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Adventure Guide Program - Queenstown, NZ

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GUIDE TRAINING & QUALIFICATION COURSE

Duration

12 Weeks

Location

New Zealand

Description

Our Adventure Guide Program (AGP) has been operating out of Queenstown since Pure Exploration’s inception. It’s home to some of NZ’s most spectacular scenery and is the ultimate destination for adrenaline-pumping activities. From technical skills to emergency safety and group dynamics, this comprehensive course will give you 100% confidence to navigate, hike, climb and guide in the outdoors.

2023

13 Sep - 5 Dec

2024

17 Jan - 9 Apr

2024

11 Sep - 3 Dec

2025

15 Jan - 7 April

WHY QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND?

Our Queenstown Adventure Guide Program offers you an epic 12 weeks immersed in some of the most impressive landscapes in the world.  Nestled deep in the south island of New Zealand, Queenstown is a great place to both call home and use as your base whilst you explore neighbouring UNESCO world heritage sites and beyond. Itineraries are fluid, however, AGP participants can expect to hike and climb their way around Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park; home to Australasia’s highest mountain, Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park; home to world-famous Milford Sound. And yes, all these places are even more spectacular than what you can imagine.

 

Queenstown is renowned for so much more than being drenched in natural beauty, it's also a vibrant hub of activity, offering an impressive collection of adrenaline-pumping activities such as bungy jumping and skydiving. It’s got a heap of places offering good food and even better beer, and most importantly a diverse community of friendly kiwis, travellers turned locals and other backpackers – all searching for a good time.

 

The added bonus of choosing a program based in New Zealand is that we offer NZOIA qualifications, which are recognised globally throughout the industry. NZOIA is the professional body in NZ for outdoor instructors and guides, and those who have trained within this framework are known to have performed at a high standard. In addition, for many nationalities, you can also apply for a working holiday visa (WHV) for New Zealand, which means you have the opportunity to extend your trip to work and earn some money post-program. You’re responsible for organising your own visa, but if this sounds of interest we do recommend you explore this option and our team will be able to provide some general guidance. We have even incorporated a networking event into our syllabus so you have the opportunity to meet some local employers whilst on the Queenstown AGP.

 

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

This outdoor adventure course is suitable for anyone who wants to embark on a career to become a global outdoor guide, or simply to challenge their own understanding of what it means to take on the wild. Gain skills you'll use your whole life as a hiker, climber and lover of exploring untouched regions. Bring on the adventures!

 

Includes

  • 12-week adventure tourism training and qualification program based in Queenstown, New Zealand
  • 12 weeks accommodation
  • 12 weeks food allowance (on program days only)
  • All technical equipment, program related transport & travel
  • Qualified & experienced technical instructors
  • Opportunity to be assessed to 2 x NZ Outdoor instructor association leader qualifications (hiking + rock climbing)
  • Pure Exploration Certificate of Adventure Guiding
  • Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PHEC) qualification (NZ equiv. of Wilderness First Aid Responder)
  • Swift Water Rescue training
  • Employer networking opportunities

Prerequisites

  • Be fluent in English

  • 18 - 35 years old at the time of program start
  • Moderate fitness level is highly recommended (for both your own benefit and the benefit of your team)
  • Have a passion for travel, adventure & tourism
  • A desire to accept challenges, a thirst for knowledge, a love of outdoor activities and for our natural environment
  • Be a social team player who enjoys helping others discover adventure
  • A confident swimmer

Do you want to know more?

We have answered the most frequently asked questions in the FAQ SectionIf 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 via the button below.

 

Book a call

Reviews

Our student Inger-Lise shares her program experience

Inger-Lise

New Zealand, it will take your breath away with both the people and its mountains. One step at a time, one climb at a time - it will steal your heart.

AGP Queenstown 2022

Lauren, Geoff and Nina

What was the highlight of the program? Hear more from Lauren, Geoff and Nina here.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Enrolment is open, so the next step would be to check current availability here and then apply.