Embark on a 30-day backpacking journey through the remote and rugged interior of New Zealand's South Island. This course blends outdoor adventure with hands-on leadership development, taking you through diverse landscapes of mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and forests. Whether you're climbing high ridges, trekking through lush valleys, or navigating off-trail, you’ll develop valuable outdoor skills while discovering your own leadership style. This is more than just an outdoor course—it’s a chance to challenge yourself, connect with nature, and grow as a leader in a supportive, close-knit community.
Photo credit: Molly Hunt
The New Zealand Backpacking course offers an immersive experience in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. But this is more than just a wilderness adventure; it’s an opportunity for personal growth and leadership development. Through the challenges of climbing high ridges, navigating rugged terrain, and living in a small group, you'll build resilience, adaptability, and confidence—skills that extend far beyond the trail. Whether you're a novice seeking to refine your outdoor skills or an aspiring leader eager to take on new responsibilities, this course will help you uncover your true potential in an inspiring environment.
The South Island of New Zealand is renowned for its wild and diverse landscapes. Your journey will take you through alpine ridges, verdant forests, pristine rivers, and tranquil valleys, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Each day presents a new opportunity to discover the natural beauty of this region while gaining essential wilderness skills. In the mornings, you’ll wake up to the crisp mountain air and enjoy a breakfast you prepared yourself. Then, venture out to explore hidden waterfalls, spot native wildlife like tui birds, and navigate across rugged terrain. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in New Zealand's rich natural history and connect with the land on a deeper level.
Photo credit: Tarsh Turner
This 30-day backpacking course in New Zealand is designed to equip you with both technical wilderness skills and essential leadership abilities. Through hands-on experience, you will develop a wide range of competencies that will serve you in the wild and beyond:
Backpacking Techniques: Master essential skills like minimum-impact camping, tent setup, cooking on a camp stove, and maintaining a sustainable wilderness lifestyle.
Navigation Skills: Learn to navigate both on and off-trail, using map and compass skills to guide you through challenging terrain.
First Aid & Risk Management: Gain confidence in handling wilderness emergencies with basic first aid training and decision-making in dynamic environments.
Leadership Development: Practice peer leadership and group dynamics, learning to guide a team through adversity and build effective communication in a close-knit community.
Judgment & Decision Making: Build the skills to assess risk, make sound decisions under pressure, and lead in unpredictable situations.
Day 1: Arrive at the NOLS New Zealand base, meet your instructors and fellow participants, and familiarize yourself with the basics of backpacking, including gear and camp setup.
Days 2–12: Begin your backpacking journey through the South Island, building your technical skills while navigating through various terrains and participating in leadership rotations. Each day includes skill-building activities, group discussions, and leadership exercises designed to help you grow both personally and as a team member.
Days 13–25: Delve deeper into advanced backpacking techniques, off-trail navigation, and risk management. Take on increasingly complex leadership roles, honing your judgment and decision-making skills as you face challenges like steep passes and remote locations.
Days 26–29: Reflect on your journey and practice advanced leadership scenarios, drawing from the experiences of the course to reinforce your new skills.
Day 30: Celebrate the completion of your expedition with a final debrief, reflection session, and course graduation. Leave the course ready to lead in the wilderness and beyond.
The New Zealand Backpacking course is designed to push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow in ways you may not expect. The rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and the close community setting will challenge you physically, mentally, and emotionally. From navigating through dense forests to climbing high ridges, you'll face obstacles that require both resilience and adaptability. However, these challenges are also the rewards, as each test you overcome builds your confidence, enhances your decision-making abilities, and helps you develop leadership skills that will serve you long after the course ends.
Photo credit: Tarsh Turner
This course is perfect for anyone looking to develop their outdoor skills while growing as a leader. It’s ideal for individuals who want to push their limits, embrace challenges, and gain practical experience in wilderness leadership. Whether you’re preparing for a career in outdoor education, pursuing personal development, or simply seeking an adventure that will change your life, this course will equip you with the skills, mindset, and confidence to lead in any environment.
By completing this course, you’ll become part of the global NOLS alumni network—a community of outdoor leaders, environmental advocates, and innovators who apply the skills learned in the wilderness to their careers and personal lives. The connections you make during this course will last long after you return home, offering ongoing support and inspiration for your continued growth. Ready to take the first step on your journey of transformation? Join us in New Zealand, challenge yourself in the wilderness, and develop the leadership skills that will empower you for life.
Photo credit: Tarsh Turner
