Outdoor Instructor Program | New Zealand
Program Overview
This is a comprehensive and educational program for aspiring outdoor instructors and guides. Expect to learn advanced hiking and rock climbing skills while building a comprehensive logbook and co-instruct in real-life group settings where you will refine your skills in a dynamic environment. Block One: Three Months Spend your time training directly with one of our highly qualified technical instructors, who will cover the skills you need to obtain your NZOIA Bush 1 and NZOIA Rock 1 qualifications. During the first three months, you'll learn how to prepare for top rope climbing and abseiling sessions while following a safety management system. You will prepare and plan for various rock and bush instructor scenarios and learn about the native flora, fauna, and Te Ao Māori concepts. Understand and interpret how the weather affects different landscape aspects to ensure individual and group safety in the backcountry. Block Two: Three Months You will start this training block as a co-instructor while assisting on one of our Adventure Guide Programs. You‘ll also begin preparing for your upcoming NZOIA Bush 1 and NZOIA Rock 1 Assessments.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- 3-6 Months
- 1 Year
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Cooking
- Eco Tours
- Ecology
- Geology
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Nature Tours
- Rafting
- Sports
- Tours
- Trekking
- Ecology
- Education
- National Park
- Parks & Recreation
- Sports
- Tourism
- Adventure Travel
- Internships
- Jobs
- Sports
- Study Abroad
- Wilderness
Updated Nov 26, 2025
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Queenstown, New Zealand
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered: Year Round
- Intern Duration: 3-6 Months, 1 Year
- Gap Year Timing: After College, Post High School, During College, Career Break / Mid-Career
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language: English
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accommodation Options
- Independent living
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
3-6 Months, 1 Year
Starts At
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Pure Exploration.
Who is the Outdoor Instructor Program suitable for?
This program is suitable for those looking to develop their outdoor guiding and instructor skills. It involves comprehensible, advanced outdoor training, so you should have plenty of outdoor experience. You are required to participate in challenging off-trail navigation hikes and technical rock climbing excursions.
What outdoor qualifications will I gain?
During the Outdoor Instructor Program in New Zealand, you will gain NZOIA Rock 1 and NZOIA Bush 1, PHEC first aid certificate, and Rescue 3 certificate. The qualifications and their syllabus will be taught to you over 28 weeks, with your NZOIA exams to be sat at the end of the program.
How fit do I need to be to be an outdoor instructor?
We strongly recommend that you are comfortable hiking with a 15kg/30lb backpack for at least six hours. You should be comfortable completing multi-day hikes on and off trails and be comfortable with sport climbing, lead climbing, and multi-pitch climbing.
What is included in the Outdoor Instructor Program?
The Outdoor Instructor Program includes all transport, technical gear, training, NZOIA qualifications, relevant exams, a pack rafting course, a Rescue 3 certificate, a PHEC course, and a certificate.
What skills can I expect to gain from the Outdoor Instructor Program?
- Technical competence skills, including navigation and location awareness skills, efficient movement in bush terrain and camp craft skills, constructing a variety of safe and efficient anchor systems, a top rope climbing system and client abseil systems, and more
- Environmental and cultural skills
- Group management and leadership skills
- Co-instructor skills and experience
Recognitions & Awards
Awards and accreditations earned by this provider
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