Kaikōura High School vs Waimate High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 7-15) schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 335 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Kaikōura High School
Kaikoura · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
192 students
Waimate High School
Waimate · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
291 students
| Measure | Kaikōura High School Kaikoura, Canterbury | Waimate High School Waimate, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 39 Lower 50% | 43 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #50 of 57 | #47 of 57 |
| National rank | #315 of 486 | #276 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 192 | 291 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 475 | 481 |
| Total roll | 192 | 291 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 1.5% | 22.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 69.2% | 78% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 30.8% | 41.5% |
| Māori students | 32.8% | 14.1% |
| Pacific students | 6.3% | 3.4% |
| International students | 0.5% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Kaikoura | Waimate |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.kaikourahigh.school.nz | www.waimatehigh.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Waimate High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (43.3 vs 38.6).
- •Kaikōura High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (475 vs 481).
- •Waimate High School does better on roll size (291 vs 192).
- •Waimate High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (22.7% vs 1.5%).
- •Waimate High School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (78% vs 69.2%).
- •Waimate High School is the larger school with 291 students compared with 192.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Kaikōura High School better than Waimate High School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Waimate High School ranks higher (43.3 vs 38.6 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Kaikōura High School and Waimate High School?
About 335 km in a straight line, between Kaikoura and Waimate in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Kaikōura High School: 475. Waimate High School: 481. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Kaikōura High School and Waimate High School rank in Canterbury?
Kaikōura High School is 50th of 57 and Waimate High School is 47th of 57 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).