Bush Navigators 1-Day Course

Bush Navigators 1-Day Course
From NZD NZ$150.00
  • Duration: 6 Hours (approx.)
  • Location: Peel Forest, Canterbury
  • Product code: NAV

Minimum Numbers


We require a minimum of eight people to run this course. If numbers are not met, we will contact you to arrange an alternative date or a full refund.



Age Requirements


Suitable for adults and older teens (16+).



What You'll Learn



Navigation Skills



  • Reading Topo50 maps, terrain features and contours

  • Map orientation and route planning

  • Taking and following a bearing

  • Distance estimation and travel time planning

  • Route-finding in real environments

  • Using GPS and smartphone navigation tools



Bush Safety and Planning



  • What to pack and how to pack it

  • Trip intentions and emergency communication

  • Understanding weather forecasts and decision making in the field



What to Expect


This is a practical, outdoor-based course. You'll spend the day learning through movement, discussion and scenario-based activities in the forest.


Our focus is not just on technical skills, but on building judgement and confidence so you can make safer decisions in real situations.



Who This Course Is For


This course is ideal for:



  • Recreational trampers and hunters

  • People preparing for multi-day trips or Te Araroa

  • Adventure racers or rogainers wanting stronger navigation skills

  • Anyone wanting to feel more confident navigating in the outdoors



Accommodation (Optional)


If you'd like to stay overnight before or after the course, off-grid cabin accommodation is available at Peel Forest Outdoor Centre. These insulated bunk-style huts offer a warm, simple DOC-hut style experience, with a solar shower and composting toilets. More information about our accommodation, or contact us to enquire about availability.



Food


Please bring your own lunch, snacks and water for the day.



Our Guarantee


No cancellations. We have many sites to choose from to help make our courses resilient, and we'll do our best to run no matter the conditions. In the unlikely event we have to postpone due to extreme weather, we'll find a date that works for you.


No stress. Feel like you need a bit more time to soak in the learning? We can arrange private instruction at a discounted rate to help you get that bit further, so you don't need to pay for another identical course.



Gear List



Compulsory Gear



  • Day pack (around 30L) with pack liner

  • Suitable active clothing for the weather (no cotton)

  • Waterproof raincoat and over-trousers

  • Thermal top and bottom

  • Fleece layer

  • Tramping boots (worn in)

  • Water bottle — 2L minimum

  • Compass

  • Hat, beanie, sunscreen and sunglasses



Gear Hire Available


Let us know if you need to borrow any of the following:



  • Pack

  • Raincoat

  • Fleece layers

  • Compass



Optional Gear



  • Tramping poles

  • Puffer jacket



Safety


Outdoor adventure activities involve risks and hazards that are different from those of everyday life, and while Peel Forest Outdoor Centre works hard to minimise these risks, they cannot be eliminated entirely. For full information, please read our terms and conditions and our risk disclosure.