About Us | Outdoor Training Waikato | Volunteer Outdoor Safety NZ
About Us | Outdoor Training Waikato | Volunteer Outdoor Safety NZ
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Empowering Waikato Adventurers Since 2015
Empowering Waikato Adventurers Since 2015
Outdoor Training Waikato is a proud regional branch of Outdoor Training New Zealand. Founded in 2015, our mission is clear and unwavering: to ensure practical, affordable outdoor safety education remains accessible to everyone across Aotearoa.
Our branch was established by qualified outdoor leaders and wilderness mentors to serve Hamilton, the Coromandel, King Country, and the wider Waikato region. We specialize in preparing everyday Kiwis for the unique challenges of our local backcountry—including the rugged terrain of the Kaimai Ranges, Mount Pirongia, Mount Te Aroha, and beyond.
Our Volunteer-Led Mission and Community Impact
Our Volunteer-Led Mission and Community Impact
When national outdoor education shifted away from direct community instruction, our passionate team stepped up to fill the gap. Today, our volunteer-led branch delivers hands-on, low-cost training courses designed to build real-world confidence in the bush.
From foundational bushcraft to river safety and complex day and night land navigation, we equip recreational trampers, youth leaders, and families with life-saving skills. We foster a supportive volunteer community that empowers experienced outdoor enthusiasts to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of safe explorers.
Why Train With Outdoor Training Waikato?
Why Train With Outdoor Training Waikato?
Hands-On Practical Learning: Real-world training conducted on local trails, off-track terrain, and rivers across the Waikato region.
Qualified Volunteer Educators: Learn directly from experienced, passionate outdoor mentors dedicated to community safety.
Affordable & Accessible: Quality safety education kept accessible so cost is never a barrier to staying safe outdoors.
National Standards: Alignment with New Zealand Mountain Safety Council guidelines and recognised outdoor safety practices.
Qualified Outdoor Instructors | Outdoor Training Waikato
Qualified Outdoor Instructors | Outdoor Training Waikato
Experienced educators dedicated to backcountry safety
Experienced educators dedicated to backcountry safety
Our volunteer instructors are the heart of Outdoor Training Waikato. They are passionate trampers, outdoor safety educators, and bushcraft enthusiasts who dedicate their time to building real-world confidence and backcountry competence across our Hamilton and wider Waikato community.
Every instructor holds recognized qualifications in outdoor education, bushcraft, or technical skills—including New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA) certifications—alongside current Outdoor First Aid credentials. Above all, they bring decades of practical experience navigating Aotearoa New Zealand’s challenging backcountry terrain, from day trips in local parks to complex off-track expeditions and rivers.
Why learn from Outdoor Training Waikato instructors?
Why learn from Outdoor Training Waikato instructors?
New Zealand Mountain Safety Council and New Zealand Outdoor Instructors' Association Qualified and First Aid Certified: Benefit from safety-focused instruction grounded in industry best practices and up-to-date emergency response standards.
Decades of Real-World Experience: Gain practical insights from mentors who regularly navigate the rugged terrain of the Kaimai Ranges, Mount Pirongia, and Mount Te Aroha.
Community-Led & Passionate: Learn in a supportive, encouraging environment driven by local volunteers dedicated to making outdoor safety accessible to everyone.
Belinda
Belinda
Instructor
Belinda brings over two decades of educational expertise and a lifetime passion for the outdoors to Outdoor Training Waikato. A high school teacher of 20 years and a professional hiking, cycling, and driving tour guide with Sidetracks Women, she excels at making complex wilderness skills approachable, engaging, and practical for every learner.
Belinda’s commitment to youth and conservation spans 18 years leading the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, along with ongoing volunteer work for the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust. Since joining Outdoor Training Waikato in 2019, she has earned her Outdoor Leaders Award and Bush 1 qualification, becoming a fully validated OTNZ instructor backed by a current Outdoor First Aid certificate.
In the field, Belinda instructs our Land Navigation, Night Navigation, Bushcraft, and River Safety courses. She enriches her teaching by integrating traditional Rongoā Māori (Māori plant knowledge and natural medicine) learned through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa—offering participants a unique, holistic connection to the land and the bush.
Chris
Chris
Instructor & Communications Officer
Chris joined Outdoor Training Waikato in 2026, bringing a powerful blend of technical backcountry expertise and engaging storytelling experience to our instructor team.
Backed by the New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (Level 5) in Bush and Outdoor Education, Chris holds the NZ Outdoor Instructors’ Association (NZOIA) Bush Leader (with Overnight Endorsement) and Bush 1 qualifications, as well as a current Outdoor First Aid certificate.
His foundation in the outdoors spans youth Scouting in the UK and his ongoing role as a Kaiārahi in New Zealand, giving him a deep appreciation for personal growth and character building through outdoor adventure.
Beyond his field credentials, Chris is a seasoned communications professional with a rich background in media, local government storytelling, corporate communications, and heritage interpretation. Whether navigating rugged terrain or explaining technical skills, Chris excels at connecting with participants and bringing Aotearoa’s wilderness history to life.
Dawei
Dawei
Trainee Instructor
Dawei joined Outdoor Training Waikato in 2026. He is an enthusiastic member of Outdoor Training Waikato, currently completing his Trainee Instructor pathway to share his love for the outdoors with the wider community.
Working closely alongside our validated instructors, Dawei is actively developing his instructional and backcountry leadership skills across core disciplines, including navigation, bushcraft, and river safety.
His dedication to learning the latest safety protocols and practical teaching methods ensures our course participants receive supportive, well-rounded guidance in the field.
Whether assisting on practical weekend modules or exploring local Waikato trails, Dawei is passionate about helping others build self-reliance, confidence, and a deep respect for Aotearoa New Zealand’s wilderness.
Doug
Doug
Instructor
Doug is one of Outdoor Training Waikato’s foundational leaders, having instructed with the branch since its inception in 2015 after transitioning from the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.
With more than 30 years of service as an active Scout Leader, Doug brings unmatched experience, dedication, and practical mentorship to every course he leads.
A validated Outdoor Training New Zealand instructor backed by a current Outdoor First Aid certificate, Doug holds the Outdoor Leader qualification alongside specialized endorsements in Abseil 1 & Top Rope Rock Climbing.
In the field, Doug shares his vast backcountry knowledge by instructing our Land Navigation, Night Navigation, and Bushcraft courses, as well as assisting with River Safety training—helping adventurers of all levels build confidence and stay safe in the bush.
Mark
Mark
Instructor
Mark brings an energetic, multi-sport passion and a rich background in physical education to the Outdoor Training Waikato team.
An active outdoorsman who loves hiking, tramping, mountain biking, trail running, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, rock climbing, and gym training, Mark is dedicated to living what he teaches. Professionally, he teaches Outdoor Education, Physical Education, and Health at Fairfield College in Hamilton, inspiring the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Mark’s technical background includes working as an aquatic educator with Drowning Prevention Auckland for two years, bringing valuable water safety expertise to his instruction. He holds the NZ Outdoor Instructors’ Association (NZOIA) Rock Leader qualification and is actively working towards his Bush Leader qualification as well as a current Outdoor First Aid certificate.
Whether exploring new corners of Aotearoa’s wilderness or teaching in the field, Mark thrives on sharing his practical knowledge, outdoor skills, and enthusiasm for adventure with our local community.
Shaun
Shaun
Instructor & Outdoor Training Waikato Chair
Shaun joined Outdoor Training Waikato in 2015 and is a foundinhg member. He brings many years of experienced instruction to the branch following his background with the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.
Serving as the Chairperson of Outdoor Training Waikato and sitting on the Outdoor Training New Zealand National Executive, Shaun plays a vital role in shaping outdoor safety education both locally and nationally.
A validated instructor backed by a current Outdoor First Aid certificate, Shaun holds the New Zealand Outdoor Instructor's Association Bush 1 qualification and a wealth of real-world backcountry experience.
In the field, Shaun leads hands-on training across all core disciplines, instructing our Land Navigation, Night Navigation, Bushcraft, and River Safety courses to help everyday adventurers build confidence and competence in Aotearoa’s wilderness.
Simon
Simon
Instructor
Simon joined Outdoor Training Waikato in 2026. He is an outdoor education teacher with many years of experience tramping in New Zealand, Australia, Asia, and Europe.
He has worked as a trekking guide, ski and snowboard instructor, skydive parachute packer, and has a NZ Outdoor Instructors’ Association (NZOIA) Bush 1 qualification.
In his spare time Simon volunteers with a local Scout group and goes for walks with his border collie.
Sophie
Sophie
Instructor
Sophie joined Outdoor Training Waikato in 2026.
You
You
Instructor?
Do you love exploring Aotearoa New Zealand’s backcountry and want to make a real difference in your community?
Outdoor Training Waikato is looking for passionate trampers, outdoor educators, and wilderness enthusiasts to join our volunteer instructor team. As demand grows for affordable, practical safety training in the Waikato region, your time and backcountry experience can directly help everyday kiwis explore the bush safely and with confidence.
Whether you hold formal qualifications or have years of logbook experience, we offer flexible roles tailored to your background. Experienced leaders can jump straight into co-instructing, while aspiring instructors can step into assistant or trainee roles. Working alongside a supportive team of seasoned educators, you will have access to ongoing skill development, mentoring, and clear pathways towards instructor validation.
Reach out to our Waikato team today and help us mentor the next generation of safe explorers.
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