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 - 4: INTRO TO ADVENTURE SKILLS
INTRODUCTION TO ADVENTURE SKILLS & LEADERSHIP
HIKING, CLIMBING & GUIDING
Time for an introduction to the disciplines that will become your bread and butter for the next eight weeks. You’ll get an in-depth briefing and training on hiking and guiding, giving you the core skills needed for the training ahead. Not to mention exploring some stunning local sights along the way!
You’ll begin developing technical skills in navigation and bush walking. We’ll build on your existing knowledge of equipment, weather, and nutrition, then introduce you to essential training in group management, risk analysis, and leadership.
WHERE YOU'LL BE:
Rock Climbing - Wanaka/Mt Cook
Trekking - Glenorchy/Milford Sound
Guiding core skills - Queenstown
WEEKS 5 – 8: GET TECHNICAL
BECOME AN EXPERT
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!
At the end of this module, you will have received training to satisfy NZOIA leader qualifications in two disciplines in total. Note some disciplines are weather/season dependant.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
Advanced guiding skills
Hiking core skills
Outdoor survival techniques
River boarding experience
Canyoning experience
WEEKS 9 – 12: WORK EXPERIENCE & ASSESSMENT
The final month of your program
Complete your training with two safety certificates
Then jump right into guiding!
You’ll be placed with various employers over these final weeks for some real-world work experience, to satisfy log book requirements, giving each of you a minimum of 5 client days as lead or assistant hiking or climbing guides. This experience will also look awesome on your CV.
Exams
Finally, crunch time! Buckle down and consolidate your learning in preparation for your NZOIA assessments.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
Pure Exploration Certificate in Adventure Guiding
NZOIA Leader Guide Qualifications - Hiking
NZOIA Leader Guide Qualifications - Climbing
Swift White Water Rescue Level 1
Pre-hospital emergency certificate
Crucial work experience
Work experience references for your CV
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!
Self Led Expedition - NZD$1,875 - Choose a location, plan and lead your own expedition! Put all your new outdoor guiding skills to use for a self led 2 week adventure including transport, equipment, meals and accommodation. Chat to us for more details.
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.
International Educator Program - Perfect for those looking
to become valuable contributors rather than just volunteer tourists. Learn how to make an impact and run your own global community, service and conservation projects.
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.
