Outdoor Training NZ Courses Available

OTNZ takes its health and safety responsibilities seriously, including the prevention of Kauri Dieback disease, limiting the spread of Covid 19 and the health and wellbeing of everyone attending our courses - the location and restrictions relating to our courses reflect this.

Youth group leaders may request the discounted course fee during the registration process.
Please advise your organisation you are volunteering with.

• River Safety Training Course: $60 per person

This one-day course is designed for hikers and Te Araroa Trail walkers - to help plan for journeys that may involve rivers, to develop river safety skills including hazard assessment and river crossings techniques.

When and Where: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm in the Karangahake Gorge.

Please find course dates on the OTNZ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OutdoorTrainingNZ/events/ or email queries to auckland@outdoortraining.nz



• Basic Navigation and Compass Skills Course: $60 per person

This course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to be able to navigate using a Topo-50 topographical map and ground features surrounding well-marked tracks in areas typically open to the general public. The compass will be introduced and used in conjunction with maps to learn about taking and following bearings. The practical field trip includes learning location awareness in a simple off-track environment and also develops and reinforces the map and compass skills learnt during the theory session.

When and Where: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on a Tuesday evening in Henderson to cover most of the theory, then from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday at Wenderholm Regional Park for the practical component.

Please find course dates on the OTNZ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OutdoorTrainingNZ/events/ or email queries to auckland@outdoortraining.nz



• Introduction to Bushcraft Course: $120 per person (18 years +)

This course is designed to provide fundamental knowledge, skills and confidence for adults with little or no New Zealand bushcraft knowledge or experience to commence their activities in the outdoors more safely for a one-day or overnight hike. It briefly covers all the basics: planning, clothing, equipment, communication devices, Leave No Trace principles, cooking outdoors, navigation (map and compass), shelters (sleeping outdoors), first aid, weather, river safety awareness, and survival techniques.

• When and Where: 9:00 am Saturday to 3:00 pm Sunday usually at a campsite near Kaukapakapa.
  
  Find course dates on the OTNZ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OutdoorTrainingNZ/events/ or email queries to auckland@outdoortraining.nz


• Survival Skills Course: $110 per person (18 years +)

This two-day practical course is designed to provide participants with basic bushcraft survival skills ( - what would be required if you become lost in the New Zealand bush), including survival priorities, building a bivvy, cooking over an open fire, search and rescue procedures, water collection and treatment.

When and Where: 10:00 am Saturday to 4:00 pm Sunday, on private land in the Waitakere Ranges.

Please find course dates on the OTNZ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OutdoorTrainingNZ/events/ or email enquiries to auckland@outdoortraining.nz



• Leave No Trace Trainer Course: cost TBA (18 years +)

The Leave No Trace (LNT) curriculum focuses on techniques for learning and teaching minimum impact outdoor ethics. Participants receive introductory training in Leave No Trace skills and ethics in a condensed two-day format. Participants will teach a lesson relating to a LNT principle and are involved in discussions to explore the seven Leave No Trace principles. People who have successfully completed a Trainer Course will be able to teach the principles to other groups.

This course runs from 8:00 am Saturday to approximately 5:00 pm Sunday, Venue to be advised.

Please find course dates on the OTNZ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OutdoorTrainingNZ/events/ or email queries to auckland@outdoortraining.nz

• Training Delivery Course: cost TBA
• Risk Management Ciurse: cost TBA

Please email your interest to auckland@outdoortraining.nz

Upcoming Courses planned by Bay of Plenty Branch Outdoor Training NZ:

The following Bushcraft courses cover the DofEIA training requirements for Adventurous Journeys:

• Bronze DofEIA AJ Training Course: $40 per DoEIA participant
  

  • Dates available on request (9:00 am - 5:00 pm both days) location: Tauranga
    
    For further information please email gerrypurcell@xtra.co.nz or phone (07) 549 1167

• Silver DofEIA AJ Training Course: $40 per DoEIA participant
  

  • Dates available on request (9:00 am Sat to 4:00 pm Sun) Location: Tauranga and Kaimai Range
    
    For further information please email gerrypurcell@xtra.co.nz or phone (07) 549 1167

• Gold DofEIA AJ Training Course: $40 per DoEIA participant
  

  • Dates available on request (9:00 am to 4:00 pm both days) Location: Tauranga and Karangahake Gorge (Waihi)
    
    For further information please email gerrypurcell@xtra.co.nz or phone (07) 549 1167

Upcoming Courses planned by Canterbury Branch Outdoor Training NZ:

• Bushcraft Course: $80.00 per person

This Course will endeavour to develop your Personal Practical Skills to use in the Bush by experiencing the Outdoors with Qualified Instructors. Meet at Springfield by 7.00 pm Friday and move in convoy to the Dracophylum Flat Track up the Broken River Ski Field Road. Return to this point 3.00 pm Sunday.

March 2023 Bushcraft Course weekend 10th-12th (Friday night to Sunday pm). There is a pre-meet on Thursday Evening by Zoom the 2nd of March to discuss gear/equipment etc.

Click on the link below to register.
https://tinyurl.com/OTNZCanterburyBushMarch2023

For further info please contact:
OTNZ Admin Robyn Draper and Anne Commons email otnzcanterbury@gmail.com or
Brian Wilson Chairperson brian.wilson@xtra.co.nz or phone 027 825 1177



• Navigation Course $50.00 per person

This Course will endeavour to develop your personal navigation Skills and prepare you for tramping safely in the Outdoors and is led by Qualified instructors. This is a practical course which will include: map reading, compass use, GPS (if you have one bring it along) OTNZ will supply maps and compasses. PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE IS RUN OUTSIDE! Day pack, hearty packed lunch, drinking water, adequate clothing to suit warm and cold/wet weather conditions i.e, sunhat, sunscreen, warm clothing, wet weather gear/jacket, warm hat/beanie. A camp chair, pen, and paper for the theory aspect of this course.

February 18th, 2023, Navigation Course Saturday (9am-3pm). This is at Godley Head near Sumner. Detailed information given once registered.

Click on the link below to register
https://tinyurl.com/OTNZNavFeb2023

April 1st, 2023, Navigation Course Saturday (9am-3pm). This is at Godley Head near Sumner, detailed information given once registered.

Click on the link below to register
https://tinyurl.com/OTNZCantArilNav2023

For further info please contact:
OTNZ Admin Robyn Draper and Anne Commons email otnzcanterbury@gmail.com or
Brian Wilson Chairperson brian.wilson@xtra.co.nz or phone 027 825 1177



• River Safety Course $50.00 per person

DO YOU NEED TO CROSS?

Rivers are one of the greatest hazards in the New Zealand outdoors - learn how to read a river and where is the best place to cross.

This is a practical course which will include:

• Reading the river: when not to cross and where to cross
• Practicing: crossing techniques, pack floating and escape from pack entrapment

You do not need to be a confident swimmer to do this course.

March 18th, 2023, River Safety Course Saturday (9am-3pm) at The Willows" Thompsons Road, McLeans Island. Meet at the carpark by the public toilets. Detailed information given once registered.

Click on the link below to register
https://tinyurl.com/ONTZCanetrbury-River-Mar2023

For further info please contact:
OTNZ Admin Robyn Draper and Anne Commons email otnzcanterbury@gmail.com or
Brian Wilson Chairperson brian.wilson@xtra.co.nz or phone 027 825 1177

If you are interested in joining a course in Canterbury please contact:
Admin - Robyn Draper and Anne Commons email otnzcanterbury@gmail.com

Upcoming courses planned by Manawatu Branch Outdoor Training NZ:

Adult Bushcraft Courses

The following document provides details of the bushcraft courses for adults run by the Manawatu Branch:
https://tinyurl.com/OTNZMan-Adultprog

River Safety Courses

The following document provides details of the river safety courses run by the Manawatu Branch
https://tinyurl.com/OTNZMan-riverprog

Duke of Edinburgh and Youth Programmes

The following documents provide details courses and journeys for the Duke of Edinburgh Award run by the Manawatu Branch. The courses listed will also be suitable for youth interested in bushcraft even if they are not completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Bronze = Basic Bushcraft, Silver = Intermediate Bushcraft and Gold = Advanced Bushcraft.

https://tinyurl.com/OTNZMan-bronzeprog

https://tinyurl.com/OTNZMan-silverprog

https://tinyurl.com/OTNZMan-goldprog

For further information on Manawatu Branch OTNZ courses please email Heather Grady: chair@outdoortraining.nz or phone (06) 354 1104 or 021 210 9859.

Upcoming courses planned by Taranaki Branch Outdoor Training NZ:

• Bush Navigation Training $30 per person



This course will teach skills and knowledge to enable safe navigation in New Zealand bush.

The theory and practical training day covers how to:

• Interpret and follow a map
• Use a compass
• Develop location awareness
• Navigate both on track and off track
• Use a GPS

Prerequisites:

Participants must

• Be over 18 years of age OR over 14 if accompanied by a parent/caregiver
• Have a reasonable standard of fitness and be able to carry a daypack

Further information will be provided once registration is completed.

The next course is: 1st April 2023

To register please click on the following link:
https://tinyurl.com/2xtn3b8z



• River Safety Training: $30 per person

Rivers have traditionally been the second biggest killer of New Zealanders in the back country.

The River Safety training provides:

• understanding of rivers and hazards
• how to evaluate sites for safe crossing
• managing a group crossing
• practising crossing techniques, pack floating and how to self-rescue if swept away.

You do not need to be a confident swimmer to do this course.

Further information will be provided once registration is completed.

Course:

• Next course dates TBC
Please email Gail OTNZ Branch secretary at otnz.taranaki@gmail.com ph 021 733 281.or Taranaki Chair - Neil Higgins 0274 393412

For information on Taranaki Courses please contact the Taranaki Chair or Admin.

Chair - Neil Higgins 0274 393 412

Introduction to the Outdoors, Bushcraft, Basic Navigation, Night Navigation, River Safety courses now on offer again!! Learn how to be safe in the bush and on rivers, learn navigation, bushcraft and campcraft skills and much more in small groups from our enthusiastic, experienced and qualified instructors.

This course is designed to provide some fundamental knowledge, skills and confidence for people to be able to enjoy more safely a one-day or overnight hike. It briefly covers planning, weather, an introduction to basic map reading skills, location awareness, safety around water, personal and group safety, clothing and gear and what to do when things go wrong.

When and Where: 7-9 pm theory night during the week via Zoom.
Practical is the following Saturday, 8am - 5pm in the Mangakara Nature Walk area of Pirongia (off Grey Road). Maps provided.

Prerequisites participants must:

• be over 18 years of age OR over 14 if accompanied by a parent / caregiver
• have a reasonable standard of fitness.

Please find course dates on Outdoor Training Waikato Facebook page. Courses can be run on demand providing there are Instructors available.

Dates:

• Wednesday 15th February 2023 (evening theory 7-9pm), Saturday 18th February 2023 (Pirongia, Kaniwhaniwha) Max 12 participants
• Wednesday 17th May 2023 (evening theory 7-9pm), Saturday 20th May 2023 (Pirongia, Kaniwhaniwha) Max 12 participants

NB: for more in depth knowledge on navigation, bush and camp craft and water safety, see other available courses.

Email inquiries to: waikatoadmin@outdoortraining.nz
Registration and payment is required prior to the course.

Course Information

This course is an introduction to basic navigation and includes theory and practical sessions, covering map reading and compass use. The practical field trip includes learning location awareness in a simple off-track environment and also develops and reinforces the map and compass skills learnt during the theory session.

Course Fee $75 per person. Registration and payment is required prior to the course.
An in-depth course to teach skills and knowledge to enable safe navigation in the bush.

When and Where: 7-9pm theory night during the week then the practical on Saturday or Sunday, 9am - 4pm at Kaniwhaniwha, Pirongia. Maps and compasses provided.

Prerequisites participants must:

• be over 18 years of age OR over 14 if accompanied by a parent / caregiver
• have a reasonable standard of fitness.

Please find course dates on Outdoor Training Waikato Facebook page. Courses can be run on demand providing there are Instructors available.

Dates:

• Tuesday 30th March 2023 (evening theory 7-9pm), Sunday 2nd April 2023 (Pirongia, Kaniwhaniwha) Max 12 participants
• Wednesday 21st June 2023 (evening theory 7-9pm), Saturday 24th June 2023 (Pirongia, Kaniwhaniwha) Max 12 participants

Enquiries to Outdoor Training Waikato:
Email waikatoadmin@outdoortraining.nz

Courses can be run on demand providing there are Instructors available.
Registration and payment is required prior to the course.

Course Information

This course is a introduction to navigating at night. It will teach you skills and give you confidence to navigate during the hours of darkness. It will cover approximately the same route as taken on our Basic Navigation course.

Course Fee $75 per person. Registration and payment is required prior to the course.

When and Where: no theory night; practical on Saturday night 7-10pm at Kaniwhaniwha, Pirongia. Maps, compasses and hi-viz vests provided.

Prerequisites participants must be / have:

• have completed a Basic Navigation Course
• be over 18 years of age OR over 14 if accompanied by a parent / caregiver
• have a reasonable standard of fitness.

Please find course dates on Outdoor Training Waikato Facebook page. Courses can be run on demand providing there are Instructors available.

Enquiries to Outdoor Training Waikato:
Email waikatoadmin@outdoortraining.nz

Courses can be run on demand providing there are Instructors available.
Registration and payment is required prior to the course.

Waikato Instructors will be assisting with Auckland Outdoor Training River Safety Instructors in Karangahake Gorge. See dates on Outdoor Training Auckland.

We can also run additional courses on demand providing there are Instructors available.

Enquiries to Outdoor Training Waikato:
Email inquiries to waikatoadmin@outdoortraining.nz

Registration and payment is required prior to the course.

Courses will go ahead for vaccinated participants and instructors in orange and green traffic lights and red traffic light when it meets government criteria.

We run a range of outdoor training courses from specialist courses on Navigation, River Safety, Outdoor Risk Management and Outdoor First Aid to more general ones covering a range of different aspects of Bushcraft.

Note: the topics covered on all the bushcraft courses are the same, however the level of information covered and practised will increase with each level. All courses involve travel in the bush carrying all your gear, and will require a reasonable level of fitness.

If you have any questions then please contact wellingtonoutdoortraining@gmail.com

The following courses have been organised by the Wellington Branch of OTNZ:

• Introduction to Bushcraft ( Bronze DofEIA training) - $90/person.

If you've never been in the bush before or only a couple of times, this course will teach you the basic bushcraft skills. Suitable for all (minimum age 14 years old unless an adult accompanying).

At the end of this course you will know the basics on how to plan for a trip, what gear and clothing to take and how to use it, ideas of what food to take, navigate on tracks, basic river safety, how to look after yourself and the bush environment, what to do in an emergency, building survival shelters, communications, basic first aid.




• Intermediate Bushcraft ( Silver DofEIA training) - $100/person.

For those who have done the Introduction to Bushcraft Course, or who have some experience in the bush and want to develop their skills further.

At the end of this course you should feel confident to plan a trip, help lead a group, what gear and clothing you need, ideas for food to take, navigate on track and off track, river safety, how to look after yourself and the bush environment, how to deal with an emergency by building survival shelters, communications, first aid and fire lighting.




• Intermediate / Advanced Bushcraft ( Silver / Gold DofEIA training) - $100/person.

For those who have done the Introduction to Bushcraft Course and have some experience, or who have a moderate level of experience in the bush and want to develop their skills further.

At the end of this course you should feel confident to plan a trip, lead a group, what gear and clothing you need, ideas for food to take, navigate on track and off track, river safety, how to look after yourself and the bush environment, how to deal with an emergency by building and staying in survival shelters, more advanced communications, first aid and fire lighting, communications, and fire lighting.




• Advanced Bushcraft ( Gold DofEIA training) - $100/person.

For those who have done the Intermediate Bushcraft Course and have some experience, or who have a moderate level of experience in the bush and want to develop their skills further.

At the end of this course you should feel confident to plan a trip, lead a group, what gear and clothing you need, ideas for food to take, navigate on track and off track, river safety, how to look after yourself and the bush environment, how to deal with an emergency by building and staying in survival shelters, more advanced communications, first aid and fire lighting, communications, and fire lighting.




• Introduction to Navigation Course - $75/person.

This is an introductory level course to teach skills and knowledge to enable safe navigation in the New Zealand bush. The course involves an evening in the classroom and a day walk to practise your navigation skills. At the end of this course you should be able to interpret and follow a map and use your compass to navigate both on track and off track. 10 participants maximum per course.




• River Safety Course - $50/person.

This course is essential for anyone that heads into the New Zealand bush. Suitable for all (minimum age 14 years old unless an adult accompanying). The course involves a morning of theory and an afternoon of practical river crossing. At the end of this course you will be able to observe and determine the main risks of any river, and if it is safe to cross. You will be able to identify the best place to cross and mutual support techniques to help you cross it as an individual or with a group.




• Outdoor First Aid Course: $290 per person
  

  This course will run in conjunction with Peak Safety.
  This 2 day course is essential for anyone who heads out into the bush or works in remote areas. It will cover basic first aid as well as emergency management of a first aid situation. NZQA standards 6400, 6401, 6402 and 424 will be covered on the course. Participants must be physically fit and complete a pre-course assignment. For those who just need to revalidate their OFA qualification, you only need to attend the second day of the course.

  
  
  
• Other Courses

We can run additional courses for groups of 6 or more if these dates are not suitable or if you would like something more specialised. Please get in touch wellingtonoutdoortraining@gmail.com



• Instructor Training

Do you have lots of bushcraft experience and want to pass this on to others? We are looking for new instructors to join the Wellington OTNZ team. We will provide the training and help you gain your Skills Active outdoor leader qualification, in return you will be required to instruct on a number of future courses.

Please get in touch wellingtonoutdoortraining@gmail.com

• Fundamental Bushcraft Skills
• Duke of Edinburgh International Award Bronze Adventurous Journey training
• Intermediate Bush Skills
• Duke of Edinburgh International Award Silver Adventurous Journey training
• Advanced Bushcraft Skills
• Duke of Edinburgh International Award Gold Adventurous Journey training
• Bushcraft with extended Navigation
• Fundamental Navigation Skills
• Intermediate Navigation Skills
• Advanced Navigation Skills
• Above the Bushline Skills
• River Safety Skills
• Outdoor Risk Management
• Outdoor Emergency Management, including Extended Care
• Instructor Training and Assessment
• ... and much more...

• Either through one of our cost effective courses,
• Or join our Member training pathway, which (provided you complete the course work to an appropriate standard) will entitle you to recognition of a NZQA standards qualification. We aim for this to be at no cost after having contributed an appropriate number of volunteer hours with OTNZ.