NZ Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (Level 4) Strands + NZOIA Leader
Sport & Recreation
A course by
AdventureWorks
A dedicated, fully supported pathway to gain NZ Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (Level 4) with practical strands in activities like bush, mountain biking, high ropes, kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, and more. Includes NZOIA Leader equivalence and registration.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
AdventureWorks, Auckland
It will take a total of 18 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Lead groups in outdoor adventure activities
Operate independently under indirect supervision, leading participants in low technical yet dynamic outdoor environments (e.g., bush, biking, kayaking, climbing, ropes).
Apply safety management and respond to risks
Demonstrate ability to manage and respond to risks and hazards following industry best practice and safety management systems.
Develop and apply leadership in outdoor settings
What You're Signing Up For
This qualification enables participants to independently lead and instruct others in various outdoor adventure activities, emphasising safety management and leadership in low technical, dynamic environments. The program includes online and workshop-based components, covering instructor fundamentals and strand-specific skills. Graduates earn an industry-recognised qualification equivalent to NZOIA Leader, supporting career progress in outdoor instruction, education, and leadership.
Course Content
- Instructor Fundamentals (leadership theory, safety management systems, planning, regulations)
- Strand-specific technical skills (choose from: bush, mountain biking, high ropes, high wire, sea kayaking, flat water kayak, rock climbing, abseil, EOTC)
- Personal safety and risk response in outdoor environments
- Group leadership and facilitation
- Competency-based assessment tasks
- 3-day skills workshop (overnight)
- 1-2 day leadership assessment
- Weekly self-directed and tutor-supported learning
What you need to know first
Logbook or evidence of personal skills and leadership experience in the activity strand
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Outdoor Education
Adventure Tourism
Sport and Recreation
Future employment opportunities might be
Outdoor instructor
Adventure activity leader
Youth group leader