“The course was a really great experience. We learned way more than I expected. We were hands-on from start to finish. Much better than previous courses I’ve been on where you can get lost amongst a big group. We learned many real-life tips that speed up navigating in the bush. I felt like our small group was a really accomplished team, we were all immersed in navigating throughout the whole trip. Rob was great as an instructor. Very good value for money!”
“The theory was explained clearly. This meant that once we were in the field, explanations were more reminders than totally new information. All questions were answered, and I felt there was time for everyone involved to ‘get it’. Thanks for a brilliant trip Rob!”
“Rob was attentive, patient and considerate, and communicated in a calm and knowledgeable manner. He checked on us each at differing times as well as at the same time at certain points. The extra gear he made available was amazing in the cold conditions!”
WHAT MAKES OUR COURSES UNIQUE?
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You won’t just go through the theory – you’ll do an actual off-track journey with everyone taking turns to navigate to put your new skills into practice.
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Our groups are small so you get more individual attention and more opportunities to practice.
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We don’t teach unnecessarily complicated theory; you’ll learn pragmatic tools that are efficient and easy to remember.
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Every course includes practice navigating in the dark.
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We provide overnight meals for the night we camp out.
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Our instructors are expert navigators. We’ve taught navigation to the NZ Mountain Guides Association, SAS candidates, Godzone athletes, and reality TV participants!
We offer three different Navigation Courses:
Essential Navigation Skills (2 Days)
The perfect course if you’re a complete beginner, or looking to refresh your skills in a low pressure environment. Learn the fundamentals so you can plan a good route, and know what to do if you find yourself off-track or out after dark. Requires moderate fitness and familiarity with carrying an overnight tramping pack.
Intermediate Navigation Skills (3 Days)
This course is also suitable for beginners, but adds extra time and theory for those who plan to follow un-marked tramping routes, hunt untracked bush and tops, or become a reliable backup adventure racing navigator. Requires moderate fitness, familiarity with carrying an overnight tramping pack, and sure-footedness on uneven terrain.
Advanced Navigation Skills (4 Days)
This is the only course we offer for which you must already have a general understanding of topographic maps and contour lines. (Don’t worry if your compass work is rusty – that’s why you’re here!) There could be several different ambitions amongst you, but you all want to know as much as possible about navigating in the New Zealand wilderness. Requires a moderately high level of fitness.
Not sure which course is right for you? Get in touch with our Chief Guide, Rob (WhatsApp +64 21 022 11126) to discuss options – he’d love to chat!
“The course met all expectations – which is rare. Both instructors were excellent. Tents were amazing. Very good value for money. Loved the course and hope to do more with Mountain Journeys.”
“On these types of courses I think the instructor (before learning anything) sets the energy of the trip and I think Rob and Bia did that very well. The additional tips about gear and outdoor knowledge really added value. I had a great time!”
“Both instructors were incredibly experienced but humble people, which created a positive and supportive learning culture… Everyone was friendly and knowledgeable. It was a great experience and I’ll be back for more!”







