Home > Common Questions > General

General

How is Outward Bound funded?

Outward Bound receives community funds in a variety of ways. This includes funding from individuals, corporate supporters, trusts and foundations. Most fees do not cover the true costs of the course, and Outward Bound finds additional funding to meet these. Participants raise as much of their course fees as they can, then OB can provide the balance of their funding from scholarships and funds available. As well as course fees, Outward Bound ensures the course providers and instructors are the very best they can be with regular training. Essential equipment and facilities are constantly replaced and upgraded to the highest standard of safety and excellence. OB's aim is to ensure Outward Bound is accessible to all New Zealanders who want to attend, now and in the future.

How can I support Outward Bound?

Click to find out the many ways you can support us.

Does Outward Bound help the environment?

We reduce our impact on the environment in a number of ways. We vary tramping routes to allow the bush to regenerate. We carry out everything we carry in, and use a system of composting toilets as part of our own waste treatment centre. Service schemes often involve working with the Department of Conservation or on environmental activities. We also replant native trees into the Anakiwa area regularly. Recycling is vital and we aim for zero waste. We encourage all our suppliers at the school to use recycled or recyclable products and packaging.

Is Outward Bound in other places?

Outward Bound schools are worldwide. To use the name, a school must be accredited to the standards of Outward Bound International. In New Zealand there is only one OB school. It is in Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds. Outward Bound International

Has anyone famous done Outward Bound?

Obviously! With over 48,000 New Zealanders (and overseas participants) having completed an Outward Bound course, it is obvious that well known and great people have been to Anakiwa.

How do I become an instructor?

Instructors come from a variety of backgrounds and professional disciplines. To work at Outward Bound you'd be expected to have outdoor education skills as well as superb people skills. We recruit once a year and go through a staff selection process, this involves suitable candidates attending a short course at Anakiwa and working with our selection team. More information on staff selection.

How can I get Outward Bound merchandise?

Our shop at Anakiwa sells fantastic branded gear and other momentos of Outward Bound (like the Challenge of Words). You can buy items from the shop online or by mail order.  If you are about to go on your course you can order your gear and pick it up when you arrive.

What does 'Outward Bound' mean?

Outward Bound is the nautical expression for when a ship is leaving harbour. When a ship leaves harbour, it is vulnerable to the challenges of a journey. If a ship stays in port it is usually safe, but is not achieving a purpose. Like a ship leaving safety to face challenges at sea, participants on an Outward Bound course leave the safety of their lifestyles to face personal challenges on a course.

Course Calculator


Upcoming Courses

Aspire06 Aug 2010more info
Classic22 Aug 2010more info
Discovery22 Aug 2010more info
Kathmandu Logo Hubbards Logo