Training

The Certificate in Ecotourism is a 34-week, work based programme taught over 18 months, starting 21 April 2008.

Certificate of Ecotourism

With world heritage status, surrounded by five National Parks and a large conservation estate, the West Coast boasts one of New Zealand's most natural environments.  The Certificate in Ecotourism is a 34-week, full-time, work based programme taught from our Greymouth campus from 21 April 2008 to 24 October 2008.

Work Based Training

For more than a third of the programme students will be based in paid employment, working for a tourism operation.  Classroom-based learning takes place at Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s Greymouth campus and includes field trips into the West Coast’s unique and valuable environment.

Ecotourism involves:

  • Nature-based attractions
  • Interpretation of our natural and cultural environment
  • Promoting sustainable tourism 
  • Working alongside communities

The programme will enable students to research the stories of an environment - of its ecology, geology, people, its exploitation, protection and conservation - and tell those stories to a wide range of tourists.

Core Elements Include

The structure of the programme is broken into smaller modules for ease of study. These include:

  • Ecological Management
  • Te Ao Maori
  • Biology and physiology
  • Earth science
  • Environmental tourism
  • The NZ Tourism Industry
  • Historical information and investigation
  • Environmental interpretation

Career Prospects

On successful completion of this programme you should have good written and oral communication skills and the necessary knowledge and practical experience to gain employment in a range of ecotourism oriented situations including attraction guiding and tourist information centres.

It is estimated that 2000-3000 new jobs will be created in ecotourism over the next five years. The certificate programme can prepare graduates for a range of career options including:

  • Guiding
  • Tourism Information Centres
  • Tourism Research
  • Tour Drivers
  • Hotel and Hospitality occupations
  • Travel Agents and Consultants
  • Sales and Marketing

Entry Requirements

  • Candidates will have successfully completed NCEA Level Two English (or equivalent). Where candidates do not meet these criteria they will be invited to sit a written comprehension test.
  • Candidates for whom English is a second language must meet IELTS (or equivalent) Level 5.5 or above.

Selection Criteria apply: where this programme is over subscribed and applicant may be asked to complete a short essay question on ecological issues.

Special Entry may be granted where evidence exists that the applicant can successfully complete the programme. Please contact the Polytechnic for details.

Some courses within this programme require a specific level of physical ability.

Course Information
Level 4
Award/s Certificate
Location Greymouth Campus and Work Based Element
Study Full time
Start Date 21 April 2008
End Date 24 October 2008 (then 10 weeks in Workplace)
No of Places 20
Applications Now open
Programme Co-ordinator Geoff Button
Course Fees $775 (materials cost) (NZ/Aust Students)
$13,545 (International Students)
Tai Poutini Polytechnic
Private Bag 607
Greymouth, New Zealand
Freephone: 0800 800 411
Ecotourism NZ Conference, 1st-3rd August 2007, Conference Outcomes