Outdoor Leadership activity: Abseiling and Rock Climbing

To enrol in these programmes, you need to be working in outdoor recreation, in a paid job, self-employed, or as a volunteer with regular and consistent shifts.

If you don't have a role lined up, contact us to talk about how we can help.

The abseiling elective is available at Level 4 and the rock climbing elective is available at Level 4 and Level 5 (Instruction).  

You'll be trained, observed and assessed in the workplace, and some or all of your assessments will be completed online. 

You will complete a Fundamentals module, in addition to the abseiling or rock climbing elective. Once you've completed Fundamentals at each level, you can add further electives without having to repeat it. 

The evidence required at each level is outlined below:

Abseiling Level 4 graduates will be able to carry out single-pitch abseiling, and plan and lead groups in abseiling activities

• At least 10 personal abseils, at a minimum of three sites, using their own abseil set up
• At least five days' additional experience as a co-leader or assistant leader, assisting with setup and group management at a crag or abseil structure.

Rock Climbing Level 4 graduates will be able to carry out single-pitch rock climbing including rescue skills, and plan and lead groups in rock climbing activities

• At least 20 routes of single-pitch climbing (any grade) while on a top rope at an indoor or outdoor venue
• At least five days' additional experience as a co-leader or assistant leader, assisting with setup and group management at an indoor or outdoor venue
• Top-roped climbing to Grade 14.

Rock Climbing Level 5 (Instruction) graduates will be able to instruct the skills for single-pitch rock climbing

• At least 40 days' rock climbing experience; including at least 20 days' personal climbing, at least 10 days' instructing rock climbing, and at least five sessions instructing abseiling
• Instructing experience can include being a co-instructor or assistant instructor
• Rock climbing experience at a minimum of three climbing areas, of different rock types. A rock climbing day must be at least four hours' climbing, with no less than four pitches climbed
• Lead climbing to Grade 15 on bolted routes.

Once you've achieved your Outdoor Leadership certificate, you will be registered with the New Zealand Register of Recreation Professionals. You can keep your registration current by re-registering every three years.