PATHWAY TO BECOMING AN OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR AT OB
Are you dreaming of joining our team of incredible Kaiako (instructors) but not quite there yet? Building the skills to become an Outward Bound instructor is a journey – and we’re here to guide you. Below, we’ve outlined pathways to help you develop the fundamental skills needed to thrive in this role, as well as other Outdoor Instructor positions in NZ and around the world.
What Skills Do You Need?
Being an Outward Bound instructor isn’t just about technical know-how – it’s about the whole package. Here are the three key areas we look for:
Technical Skills
Proficiency in outdoor activities, such as navigating off-track with a map and compass or rolling a kayak.Experience Leading or Guiding
Leadership in dynamic outdoor environments, teaching others, and making sound decisions under pressure.Interpersonal Skills
Connecting with people, supporting and inspiring others, and having a growth-focused mindset. These skills can be harder to measure but are vital to the role.
Keep in mind that one of the most important aspects of the job is situational awareness, which can only be built through experience.
Tips for Building Your Skillset
Building these skills takes time, but the journey is worth it. Here are some ways to get started:
Join local outdoor groups or clubs in your area (e.g., tramping, kayaking, or climbing) to connect with like-minded people and gain hands-on experience. There are many awesome Facebook groups to choose from!
Seek private tuition in the relevant field by finding Level 1 or higher qualified instructors through organisations like NZOIA.
Get leadership experience in outdoor settings, whether it’s guiding a group or teaching technical skills. Even experiences outside of what we do (e.g., canoeing) are valuable, as many of the skills are transferrable. Take opportunities to teach and lead others as soon as you can.
Explore Polytech courses at Tai Poutini Polytechnic or ARA (Christchurch Polytechnic) for a solid foundation in outdoor education. These give a strong foundation of skill, but it's a financial and time commitment, and although it's a lot of fun, it is not for everyone.
Research 'Outdoor Education' in New Zealand to understand the broader purpose of the experiences we give our students.
Immerse yourself in our kaupapa (values) to align with the heart of what we do.
Gaining Technical Skills
Rock Climbing
Participate in 2-to-7 day climbing courses like those from Outdoor Education New Zealand.
Apply to be a model client for NZOIA assessments (Rock 1/Rock 2).
Join a climbing gym.
Whitewater Kayaking
Enroll in courses with The Kayak School (Murchison) or NZ Whitewater Academy (Rotorua).
Join a local canoe or kayak club for regular practice and community support. They provide great training and there are plenty of awesome ones around.
Sailing
Start with dinghy sailing courses in your area which you can find through Yachting NZ. We recommend this if sailing is completely new to you.
Progress to RYA Day Skipper courses at places like Sail Nelson, Sailing Away School of Sailing, or Coastguard Boating Education. This 5-day course will get you ready to sail a small yacht on a day passages in familar waters. It is referred to as the practical version of a Boatmaster. It's recommended you have a week's worth of prior sailing experience.
Bushcraft/Navigation
Refresh navigation skills with the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council and go out and practice in your local area.
Apply to be a model client for NZOIA assesements (Bush 1/Bush 2).
Join 2-to-7 day bushcraft and navigation courses with Outdoor Education New Zealand.
Gaining Leadership Experience
Gaining the experience you’ll need as a base level to work here can take 2 years or more for most people. Some types of experience are more valuable than others. Managing, leading, instructing, or guiding people in dynamic environments where you need to make decisions and demonstrate strong situational awareness is the most valuable experience you can have. Teaching technical skills is also highly relevant, as it often goes hand in hand with managing people in the outdoors. Below are some places to build this experience.
Outdoor Education Centres
There are many centres across the country that don’t require as much prior experience as Outward Bound does. These can be a great starting point to gain relevant leadership and instructional skills. Some examples include:
Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre
Peel Forest Outdoor Education Centre
Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre
Tihoi Venture School
Whenua Iti Outdoors
Some centres are associated with schools, while others are independent. This list isn’t exhaustive, so check out options in your local area.
Sea Kayak Guiding
Sea kayak guiding provides a strong foundation in managing people in dynamic environments. The Bay of Islands, Abel Tasman, and Fiordland are excellent locations to spend a season gaining experience. You’ll need a base level of sea kayaking skills.
Roles like walk guiding, zip line guiding, or similar tourism activities that follow a specific set way of doing things aren’t as valuable for building decision-making or situational awareness skills, which are critical for our work.
Developing Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills take time to grow, and life experience often helps. We look for people who can:
Connect with diverse groups.
Give and receive feedback well.
Be grounded, open, inspiring, and professional while knowing when to have fun.
Outdoor challenges and tough experiences are fantastic for building these skills.
Good Luck! There’s no single path to becoming an Outward Bound instructor, and the journey will look different for everyone. Use this guide to start building your skillset, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
Chee Joe
Pou Whakaako/Training Manager at Outward Bound