Based in Greymouth, on the wild and rugged West Coast of Aotearoa, this one-year, 120-credit Level 4 programme is designed for people who feel most at home in the outdoors — and who want to turn that passion into real-world skills and career pathways. You’ll train across rivers, rock faces, forests, alpine terrain and coastline, building the practical capability, leadership confidence and environmental understanding needed to work in outdoor education, adventure tourism and recreation.

Graduates of the New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Adventure Education are capable of moving into the tourism or education sectors in a variety of entry level roles. Examples of such roles include adventure and ecotourism guiding, education outside the classroom, community health and recreation programming and youth development programmes. There is a global market for this skill set and graduates of this programme are well placed to take advantage of this.

These skills enable graduates to be self-sufficient technically in a range of outdoor settings. The level is equivalent with that of a trainee instructor or guide in adventure tourism or outdoor education settings where the clients are beginners or closely supervised with established safety systems in place. These graduates would be working with experienced practitioners under direct supervision.

Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to facilitate low risk outdoor experiences for clients or students within a range of outdoor settings. Knowledge of physical health, education and a specialist First Aid qualification adds to their ability to observe and manage client/student safety.

Basic facilitation and presentation skills will enable graduates to manage a non-complex client or student experience in line with the expected outcomes of the organisation they are representing.

What Makes This Programme Different?

• Extensive practical time in real outdoor environments
• Small tutor-to-student ratios for quality learning and safety
• Strong focus on leadership and professionalism
• Integrated Māori world view and kaitiakitanga (guardianship)
• Deep industry connections and nearly 30 years of outdoor delivery experience
• A holistic approach — technical skills, safety, fitness, mindset and environmental responsibility.

Is This Programme for You?

This programme is ideal for:

• School leavers passionate about the outdoors
• Young people seeking an adventurous, purpose-driven career
• Outdoor enthusiasts wanting formal qualifications
• Those who thrive in hands-on, physical learning environments
• Future leaders who want to make a difference in the outdoors

If you’re ready to challenge yourself physically and mentally, build lifelong skills, and train in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular outdoor playgrounds — the West Coast is calling.

Student Accommodation – Live Where You Learn

Studying on the West Coast means your classroom extends far beyond four walls — and living locally allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

We offer access to comfortable, affordable student accommodation close to campus in Greymouth. Living nearby means:

• Easy access to campus and training venues
• Strong sense of community with like-minded outdoor students
• Shared adventure, study and preparation time
• Reduced travel stress so you can focus on training and recovery
• The opportunity to build lifelong friendships

Many of our outdoor students choose to live together, creating a supportive environment where training, fitness, meal prep and expedition planning become part of everyday life.

The West Coast lifestyle is relaxed, welcoming and surrounded by rivers, coastline, forest and mountains — meaning adventure is never far from your doorstep.

Accommodation options are limited and in demand, so we encourage early enquiry to secure your place.

Courses Within the Programme

Rock Climbing Application (15 Credits)

Build the skills and confidence to climb safely and efficiently on natural rock.

You’ll develop competence in:

• Top roping, lead climbing, bouldering and abseiling
• Route planning and equipment selection
• Weather and rock condition assessment
• Managing yourself and others at climbing venues
• Low-technical leadership in climbing environments

By the end of this course, you’ll be capable of leading climbs in moderate outdoor settings under supervision and making sound safety decisions on the rock.

Kayaking Application (15 Credits)

Master both whitewater and sea kayaking skills.

You’ll learn to:

• Paddle confidently on Grade 2 whitewater
• Plan and complete multi-day sea kayaking expeditions
• Perform rescue techniques and roll a kayak
• Interpret environmental and river conditions
• Lead others in low-risk kayaking situations

From sheltered coastal waters to flowing rivers, you’ll build the judgement and technical ability to move safely and efficiently in dynamic environments.

Rafting Application (15 Credits)

Develop the capability to guide a raft on Grade 2 whitewater.

This course focuses on:

• Raft control and navigation
• Crew care and communication
• River reading and environmental interpretation
• Whitewater rescue skills
• Planning and leading rafting trips

You’ll gain hands-on guiding experience and develop leadership skills essential for the rafting and adventure tourism industries.

Backcountry Travel (15 Credits)

Learn to move confidently through alpine and off-track terrain.

You’ll develop skills in:

• Route planning and terrain assessment
• Weather interpretation in mountain environments
• Use of crampons and ice axes (low-risk conditions)
• Shelter construction and bushcraft
• Managing groups in backcountry settings

This course builds your judgement, resilience and decision-making in remote environments — essential for anyone serious about outdoor leadership.

Ecology and Environmental Systems (10 Credits)

Understand the ecosystems you operate within.

You’ll explore:

• Native flora and fauna identification
• Ecological and geological processes of Aotearoa
• Conservation challenges and sustainability principles
• Field-based conservation activities

This course ensures you’re not just an outdoor user — but an informed environmental advocate.

Kaitiakitanga and Tikanga for Outdoor Practitioners (10 Credits)

Learn to operate within a framework of respect, guardianship and cultural understanding.

You’ll engage with:

• Principles of kaitiakitanga
• Tikanga and kawa of local iwi and hapū
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi context
• Noho marae experiences
• Applying Māori concepts of environmental sustainability

This course strengthens your ability to lead responsibly in Aotearoa’s outdoor spaces with cultural awareness and integrity.

Physical, Psychological and Safety Practices (30 Credits)

Develop the professional foundation of an outdoor practitioner.

This major course includes:

• Personal fitness and nutrition planning
• Injury management and first response (including emergency care)
• Risk assessment and safety planning
• Leadership and facilitation skills
• Communication and conflict resolution
• Preparing for and leading outdoor adventures

You’ll graduate with a strong understanding of how mindset, preparation and safety systems underpin successful outdoor leadership.

Meteorology and Applied Outdoor Skills (10 Credits)

Make informed decisions based on weather and environmental analysis.

You’ll learn to:

• Interpret weather maps and forecasts
• Analyse cloud formations and field conditions
• Apply navigation skills on and off track
• Use bushcraft and remote camping skills
• Plan and lead activities informed by weather data

This course builds your independence and decision-making confidence in changing outdoor conditions.

Equipment list

A complete equipment list can be viewed here and will be included in your enrolment pack. Equipment costs will vary depending on what you already own and you will need all equipment on the list by the due date to take part in the programme.

Your Future Pathway

Graduates of this programme are prepared for roles such as:

• Rafting guide (under supervision)
• Sea kayaking guide
• Rock climbing instructor
• Glacier or alpine guiding assistant
• Outdoor education assistant
• Adventure tourism staff

Or continue into higher-level study in outdoor instruction and guiding.

Further study options

This qualification provides a pathway to the New Zealand Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 5).

Entry requirements

 Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have successfully completed NCEA level 1 (or equivalent) and attained 42 NCEA credits at level 3.
• Be able to demonstrate suitable physical capability as outlined in the enrolment questionnaire and have a high likelihood of success in this programme.
• Applicants must hold a current First Aid Certificate which includes unit standards 6400, 6401, 6402 or equivalent, which has been completed within the previous 6 months of application.
• Applicants must successfully meet the safety check requirements of the Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014 (conditional acceptance may be granted while this process is completed).
• Have their application reviewed by TPP staff.
• Have evidence of appropriate language competency if English is not the applicant’s first language of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) with no band below 5.0.

Special notes

• Special entry may be recommended by the programme leader for applicants who do not meet the above criteria.

Programme questionnaire

This programmes requires a questionnaire to be submitted with your enrolment. Please view the questionnaire here. Complete the questions and return it with your enrolment form and any other supporting documents that are required.

Enrolments

When you apply to study with Tai Poutini Polytechnic, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes with Tai Poutini Polytechnic, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.