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Tai Poutini Polytechnic Outdoor Education courses

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Diploma in Outdoor Instruction And Guiding

The Diploma programme progresses your own technical skills to the next level and introduces you to the exciting world of sharing your skills with others. If you’re passionate about the outdoors, what better way to earn a living than sharing you passion with like-minded people!

You will work with a wide variety of real clients in organised, supervised instruction and guiding opportunities, receiving regular feedback and mentoring to improve your practice and prepare you for leading others out in the industry. The nationally recognised New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA) Leader qualifications are embedded into our programmes. They give you a kick start in the industry and connect you with the wider instruction and guiding community.

Generally you will need to have completed our Certificate programme to gain entry into the Diploma, however if you think you have the prerequisite skills for direct entry, give us a call and we can discuss your options. 

Cost for international students NZ$ 18,000 for 34 weeks of full time study

See our regular Polytechnic programmes ion this web site

Certificate in Ski Patrol

This popular programme is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and attributes required to enter the Ski Patrol industry. It is held in high regard by the Heads of Ski patrol within New Zealand and includes a seven week placement for students with a real ski patrol department. This is where students compound the skills learnt with their tutors and is probably one of the longest and most fun filled job interviews ever.

The programme has successfully run since 1995 and past students have reached senior, supervisory and heads of department positions within New Zealand Ski patrols. The programme also provides a strong foundation for related careers in the outdoors, including alpine and ski guiding, a variety of summer guiding and/or instruction, ambulance officer, and safety management. It contains both Pre- Hospital Emergency Care and Avalanche Stage 1, both entry level qualifications for many outdoor employment options. On successful completion of the programme some students seek work overseas, before returning to apply for work in New Zealand.

Learning takes place in a realistic working environment and includes practical and theory that is based on identified industry needs. It is a big six months, chock full of learning, growth, discovery and fun. 

Cost for international students NZ$ 18,000 for 26 weeks of full time study, includes some text books, programme teaching equipment, field costs (except food), Treble Cone season’s pass, field transport, NZQA and exam fees.

Short Award in Raft Guiding (level 4)

Next intake 23 October 2017, only 12 places available!!

Few jobs are as rewarding as guiding a raft down an exhilarating whitewater river. To get your line right, you need proper training and experience. Kick start your career or improve your skills with professional training on the West Coast. The aim of this short award is to develop each student’s skills and knowledge towards those required by current industry awards.

The consolidation of technical skills in raft guiding and rescue techniques is given priority, along with understanding the principles of client management and the structure and culture of the rafting industry. All students who successfully complete the course and meet the professional and attitudinal course requirements should have developed the skills and knowledge to work as a competent trainee raft guide. They will have developed at least the following specific skills and knowledge:

  • The capacity to perform the functions required of a trainee guide in the rafting industry and the ability to accept responsibility for the safe conduct of activities and the elementary maintenance of equipment.
  • Knowledge of the structure and legal requirements of the New Zealand Rafting Industry
  • A clear understanding of the professional ethics, attitudes and values which are required in the provision of white water rafting experiences for clients.

Cost for international students NZ$ 5,700 for 4 weeks of full time study + 1 week Work Based Training

For more information on these programmes, including the admission criteria and application forms, through StudyNewZealand EU <- click for email