3-day Navigation, Bushcraft & River Crossing Course - OENZ
- Duration: 3 Days (approx.)
- Location: Christchurch, CANTERBURY
- Product code: 3-day-Bush
3-Day Navigation, Bushcraft & River Crossing Course
Designed for trampers, hunters, and outdoor adventurers, this comprehensive three-day course offers essential training in wilderness navigation, bushcraft, and safe river crossing techniques. Set against the rugged backdrop of Craigieburn Forest Park and the braided rivers of Arthur’s Pass, this course builds real-world confidence for those heading into New Zealand’s backcountry.
Day 1 focuses on developing map-reading and navigation skills in off-track terrain. After meeting in Darfield, the group travels into Craigieburn Forest Park, where participants learn to select suitable outdoor gear, understand NZ Topo50 maps, and identify key landscape features such as valleys, spurs, and ridges. You’ll practice estimating time and distance through hands-on navigation exercises, orienting a map, and using a compass to plan and follow routes. The day ends at a bush campsite, where you'll learn practical backcountry skills like emergency communications, campsite selection, and tent setup.
Day 2 introduces more advanced compass work and route-finding techniques, including taking field bearings and using triangulation (resections) to pinpoint your position in thick bush or low-visibility conditions. You'll consolidate your learning with a second round of navigation legs, gaining further confidence in off-track navigation before returning to accommodation in Arthur’s Pass.
Day 3 shifts focus to river safety, a vital skill for anyone exploring New Zealand’s backcountry. Meeting at Mt White Bridge, the group learns how to read rivers, assess hazards, and make sound decisions before entering the water. You'll get practical experience with multiple river crossing techniques, including solo crossings, group formations, pack floating, and self-rescue methods like ferry gliding. By the end of the day, you'll clearly understand how to approach rivers safely—or when to walk away.
Whether you're planning multi-day tramps, hunting in remote valleys, or building your outdoor leadership skills, this course offers a well-rounded introduction to key backcountry competencies.
