Outdoor Education

New Plymouth is ideally situated for a wide range of outdoor activities and Spotswood College makes the most of its location.

All year round, people take advantage of the numerous hiking tracks, involving lakes, rivers and areas of the coast. There are simple walks where people can enjoy nature and beautiful scenery and there are more challenging hikes for those who like more of a challenge.
Some of the best surfing in New Zealand can be found in Taranaki. There are surf breaks that challenge even the most experienced surfer and beaches that are calmer which suit those who are learning to surf. There is also scuba diving, wind-surfing, fishing and great places to go for a swim in the waves.
In the winter there is a small ski field on the slopes of the majestic Mount Taranaki where people enjoy skiing, snow-boarding and tobogganing or just playing in the snow. 

Spotswood College takes advantage of the surrounding environment and has a rich outdoor education programme, including making use of the facilities at the Taranaki Outdoor Pursuits and Education Centre (TOPEC: www.topec.co.nz).