
Sport & Recreation
A course by
Te Mahi Ako
These awards certify individuals to guide commercial rafting trips on New Zealand whitewater rivers, providing training, assessment, and workplace observation to meet high industry standards.
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing

Develop and apply safe and effective guiding techniques appropriate to river grade (2, 3, or 4/5) for commercial rafting.

Plan, prepare, and coordinate rafting trips, including managing groups and guiding multi-raft operations (senior awards).
The National Raft Guide Awards are designed for people working in the outdoor recreation industry who want to guide commercial rafting trips on New Zealand whitewater rivers. Developed jointly by the New Zealand Rivers Association and Te Mahi Ako, these awards ensure guides meet the high standards required for commercial whitewater activities. Training includes practical skills, trip planning, river rescue, and senior leadership components, with assessment conducted in the workplace. Five electives are offered, tailored for Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4/5 river guiding at basic and senior levels.
What you need to know first
Must be currently working in outdoor recreation (paid, self-employed, or volunteering with regular shifts)



Sport & Recreation
A course by
Te Mahi Ako
These awards certify individuals to guide commercial rafting trips on New Zealand whitewater rivers, providing training, assessment, and workplace observation to meet high industry standards.
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing

Develop and apply safe and effective guiding techniques appropriate to river grade (2, 3, or 4/5) for commercial rafting.

Plan, prepare, and coordinate rafting trips, including managing groups and guiding multi-raft operations (senior awards).
The National Raft Guide Awards are designed for people working in the outdoor recreation industry who want to guide commercial rafting trips on New Zealand whitewater rivers. Developed jointly by the New Zealand Rivers Association and Te Mahi Ako, these awards ensure guides meet the high standards required for commercial whitewater activities. Training includes practical skills, trip planning, river rescue, and senior leadership components, with assessment conducted in the workplace. Five electives are offered, tailored for Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4/5 river guiding at basic and senior levels.
What you need to know first
Must be currently working in outdoor recreation (paid, self-employed, or volunteering with regular shifts)


In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
It will take a total of 2 weeks

Understand and execute essential river rescue strategies tailored to the challenges of each river grade.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
It will take a total of 2 weeks

Understand and execute essential river rescue strategies tailored to the challenges of each river grade.