New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (Guiding) (Level 5)

12 guide L5

This programme is for professional guides working in the ever-changing outdoors, independently leading and guiding participants in a specific outdoor activity.

After completing the Outdoor Leadership (guiding) certificate you will be ready and able to lead and guide a specific activity in a dynamic outdoor environment.

Choose your outdoor recreation activity

To enrol in this programme, you need to be working in outdoor recreation, in a paid job, self-employed, or as a volunteer with regular and consistent shifts.

If you don't have a role lined up, contact us to talk about how we can help.

This 60-credit qualification is designed to be completed in 8 to 12 months.

You'll be trained, observed and assessed in the workplace. Some of your assessments will be completed online.

You will complete the Outdoor Guide Fundamentals module, as well as an activity elective from the list above. 

Key learning areas in the Outdoor Guide Fundamentals module are:

  • Independently planning, preparing and guiding safe and enjoyable adventure activities in a dynamic outdoor environment
  • Exercising judgement to plan, prepare and guide an adventure activity that is consistent with the safety management system of an organisation, including being able to assess and manage an emergency care situation
  • Role modelling the principles of kaitiakitanga that incorporate respect for the tikanga and kawa of local iwi or hapū, sustainability, and the environment in which they are operating.

Once you've achieved your Outdoor Leadership (Guiding) certificate, you will be registered with the New Zealand Register of Recreation Professionals. You can keep your registration current by re-registering every three years.

Looking for a different outdoor recreation programme or activity?