2-day Bushcraft Course October 18, 2025
This is a 2-day bushcraft & navigation course.
2-Day Bushcraft Course Overview
An Introductory navigation and bushcraft course for people who want to explore the New Zealand bush. Spend the weekend navigating from your map and compass off-track and through varied terrain.
This is a popular course for people that are looking to develop their personal navigation skills and knowledge as well as learn how to utilise new technologies in their tramping repertoire. Whether you are a daywalker, avid tramper or hunter, if you are looking to upskill, then this is the course for you.
PRICE $749* (MINIMUM AGE 16 YEARS)
Youth Price $374.50** (14-15 years, accompanied by an adult)
Ask about our Family Friendly courses for ages less than 14 years.
* This is the early bird booking price, standard rates are available on the course calendar.
**Conditions apply for youth pricing structure. See FAQ’s page.
Bushcraft course location
This course is delivered in Craigieburn Forest Park near Castle Hill Village. We will meet at 8:30 am in Darfield (approx 40 mins from Christchurch). From Darfield, we drive into the hills and onto our course location, parking at Texas Flat, Mt Cheeseman.
Free transport is available from Christchurch.
See Google map of course delivery location.
ACCOMMODATION
On this bushcraft course, you will be wild camping in the Craigieburn forest park.
We have tents available if you don’t have your own.
GEAR & EQUIPMENT
What gear will I need? Just your backpack, your normal tramping/hiking clothing, a compass, and some food.
If you’re not sure, you have everything you need for the course. No need to stress. We have all the gear and equipment available for you to borrow or hire. Just add a note to your booking or give us a call to organize your gear rental in advance.
Note: You will find a full packing list at the bottom of this page.
FOOD
This bushcraft course is self-catered. If you have never packed for an overnight hike, we can help you out with meal ideas. A packing list is available to download at the bottom of this page.
FREE TRANSPORT
If you’re staying in a hotel
Free transport is available from any Christchurch accommodation if you’re travelling from out of town to attend one of our courses.
Meeting locations
If you live locally or your driving to the course, please meet us at one of the following locations:
- Yaldhurst Mcdonalds 8:00 am (see on google maps)
- Darfield Bakery 8:30 am (see on google maps)
- Castle Hill Village 9:20 am (see on google maps)
*Our preferred meeting location is Darfield Bakery.
TRAVELLING FROM OUT OF TOWN?
We recommend that you arrive in Christchurch the day before your course. We have a few hotel & hostel suggestions on our FAQ’s page. Please avoid booking accommodation north or east of the city centre. At the end of the course, we are more than happy to drop you back at your accommodation or directly to the airport. The earliest time we can have you back at the airport is 6 pm.
2 Day Bushcraft Course Includes
Reading Topographic maps (NZ topo50)
- Colours and symbols
- Scale and distance
- Orientating a map using features
- 6 figure grid references
Interpreting contour features
- Ridges
- Spurs
- Gullies
- Valleys
- Saddles
- Highpoints
Using a compass
- Finding North
- Orientating map with compass
- Follow a compass bearing
- Field: map bearings
- Map: Field bearings
- Taking resections/triangulations
Clothing & Equipment selection
- Packs
- Boots
- Walking poles
- Personal clothing
- Using a GPS/Smartphone GPS
Camping skills
- Selecting a suitable campsite
- Field weather observations and predictions
Emergency communications
- In-reach
- Spot
- Mountain radio
- PLB
*Advertised price is the early bird discounted price.
**Conditions apply for youth pricing structure. See FAQ’s page.
COURSE DOWNLOADS
See what our clients have to say
“Just spent 2 days with Alan on the last survival bushcraft and navigation course for the ”summer”. I was really impressed with how he was able to tailor the course perfectly to our level and at the same time differentiate his teaching to suit the goals of the different participants. I’m a teacher and I know quality instruction when I see it. These guys are quality. Cheers Al.” – Will Elliot
“Whole experience exceeded expectations” – James, Auckland
“This course was exactly wat I was after in terms of using topo maps and compass & the location is stunning” Jan Radclife
