Outdoor
Experiences

During winter (term three), students can make the most of our alpine setting and learn to ski or snowboard under the guidance of professional instructors at nearby ski areas. In the warmer months, students learn skills in outdoor survival and caring for the environment at our memorable backcountry camps. 

WHS has a junior Outdoor Education programme based in our wonderful region. Year 9 students participate in a river-based Outdoor Education camp at Greenstone Station early in Term 1, and at the end of Term 3 we have our ‘Journeys’ programme where students choose from a range of experiences including tramping, mountain biking, kayaking and horse trekking and then ‘journey’ around the region for two days and a night.

The Year 10 Branches Camp isconsidered to be a “rite of passage” for students going into the senior school. It has been running for over 50 years and takes place at the end of Term 4. Based at Branches Station, at the head of the Shotover River, students participate in outdoor activities such as tramping, rafting and search and rescue.

We also offer an awesome outdoor recreation course for senior students, making the most of the surrounding environment of the Wakatipu. Year 12 and 13 students gain experience and credits in kayaking, tramping, bushcraft, mountain expeditions, snow caving and safety management. 

Another unique programme at Wakatipu High School is the WHS Winter Sports Academy. This is a high-level training option for elite athletes in their chosen alpine, free skiing or snowboarding disciplines. This high performance academy allows for a flexible academic schedule to allow students to reach their maximum athletic potential while pursuing their academic goals.

Some of our top snowsports athletes have gone on to represent New Zealand at the highest level including former students Tiarn Collins, Cool Wakushima and Alice Robinson (world cup winner, Junior World Champion) who competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.