Bay of Islands Marine Field Course
A five-day technical marine field course in vessel-based research, digital data systems and spatial analysis.
Duration
5 days
A technical marine field accelerator
Join TriOceans for a small-cohort residential field course based in the Bay of Islands. This programme blends 2–3 days of vessel-based research operations with structured digital data systems, GIS mapping and applied analysis.
Designed for university students and emerging professionals seeking practical field competence and real research workflow experience.
No prior marine experience is required — professionalism, curiosity and a willingness to learn are enough.
What you’ll learn
Data collection in the field
Design and implement structured coastal surveys. Collect ecological observations, document habitat data and apply professional field protocols on the water.
Skippering & Vessel Operations
Develop foundational vessel-handling skills alongside certified skippers, including safe manoeuvring, survey positioning and an introduction to commercial marine operations in Aotearoa.
Data systems, Mapping, and use of freeware
Build complete field-to-desktop workflows using digital field data systems, GIS mapping and introductory quantitative analysis.
Designed to help you run your own projects anywhere in the world.
Data outputs & Applied reporting
Transform field data into clear outputs. Understand how marine projects are structured, analysed and communicated to councils, iwi partners and conservation agencies.
Who it’s for
University students
Undergraduate and early postgraduate students in marine science, ecology or environmental disciplines seeking hands-on field experience beyond lecture theatres.
Gap-Year & Emerging Explorers
Young adults (18+) taking a gap year or exploring future study and career pathways, with a strong interest in the outdoors and marine environments.
Conservation & Field Practitioners
Rangers, NGO staff and conservation workers looking to strengthen their field methods, data collection skills and on-water experience.
Career changers and life-long learners
Those exploring careers in conservation, monitoring or coastal research who want to understand how structured marine research projects operate from field collection to analysis.
Accomodation & Living On Site
Participants are based at our Bay of Islands field headquarters at Aroha Island, providing immediate access to vessels, coastal survey sites and classroom space.
The residential setting is simple and comfortable, designed for small cohorts — creating a shared base for learning, collaboration and evening data sessions.
Aroha Island is managed by our partners at Ngā Kaitiaki o te Motu Aroha. Students are immersed in local tikanga, conservation practice and wildlife-rich coastal environments. The course operates with respect for local tikanga and the cultural values of Ngāti Mau, with an introductory mihi whakatau and orientation to place on arrival.
Despite the name, Aroha “Island” is mainland-accessible via a causeway, and a dedicated vehicle is available for course logistics. Kerikeri township is approximately 15 minutes away.
Accommodation features include:
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Shared rooms (two students per room)
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Linen and basic amenities provided
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Unlimited Wi-Fi
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Communal kitchen and living space
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Quiet, off-grid coastal environment
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View accomodation on Booking.com
Pricing & What’s Included
Course Fee
NZD $3,200 per student
(final pricing and dates confirmed for each intake)
Due to vessel capacity and supervision ratios, enrolment is limited to six participants per intake.
Your course fee includes:
✔️ Five-day residential programme
✔️ On-site accommodation at our Bay of Islands field headquarters (Aroha Island)
✔️ 2–3 days of vessel-based training and survey operations
✔️ All skipper supervision and helm instruction
✔️ ROV deployment and field equipment
✔️ Digital field data system design & deployment
✔️ GIS and spatial analysis workshops
✔️ Introductory R-based analysis session
✔️ Transport during the course (including Kerikeri access)
✔️ Local conservation and iwi-led context
✔️ Course datasets and materials to take home
✔️ Certificate of completion
What’s not included
✖️ Initial travel to and from Kerikeri (airport or bus transfers can be arranged)
✖️ Personal travel insurance
✖️ Meals (shared kitchen provided — group catering options may be available)
Group Bookings & Institutions
We welcome enquiries from universities, training providers and organisations seeking dedicated cohorts or curriculum integration.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need boating or marine experience?
No — prior boating or marine experience is not required. We teach all essential vessel safety, handling basics, and field procedures as part of the course.
Can international students attend?
Yes — international participants are welcome. This is a short residential field course rather than a formal academic programme, so it does not require enrolment in a New Zealand tertiary institution.
What fitness level is required?
You should be comfortable spending full days on the water and able to step on and off the vessel (approximately a 1 m step at times).
Conditions can include wind, rain and chop, so a reasonable level of mobility and confidence in outdoor environments is important.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather is a constant factor in marine fieldwork, and part of what students learn is how real projects adapt to conditions.
We design each intake to maximise safe and productive time on the water, shifting classroom and data sessions around forecast windows where needed. Boat days are planned for every course and only cancelled in genuinely unsafe conditions (such as severe storms or cyclones).
What is the minimum age required?
Participants must be 18 years or older at the time of the course.
Is transport provided on arrival and departure?
Yes — we provide transfers between Kerikeri and our field headquarters at Aroha Island at the start and end of the course.
How many students are on each intake?
Cohorts are kept small (typically up to six students) to maximise time on the water, mentoring, and hands-on experience.
