New Zealand Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 5)

Sport & Recreation

A course by

NMIT

Gain advanced, practical skills and industry experience for a career in adventure tourism and outdoor guiding. Study areas include whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, bushwalking, snow sports, rock climbing, risk management and more, taught mostly in the field with real-world operators.

NZ$10,939

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 5 Certification (120 Credits)

Study Level

Advanced

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Blended study

This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions

Nelson, Nelson

It will take a total of 40 weeks

Background blur gradient small

Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer

Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.

More details

Unlock these abilities


Star graphic

Develop advanced practical outdoor skills

Gain multi-skilled competence in activities like rafting, kayaking, tramping, snow sports, climbing, and canyoning.

Star graphic

Enhance leadership and teamwork

Build leadership, teamwork, and confidence in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Star graphic

Apply risk management in outdoor environments

Understand and implement risk assessment, operating procedures, and safety management as required for outdoor guiding.

What You're Signing Up For

This Level 5 diploma helps you develop multi-skilled competencies for working in the adventure tourism and outdoor guiding industry. You will gain hands-on experience in a range of outdoor disciplines, grow your leadership and risk management skills, and make industry connections for future employment. The programme includes mostly field-based learning and industry placements, with study in disciplines such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, sea kayaking, tramping, snow sports, rock climbing and canyoning, as well as transversal skills in leadership, risk management and teamwork.

Course Content

  • Whitewater rafting
  • Sea kayaking
  • Whitewater kayaking
  • Hiking, tramping, bushwalking
  • Snowboarding or skiing
  • Rock climbing
  • Canyoning
  • Personal growth
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork
  • Confidence building
  • Risk management
  • Leadership
  • Outdoor Adventure Leadership
  • Sustainable Practices in the Outdoors
  • Outdoor Adventure Industry Practice
  • Advanced Canyoning and Rock Climbing
  • Guiding and Instructing Canyoning and Rock Climbing
  • Advanced Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Instructing Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Advanced Sea Kayaking
  • Guiding and Instructing Sea Kayaking
  • Advanced Rafting
  • Guiding Rafting

What you need to know first

New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4), or equivalent qualification or experience

Alternative entry possible based on skills and experience

All applicants: two referee reports, criminal conviction declaration, outdoor activities and health questionnaire, CV, interview, safety checks (interview, police vet, risk assessment)

IELTS 5.5 Academic (no lower than 5.0 in any subtest) if English is not first language, or equivalent

Industry icon

What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Adventure Tourism

  • Outdoor Recreation

  • Tourism

  • Sport and Recreation

Employment opportunities icon

Future employment opportunities might be

  • Outdoor recreation guide or instructor (rafting, sea kayaking, tramping, snow sports, rock climbing, canyoning)

  • Adventure tourism operator roles

  • Outdoor educator

  • Adventure-based learning facilitator