Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
The first of two qualifications which, when studied consecutively over 12 months, will give you the skills to get started in the travel industry.
A Bright Future For Our Tourism Industry
In the first six months, you’ll learn all the theory behind airline reservations, accommodation packages, foreign exchange systems and travel insurance, covering both the domestic and international markets. It’s an excellent introduction to the exciting tourism industry, with field trips, workplace visits and workshops to give you an understanding of the many different roles available.
Tourism is a people-focused industry. Our visitors want an authentic, memorable experience, and quality staff can make all the difference. Yes, we have seen a lot of job losses because of COVID-19 but those roles will need to be filled again, with people ready and able to deliver a world-class visitor experience. In a normal year, domestic tourism accounts for approximately 60% of New Zealand’s total tourism revenue.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? Māku e kī atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in this world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
The Travel and Tourism Programme at NorthTec offers two qualifications in 12 months:
- After 6 months of study: New Zealand Certificate in Tourism (Level 3) – awarded by International Travel College (ITC)
- After 12 months of study: New Zealand Certificate in Travel (Level 4) (awarded by NorthTec | Te Pūkenga)
What you will learn
The course includes a high level of practical activities, such as roleplays and industry visits, to best prepare you for the workforce. There is also a full programme of field visits and guest speakers.
Throughout the course you will learn all about New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry, including essential destinational geography – you’ll be an expert in no time! Along with specific industry skills-based training, you will learn about customer service, cross-cultural communication, travel requirements & documentation. There are so many exciting areas of the industry to discover, such as travel agencies, flight attending, airlines, airport, hotels, cultural and adventure tourism – just to name a few!
Students will be provided with extensive careers support and industry advice. There will be CV writing workshops and site visits to different workplaces, allowing students to gain an understanding of the many different roles available.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Enrolments are taken by ITC.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy.
The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) and funds key services for students.
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST, and are for domestic students only, unless otherwise stated. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
