Duration: 28 Weeks
Max Group Size: 5
If you are looking to become an outdoor instructor and kickstart your career, this 28 week Outdoor Instructor Program is designed for you. Learning the fundamentals of hiking, and rock climbing while gaining logbook hours in the outdoors and refining your group facilitation skills will see you fast track your way to an exciting outdoor career.
This is an accelerated, practical immersion course, which offers a unique pathway from training to employment in the outdoor industry. Offering an unparalleled combination of training, qualifications and mentored transition from practitioner, to leader, and then instructor, with quality outdoor industry experience.
Locations you may visit: Queenstown, Wānaka, Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park, Mt. Aspiring National Park, Dunedin, Bannockburn, Milford Sound and more!
Download the Outdoor Instructor Program Brochure
Our Alumni
Program Testimonial
"I joined this program because I was looking for a career change and I love the outdoors. Completing the 5 peak pass in Mt Aspiring National Park while I was a Pure Exploration student as part of self directed learning was unreal! I now have the skills to get people started in their rock climbing and hiking journeys."
Jeff N, Australia.
Program Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
On the Outdoor Instructor Program you will be based in Queenstown, New Zealand. Locations you will visit: Milford Sound, Mt Aspiring National Park, Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, Timaru, Dunedin, Wānaka and more.
Yes of course! You will be with an instructor throughout the program and who will be teaching and mentoring you along the journey. Queenstown is a safe town, with a good mix of locals and tourists.
This is a comprehensive outdoor program, you need to have a decent amount of rock climbing and hiking experience to participate in this program.
We recommend you have a moderate level of fitness. You must be comfortable carrying a 15kg/30lb backpack for multiple days, camping out in remote wilderness, and prepared to do activities five days a week.
Usually the program will run five days a week, this is dependant on weather, location, and other factors. But you can expect to have a couple of days each week to rest and explore. You will be required to complete self directed learning during the program where you do your own multiday hiking expeditions.
The weather in Queenstown, New Zealand can change quickly. You‘ll explore the native forest and hike remote alpine trails where temperatures range drastically and weather patterns can change quickly. Expect to be hiking and climbing in both warm and subalpine conditions but be prepared for all types of weather no matter the time of year.
Temperatures range from 0°C to 30°C (32°F to 86°F).
You will have a variety of program instructors during your time with us. They are all highly qualified, have worked as guides/instructors themselves and have a range of skills they will teach you. They will become your program instructors and mentors over the 28 weeks.
Although accommodation and food is not included in this program, we are happy to assist with helping you find accommodation and we can make recommendations on where to look. Food is readily available in New Zealand from a variety of super markets, to cafes and restaurants.
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