Internship Program
This program is a unique opportunity to learn from qualified outdoors experiential education instructors in a traineeship capacity while actively participating in outdoors recreation and cultural immersion in various wilderness locations across Te Tauihu, the top of the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Starts July 2025 | 8 weeks | 18 - 24 yrs | US $7,200
Program Description
Based in Nelson, New Zealand and hosted by us at the ExpedNZ base, this rich learning opportunity will focus on the delivery of effective, active experiential learning in wilderness locations while building a cultural (Te Ao Māori – the indigenous Māori world view) and environmental understanding of local environments.
Program participants will experience a range of outdoors activities as part of the program and a good level of fitness is required. Activities could include cultural immersion, environmental service, conservation studies, hiking, caving, sea-kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, navigation and bushcraft all while immersed in the natural beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The program will build fundamental leadership skills including group facilitation, communication and teamwork that can be translated into any future study or workplace and will develop key competencies and confidence for independent outdoors exploration.
Program Inclusions
- All technical equipment is provided
- Group tents and cooking gear (hiking backpack can also be provided if needed)
- Outdoor First Aid and Emergency Management training
- 8 weeks instruction and facilitation from industry-leading instructors
- Observation days - participating alongside existing school programs and supporting real-time program delivery
Facilitation
Work with our team to build leadership & group facilitation skills
Rock Climbing
This is a challenging and rewarding adventure activity to build your skills & confidence in the outdoors.
Kayaking
A wonderful way to experience the Abel Tasman National Park or Nelson Lakes regions.
Bush Survival
Learn how to build survival shelters, light fires and grow your bush skills to become independent & safe in the outdoors.
Caving
The Takaka Hill is also known locally as the 'Marble Mountain' with some incredible cave systems to explore.
Mountain Biking
A fast-growing sport in our region there are lots of mountain bike tracks to access at various levels of the activity.
Cost Inclusions
- Accommodation (a mixture of bunk-room accommodation, camping, cabins and backcountry huts)
- Food while on program (Monday – Friday). Weekends you will self-cater
- All transportation while on program (Monday – Friday) – includes airport pick-up and drop off (Bikes can be provided for personal use during weekends to reach the local township)
Not included in the cost:
- Arrival and departure flights (estimate $2000 return)
- Insurance
Not-for-profit
Ethical & Sustainable
