OENZ- Outdoor Education New Zealand

28/07/2026

When adventure and curiosity come together, we get mountaineering.

Some pictures from our course last week: A combined introduction to alpine and avalanche skills with a 5-day technical mountaineering component to finish on.

We had a glorious 7 days in the mountains before the weather turned for the last 2 days of our course. We spent 7 days exploring, climbing, learning and experiencing all the mountains had to offer us. As the weather started to deteriorate, we planned to utilise the comfort of the lodge to complete the last of our skills, creating an excellent opportunity to learn without pressure, but apply our skills in the storm.

We literally hung out from the rafters during the day and practised our crevasse rescues before taking it outside in the afternoon. The snow provided us with enough softening to get some t-slot anchors in! A far cry from our top clips earlier in the week. The hot lunch and dry room made things a little more bearable, and after a couple of hours of rescues we were back inside for hot showers and dinner.

The next Technical Mountaineering Course starts on August 13th, and we would love to have you out there with us.

Want to know more? Contact our office today: 033299076 or visit our website https://www.oenz.co.nz/

04/07/2026

Last weekend I went searching for some snow and chamois with a friend in Arthurs Pass. Both were as elusive as each other but we had a beautiful day roaming the ridges and bowls. Trying to be sneaky but likely laughing too loud...

I sure do hope this storm system leaves something white behind in its wake! We will be watching things very closely as they unfold in Canterbury. Fingers crossed for less rain and more snow.

19/06/2026

New to our website and to Canterbury.

On the 2nd of July, we are hosting, with The Kind Foundation, an industry-led event to discuss hot topics relevant to outdoor professionals.

If you are an instructor, teacher, guide, or operator who works within outdoor education and adventure recreation or tourism, this is for you.

To find out more, check out the link below.

Local Outdoor Hui to connect with outdoor professionals to share knowledge, kai and keep up to date with advances in the industry.

27/05/2026

We are very excited to offer a winter special on our 9-day alpine course in July.

If you book between now and the end of June and use the code "alpineJuly", you will receive a $150.00 discount off the course!

This discount applies only to our July 9 Day Alpine Course, starting on 16th July and finishing on 24th July.

Don't miss out on this discount!

Ts&cs apply.

27/04/2026

With the change in season, we’re looking ahead to our winter calendar. Here’s what’s on the horizon at OENZ.

First up in June, we have our weather course, perfect for building a solid understanding of New Zealand weather before hitting the mountains or winter tracks.

July kicks off our winter walking courses with our introductory alpine skills and Avalanche Skills Course 1.

We have a waitlist running for Avalanche Skills Course 2, so if you've been thinking about building on your ASC 1 training, then get in touch to find out more.

We run 3 Technical Mountaineering Courses every winter (one a month from July to September). These courses are based at Temple Basin Ski Lodge and provide us with fantastic access to some more technical terrain for climbing and rope work.

And finally, in September, our Glacier and Crevasse rescue (weekend) course is already half full. We only run one of these a season as a standalone course, as we cover it in our TMC courses.

For more information or to check out our courses, visit our website www.oenz.co.nz

27/04/2026

OENZ Autumn Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/5519de4ce639/oenz-april-newsletter

24/04/2026

I dont often get the excuse to swap my walking boots for heels, but this week i've been in Auckland with Alan, promoting Adventure by Nature (our sister company). Stepping out in the big smoke was pretty exciting, the enthusiasm is so infectious and I loved the buzz that surrounded the event and the city.

This time of year for me, is mostly infront of the computer. Working on auditing, concessionary updates and general admin, keeping things running smoothly so I can return to the field for winter.

So getting out and connecting with people, in a new space was just the change I didn't know I needed. Also, mountaineering has been great training for walking in heels on cobbled streets!

Don't worry, i'll be back in boots by Friday, heading out to run an NZOIA Excellence in Outdoor Leadership Bush 1 Assessment.

19/04/2026

The rumbles of winter are starting. Rumours of snow and cold weather are reaching us here in Canterbury, but I've already seen some dustings locally over the last couple of weeks.

We're gearing up for a solid winter of training and courses. The calendar is open and ready with a range of dates to suit everyone.

OENZ Alpine & Avalanche courses are for winter walkers, so whether you're a keen tramper, hunter or budding mountaineer, we're here to get you started and upskilled.

Our comprehensive courses will give you everything you need to safely explore snow and the mountains. Equipment and transport are included in the course, so meet us in Christchurch and let us take it from there.

We can't wait to get you out there with us this winter.

10/04/2026

Our main man at Sparrowhawknz is doing what he does best, getting the job done! If you've been wondering how to skin your animals properly after your successful roar mish, then check this out!

Shared from COLFOs page.

Getting ready for the NZ Roar? In this practical deer hunting guide, we join Nick, Chief Instructor from Sparrowhawk New Zealand, to learn how to skin a deer...