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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

About ODENZ

Outdoor Education New Zealand (ODENZ) is a national network of secondary schools offering international students the chance to learn and grow through New Zealand’s unique outdoor experiences. With a shared commitment to quality, safety, and collaboration, ODENZ schools deliver high-standard outdoor education designed to challenge, inspire, and support personal development.

From white-water rafting and skiing world-class slopes to tramping across our spectacular mountain ranges, students are immersed in hands-on learning that builds resilience, confidence, and connection with the natural world.

The ODENZ Advantage

We offer international high school students an incredible experience studying in New Zealand’s "outdoor adventure-land." ODENZ schools have a particular strength and focus on outdoor education experiences, offering challenging practical programmes and activities designed to encourage leadership as well as personal and social development.

Study options

Students have a wide range of options to choose from in subject areas such as the arts and design, languages, technology, sport and recreation, hospitality and more.

Many of our schools offer Outdoor Education as a subject and students are able to experience different activities outside of the classroom as part of the course curriculum.

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More About ODENZ

Understanding the NZ Education System

Education in New Zealand is a student-centred pathway providing continuous learning progression and choice. In New Zealand, schooling is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, though most students begin at age 5.

Primary School

Years 1–6 (Ages 5–10)

Intermediate School

Years 7–8 (Ages 11–12)

Secondary School

Years 9–13 (Ages 13–17)

Secondary schools generally run from approximately 8:45 am to 3:15 pm, Monday to Friday. Senior students (Years 11–13) work toward the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), an internationally recognised qualification and acceptable for University entrance in many countries.

Safety and International Student Care

Safety is central to everything we do. Our schools focus on well-managed risk and supportive environments, ensuring students gain the most from every experience—both personally and socially.

The New Zealand Government sets high standards for international education. All ODENZ members are signatories to The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, administered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The Code sets out what education providers must do to ensure the wellbeing and safety of their learners.

In addition to the Code, each ODENZ school provides top-quality support services, including: