RNZAF Dip Flat

Recruits usually do a ten-day stint at Dip Flat as part of their Thirteen-week Basic Training.

While there, they learn the basics of setting up camp, radio communication, obstacle courses, river crossings, land navigation, military patrols, night and daytime patrols and interdiction, camouflage training, rifle range exercises, and three days "on patrol" practical training away from Dip Flat to mark the end of the ten-day stint (a rough equivalent of the United States Marine Crucible).

Both Cadets and Officers achieve Mountain Safety Council qualifications as outdoor instructors.

[1][2] Dip Flat was a stop on a stock driving track from the East to the West coast of the South Island.

The area can receive huge amounts of heavy rainfall due to the close proximity of the Saint Arnaud Range, and many roads and fords become impassible.