Wakatipu High School (WHS) is a premier New Zealand secondary school located in the stunning, safe alpine environment of Queenstown. With a vibrant community of over 1,500 students in Years 9–13, we are dedicated to delivering a safe, high-quality learning environment where every student is supported to reach their full potential.
Their International Department maintains a community of typically 20 to 30 international students at any given time, ensuring each international student receive personalized care, build lifelong global friendships, and develop true independence.
Academic Excellence & University Pathways
They provide a solid academic foundation with rigorous monitoring and a focus on high performance, including Merit and Excellence endorsements and Scholarships. Their students consistently outperform national averages, providing an ideal pathway to university success.
Wakatipu High School NCEA Results (Well Above National Averages):
- University Entrance: 80% of Year 13 students achieved UE (National Average: 52%).
- NCEA Level 3: 91% pass rate (National Average: 72%).
- NCEA Level 2: 89% pass rate (National Average: 74%).
Their International Programme
Their comprehensive programme is designed to give international student the ultimate New Zealand high school experience:
- Integrated & Personalised Learning: Students are fully immersed in mainstream classes, with personalised learning programmes designed to match your individual abilities, passions, and goals.
- Outstanding Pastoral Care: The happiness and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. As a proud signatory to the Code of Pastoral Care for International Students, they ensure a safe, caring environment backed by a dedicated international team, guidance counsellors, and our House and Ako system.
- Iconic Outdoor Education: Located in the adventure capital of New Zealand, we offer world-class outdoor education opportunities that allow you to explore our breathtaking environment while building confidence, maturity, and teamwork skills.
- Extensive Extracurriculars: Beyond outdoor education, we offer a specialized curriculum complemented by a wealth of opportunities across sport, the arts, music, culture, and leadership—including our vibrant inter-House competitions.
- End-of-Year (EOY) Programme: For senior international students (Years 11–13) who are not sitting NCEA exams, they run a dedicated two-week activity programme in November while domestic students are on exam leave. The perfect way to experience the very best of the Queenstown region.