is open to all students from beginners to advanced climbers. School competitions are offered.

World Challenge

This is a student-led 21 to 28 day expedition to a developing country of choice. The expedition includes a physical trek in a jungle or mountain environment, and volunteering in a community project. The students return with a broader perspective of the global world we live in.

Surfing

Qualified instructors are employed to teach surfing at St Clair beach. This is open to all students from beginners to intermediate surfers and is a great summer activity.