The five components to the Certificate in Ecotourism are:
This short award is an introduction to the principles and practices of Ecotourism. Learn practical business skills to succeed in ecotourism while also exploring local and global environmental issues. Learn what it takes to develop an ecotourism business and look into aspects of small business management including ownership structures, legal and compliance requirements, performance management, financing requirements, developing itineraries and employment issues. Gain an understanding of our tourism industry and how to work within it. Learn about our key visitor types and iconic destinations.
Learn the stories of our land and how to share them with visitors with this short award focusing on understanding and interpreting our rich history and culture. 
Explore Te Ao Maori - "the Maori World", and learn the basics of Te Reo Maori including greetings and farewells, correct pronunciation and the significance of Maori language in a tourism context. Visit Bruce Bay Marae and experience Maori culture and tikanga (protocol) firsthand. Learn about the history of the Treaty of Waitangi including Treaty settlements and claims. New Zealand’s European history will also be examined. Visit a range of historic sites around the West Coast and learn how to share that history with clients.
New Zealand's natural environment is unlike any where else, which is why visitors are so keen to learn about it. This short award teaches you about our natural environment including classification of plants and animals and the interesting stories associated with them. Gain an understanding of ecological concepts such as biodiversity, adaptation and natural selection and look at Maori perspectives including kaitiakitanga and whakapapa. Hear experts discuss the unique aspects of endemic New Zealand plants and animals and enjoy field trips to several West Coast locations to view plants, birds and animals in their natural habitat.
Stories of New Zealand as an isolated island, the geological processes and the adaptations that the species have made are very important when interpreting the environment for ecotourism clients. Graduates of this short award will gain a better understanding of the broader processes shaping the landforms, characteristics of our flora and fauna and New Zealand’s weather and climate.
Interpretation is a key element of this short award. Learn how to share the stories of our land, people and culture with integrity, sensitivity and skill. Gain skills to confidently guide clients in a range of settings. Learn about planning for an outdoor excursion, risk management, assessing environmental impacts and navigation. First Aid training is also included in this short award.
Start: 7 February 2011
Finish: 3 September 2011 then 10 weeks work placement to be completed
Graduation: Early December 2011 (TBC)
Work placement must be completed within 15 weeks of early September
You can now study the five components of the Certificate in Ecotourism as separate short courses. In other words, choose what training you do, when you want it.
Each component, or short award, earns credits towards the Certificate in Ecotourism qualification. The following five short awards are offered in 2011: 
· Ecotourism Principles
· Culture and Heritage
· The Natural World
· Our Environment
· Guiding & Certification
