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

Plan, prepare for, organise, and lead introductory bush walking activities under indirect supervision; ensure participant safety in dynamic, low-technical environments.

Assess and effectively respond to bushwalking emergencies, including the appropriate selection and use of emergency equipment.

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.
What you need to know first

Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Education
Guided Adventure Activities

Bushwalking trip leader
Outdoor guide
Recreation instructor
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

Plan, prepare for, organise, and lead introductory bush walking activities under indirect supervision; ensure participant safety in dynamic, low-technical environments.

Assess and effectively respond to bushwalking emergencies, including the appropriate selection and use of emergency equipment.

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.
What you need to know first

Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Education
Guided Adventure Activities

Bushwalking trip leader
Outdoor guide
Recreation instructor
Show individual skills in bushwalking, navigation, risk assessment, planning and leading group experiences both below and above the bush line.
Level 4 Bush Leader: At least 10 days (each at least four hours) bushwalking experience and 5 additional days as co-leader or assistant leader in suitable terrain.
Level 5 Bush Instructor: At least 40 days tramping experience (6+ hours/day), including 20 days on multi-day trips and 10 days instructing, leading, or guiding groups.
Level 6 Advanced Professional Practice: NZ Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (Instruction) Level 5 and at least 80 days tramping experience (with at least 40 multi-day trips, 20 personal days, and 20 days instructing/leading/guiding on multi-day trips in moderate/hard terrain).
Outdoor education teacher
Advanced bush instructor or mentor
Show individual skills in bushwalking, navigation, risk assessment, planning and leading group experiences both below and above the bush line.
Level 4 Bush Leader: At least 10 days (each at least four hours) bushwalking experience and 5 additional days as co-leader or assistant leader in suitable terrain.
Level 5 Bush Instructor: At least 40 days tramping experience (6+ hours/day), including 20 days on multi-day trips and 10 days instructing, leading, or guiding groups.
Level 6 Advanced Professional Practice: NZ Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (Instruction) Level 5 and at least 80 days tramping experience (with at least 40 multi-day trips, 20 personal days, and 20 days instructing/leading/guiding on multi-day trips in moderate/hard terrain).
Outdoor education teacher
Advanced bush instructor or mentor