Why Whakatāne High School
Whakatāne High School has a proud 100 year history as a co-educational public high school. We support a roll of over 1250 students and offer every student an equal opportunity to succeed with strong values around responsibility, respect and achievement.
Whakatāne is located in the sunny Bay of Plenty region on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Our climate is mild, allowing for year round enjoyment of beautiful Ohope Beach – a ten minute drive from Whakatāne High School.Whakatāne has a population of around 19,000 people. We’re conveniently located within about an hours drive to Tauranga and Rotorua, and only four hours drive to Auckland.
Another popular subject with international students is Outdoor Education. Students participate in a variety of sporting excursions such as; surfing, white water rafting, mountain biking, walking in the natural environment, kayaking, skiing and snowboarding.Students also have the opportunity to join extracurricular activities such as; being part of our School Rock bands, team sports such as; hockey, soccer, rugby, basketball, cricket, tennis, netball etc. Whakatāne High School has a successful sporting history with alumni New Zealand sporting representatives. Enrol now by contacting the Whakatāne High School International Department on international@whakatanehigh.school.nz or Enrol online above.
The Whakatāne High School International Student Programme offers an excellent education to around 35 visiting students . We welcome students from all over the world. The majority of our international students come from Europe, with some also visiting from Asia and the Americas. Our school is a signatory to the Code of Practice for International Students. Students stay with approved host families who care for them like their own children.
If you join us, you will have a choice to study six subjects from a large list of selections e.g. Outdoor Ed, Food Technology, Visual Art as well as your more traditional subjects like Maths, English and PE.
Please contact the International Department for a curriculum Guide.
Marine Studies is a unique subject, offered by very few schools in New Zealand. Whakatāne High School allows international students the opportunity to participate in the programme where they will study the ocean, marine plants and creatures. Students are offered the opportunity to complete a PADI Scuba Diving Certificate, go on snorkelling trips around the country AND spend 8 days on the spectacular Heron Island, which is on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. We are the only school in New Zealand that can offer this particular trip.
Enrolment Information
APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED FOR JULY 2027 AND BEYOND.
International School Fees
2026 Term Dates
2027 Term Dates
Additional Costs
- Non-programmable scientific calculator for Maths, Physics, etc ($90 approximately)
- New Zealand Qualifications Entry (NCEA – if necessary, $400 approximately)
- Trips out of school including Marine Studies trips, snow trips, camping and tramping, kayaking, high ropes and mountain biking trips. Current prices all available on application.
- Whakatāne High School offers a unique End of Year program for International Students, this program is subsidised by the school with some charges incurred by the students based on the interests of the students.
Contingency Fees
A correctly worn uniform promotes pride, respect, responsibility and most importantly, allows a focus on education and academic success. All uniform requirements are available either in-store or online at NZ Uniforms, The Strand, Whakatāne. Other local shops have non-specialist articles such as shirts, shoes and black trousers. Whakatāne High School does not have a second hand uniform shop.
NZUniforms Ltd, 89 The Strand, Whakatāne, stock all our uniform items. We have taken great care to ensure uniform items are durable and reasonably priced. Prices are as follows (and are subject to change):
2026 Whakatane High School Uniform Pricelist
