STRUCTURE
A diverse and exciting program designed to keep everyone interested and busy throughout their stay, balancing plenty of action, learning, social and free time.
WEEKS 1 - 2: Orientation and Hiking
INTRODUCTION TO ADVENTURE SKILLS & LEADERSHIP + HIKE MODULE ONE
Welcome to Queenstown! We spend a few days having a group orientation where the group will get to know each other, settle into accommodation and have a typical kiwi BBQ and few beers. Over the next few days you'll all discuss the learning outcomes for the program, spend time participating in team bonding exercises, play various games and have time to explore your new back yard whilst taking part in an organised scavenger hunt! It's a really great few days and will solidify lifelong friendships with your Pure Ex family really quickly!
You’ll get an in-depth briefing providing you the core skills needed for the training ahead. Not to mention exploring some stunning local sights along the way!
Hike Module one will introduce you to day-hikes, overnight hikes, navigation, weather and map reading then introduce you to essential training in group management, risk analysis, and leadership.
WEEKS 3 – 4: Rock Climbing and Pre Hospital Emergency Care (PHEC)
INTRO TO ROCK CLIMBING + PRE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE (PHEC) TRAINING
On your third week we get you all kitted out to spend some time on the rock face climbing! In rock module one you get stuck into training on equipment, safety, top-roping and an intro to Lead climbing. Weather dependent we usually spend the week over towards Wanaka, where we explore some of the sweet rock faces they have over that side of the mountains!
On the fourth week we spend time in Queenstown, where participants will undertake Pre Hospital Emergency Care (PHEC) training. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, participants will receive an internationally recognised qualification. PHEC is known as "the beast" of first aid training and is the industry standard for adventure industry professionals. It's delivered by leading outdoor safety and emergency care professionals who we have worked closely with for a number of years and is ideal for those who are looking to lead groups in an outdoor environment. Participants become familiar with the use of advanced emergency care equipment such as oxygen, defibrillators and BP cuffs as well as other resuscitation techniques.
WEEKS 5 - 6: Further hiking, rock climbing and SWIFT water rescue training
At this point of the program, we take it up a notch. It’s time to test your limits and push those new skills. We take you to a few more challenging locations where you’ll have to pull together as a team to get through, and where you’ll really start to see the value in ensuring processes are followed and back-up plans are in place!
Hike Module two covers: Multi-day hiking, camping, nutrition, leadership, navigation, flora and fauna, interpretation
Rock module two covers: Lead climbing, top-roping systems, abseiling, transitions, clifftop safety
Two days are also spent in the water, with our custom SWIFT water rescue training. This course will teach you the skills needed in order to read and understand water patterns, water safety, rules and regulations, environmental and cultural practices, as well as how to conduct river rescues. It's a great course to compliment the PHEC qualification, and it will instill in you a general sense of confidence around water.
WEEKS 7 - 10 Leadership
HIKE MODULES THREE AND FOUR are when you start practicing leading your group, trip planning and gaining some mileage for your logbook! A couple more multi-day adventures await
ROCK MODULES THREE AND FOUR again you will start leading your group, route planning, safety assessments and risk management. A couple of awesome road trips to find the best hidden crags!
WEEKS 11- 12 Client days and assessments
CRUNCH TIME!
Time to complete logbook requirements to enable you to sit your upcoming NZOIA Bush and Rock Leader assessments
We will set you up with leadership days to run hiking and climbing excursions, from trip planning, safety, pickups, equipment, working with clients, and leading groups!
Get some real experience with what it takes to plan, risk assess and successfully lead a day expedition
Assessments take place in the final week of the program, a 2 day Bush Assessment and a 2 day Rock Assessment. We have an amazing 98% pass rate, so if you have put in the time and energy - by the end of the program you will
be a certified NZOIA Rock and Bush Leader
To top off your 12 weeks with us we host an epic graduation dinner.
For those looking to stay on in NZ and seek employment we provide plenty of support and assistance to get you hooked up with our industry partners.
WEEKLY BREAKDOWN
Each week will include*
- 4 days of Technical Training
- 1 day of Self-Directed Learning
- 1 day for Classroom Learning
- 1 day for Admin or as Free Day
*The order of days will change each week and as your training progresses. This is simply a general outline.
WHAT'S NEXT?
If you're keen to maximise your time with us, you might want to consider the following paid add-ons...
Guaranteed* work placement position - NZD$1,500
If you pass your assessments, and have demonstrated a great attitude and potential for guiding, this is when we support your preparation and assist you in being placed into your paid work!
Other Pure Ex Programs
We have a number of exciting programs in a range of countries that you may be keen to experience. These include:
Expedition Leader Program - For those keen to push their skills in high alpine regions, and begin to specialise in altitude and advanced technical hiking. A global course that finishes in the Himalayas.
NOTES
This is a sample itinerary. Modules may occur in a different order due to weather conditions or scheduling requirements
*Guaranteed work placement positions are available as a paid add-on to your course fee, paid in full along with your course fee. We will assist you wherever possible in obtaining employment post course, on the conditions that you have passed your relevant assessments, hold a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand, and have demonstrated a good attitude. You will be placed with one of our partner companies.
