Nick Garrett
Set off on an extraordinary 77-day adventure across the stunning South Island of New Zealand. From the crystal-clear waters of the Marlborough Sounds to rugged mountain ridges and lush rainforests, this immersive course offers you the opportunity to learn and grow in some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re paddling a kayak through serene coves, trekking ancient forests, or sailing across the Pacific coastline, you'll build critical leadership skills while experiencing the natural wonders of New Zealand.
Photo credit: Nick Garrett
This semester-long expedition is not just about wilderness skills—it’s about discovering who you are as a leader. Over four distinct sections—cultural immersion, backpacking, sea kayaking, and sailing—you will develop resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to lead through change and uncertainty. You will challenge yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally, all while exploring New Zealand’s dramatic terrain, from towering alpine peaks to tranquil beaches. This course fosters leadership through personal growth, team collaboration, and practical outdoor skills. With each challenge you overcome, you’ll grow stronger, more adaptable, and ready to lead in any environment.
New Zealand’s South Island offers an unparalleled environment for self-discovery and leadership development. The expedition takes you through iconic landscapes, including:
Cultural Exploration: Learn about the local Maori culture and world view through meaningful interactions with the community. Practice basic te reo Maori, try paddling a traditional waka-ama, and explore the art of mau rakau (martial arts) or traditional musical instruments.
Backpacking Adventure: Trek through lush rainforests, high mountain passes, and along rugged alpine ridges. Whether you’re summiting a peak or navigating through dense forests, you'll gain essential wilderness skills, including off-trail navigation, cooking on a camp stove, and Leave No Trace camping principles.
Sea Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds: Paddle across a paradise of sheltered coves and pristine waterways, home to wildlife such as penguins, whales, and dolphins. Learn essential sea kayaking techniques, including strokes, rescues, rolling, and ocean navigation. You may even try your hand at kayak surfing!
Sailing in Queen Charlotte Sound: Live aboard a 37-39 foot keel boat and learn vital boat handling skills, navigation with charts, and effective communication using VHF radios. Explore the diverse marine life of Marlborough Sounds, where you may also try your hand at fishing for local species like kawhai or blue cod.
Each phase of the course is designed to challenge you in different ways, pushing you to develop new skills while discovering your personal leadership style.
Photo credit: NOLS Archives
Throughout this expedition, you’ll gain a well-rounded skill set that extends far beyond wilderness survival. The course focuses on both technical outdoor skills and the personal growth required to lead others effectively in demanding environments. Key areas of learning include:
Backpacking Skills: Learn off-trail navigation, camp setup, Leave No Trace principles, and cooking in the wild.
Sea Kayaking Techniques: Master paddle strokes, rescues, rolling, and rough water boat handling.
Sailing Skills: Develop boat handling, chart navigation, and communication using VHF radios.
Leadership Development: Hone your leadership and decision-making abilities, learning to communicate effectively, manage risks, and adapt to changing circumstances in both land and water environments.
Cultural Competence: Understand and appreciate the values of the local Maori culture, engaging with community members in meaningful ways.
These skills not only prepare you for outdoor adventures but also equip you with the tools to lead confidently in any situation.
This course is carefully structured to provide a diverse and engaging learning experience:
Day 1: Meet and Cultural Immersion and Backpacking
Meet at NOLS base camp and start with an introduction to Maori culture.
Days 2-64: Backpacking in the high country and Sea Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds
Adventure through New Zealand’s stunning landscapes. Learn essential wilderness skills while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of ancient forests and alpine ridges. Explore the Marlborough Sounds by sea kayak, learning paddling techniques and developing your ocean navigation skills. Experience rough water handling and immerse yourself in the area’s incredible wildlife.
Days 65-77: Sailing and Leadership in Queen Charlotte Sound
End your expedition with an unforgettable sailing experience, living aboard a 37-39 foot keel boat. As you navigate Queen Charlotte Sound, you’ll refine your leadership abilities, improve communication, and gain confidence in both the mountains and on the water.
Photo credit: Vivian Merrill
Throughout this course, you’ll face a variety of challenges—physical, mental, and emotional—that will test your resilience and leadership. The rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and unfamiliar waters will push you to grow in ways you never imagined:
Weather: New Zealand’s weather can change rapidly, testing your ability to adapt and make decisions on the fly.
Physical Endurance: Backpacking across steep alpine ridges or paddling in the open ocean will challenge your physical endurance, requiring perseverance and grit.
Leadership in Dynamic Environments: Living and traveling with a group in remote environments demands cooperation, empathy, and the ability to lead in tough situations.
By facing these challenges head-on, you’ll gain invaluable leadership skills, emotional resilience, and the confidence to tackle any challenge life throws at you.
This course is ideal for individuals who are ready to push their boundaries and embrace the challenges of outdoor adventure. Whether you’re an aspiring outdoor professional, a leadership enthusiast, or simply someone seeking personal growth, this course will equip you with the skills to succeed. Participants should have a passion for the outdoors and a willingness to engage in a transformative experience.
By completing this course, you’ll join the NOLS alumni community—a global network of individuals who have transformed their lives through outdoor leadership and education. NOLS alumni lead in fields ranging from environmental stewardship to business, education, and beyond. Ready to step into the adventure of a lifetime? Enroll today and begin your journey towards becoming a more confident, capable, and self-aware leader.
Photo credit: Vivian Merrill
Are you prepared to discover your leadership potential in the heart of New Zealand’s wilderness? Take the first step now!
“The semester was life changing to say the least...I learned valuable life skills. I learned how to make important decisions, deal with conflict in a constructive way, give feedback, lead my peers, and many other critical lessons.”
