Hedgehope School has returned from a cultural trip to Northland which has helped students at the school build their confidence, curiosity and adventure.

The school was selected by Air New Zealand through the Airpoints for Schools programme and involved 27 of the 28 students from the school flying north for the camp.

Hedgehope principal Sue Rogers said the school had applied many times for the Airpoints programme and it was a "dream" to be given the opportunity to extend the cultural knowledge of the students.

She said the highlights of the trip including visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Waka and Tikipunga High School as well as learning more about the history of New Zealand and "making connections and generally broadening our horizons".

"Our students actively embraced the challenge and they loved everything."

Seven parents and three staff from the school also joined the trip.

Air New Zealand opens the Airpoints for Schools programme each year to help schools achieve a variety of environmental, cultural, social or educational goals.

The programme is supported by donations of Air New Zealand Airpoints from frequent flyer members which helps pay for flight costs.

According to the Air New Zealand website the programme has sent more than 400 students to a variety of different destinations both nationally and internationally.