Bush Instructor Qualifications
Sport & Recreation
A course by
AdventureWorks
Fully supported pathway to gain outdoor instructor qualifications in bushwalking, with training and assessment at three progressive levels (Bush Leader, Instructor, and Advanced Professional Practice).
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
AdventureWorks, Auckland
It will take a total of 3 months
Core skills this course teaches
Lead bushwalking groups independently and safely
Plan, prepare for, organise, and lead introductory bush walking activities under indirect supervision; ensure participant safety in dynamic, low-technical environments.
Respond to emergencies in a bushwalking context
Assess and effectively respond to bushwalking emergencies, including the appropriate selection and use of emergency equipment.
Demonstrate personal technical and leadership skills
What You're Signing Up For
The Bush Instructor Qualifications programme from AdventureWorks offers a structured pathway for individuals seeking to lead, instruct, and mentor others in bushwalking and tramping activities across a range of environments. With progressive levels (Level 4, 5, 6), the qualification covers independent operation, instruction, advanced leadership, and educational practice in the outdoors, focusing on participant safety, group management, environmental stewardship, and cultural awareness. Training includes a mix of self-directed learning, teacher-led sessions (both online and in-person), workshops, and practical assessment tasks.
Course Content
- Emergency care situation response
- Identifying and managing risks
- Safety management systems
- Leave no trace principles
- Local iwi and hapū engagement and cultural site awareness
- Natural history, flora, fauna, and environmental uniqueness
- Group briefing, debriefing, and communication
- Leadership roles and styles
- Activity planning (weather, equipment, timing)
- Navigation skills (on and off-track)
- River crossing safety
- Campsite selection and camp management
- Environmental sustainability and kaitiakitanga
- Personal and group safety codes
- Facilitation and teaching techniques
- Participant behaviour and needs management
- Advanced tramping, navigation and meteorology
- Risk management in complex terrain
- Program development and assessment
- Teaching and mentoring trainee instructors
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Education
Guided Adventure Activities
Future employment opportunities might be
Bushwalking trip leader
Outdoor guide
Recreation instructor