Schools in Wanaka
Otago & Southland · New Zealand
There are 6 schools in and around Wanaka (Otago & Southland) — 5 primary, 1 secondary. Hāwea Flat School is the highest-scoring on the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite, which compares every school against its EQI peer group. Each profile is source-linked to Education Counts, ERO and the Ministry of Education.
6 schools · refreshed from Education Counts 2026-07-12. Full methodology.
Browse Wanaka schools by suburb
2 Wanaka suburbs have their own schools page.
Schools in Wanaka ranked by value-added score
The SchoolsNearMe composite scores every level against its EQI peer group, so it surfaces schools that get the most out of their students — not just the most advantaged intake. How it's calculated.
- View profile →
96
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory100ERO review89 - View profile →
93
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory100ERO review83 - View profile →
79
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory45ERO review83 - View profile →
78
/ 100 composite
Academic88Outcomes67Retention91Wellbeing60Trajectory66ERO review85 - View profile →
49
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing31Trajectory25ERO review79
More schools in Wanaka
These schools don't yet have a composite score (often small rolls or limited scored data). Their full source-linked profiles are still available.
- Makarora Primary School Full Primary · 12 students
What the record says about Wanaka schools
Plain-language summaries distilled from each school's ERO reports and Ministry records. Every claim is source-linked on the school's profile.
Hāwea Flat School
Hāwea Flat School's 2023 ERO review identified areas for development including establishing a clear learning framework, increasing understanding of learner progression pathways, and fostering student ownership of learning. Strengths include innovative learning environments using learner interests, collaborative staff culture focused on professional learning and consistent practice, and active community connections supporting engagement and attendance.
Full source-linked profile →Te Kura O Take Kārara
Te Kura O Take Kārara's February 2025 ERO review found most learners achieve at or above expected levels in literacy and mathematics, with equitable achievement for Māori learners. Leaders implement cohesive professional learning that positively impacts teacher practice, and teachers increasingly use evidence-informed strategies including small group teaching and flexible grouping. The school's composite score is 83.
Full source-linked profile →Holy Family School (Wanaka)
Holy Family School's Board has attested to meeting all regulatory and legislative requirements across key areas as of October 2023, including Board Administration and Curriculum requirements. The school operates without active Ministry of Education intervention.
Full source-linked profile →Mt Aspiring College
Mt Aspiring College's hostel for Year 13 students operates across five standalone houses with an intensive outdoor pursuits programme. The hostel manager and owner have attested compliance with the Hostel Regulations 2005. Strengths include an extensive induction programme, ongoing mentorship, diverse outdoor experiences, and established systems supporting physical and emotional safety. The school is currently subject to a limited statutory manager intervention by the Ministry of Education.
Full source-linked profile →Wanaka Primary School
Wanaka Primary School has a composite score of 79. Most learners achieve at or above expected curriculum levels in reading, writing and mathematics, with target groups making significant progress through responsive literacy programmes. The school is taking active steps to address achievement disparities for some Māori learners. A Ministry of Education Commissioner is currently active at the school.
Full source-linked profile →Makarora Primary School
Makarora Primary School, a full primary with 12 students, is rebuilding its school community under new leadership appointed in 2021. The ERO review found strengths in the school's shared vision, supportive community, and individualised learning environment enhanced by nurturing staff-student relationships. The school has developed a responsive, localised curriculum through community consultation that reflects children's needs and utilises local resources.
Full source-linked profile →Frequently asked questions about Wanaka schools
What schools are in Wanaka?
Wanaka has 6 schools on our records (5 primary, 1 secondary): Mt Aspiring College, Holy Family School (Wanaka), Te Kura O Take Kārara, Wanaka Primary School, Hāwea Flat School, Makarora Primary School. Every school links to a source-backed profile with ERO history, NCEA results and audited financials.
What is the best school in Wanaka?
On the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite — which scores each school against its EQI peer group across all year levels — Hāwea Flat School ranks highest among Wanaka schools (96/100). On NCEA and University Entrance results, Mt Aspiring College leads the local secondary schools. "Best" depends on what you value — compare profiles to weigh academic results, ERO trajectory, retention and wellbeing.
What is the school zone for Wanaka?
Many New Zealand state schools operate an enrolment zone (home zone), so your home address — not just the suburb — determines which in-zone state schools you can enrol at. Living in Wanaka does not guarantee a place at any particular school. Check each school's current zone with the school directly or use our by-address tool to see which schools cover a specific Wanaka address.
Decile or EQI — how are Wanaka schools rated for socio-economic need?
New Zealand replaced the decile system with the Equity Index (EQI) in 2023. A lower EQI means a more socio-economically advantaged community; a higher EQI means greater need. EQI is a funding tool, not a quality measure — a high-EQI school can outperform a low-EQI one. The SchoolsNearMe composite controls for EQI so a school serving a more disadvantaged community isn't unfairly penalised.
Source data: Education Counts (NCEA, retention, destinations, discipline, funding) · Ministry of Education (roll, EQI, identity) · Education Review Office (reviews).