Adventure Tourism and Guiding

• Whitewater rafting
• Sea and 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.

A large percentage of NMIT's Adventure Tourism programmes are delivered in the natural environment of the Top of the South (Te Tau Ihu) and some of the neighbouring regions.

Learners make the most of the multiple off-campus trips to hone and develop their outdoor skills. Travel is by minivan or bus unless otherwise advised. Staff accompany and supervise learners at all times during these trips. 

In addition to the off-campus visits, learners participate in several 'industry practice' courses. Industry practice is a learning opportunity within a workplace that takes place under supervision and enables learners to develop their skills in a workplace environment. The 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 their 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 coordinating tutor visits and mentors learners in the workplace. Employers will be asked to make learner accessments based 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 coordinating NMIT tutor. Learners will also have the opportunity to carry out a self-evaluation at the completion of their work-based training.

Learners are given an industry practice course information booklet which outlines NMIT, student and employer responsibilities and are asked to familarise themselves with its contents.

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

Through this programme you will gain experience in a wide range of adventure tourism activities.

This programme can pathway you into the Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Level 5) to gain the skills you need to be an adventure tourism guide.

Careers:

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

Study the Diploma in Adventure Tourism and Guiding (Level 5)(external link) in your second year and build on the skills you have gained during the Level 4 Certificate.

Graduates can go on to obtain industry tickets(NZOIA awards, Rafting Qualifications, and Ski/snow instructor qualification) in most disciplines and work as professionals in the industry.

Academic Requirements

10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits and 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits.

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 General or 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)

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 overnight trips make up this mostly practical programme.

It is your responsibility to pay for:

• Textbooks
• General gear and personal equipment(external link)

Please note: Food Costs for Overnight Trips

A major part of working in the Adventure Tourism Industry revolves around your ability to plan menus and 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 goes towards the cost of food. However, you will still be required to make an additional contribution of $400 towards food costs.

You will be invoiced for this, and it must be paid during the first 2 months of your studies.

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)