Adventure Tourism and Guiding (Level 5)

You will develop your skills in the following disciplines: 

• Whitewater rafting 
• Sea kayaking 
• Whitewater kayaking 
• Hiking, tramping & bushwalking 
• Snowboarding or skiing 
• Rock climbing 
• Canyoning 

You will also develop many highly transferrable skills that will benefit you no matter where life takes you:

• Personal growth
• Interpersonal skills
• Teamwork
• Confidence (in yourself and others)
• Risk management
• Leadership

and many more.

We have strong industry connections with many national outdoor businesses to keep learning relevant and for ākonga to find pathways into employment. 

• NZOIA,(external link) where annually, we nominate a student who has gone above and beyond with their progression, and they win an award  
• NZRivers:(external link) Raft guide pathway way provider 
• NZSIA:(external link) courses imbedded into NMITS 
• Safe and Sound (external link)and Qualworks(external link): we are an audited outdoor activity provider 

Outdoor Recreation Guide or Instructor in the fields of:

• Rafting
• Sea Kayaking
• Hiking, tramping and bush walking
• Snowboarding or skiing
• Rock climbing
• Canyoning
• Outdoor educator
• Adventure based learning

Entry into this programme is either through completion of the Level 4 Certificate, or if you believe you have relevant experience, you can email a member of the Adventure Tourism and Guiding team directly to discuss your options.

You will need to present evidence to show us you have the capabilities that correspond to the Level 4 Certificate.  

Academic Requirements

• New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4), OR
• Equivalent qualification, OR
• Equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience

Alternative Requirements

Applicants (including those over 20 years of age) who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Entry Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Manager or delegate.

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language they will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Table.(external link)

Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment.

• IELTS 5.5 Academic (no lower than 5.0 in any subtest)

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test

Note: Applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.

Other requirements

All applicants must:

• Supply two Referee Reports that attest to their suitability for study on the programme.
• Complete a Criminal Conviction Declaration Form
• Complete an Outdoor Activities Questionnaire and Health Declaration Form
• Submit a Curriculum Vitae
• Attend an interview (in person or virtual)

Be subjected to safety checks, in order to comply with the provisions of the Vulnerable Children’s Act, 2014 and Child Protection Policies for all ‘specified organisations’ providing a ‘regulated service’. These will include but are not limited to:          

1. A formal interview
2. A Police Vet Check
3. A risk assessment

Information for Applicants

Applicants should be aware that the programme has aspects that require a certain level of physical strength and fitness. Applicants must be physically capable of completing all aspects of the programme and may be asked to provide evidence. This is a Health and Safety requirement, not only for the individual concerned, but also for staff and other students in the group.

Failure to maintain fitness at the required level will result in the student being withdrawn from those practical components of the programme wherein the student’s lack of fitness poses a safety risk. Such withdrawal will not entitle the student to any fee refund.

Please note that there are drug and alcohol restriction requirements in this programme. Applicants need to be aware they may be subject to drug and alcohol testing while enrolled on the programme.

The programme is structured into eight 15-credit courses and is best studied full-time. A part-time block course option is also available. A combination of on-campus classes and multi-day expeditions and teaching trips make up this mostly practical programme. 

We get started early in the year to make the most of the summer weather! Courses are applied and practical in nature and you can expect at least 80% of your learning to take place outdoors. 

Most of the adventure tourism programme is delivered in the natural environment of the top of the south.

During the programme, students are involved in multiple off-campus trips. These trips are around the region. Travel will be by minivan or bus unless otherwise advised. Staff will accompany students at all times during these trips. There will be an adequate number of appropriately qualified drivers responsible for transportation to and from off-campus trips.

Programme tutors will advise students of full details relating to the trips.

In addition to off-campus visits, students will participate in Industry Practice courses. Industry Practice is a learning opportunity within a workplace where immediate supervision and training is the responsibility of the employer. Students are encouraged to seek and negotiate their own industry practice work placement with the support of the tutors.

A written agreement between the student, employer and NMIT is established prior to placement, outlining expectations, roles and responsibilities of all parties. During work-based training the Co-ordinating Tutor will visit the student and mentor the student in the workplace. Employers will be asked to assess the student on competencies of learning outcomes.

At the completion of industry practice, employers are asked to complete an evaluation of the students’ activities and attitudes which is returned to the Co-ordinating Tutor. Students also have the opportunity to carry out a self-evaluation at the completion of work-based training.

Students are given an Industry Practice course information booklet which outlines NMIT, student and employer responsibilities.

It is your responsibility to pay for:

• Textbooks
• General gear and personal equipment(external link)
• Plus any other additional costs

Please note: Food Costs for Overnight Trips

A major part of working in the Adventure Tourism Industry revolves around your ability to plan menus, prepare and serve food to clients in the field. During your time with us you will be given some of the basic skills to allow you to do this well.

Part of your course fees go towards the cost of food, however you will still be required to make an additional contribution towards food cost(external link), you will be invoiced for this and it will be required to be paid before the start of your studies. This will cover a large majority of your away trips in semester 1 but not all this will be confirmed in your timetable. It does not cover food for semester two.

This programme requires some supporting documentation, which you will need to send in with, or after, you have completed your application.

See the list of required documents(external link)