Outdoor Education is a global industry and the qualifications you gain here can open up opportunities to experience some of the most magnificent environments across the world and be paid for it. If you'd like to be a part of this industry, capable of working with a wide variety of client groups in a wide variety of environments then this highly regarded diploma is essential.

Watch this video for a taste of our Outdoor Ed students putting their theory into practice...

Our Timaru campus is based in the heart of New Zealand's adventure tourism region giving students access to stunning recreational areas. Half of your learning will occur on campus and half will be outdoors utilising your skills in real situations.

This programme covers the technical aspects of the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA) Stage 2 awards which consolidate the skills gained in our Certificate in Outdoor Recreation (Level 4) and Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Management (Level 5), with particular regard to maturing your leadership skills. You are encouraged to achieve marketable technical, teaching and people skills which will be useful in a variety of work-based situations. This programme includes education and training units for the National Certificate in Adult Education and Training (Level 5).

You will work independently and be responsible for planning, organising and delivering the kayak, rock, bush, mountain and risk management activities for our Year One students. This will assist in preparing you for this high-level responsibility when working in the industry.

What will this programme cover?

• Wilderness pre-hospital care
• Adult education and training
• Environmental education
• Outdoor education.
• Under supervision: plan and deliver the outdoor pursuits nmodule to our Certificate in Outdoor Recreation (Level 4) students.

Related Careers

• Outdoor instructor in a wide range of outdoor pursuit centres
• Adventure guide
• Employment in a wide range of adventure tourism businesses
• Outward Bound instructor

What do you need to apply?

For entry it is desirable that you have successfully completed our Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Management (or an equivalent qualification) or industry experience.

If you don't have the stated entry criteria, talk to us about whether you have the equivalent skills and knowledge or to determine if this is the right programme for you.

Programme Recognition

This programme is accredited by NZQA.

Further Study Options

Bachelor of Education (Adult Education)
(Massey University)

Bachelor of Adventure Recreation and Outdoor Education
(Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology)