Outdoor Education in Full Swing at Te Kūwaha Mātauraka

Tuesday 6th May 2025

Last week, our Year 13 PE students took part in an unforgettable overnight kayak expedition on the picturesque Lake Manapouri.


Kakaruai (South Island Robin)
Kakaruai (South Island Robin)

Bumpy conditions and beautiful scenery made for a memorable journey, with one of the standout moments being the walk to the top of the Monument. From the summit, students were rewarded with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Fiordland mountains—a moment of both achievement and reflection.

Over the weekend, we were fortunate to host Anne and Colin Mitchell, who are generously helping to set up our archery programme. Anne represented New Zealand in Archery at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and we’re thrilled to now have this exciting new activity available for use in upcoming camps.

On the stargazing front, the telescope has been in action during the clear nights. I've been learning how to operate it properly so we can share the wonders of the night sky with future students and camp visitors. It's a steep but fascinating learning curve, and I’m excited about the opportunities this will bring.

We’ve also been busy behind the scenes. Audit Plus, an external consultancy, has spent the past few days reviewing how we deliver Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) here on campus. Their visit will result in valuable recommendations that help us refine our practices and continue prioritising safety and quality in all our programmes.

Looking ahead, we’re pleased to welcome Aurora College from Invercargill this weekend, followed closely by Mt Aspiring College’s Geography students. We’re excited to share our environment, facilities, and activities with them in what’s shaping up to be a vibrant and busy season.

View from the top of the monument
The moon through the telescope
Kakaruai (South Island Robin)