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, SEA KAYAKING & 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.
An example of the types of locations you'll go - season, weather and program dependent:
QUEENSTOWN
WANAKA
MT COOK NATIONAL PARK
FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK (Queenstown program)
MT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK
KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK (Nelson program)
ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK (Nelson program)
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 (Hiking PLUS Climbing or Sea-kayaking).
Please note our Sea kayaking is only available on our Nelson based programs
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
Advanced guiding skills
Hiking core skills
Outdoor survival techniques
Sea Kayaking OR Rock climbing experience
Swift water rescue training
PHEC first aid training
WEEKS 9 – 12: CLIENT DAYS & 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 clients over these final weeks for some real-world experience, to satisfy log book requirements, giving each of you a minimum of 5 client days as lead or assistant hiking or climbing/kayaking 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 OR NZOIA Leader Guide Qualifications - Sea Kayak
Swift White Water Rescue Level 1
Pre-hospital emergency care certificate
Crucial experience leading clients in an adventure tourism setting
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.
Adventure Guide Program - Patagonia - Explore this incredible region with our crew and become an outdoor guru.
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.
