Kahunui is key to a well-rounded St Cuthbert’s education and equips every girl with life skills for the real world. Every Year 10 girl spends a month at our Bay of Plenty outdoor second campus – a truly transformative experience she will remember forever.
A Transformative Experience
At St Cuthbert’s, we offer your daughter something truly exceptional – our Kahunui campus in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. This month-long residential experience for all Year 10 students represents a cornerstone of our educational philosophy, one that goes beyond traditional academics to develop the whole person.
Beyond the Conventional Classroom
Set in a stunning natural environment, Kahunui provides a unique opportunity for your daughter to discover her inner strength and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Through challenging outdoor activities, environmental stewardship projects, and communal living in houses of eight, students develop resilience, leadership, and independence in ways that simply cannot be replicated in a conventional classroom.
Connecting with Nature
The Kahunui journey is centred around Te Taiaō – the powerful connection between people and nature. Your daughter will work closely with dedicated specialist instructors who guide her through experiences designed to build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and foster lifelong friendships. With support from local iwi Te Ūpokorehe and Whakatōhea, students become kaitiaki (guardians) of this special place, learning valuable lessons about sustainability and responsibility.
Off the Grid
In our increasingly connected world, Kahunui offers something increasingly rare – complete disconnection from mobile phones and digital distractions during this critical stage of development. This intentional digital detox allows authentic connections to flourish, both with peers and with the natural environment, creating space for genuine self-discovery and personal growth.
When your daughter returns from Kahunui, you’ll notice the difference. Parents consistently tell us of the newfound maturity, confidence, and sense of purpose their daughters bring back with them – qualities that remain long after the experience ends. Students return with stories of personal growth, strong friendships, and a deeper connection to the environment and community around them.
What Our Community Say
Expert Leadership
Led by Head of Kahunui Caroline Reddish and supported by our team of specialist instructors, the programme ensures each student receives expert guidance throughout their journey of self-discovery. Their intimate knowledge of both the programme and the unique needs of young women at this developmental stage creates an environment where authentic growth can flourish.
A Cornerstone of our Education
Kahunui represents our commitment to holistic education that nurtures not just academic excellence, but emotional intelligence, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility. This unique programme ensures our students are prepared not just for academic success, but for meaningful lives as engaged global citizens.
“Kahunui is a unique and very special part of what we offer at St Cuthbert’s to develop well-rounded young women. The experience helps our girls become aware of just how resourceful they are, how they can achieve whatever they put their mind to, how they can feel the fear and do it anyway, and how to be at one with the environment.”
Charlotte Avery, Principal
Enhancing the Experience
We’re currently enhancing this remarkable facility with a beautiful new Learning Hub, which will further enrich the Kahunui experience for future students. Our future vision includes expanded communal facilities – a dedicated dining room, modern kitchen, and staff village – designed to attract and retain the exceptional educators who make Kahunui so special.
We invite you to learn more about this extraordinary aspect of a St Cuthbert’s education during your visit to our College.
Next Steps
2027 places are filling fast – please contact Admissions for more info. Applications are open for 2028 and beyond.