John McGlashan College is hoping to open a secondary campus from next April at the former Fiordland National Park Lodge site, located 30km north of Te Anau on the highway to Milford Sound.
The 3ha property sits at the shore of Lake Te Anau.
The leasehold property was sold for $1.9million in May.
A Southland District Council capital evaluation of the property was $1.72million.
A sale listing for the property said it had 20 motel units, 16 lodge rooms and 10 backpacker rooms, together with en suites and a restaurant.
It also featured a wharf and boat ramp.
Principal Neil Garry said it would provide the pupils with "endless opportunities for adventure-based learning".
The school’s board of proprietors bought the property in consultation with the board of trustees.
It would be used for school camps, which would likely run for at least 21 days, and other outdoor activities.
Pupils would be able to take part in alpine tramping, bushcraft, climbing, sailing and kayaking.
A wide range of curriculum work would be integrated into the environment.
The facility sat on Doc land in Fiordland National Park and the school intended to develop a strong service partnership with the Department of Conservation.
-- wyatt.ryder@odt.co.nz
Education Reporter
