Adventure Guide Programs & Courses

What is an adventure guide?

Let’s start at the beginning - what exactly is an outdoor adventure guide? By definition an outdoor adventure guide is someone who guides and instructs outdoor activities, like hiking, rock climbing or canyoning. 

However, it's a versatile job and comes in many different forms. Some only take on half-day jobs in their own backyard, others prefer to travel to an exotic location for a couple of months to guide an entire expedition. Some work for adventure tourism companies, others operate their own small businesses.

What is an Adventure Guide Program?

An Adventure Guide Training Program is the first step in your dream of becoming an outdoor adventure guide. Your time on this 6- or 12-week course will be split between practical and theoretical training, while gaining industry standard hiking qualifications and rock climbing certifications, and exploring an amazing country or region. 

At the end of the 12-week program, these qualifications will be yours:

• NZOIA Bush Leader OR Industry Standard Trekking Leader
• NZOIA Rock Leader OR Industry Standard Rock Climbing Supervisor
• Pure Exploration Certificate of Guiding
• International Wilderness First Aid Certificate OR Pre-hospital Emergency Care Qualification
• Swift Water Rescue Safety Level 1 OR White Water Level 1 Rescue Certificate (except Patagonia)

Adventure travel at its best

We have chosen locations all over the world for these Adventure Guide Programs, so you can combine gaining outdoor industry skills with the trip of a lifetime. Each travel destination is perfect for a certain type of adventurer. Are you a hiking enthusiast? Experience the sublime beauty of Patagonia. Looking for an awesome mix of fun activities, outdoor life and a varied landscape? Queenstown in New Zealand is the place for you!

Why choose for an Adventure Guide Program?

Whether you are looking for a gap year program before starting college, a way to enter the adventure guide industry or a career break, our Adventure Guide Programs are a great option. You will gain valuable training and industry exposure in a structured but laid-back environment designed to give you all the tools you need to enter the tourism industry, ready to take on any challenge. 

Check out the programs below! If you still have any other questions, feel free to fill in this form or to schedule a call with one of our program advisors for more information.