Te Araroa Trail Training Courses
Recommended Te Araroa trail Training courses.
Embarking on the Te Araroa Trail is a serious undertaking with many challenges and rewards. The trail passes through some of the most breathtaking scenery in New Zealand and is one of the greatest long-distance walks in the world. However, New Zealand’s trail walking can be difficult, the weather is extremely changeable and trails can be very remote. It is essential that you know what you’re doing out there, and you know what to do if things go wrong.
Where is the training?
Our courses are delivered in the South Island, it’s where the trail gets tough and people get into trouble so it’s the best place to do your training. We offer free transport from Christchurch city hotels/hostels, and will even drop you back into town or back at the airport at the end of your training.
We recommend doing your training in advance before starting the trail. But I’m coming from overseas you say? Not a problem, just fly directly into Christchurch International airport or take a 1.5 hr domestic flight from Auckland.
Recommended Te Araroa Trail Training
We recommend completing the 3 Day Navigation, Bush Craft & River Crossing Course before embarking on your TA adventure:
3 DAY NAVIGATION, BUSHCRAFT & RIVER CROSSING COURSE
COURSE OVERVIEW
Over the 3 days you’ll learn how to navigate, survive and enjoy New Zealands remote wilderness. You do not need prior skills or experience to attend this course. Once you have completed this course you’ll have the core hiking skills needed to do the TA.
3 DAY BUSHCRAFT & RIVER CROSSING COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Reading Topographic maps (NZ topo50)
- Colors 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
- Emergency communications
- Using a GPS/Smartphone GPS
Camping & Survival skills
- Fire lighting
- Selecting a suitable campsite
- Emergency shelters
- Build a bush bivvy say out for the night (tenting optional)
- Field weather observations and predictions
River Crossing
- Hazards
- River characteristics
- River crossing principles
- Decision Making
- River crossing methods
- Recovery
Click here to jump to the 3-day Bush and River crossing course page
Client Reviews
“Just spent 3 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
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