International students are encouraged to enjoy many different activities as well as their studies.

There are opportunities for:

• Leadership, e.g. in the Duke of Edinburgh Award challenge, as a Peer Mentor, or Prefect in Year 13
• Sports, as individuals or teams, both social and more competitive grades
• Arts and Culture expression through dance, drama, the annual school musical, jazz band, art and photography exhibitions, film-making, etc. Musical instrument tuition is available for both beginning and advanced musicians - try something new!

School Clubs 

Hobby Clubs are available year-round and can include Chess club, Art club, the Environmental Council, Computer Programming, Board Gamers club, Jazz Band, Orchestra, and Philosophy club, knitting club and several cultural groups including Kapa haka.
In Term 1, students are encouraged to join one of many culture groups that enter Auckland's annual Polyfest dance competition. 

Additionally, some classes get involved in extra-mural activities such as support of charities, or volunteer community projects business; Business Studies students entering the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) annual competition, may work in groups on their business start-up idea. 

Students may also volunteer for work in the school Library, or Tuckshop, or other services or events at school.

Overnight Camps, and Expeditions

International students can experience day trips to many places of interest close to Auckland City with their Kiwi buddies and classmates, both inside and outside of school hours. During Term breaks, optional private group tours are offered further afield, requiring parental permission; this is often to a scenic part of New Zealand offering optional adventure activities.

Year Level classes at Waitākere College have camps at different times of the year, some of which are related to the curriculum and thus participation in some activities can also provide NCEA credits. These experiences are highly recommended as a way of bonding with classmates, and for trying new activities that may otherwise not be easily available in one's home country. Leadership, social skills and confidence are developed in this way, as well as opportunities to improve conversational English. 

Senior school ball

All Year 12 and 13 students have the opportunity to attend the Senior School Ball, a highlight of social life in the senior school. Dress is formal. Students can bring evening wear with them to NZ, but local help is available with dress arrangements. Celebrate your year with new friends and the staff who helped you toward your goals.