Couple hiking above Wānaka amongst tussock

Work and Train Program

Outdoor Industry Work Experience
Program Price: USD $9,500
Duration: 24 Weeks
Max Group Size: 12

Embark on an epic journey through the South Island, where you'll immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand for 24-weeks of adventuring. Based in Queenstown you'll dive into the heart of the action as you conquer vast landscapes, navigate native forests and explore the Southern Alps. You will dial in your outdoor skills as you hike through rugged terrain, scale towering crags and learn the technicalities of guiding from highly skilled program instructors. Ignite your passion for adventure and create unforgettable memories in the "Adventure Capital of the World".

How does the program work?

  • The program is broken up into two blocks; block one is outdoor training and block two is work experience. Throughout the outdoor training block you will learn specific hiking skills, technical rock climbing skills and outdoor group management skills. During the work experience block you will be working with a local adventure tourism company in a fully paid position, where you will put your skills to use in the industry.

This program is perfect for you if you are looking for a blend of work experience and immersive education.

Locations Visited: Queenstown, Wānaka, Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park, Mt Aspiring National Park and more!

Program Dates

Group hiking next to Harris Lake on the Routeburn Track
Spaces Remaining

Oct 2024

30 Oct 2024 - 30 Apr 2025
Book Now
Group rock climbing at Hospital Flats in Wānaka
Spaces Remaining

Oct 2025

29 Oct 2025 - 29 Apr 2026
Book Now
Learning map navigation skills on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park
General Enquiry

Questions?

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What's Included

  • Pure Exploration Certificate of Guiding
  • NZOIA Bush Leader and NZOIA Rock Leader qualifications and training
  • 12 weeks paid work experience (subject to interview)
  • Technical equipment for rock climbing, hiking and camping
  • Transportation during program days
  • Highly skilled program guides
  • Outdoor First Aid Training

Highlights

  • Paid industry work experience (subject to interview)
  • Based in Queenstown, New Zealand the "Adventure Capital of the World"
  • Explore famous hiking trails and epic crags
  • Learn the skills required to become an outdoor adventure guide
  • Learn the fundamentals of hiking and rock climbing
  • Employer network opportunities
  • Qualified and highly skilled program guides

Prerequisites

  • At least 18 years old
  • Fluent in English
  • Moderate fitness: comfortable hiking with a 15kg/30lb backpack over multiple days, ready to be outdoors five days a week
  • Passion for travel and the outdoor industry

Download the Work & Train Program Brochure

Upcoming Program

12

DAYS

12

HOURS

12

MINUTES

12

SECONDS
Student sitting at the bottom of a crag happy to have completed their climb

Our Alumni

Program Testimonial

"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 Pettifer, New Zealand.

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Program Breakdown

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Hiking

Learn the fundamentals of planning and preparing for a backpacking adventure. Including map reading, navigation, risk assessment, environmental ethics and backcountry cooking. Then spend your days hiking in Fiordland National Park or Mt. Aspiring National Park.

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Rock Climbing

You will begin by learning the basic rock climbing skills including belaying, you will then move on to commonly used knots and hitches, lead climbing, anchor building and the technicalities involved in safely managing a group at a designated crag.

Work Experience

We are proud to partner with AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand where your work experience block will take place. Expect to work in different positions which may include sales, customer services, operations or something else. The position will be fully paid and is subject to an interview.