New Zealand
Programs

Travel | Explore | Adventure

Why New Zealand?

Explore New Zealand's South Island with our small group adventure tours. Discover hidden gems and iconic sites like Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wānaka, Franz Josef, Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park & more. Experience the breathtaking Southern Alps, immerse yourself in local culture and embrace outdoor travel with activities, famous trails and backcountry expeditions.

Perfect for gap year travellers, outdoor enthusiasts or those taking a break; our tours offer an opportunity to fully engage with New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and vibrant environments. Join us for an unforgettable adventure travel experience across New Zealand.

Live The Journey

12-28 Weeks

More Than Mainstream Travel

Embrace The Culture & Environemnt

Group hiking next to Harris Lake on the Routeburn Track

What We Stand For

Internationally Operating for 23+ Years

With over 23 years of experience and expertise in the adventure travel & outdoor training industry, we guarantee that participants will benefit from our knowledge and industry credibility.

Legendary Destinations

Participants are immersed in the awe-inspiring beauty and experiences of our legendary locations, from the rugged landscapes of Patagonia to the pristine jungles of Costa Rica, the majestic mountains of Nepal to the remote backcountry of New Zealand.

Globally Recognised

Participants have access to internationally recognised certifications and qualifications tailored to diverse environments and conditions, making us the preferred choice for aspiring guides seeking opportunities for global expedition work and career advancement.

Exploration Attitude

Participants will challenge their inner selves, embrace change, and enjoy the journey as they push beyond their limits and overcome obstacles. Through intentional leadership and transformative experiences, they will unlock their full potential amidst the wonders of nature. Along the way, they will foster lasting connections and a sense of belonging within the vibrant adventure community.

Truly Immersive Experiences

Experience a journey of continuous growth and development with our progressive learning mantra, guiding participants through foundational skills to advanced techniques, empowering them to evolve personally and professionally throughout their adventure. Embrace environmental stewardship, outdoor leadership, adventure guiding and instructing.

Our Community

Our programs are designed to act as a springboard for participants to venture into their next adventure; whether it's a career in the outdoors or a challenging outdoor pursuit. With a focus on the future our alumni, instructors and team pride themselves on a sense of adventure and self discovery.

New Zealand Programs

Adventure Guide Program

Spend 12 weeks traversing the South Island of New Zealand where you will spend time with people from all over the world as you explore the outdoors. Hike world famous trails, visit iconic locations like Milford Sound, experience the local wildlife, embrace the natural Beech Forest and learn about the Māori culture.

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Work and Train Program

Over 24 weeks you will gain paid work experience in the adventure tourism industry and extensive outdoor training. Designed to have you learning hands on skills and putting them to use in the industry while exploring the South Island of New Zealand; all while embracing the culture and natural environments that surround you.

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Outdoor Instructor Program

This 28 week program is an advanced, comprehensive and technical program designed to take you from student to instructor. Gain industry specific skills and qualifications as you grow into an advanced outdoor instructor ready to take on the outdoor industry as an experienced and qualified guide.

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Who is it for?

Our New Zealand Programs are perfect for those looking for their first overseas gap year, those looking to explore new places and get into the outdoors or those looking for a career break and want to join a meaningful travel experience.

You'll meet people from all over the world, you'll gain new personal and professional skills, and you'll journey on the trip of a life time as you traverse the Southern Alps.

Our Alumni

"Absolutely amazing experience, once in a lifetime opportunity, meet awesome and like minded people. I’ve never done anything like this before, and it was an awesome way to get into the industry and meet like minded people that enjoy the outdoors just as I do!"

Tia P. New Zealand.

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Location Overview

Our New Zealand Programs focus on an immersive travel experience like no other. While you enjoy small group tours you will explore stunning landscapes, from sub-alpine landscapes to lush native beech forests. You will engage in a variety of exciting activities such as Māori cultural customs, Milford Sound Fiordland Cruise, famous hiking trails and explore local hidden gems.

This is not your mainstream travel tour; it's a slow travel adventure where you truly live and embrace the culture and environment of New Zealand. The programs focus on progressive experiences, allowing you to build skills and confidence while creating unforgettable memories with people from all over the world. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for personal growth, guided by passionate outdoor instructors who have lived the experiences before.

Who we work with, NZOIA logo | Pure Exploration
Who we work with, Department of Conservation logo | Pure Exploration

Program Testimonials

★★★★★

The Adventure Guide Program is an amazing program! Learnt so much and had so much fun! Already been offered employment in adventure guiding!

Gabriel Foulkes
Canada
★★★★★

The adventure guide program not only equipped me with the technical skills for rock climbing and hiking, it also greatly helped me in my personal development and growth, my confidence in these activities, as well as working with others and as a team with my course-mates and instructors.

Rachel Teow
Singapore
★★★★★

This program is fantastic for so many reasons. Whether you are trying to get a foothold in the adventure tourism industry, or just need a reset/break in your life, come out and explore New Zealand!

Grayson Redmond
USA
★★★★★

Staying in New Zealand for these 3 months has been the best choice of my life. I've had a complete career change. Spending all of this time in the outdoors has made me very appreciative of the nature around us especially in these trying times of the world.

Chace Crowell
USA
★★★★★

The experience was everything I could've hoped for. Learned a ton, had a blast, did awesome things in incredible places and made lifelong friends.

Max Stevens
USA

Program Gallery