Core Elements

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.

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.

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.

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 in 2024, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

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.