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SECTION NON-DISPONIBLE EN FRANÇAIS. NOUS NOUS EXCUSONS POUR LE DÉSAGRÉMENT.
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WILDERNESS GUIDE COURSE NEW ZEALAND
14 DAYS • COURSE CODE: SNZCWGM
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This multi-disciplinary comprehensive program is designed by the Professional Association of Wilderness Guides and Instructors (PAWGI), and it is geared towards individuals wishing to pursue a career as Wilderness Guides in the growing adventure tourism field.
Certified Wilderness Guides (CWG) may organize and conduct day and multi-day land expeditions in any area suitable for their skill and experience level, excluding activities involving travel on glaciers or permanent snow, climbing, or the use of hands and body for balance.
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ELIGIBILITY
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CERTIFICATION
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• 19 year or older
• Certified Assistant Guide certification
• Wilderness First Aid certification
• Overnight Backcountry Experience
• Excellent Physical Fitness
» PAWGI General Standards
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Certification is achieved by scoring 366 points or higher (75% or higher) on the Wilderness Guide Practical Assessment (WGPA). This assessment is conducted by a Certified Wilderness Instructor throughout the duration of the course.
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This course is delivered over the course of 14 days and involves the undertaking of one or more wilderness expeditions in a mountain/coastal environment.
WEEK 1: INSTRUCTION & REVIEW
The first week provides a hand-on approach to wilderness guiding in an actual expedition environment. From the time they register for the course, candidates are involved in all the stages of the expedition, from planning, to transportation, to undertaking, and debriefing. All the subjects addressed during the Certified Assistant Guide course are reviewed, with an emphasis on Risk & Emergency Management, Expeditionary & Outdoor Leadership, Sustainability & Conservation and Wilderness Survival. This first week of pro includes 40 hours of practical instruction.
WEEK 2: PRACTICAL EXPEDITION
During the course's second week, candidates apply all previously reviewed theoritical and practical concepts of wilderness guiding, and take a leadership role in planning, organizing, and leading the actual expedition. For the remainder of the course, candidates are being coached, supervised, and ultimately assessed by a Certified Wilderness Instructor.
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Spectacular mountains and vegetation. Unusual wildlife.
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Meeting is at Christchurch (CHC) at 09:00am on day 1, and return is at Christchurch (CHC) by 11:00pm on day 14.
Participants are responsible for organizing their own transportation, between Christchurch and the site of the course/expedition, as part of the course.
» Traveling to New Zealand
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Day 1 • Meeting in Christchurch at 0900am. Equipment checks and briefing. Departure to trail head. Backcountry camping.
Day 2 to Day 6 • Expedition/Instruction (40 hours). Backcountry camping.
Day 7 • Debriefing.
Day 8 to Day 13 • Briefing. Expedition/Review/Assessment. Backcountry campground camping.
Day 14 • Debriefing. Return to Christchurch.
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TECHNICAL LEVEL
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PHYSICAL DEMAND
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The return distance travelled is approximately 80km (50 miles), with an elevation gain of about 4000 m (12,000 ft). The maximum reached altitude is about 2,200 m (6,600 ft). This expedition may involve extreme temperature variations, travel on scree and boulders, as well as very difficult terrain, challenging obstacle and river crossings, side hilling, and bushwhacking.
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An excellent level of physical fitness is required for this expedition in order to sustain several hours a day of continuous strenuous physical activity, as well as frequent extreme and sudden elevation gains, while carrying a heavy backpack.
Previous backpacking experience is absolutely required.
» Preparation Tips
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Regulatory • Backcountry use and camping fees and permits. Accommodations • Backcountry participating camping. Group Size • Maximum 6 participants. Wilderness Instructor • PAWGI certified Wilderness Instructor and/or Wilderness Instructor Trainer. Fees • Tuition fees ($995), Expedition fees ($2,995), WGPA fees ($495), Documentation Fees ($10), as well as PAWGI certification fees ($495). Equipment • Fuel, bear spray, First Aid Kit, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), GPS, and Satellite phone.
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Unlike our expeditions taylored to the public, items such as transportation, equipment, or food are not included in our courses in order for candidates to be exposed to the logistics of wilderness guiding.
Airfare • To/from Christchurch Airport. Transportation • Transportation between Christchurch and trail head, and between trail head and Christchurch. Meals • Expedition food (minimum of 1,500 Calories per day). Personal Equipment • Packing equipment, sleeping equipment, clothing, footwear, hydration system, hygiene & personal care, tent, water filter, camp stove & cooking utensils. Extras • Accommodations and meals on the night prior to the start of the program, or following the end of the program. Budget • $300 for incidentals. Insurance • Travel & Cancellation insurance, and medical insurance.
» Travel Insurance
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
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REGISTRATION & INQUIRIES
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