“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!”
We want you to become a confident navigator. Does the idea of going off-track make you nervous? Would you like to be prepared for unmarked travel on the tops or in riverbeds? Do you want to feel competent when leading a group?
Come along on our two-day course and learn:
This course is suitable whether you’re a total beginner or you’d simply like to brush up on your skills.
Moderate fitness required – you’ll need to be able to carry an overnight pack slowly uphill for three hours, and you’ll need to be comfortable enough with your footing to walk through untracked bush with fallen trees and moderately steep slopes. We’ll have frequent stops to discuss theory and look at the map; it’s not the sort of trip where we try to travel quickly.
Maximum of 6 participants.
This is our most versatile course. It’s still suitable for complete beginners, but you’ll finish with skills that really set you up for trips off the beaten track. Learn everything that’s covered on the Essential course, with an extra day to put your skills into practice, plus a few more tips and tricks that will make life easier for sustained off-track travel.
If your aspirations include multi-day transalpine, hunting, mountaineering, or ski-touring trips, this course will give you the required skills to be safe and make good route decisions. It’s also the minimum level course we recommend for adventure racers who really want to improve their accuracy and efficiency.
Moderate fitness as per the Essential course is required, plus the ability to be active for three days in a row.
Maximum of 6 participants.
This is the course for those of you who want to elevate your off-track game to the next level, whether your sights are set on navigating adventure races or being able to quickly decide on the best line in remote transalpine terrain. You must already have a basic understanding of topographic maps.
You’ll learn how to ‘read between the lines’ to understand what the map is really telling you about the nature of the landscape, whilst also learning more subtleties about what the map can’t tell you.
You should have good fitness. We’re not going to be moving all day at the pace of a real trip due to pauses for theory discussions and referring to the map, but you should be able to go uphill on a trail at 400m/hour with an overnight pack if needed. You should also be confident on uneven underfoot terrain.
Maximum of 4 participants.
“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!”
2-day Essential Navigation Skills:
3-day Intermediate Navigation Skills:
4-day Advanced Navigation Skills:
Please arrange travel to arrive in Arthurs Pass the night before your course. The course cost includes accommodation for that night, at a basic lodge with bunk beds, showers, and a fully equipped kitchen.
