Below is our list of Frequently Asked Questions – if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, feel free to contact us
GENERAL
Programmes start in early February, with applications accepted anytime. Online interviews with all eligible candidates will follow.
Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. Visit Studylink for information about applying and eligibility.
Australian citizens and residents are treated the same as New Zealand citizens and residents so you will be charged Domestic fees.
Students need to arrange their own accommodation. They often live in shared rental houses (flats) in Tūrangi/Tokaanu, which is a 25-minute drive from Hillary Outdoors Tongariro. We provide a van service for a small cost to get to/from the Centre daily from Tūrangi.
Both programmes run from early February to early November, divided into four terms. The holidays generally reflect the school holidays, but not always. There are three two-week breaks, generally in April, July, and September/October.
All students complete a variety of work experience placements as part of the programmes. This includes time working alongside Hillary Outdoors instructors, as well as placements with other outdoor education and adventure tourism operators. These experiences offer valuable learning opportunities in real workplace settings under direct supervision and guidance. Students are also encouraged to seek and arrange their own external work experience, with support and advice from their Course Coordinator.
Students should be available Monday to Friday, with most weeks involving around 30 hours of contact time. The exact schedule can vary depending on course content and activities.
Throughout the year, you’ll take part in off-site trips, some of which involve overnight stays in the field. Outside of scheduled course time, you’re expected to complete personal trips to practise and reinforce your skills. These independent experiences are essential for meeting the required number of logged days across various outdoor disciplines.
It is your responsibility to pay for:
- Personal clothing, equipment and gear – See gear and equipment list FAQ!
- Food for overnight trips during the course
- Textbooks
- Transport to/from course and work experience
At Hillary Outdoors, you’ll spend a significant amount of time learning in the field, not just the classroom. The Tongariro climate can be extremely wet and cold at times, so having the right gear is essential to staying safe, warm, and comfortable.
All specialist technical equipment required for activities like mountaineering, rock climbing, kayaking, and sea kayaking can be provided during course time. You should bring along any relevant personal technical outdoor gear and equipment that you own (i.e. caving, rock climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, sea kayaking, tramping).
Diploma students are encouraged to start building a personal gear kit, especially in the disciplines they plan to specialise in: Bush, Alpine, Rock, and Kayak. Owning your equipment ensures a better fit, more comfort, and greater independence. It also sets you up nicely for working in the outdoor industry.
Advice on purchasing outdoor clothing/equipment and discounts available from selected retailers will be available on course.
You will need the items on this list as a basic and minimum requirement from day one.
The courses are a full-time, 34-week programme from February to November at Hillary Outdoors Tongariro. They blend theoretical learning with hands-on experience, combining classroom sessions with single-day and multi-day outdoor trips. While most learning occurs in the field, some course materials may be available online to support your studies.
The pursuits you will focus on are;
- Tramping/bush craft
- Rock climbing
- White-water and sea kayaking
- Alpine climbing and skiing
Other subjects are;
- Risk and safety management
- Kaitiakitanga and environmental studies
- Teaching, learning & facilitation
- Hauora and well-being in the outdoors
Hillary Outdoors operates in a place of cultural significance. Each year, we offer up to two tertiary scholarships, valued at $4,500 each, to support students enrolling in our Tertiary Programme who identify as Māori.
Applications open: 1 September 2025
Applications close: 15 December 2025
Eligibility criteria:
- You must identify as Māori.
- You must provide a letter of support from your iwi, hapū, marae, Māori community leader, or another person who can confirm your connection with your iwi, hapū, or Māori community.
- You must be enrolled in Hillary Outdoors’ Tertiary Programme.
- You cannot receive both Fees Free funding and this scholarship for the same year of study.
Please complete the online application form to be considered for this scholarship.
We welcome students from all over the world to study with us. For detailed information on how to become a part of our institution and step-by-step guidance on the application process, click the button below!
Hillary Outdoors is committed to supporting the wellbeing and safety of our students. Each year we undertake and attest to a self review to ensure Hillary Outdoors’ is compliant with the expectations set out in the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.
Further information on the Code can be viewed on the NZQA website.
Our latest self-review is published on our website here.
CERTIFICATE
We are looking for people with a passion for the outdoors. Keen to learn, you will be looking to expand your skills and then pass them on to others. This is a challenging programme and you will need to be 100% keen and committed to see it through to the end.
- A minimum of 48 credits at NCEA Level 2 (including at least 12 credits in one subject), or an equivalent qualification, or relevant work and/or life experience that demonstrates readiness for tertiary study
- Minimum age of 18 years
- A genuine interest in the outdoors and a range of outdoor activities
- Good level of physical fitness and water confidence
- Physically and mentally fit to meet the demands of the programme
- Comfortable participating in aquatic-based activities
- Responsible attitude with strong communication and teamwork skills
- Self-motivated, with the ability to encourage and support others
- All applicants must demonstrate a sufficient standard of English to study at this level.
- Applicants for whom English is not their first language must prove English proficiency. This may include:
- An IELTS (Academic or General) score of 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0, issued within the last two years or an equivalent, recognised qualification
The NZ Certificate in Outdoor & Adventure Education (Level 4) equips students with the essential skills for entry-level roles in adventure tourism, guiding, and instructing. Graduates of this programme are given priority consideration for the NZ Diploma in Outdoor & Adventure Education (Level 5) over external applicants, providing a clear and supported pathway for further study.
DIPLOMA
I have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for instructing and leading others in the outdoors.
- Have completed the NZ Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) Level 4 (from Hillary Outdoors or another provider), or demonstrate equivalent experience*
- Be 19 years or older
- Show genuine interest in instructing and leading others in the outdoors
- Have technical outdoor skills across a range of activities
- Have leadership experience and be physically fit for the course demands
- Be water confident
- Hold a current First Aid Certificate.
- Be self-motivated, responsible, and a good communicator and team player
- Have a level of English suitable for study at this level
- If English is not your first language:
- You’ll need an IELTS Academic score of 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0 (or equivalent), from within the past two years
Equivalent skills and experience:
- White-water kayaking; independent kayaking in grade 2 white-water, able to roll a kayak on one side.
- Rock climbing; the ability to set anchors, lead climb on bolted sport climbs up to grade 13, and abseil independently.
- Mountaineering (Alpine); self management and camping/snow shelters in alpine snow environment; comfortable in use of ice axe and crampon craft; have attended an Avalanche Awareness Course, ASC 1 or equivalent.
- Multi-day tramping (hiking/bush walking); familiar with use of map and compass, and basic navigation techniques on and off track
- A current first aid certificate
- Work and life experience post-school; advantageous if you have any work experience guiding, instructing, teaching or managing groups.
*Applicants without a formal Level 4 qualification must provide a logbook showing experience that matches the learning outcomes of the Level 4 certificate.
The NZ Diploma in Outdoor & Adventure Education (Level 5) provides a strong foundation for a career in outdoor education or adventure tourism. Employers across the industry actively seek out our graduates for their skills, experience, and professionalism. The programme includes opportunities to gain NZOIA (New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association) qualifications, enhancing your employability in a range of guiding and instructing roles. It’s also designed to support a smooth transition into the Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education (BSOE) at Ara Institute of Canterbury for those looking to further their studies.
Successful Diploma graduates may have the opportunity for future employment at Hillary Outdoors. The application process is the same as for external applicants.