Core elements

Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Outdoor Adventure Education are capable of leading groups and managing clients or students safely in a range of outdoor settings in the education or tourism sectors.

The personal technical skill-set of graduates will be equivalent to that required by professional level qualifications (NZOIA, SKOANZ, NZRA) so graduates are capable of operating in moderate-to-high risk outdoor settings. This recognises a fundamental principle in outdoor leadership: that an instructor or guide must be able to operate safely and effectively in risk settings which are higher than those in which they may be expected to manage client safety.

Graduates will specialise in technical pursuit instruction, education or tourism experience management.

Knowledge and skills in safety management and group leadership will allow graduates to make proactive decisions in the field. This creates the potential to guide and instruct clients, unsupervised, in a variety of outdoor settings of low to moderate risk.

Group facilitation, presentation and teaching skills will allow graduates to effectively deliver the desired outcomes of the organisation they represent. These could include technical skill delivery and instruction, human development, environmental and health education and tourism experiences. 

Knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand’s special flora and fauna, its geophysical and socio-cultural make-up, along with contemporary studies of global and local environmental issues allow graduates to “tell the story” of New Zealand while enlightening and entertaining their clients or students.

Further study options

This qualification may provide a pathway to the:

• NZ Certificate in Outdoor Senior Leadership (Level 6) with strands Alpine, Bush, Caving, Education Outside The Classroom, Senior Raft Guide (Grade III) or Senior Raft Guide (Grade IV/V)
• Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education
• NZ Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management and Rock Climbing

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.

Entry requirements

Applicants must:

• Have successfully completed NCEA level 2 (or equivalent) and attained 42 NCEA credits at level 3.
• Have completed a full year Outdoor Education programme at Level 4 or provide evidence of equivalent prior outdoor and academic experience.
• Must hold a current (completed within the previous 18 months before application) First Aid Certificate which includes unit standards 6400, 6401, 6402 or equivalent.
• Be able to demonstrate suitable physical capability as outlined in the enrolment questionnaire and have a high likelihood of success in this programme.
• 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.
• 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).

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.

2024 enrolments

When you apply to study with Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2024, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new 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 that start from 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.