Course details

NZ Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4)
NZQF Level 4

About the course

Do you love outdoor adventure and want to share it with others?

This one-year programme will teach you how to guide people safely in a range of outdoor pursuits, such as kayaking, rafting, mountain biking and tramping and will put you on the path to a job in outdoor education and recreation.

You will learn both in the classroom and out on field trips, with a balance of theory and practice. The programme covers soft skills like leadership, communication, teamwork and professionalism, as well as knowledge and skills for guiding people in outdoor activities, such as planning and logistics, weather, navigation, risk management, and so on.

You will also learn about kaitiakitanga and environmental sustainability along with the tikanga and kawa relevant to your field trips.

Programme Outline

The NZ Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) [Level 4] programme is a full-time, one-year programme that equips you with the knowledge and skills to enter the outdoor adventure, recreation and tourism industries.

You will learn both in the classroom and out on field trips, with a balance of theory and practice. The programme covers soft skills like leadership, communication, teamwork and professionalism, as well as knowledge and skills for guiding people in outdoor activities, such as planning and logistics, weather, navigation, risk management, and so on.

You will also learn about kaitiakitanga and environmental sustainability along with the tikanga and kawa relevant to your field trips.

Subject Areas

  • Leadership concepts, theories and application
  • Environment and sustainability
  • Kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and hauora in the context of the outdoors
  • Technical competency in a minimum of four pursuits that include (but are not limited to):

– Tramping

– Camping

– Kayaking

– Mountain biking

– Rock climbing

– Abseiling

– Adventure-based learning

– Rafting

You are welcome to make an appointment to discuss your study options with our staff and to view our facilities.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements


Standard Entry Requirements

  • NZ2570 NZ Certificate in Outdoor Experiences [Level 3], or
  • NZ3658 NZ Certificate in Assistant Outdoor Leadership [Level 3], or
  • NCEA Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy requirements (or equivalent), and
  • Demonstrated interest in the industry and evidence of the potential to succeed, as determined on the basis of a CV, evidence portfolio and interview.

Health and Professional Criteria

All applicants are required to sign:

  • Sign a declaration that you are in good health (having no medical, physical or psychological conditions that would preclude working with vulnerable clients).
  • In order to comply with the provisions of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 all applicants will be subjected to safety checks. These will include but are not limited to:

– A formal interview

– Referee checks

– A NZ Police Vetting request

Any unsatisfactory result arising from the full safety checking process may result in the applicant being precluded/declined entry or withdrawn from the programme of study. Furthermore, learners must declare any pending or new convictions arising during any stage throughout their entire enrolment period.

These requests are consistent with industry expectations and the type of work undertaken whilst on the programme or as a graduate of the programme.

Information Session

An information session is recommended as it is an opportunity for us to clarify what is involved in the programme and to get to know you, as a potential learner, to make sure the programme is right for you.

English Language Entry Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. Ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:

  • Successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (subject to NZQA conditions)
  • Completion of a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4 with any endorsement)
  • IELTS Academic score of 5.5, with no band score lower than 5.0, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment
  • Accepted international equivalents to the above IELTS scores
  • Completion of an EIT assessment

Entry with Credit

If you wish to receive credit recognition from previous studies or experiences, you can do so by applying for Cross Credit (CC) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

  • CC is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications. You would apply for CC if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.
  • RPL is based on the assessment of your current knowledge and skills. You would apply for RPL if you had gained the relevant knowledge and skills through life experiences and informal learning situations.

You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.

CC and RPL cannot be awarded for a course if you are enrolled in that course. Please contact the Programme Coordinator to discuss this option BEFORE you enrol.

Please note recognising prior learning may reduce your study load in this programme and impact on your ability to receive funding.

For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact the Programme Administrator, Sue Jackson, on 06 830 1521 or email [email protected].

*This course is not available to international students.

About the provider

The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) offers you over 160 qualifications from certificate and diploma, to degree and postgraduate level at campuses in Hawke's Bay, Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) and Auckland. Or learn at one of our Regional Learning Centres situated in Hastings, Maraenui, Ruatoria, Waipukurau and Wairoa. EIT Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's most attractive campuses with superb architecture and shaded outdoor areas for study on warm days. EIT Tairāwhiti two campuses are located in the heart of Gisborne, near the Taruheru River, and you can get more central than EIT Auckland location on Queen Street! When you choose to study at EIT you'll get the kind of experiences that will help you gain the knowledge and skills to get ahead, whether you want to break into your chosen career or change direction in life.

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