7-day Bushcraft Course March 15, 2025

This is a 7-day bush training course.

7-Day Bushcraft Training Course Overview

On this comprehensive 7-day bushcraft training course, you will learn everything from river crossing techniques to advanced navigation. This combines our 2-day bushcraft, 1-day river crossing, and advanced navigation and survival course.

Delivered by our highly skilled local guides and instructors, you will learn all the skills you need to get out there and hike independently in New Zealand’s remote tramping locations.

This is a popular course for people looking to take on overnight trips that may take you over alpine passes or for people looking to gain confidence in the wilderness and explore New Zealand’s backcountry.

This course is also suitable for professional guides and instructors training towards NZOIA Bush 1 or Bush 2 accreditation.

PRICE $2999* (MINIMUM AGE 16 YEARS)

Youth Price $1499.50** (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.

Prerequisites

Prior experience is not necessary. This course covers everything you need to know wrapped up in one package.

Bushcraft Training Course Location

This course is delivered in Craigieburn Forest Park & Arthurs Pass National Park.  Having flexibility in course location ensures you will get the most out of your time with us.

Days 1 & 2 – Craigieburn Forest Park

Days 3 – 7 – Arthurs Pass National Park

ACCOMMODATION

**All your accommodation is included in this 7-day course***

Craigieburn Forest Camp Out (day 1)

The first night of our course includes a campout in Craigieburn Forest Park.  We use this time to cover basic bushcraft skills in choosing a campsite, accessing water etc.

1st night – Wild Camping

2nd night – Arthurs Pass lodge

3rd night – Arthurs Pass lodge

4th night – Arthurs Pass lodge

5th night – Arthurs Pass lodge

6th night – wild camping Arthurs Pass National Park

Arthurs Pass Lodge (days 2-5)

The second through to the fifth night of our accommodation will be staying at our Lodge in Arthurs Pass Village. The lodge has bunk beds set up across three bedrooms and can sleep up to 20 people. It has a kitchen stocked with utensils, cookware, a fridge, and ovens. You’ll also be treated to power, bathroom facilities, hot showers and heating. All you need to bring is your sleeping bag, pillow.

Survival Shelters/Tent (days 6-7)

Our last night is spent in survival shelters that you build in the bush. Alternatively, you can sleep in your tent if the weather is very poor.

GEAR & EQUIPMENT

Bring your normal tramping/hiking kit, a compass, and some food. We will send you a detailed gear list once your booking has been processed.

If you’re unsure, you have everything you need for the course, no need to stress. We have all the gear and equipment available for you to hire. Just add a note to your booking or give us a call to organize your gear rental in advance.

FOOD

This is a self-catered course. Please pack all of your meals and snacks for the duration of the course.

TRANSPORT

Free transport is available from any Christchurch accommodation if you’re travelling from out of town to attend one of our Bush training courses.

Meeting Locations

If you have your own transport, 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.

7-Day Bush Training Course Highlights

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
• Downslope bearings
• Cross slope bearings
• Feild: Feild bearings
• Refining compass technique

Clothing & Equipment selection

• Packs
• Boots
• Walking poles
• Personal clothing
• Emergency communications
• Using a GPS/Smartphone GPS

Camping skills & Survival skills

• Selecting a suitable campsite
• Pitching tents
• Building a natural survival shelter
• Fire lighting in adverse conditions

Advanced walking techniques in steep terrain

• Poles for bracing
• Foot placements and techniques for steep or slippery terrain
• Handlines
• Scree – traversing, ascending/descending

Survival skills

• Building a natural survival shelter
• Field weather observations and predictions
• Fire lighting in adverse conditions

Weather education

• Finding reliable forecasts in NZ
• Reading  synoptic charts
• Using metadata charts
• Free air Freezing Level (FAFL)
• Global Weather Effects in NZ
• Understanding Weather systems
  • High pressure
  • Low Pressure
• Orographic lifting
• Convection heating
• Frontal systems
  • Cold front
  • Warm fronts
  • Occluded fronts
  • Stationary fronts
• Field observations
  • Reading clouds

River Crossing

• Hazards
• River characteristics
• River crossing principles
• Decision Making
• River crossing methods
• Recovery

*Advertised price is the early bird discounted price.

COURSE DOWNLOADS

SEE WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

“The instructor was really approachable which made a huge difference for me being able to independently clarify different learning points. -Thanks heaps, see you on the next course!” – Cilla, Christchurch

“Finished our course yesterday and just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed it. Sarah [the instructor] was AMAZING. We will be looking for more courses to do with you guys for sure!” – Di & Peter, Wanaka

“I learnt heaps, thank you the course was great” Elizabeth – West Coast

“This course EXCEEDED expectations!!!” – Sally Bishop- Gisborne