New Zealand Outdoor Instructor Program
Our 28-week advanced outdoor instructor program is designed for those looking to turn their passion for the outdoors into a professional career and what better place to learn in the outdoors than Queenstown, New Zealand.
With a focus on practical field days and immersive learning, you’ll master advanced outdoor skills in hiking, rock climbing, bush navigation, packrafting, wilderness first aid and emergency response.
This course offers extensive instructor training and logbook experience, preparing you for the NZOIA Bush 1 and NZOIA Rock 1 certifications. Perfect for aspiring outdoor educators, this program sets you up for a rewarding career in adventure tourism and outdoor leadership.
Download the Outdoor Instructor Program Booklet
This is a guide to what you can expect to do on program, the experiences you will have and the activities you will participate in. The order in which the activities occur might vary.
The Why?
This program is designed for those serious about turning a passion for the outdoors into a professional career. It offers an in-depth pathway into becoming an outdoor instructor while exploring New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes.
Whether you’re climbing alpine crags, hiking through dense native bush, or navigating remote rivers, this course provides the advanced training and experience needed to pass NZOIA certifications. You'll gain instructional training, experience and mentoring to ensure you become a confident outdoor leader.
More than skill development, it’s a journey of pushing limits, building confidence and preparing for a career in outdoor education.
Where Will You Go?
Your journey will span the dramatic landscapes of the South Island, taking you to iconic and remote locations.
Climb the alpine crags at Sebastapol Bluffs and explore the rugged rock faces of Charleston on the West Coast. Conquer challenging hikes like the Five Passes route and the stunning Gillespie Pass. Traverse the pristine rainforests on the Rees-Dart Track, and experience the vast wilderness surrounding Fiordland.
From the peaks of Mt. Aspiring National Park to the hidden valleys of the West Coast, you’ll gain an intimate connection with New Zealand’s wildest environments.
Program Dates & Price
Secure your spot on one of our upcoming programs:
- 10 Sept 2025 - 8 Apr 2026
- 9 Sept 2026 - 7 Apr 2027
The program price includes everything listed in the program inclusions and program itinerary.
- USD $17,000
What's Included?
- Highly experienced program instructors who are with you throughout your program and are there to guide, mentor and bring you up to the level required to pass your NZOIA assessments
- All activities and experiences outlined in the itinerary
- All transport during program days
- All necessary technical equipment and all national park entry fees
- Pure Exploration Certificate of Guiding, NZOIA Bush 1, NZOIA Rock 1, Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PHEC), Packrafting course, Swift Water Rescue 3 Qualification, Logbook Experience and Sign Off
- Access to your own "Traveller Area" where you can manage your personal program details
- Relevant and important documents to prepare you for your program
- 24/7 Emergency Phone number during program
- Customer service team for all program support
Instructor Experience
The final weeks of the program are dedicated to gaining real-world instructor experience. You’ll co-instruct on one of our other programs, giving you the chance to apply your skills in a hands-on teaching environment.
As you guide and mentor others, you’ll begin logging vital instructor days in your logbook, demonstrating your competence as a developing outdoor leader. These logged days are critical in showcasing your readiness to future employers and advancing your career in the outdoor industry.
This is your first step toward becoming a confident and capable outdoor instructor.
Beyond The Program
Jeff always knew he wanted to do something different, something that ignited his passion for the outdoors, something that gave him professional satisfaction. Ready for a change in career he made the decision to join our New Zealand Adventure Guide Program AND the Outdoor Instructor Program in 2022.
His passion, skills and industry qualifications set him up for success as he finished the Adventure Guide Program and went on to work for Wild Wire Wānaka as a Via Ferrata lead guide.
Impressed with his drive, leadership capabilities and passion for the great outdoors; we are proud to have Jeff working as a lead instructor for Pure Exploration. Whether he’s working for us in New Zealand, Nepal or Patagonia we're stoked to have him as part of the team.
Jeff N. | Australia
Qualifications You Gain
Pure Exploration Certificate of Instructing
with an outline of the skills you have learned and
terrain types you have covered.
New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA)
Bush 1 and Rock 1 Qualifications.
Complete a packrafting course and experience swift water rescue safety techniques. Granting you the Rescue 3 Qualification.
Comprehensive Five Day
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
First Aid Course and Certification.
Gain advanced logbook training
and experience that is signed off by highly
qualified guides and instructors.
Testimonials
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