FAQ’s
Find answers to FAQ’s below. If you still have a question or prefer to talk to a real person, please contact one of our friendly team.
General FAQ’s
I’m not sure what course I should attend.
Have a look at our suggested training pathways below. If you have any questions or are unsure what course would be right for you, please call us to discuss your situation.
Alpine training pathway
Bush, Navigation & river crossing training pathway
Rock climbing training pathway
Sea kayaking training pathway
Hunting training pathway
Who will be my instructor/guide?
OENZ employs highly skilled and qualified instructors and guides. They all hold nationally recognized qualifications and are active and passionate outdoors people who have dedicated themselves to passing on teaching their skills and passion for the outdoors.
We staff our programs a few weeks before the course, so your instructor may not have been confirmed yet. If you would like to request a specific instructor/guide or would like to know who is likely to be running your course before booking, give us a call or email.
I’m flying into Christchurch; how easy is getting to the course location?
It’s very easy, tell us what hotel/hostel you’re staying at, and we will pick you up. We will even drop you back at the airport at the end at no extra cost!
Can you recommend a place to stay the night before my course?
It’s very common for our clients to arrive the day before a course and fly home on Sunday evening. We recommend booking your accommodation in the city centre or South Christchurch as we provide a free pick-up service from these locations.
We recommend the following hotels/backpackers:
Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch
Website: www.rendezvoushotels.com/hotel/christchurch
BreakFree on Cashel (hotel)
Website: www.breakfreeoncashel.nz/
Address: 165 Cashel St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch
Phone: +64 3-360 1064
Jailhouse Accommodation (backpacker/hostel)
Website: www.jail.co.nz
Address: 338 Lincoln Rd, Addington, Christchurch
YHA Christchurch Backpackers
Website: www.yha.co.nz/hostels/south-island-hostels/yha-christchurch
Address: 36 Hereford St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch
Phone:+64 3-379 9536
I don’t have any transport, can you help with this?
Yes. When you make your booking, let us know that you will need transport, and one of our friendly team will pick you up and drop you off at the end of the course.
I don’t have all the right gear/equipment. Can I still do the course?
Yes, we have everything you’ll need to attend a course, and it will be provided as part of the course or available to hire directly from us.
Do you run courses in the Auckland/ Wellington area?
We can run private training or custom courses in nearly any location by request. Our scheduled courses, however, only run in Canterbury.
Can you recommend a provider in the North Island?
Unfortunately, the North Island has a real lack of professional outdoor training providers. The central North Island has some providers and good terrain, but travel costs are often more expensive than flying into Christchurch. We recommend making a weekend of it and coming to Christchurch for your training. We have lots of clients flying in to attend our courses.
What happens if I have to Postpone or cancel my booking?
Please contact us as early as possible if you need to postpone or cancel a course. We will try to reschedule your booking wherever possible; however, this may not always be possible.
Cancellations
With more than 14 days notice before the course starts, you will receive a full refund (less the non-refundable $40 booking fee).
Less than 14 days but more than 48 hours before the course start date are entitled to a 50% refund.
If we are given less than 48hrs notice before the course starts, your course booking will not be refunded.
Postponements/transferring your booking
With more than 48 hrs’ notice, you will incur no extra costs.
less than 48 hrs’ notice before the course starts time will incur an additional booking fee of $40
*Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details.
What happens if the weather is bad/raining?
Most of our courses can be run in bad weather, and our instructors will tailor the course to ensure you get the most out of your time with OENZ.
If the weather is too bad for us to run the activity safely, we will offer you the opportunity to transfer your booking to another course. A partial or full refund will be offered if you cannot attend another course. Our instructors will contact you during the lead-up to your course and advise you what the weather forecast for your training area.
*Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details.
I’m looking for a private course for my friends/organisation. Is this something you can organize?
Yes, we run a lot of private courses & custom training. Some of our clients include the Department of Conservation (DOC), Northland Regional Council, Christchurch Tramping Club, and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). Please see our private bookings page here for further information on our services.
I want my child to participate in one of the courses with me. Do you have a minimum age?
We are often asked about family courses or youth participants. Below is an outline of the ages we can accept for our general courses. If your child is younger than this or you would like your family to undertake training together, we recommend a private course instead. This allows us to fine-tune your training to meet everyone’s level.
The minimum age with a parent or guardian is between 10-16 years, depending on the course.
The minimum age without a parent or guardian is between 16-18 years, depending on the course.
Exceptions to age can be made for private training courses only; the minimum age for private training is approx. 8 years old.
Course-specific FAQ’s
FAQs for Sea Kayaking Courses
How many people will be on my sea kayaking course?
All of our courses are delivered in a ‘small group’ format. Sea Kayaking courses run at a maximum client-to-instructor ratio of 8:1.
I can’t swim, will this be a problem?
No, this is not a problem at all! During sea kayaking with OENZ, you will wear a PFD (personal floatation device). This means you will be kept safe and afloat whenever you are in the water. Our instructors are there to support you through the day and to ensure you have a great time.
How fit do I need to be for Sea Kayaking?
Each sea kayaking day involves being active and paddling your boat throughout the day. We aim to make our introduction and experience days accessible for everyone. So, upon meeting your instructor, they will make a plan for the day, which will be appropriate and enjoyable for everyone in the group. Contact our friendly office staff if you’re concerned about your fitness levels.
What is the minimum age?
16 years old.
Ask about our Family Friendly Courses for ages less than 16 years.
FAQ’s for Rock Climbing Courses
What equipment is provided, and do I need to pay for it?
OENZ provides all the technical equipment for our climbing courses. You’ll be sent a detailed equipment list upon booking.
How many people will be on my climbing course?
All our rock climbing courses are run with low instructor-to-client ratios; this way, we can ensure quality. Our one and 2-day Intro to Rock Climbing and Learn to lead climb courses have a maximum ratio of 8:1. Trad climbing and multi-pitch climbing courses have a maximum ratio of just 4:1.
What is the minimum age?
2-Day Rock Course
10 years old with a parent or guardian.
16 years old without a parent or guardian.
5-Day Rock Course
12 years old with a parent or guardian (must be able to carry 8-10kg for 3 hours).
16 years old without a parent or guardian.
2-Day Trad Course
14 years with a parent or guardian.
16 years without a parent or guardian.
FAQ’s for Bush and Navigation Courses
How many people will be on my Bush course?
All of our courses are delivered in a ‘small group’ format. Our Bush courses have a maximum ratio of 8:1.
Do I need a tent?
We camp out on the first night (2-day course), but you can hire a tent & all the gear for any of our courses directly from us if you don’t have it. Just let us know before your course what you need, and our instructors will bring it along to the course for you. Other options are to bring along a bivvy bag or fly/tarp shelter to sleep in.
Do I need to bring spare hiking boots for my extended course in case they get wet?
No, we have boot dryers available from the end of day two throughout the extended bushcraft course. We know how tricky it can be to keep boots dry when we’re out training, so at the end of each day, we pop our boots on the boot dryers, so they’re ready to go for the next day.
What is the terrain like?
The two-day Bushcraft course is held mostly in open tussock terrain with patches of beech forest for walking in. A mixture of off-track and on-track navigation takes place here. Once we get into the 5 & 7-day course, the terrain gets steeper, mixed with scree, tussock, compact ground and varying visibility.
I’ve completed a training course with another group/provider, but not sure if I meet the prerequisites for the extended courses.
If you have completed a 1-to 2-day training course within a club or group, you will likely already have enough understanding to jump into our extended bushcraft course. If you’re unsure, or it’s been a while since the training, call us in the office. We can ask you some questions and advise you which course suits you best.
What is the minimum age?
16 years old.
Ask about our Family Friendly Courses for ages less than 16 years.
FAQ’s for River Crossing Courses
How many people will be on my river crossing course?
All of our courses are delivered in a ‘small group’ format. Our sea kayaking courses run at a maximum client-to-instructor ratio of 8:1.
I can’t swim; rivers make me nervous; will this be a problem?
No, this is not a problem at all! Our instructors are there to support you through the day and to ensure you have a great time. Just let our instructor know before the course to ensure we pitch the course at an appropriate and enjoyable level for everyone.
Do I need to bring spare hiking boots for my river crossing course?
No, boot dryers are available from the end of day two throughout the extended bushcraft course. We know how tricky it can be to keep boots dry when we’re out training, so at the end of each day, we pop our boots on the boot dryers, so they’re ready to go for the next day.
Can I keep my pack dry for travelling?
To keep life easy on the river crossing day, we supply a group pack that can be used for pack floats. While we always recommend training with your own gear, you won’t want to carry a soaking wet pack if you’re flying back at the end of the day.
What is the minimum age?
16 years old.
Ask about our Family Friendly Courses for ages less than 16 years.
FAQ’s for Alpine Courses
How many people will be on my alpine course?
All of our courses are delivered in a ‘small group’ format. Our 1 & 2-day introduction to alpine and mountaineering skills courses run at a maximum ratio of 8:1. The 5-day alpine course and summer alpine skills courses run at just 4:1.
What gear do I need to attend an OENZ alpine course
You will need your own clothing, waterproofs, and boots OENZ will supply the rest. A full packing list can be downloaded from each specific course page.
Do I need to provide my own Avalanche great for the course?
No, OENZ will provide all avalanche gear free of charge. You’re welcome to bring and use your own avalanche safety gear.
What type of boots do I need?
You will need good waterproof boots that have ankle support. Trail shoes are not appropriate for alpine use. Tramping/Hiking boots are ok for introductory alpine courses and avalanche training. If you are doing a longer alpine course or any alpine course that involves rope skills, you will need stiff books with a min 3/4 shank or full mountaineering boots.
Click here to download our Alpine boot guide.
Can I hire boots for my alpine course?
OENZ does not have boots available to hire or borrow. Boot hire is available from several outdoor stores in Auckland, Dunedin and Christchurch. If you are hiring or borrowing boots, please get waterproof leather boots. Plastic mountaineering boots are not suitable for general mountaineering in New Zealand.
What is the minimum age?
18 years old.
Ask about our Family Friendly Courses for ages less than 18 years.
FAQ’s for Hunting Courses
How many people will be on my Hunting course?
All of our courses are delivered in a ‘small group’ format. Our Hunting courses have a maximum ratio of 8:1.
Do I need a tent?
Depending on the course (4-day & 7-day), we camp out in tents and tarps, but you can hire a tent & all the gear for any of our courses directly from us if you don’t have it. Just let us know before your course what you need, and our instructors will bring it along to the course for you. Other options are to bring along a bivvy bag or fly/tarp shelter to sleep in.
Do I need to bring spare hiking boots for my extended course in case they get wet?
No, we have boot dryers available from the end of day two throughout the extended bushcraft course. We know how tricky it can be to keep boots dry when we’re out training, so at the end of each day, we pop our boots on the boot dryers so they’re ready to go for the next day.
What is the terrain like?
The Hunting courses are held in a variety of terrain, from open tussock terrain to dense bush and everything in between. There will be a mixture of off-track and on-track travel throughout the course.
Do you need an NZ firearms licence to attend this learn to hunt course?
To attend this course, you do not need to hold an NZ firearms licence or have any experience using firearms.
If you do not hold a current firearms licence, you will be able to shoot under the direct supervision of our guides. Under NZ law, an unlicensed person may use a firearm under the direct supervision of a current NZ firearms licence.
Can I bring my rifle to this course?
Yes, you can. However, you do not need to. The first four days you will have the ability to hire a firearm form the shooting range.
If you wish to bring a rifle, you must hold current NZ firearms or have organised a “visitors firearms licence” (if travelling from overseas).
I’ve completed a training course with another group/provider, but I’m unsure if I meet the prerequisites for the extended courses.
There are no prerequisites to attend any of our hunting courses.
What is the minimum age?
16 years old, accompanied by an adult.
