This experience has taught me to appreciate how beautiful NZ really is. Its special cultures, amazing scenery and clear skies all contribute to making NZ one of the world’s most incredible places.
Roshan Suppiah
Bookings & Fees
2 - 22 February 2024
Scholarship applications now open! Apply below.
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Who is the course aimed at?
The 21-day Southern Cross course focuses on connecting students of diversity or who are fostering diversity in their own communities.
This course celebrates dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and other ideologies.
This is a chance for New Zealand’s young people to explore their own social identity and explore its impact on everyday life, gain a greater appreciation of our country’s diversity and develop skills to work together with other young people from wide-ranging areas of society. Southern Cross aims to build a network of emerging young leaders from diverse backgrounds who together aspire to enhance the progression and success of New Zealand’s minorities.
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Programme
Southern Cross is the ultimate Outward Bound experience with a difference! Over 3 weeks students will be immersed in the outdoors working both as a team and individually to push their boundaries and discover who they are and what they stand for.
Outdoor activities may include sailing, rock climbing, high ropes, tramping, waka ama and activities like running and swimming. Students do not have to have had previous experience in the outdoors to take part in all activities which are ably facilitated by our world class instructors.
Alongside outdoor challenges, students will be guided through personal goal setting, resilience exercises, team building and communication activities and diversity sessions facilitated by the Human Rights Commission.
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Apply for a scholarship
Thanks to the generosity of our funders, we're now offering a limited number of scholarships for our 21-day Southern Cross course running in February 2024.
If you're aged between 18 and 26 years old, you could be eligible for a scholarship for this course - valued at $5,295.
Course date: 2 - 22 February 2024
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What you'll need
When you come to Outward Bound, there are items that you will need to bring with you and items that we will supply. As for the things that you need to bring - we encourage you to borrow as many items as you can, or buy second hand!
Check out our course gear list for a full run down and some hot tips on what to bring and what not to.
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FAQs
Some of our commonly asked questions answered...
How do I get involved in Southern Cross?
If you’re championing diversity in your community, put in an application following the link above. For any questions about the Southern Cross course, reach out to the Southern Cross Relationship Manager Krishan Kumar on 0800 688 927.
As well as receiving applications from the general public, each year Outward Bound calls for applications from community organisations that have been appointed by the Human Rights Commission. These community organisations include: New Zealand Chinese Youth Trust, Baha'i Office of External Affairs, Rainbow Youth, Ngati Whatua, Refugee Youth Action Network, Multicultural New Zealand, Refugees as Survivors and Hindu Council.
How fit should I be for an 8 or 21 day course?
The fitter you are, the more you will get out of your course. For our standard 8 or 21 day courses, you will need to be able to run 3km in under 25 minutes and complete a full day of activities. Some other courses have varying fitness requirements.
Check out our guide to getting fit and healthy for OB.
Is there any funding available for Southern Cross?
View all our Frequently Asked Questions
The Southern Cross course fee is fully funded by Outward Bound’s generous donors. Cost of travel and the cost of a doctor’s appointment for the enrolment process are not included.