ACTIVATE
Activate is an adapted course to enable those aged 18+ with a physical disability to experience the challenge and adventure of an Outward Bound course. It is an opportunity to show yourself what you are truly capable of achieving. Break your preconceptions of your physical limitations and test your boundaries.
BOOKINGS & FEES
14 NOVEMBER 2025 - 21 NOVEMBER 2025 - AVAILABLE PLACES
3 FEBRUARY 2026 - 10 FEBRUARY 2026 - AVAILABLE PLACES
Click Here to Apply >
ABOUT THE COURSE
Activate is an adapted course to enable those aged 18+ with a physical disability to experience the challenge and adventure of an Outward Bound course. Past participants have included those with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, arthritis and amputees. Please refer to our FAQs below for the conditions of course participation.
During your 8 day course you’ll build the confidence to challenge yourself, a philosophy you can then transfer into everyday life. Return home with the courage and determination to achieve whatever goals you set for yourself.
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
All participants must be:
18+ years of age
Independent in personal care and taking medication
Able to communicate clearly and have no intellectual disability
Able to attend without a carer and travel to and from the course independently
Experienced spending time away from home overnight
Able to participate in a full day of physical activity with rest breaks
Comfortable in and around the water, including having head under – lifejackets available
Able to meet general Outward Bound screening guidelines
Willing to give things a go
Have had at least a 1-year adaptation period since acquiring a disability.
Wheelchair users must:
Use a manual wheelchair (electric wheelchairs are not suitable for a course)
Be able to transfer from the ground to their wheelchair
Be under 85kg.
NB: Due to technical equipment requirements, the course can take a maximum of two wheelchair users, two participants using crutches/frames and one participant who is blind or visually impaired.
Participants could include those with both congenital and acquired physical disabilities e.g. muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, amputations, arthritis.
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 can supply. For the things that you bring yourself, 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. We've also noted what items you can borrow from us - no booking required.
MEET OUR ADAPTED TEAM
Andrea Smart (she/her) - Disability & Inclusion Specialist
Kia ora, I have extensive knowledge of working in the disability sector in my professional capacity as a physiotherapist. I am passionate about inclusion and empowering everyone to participate in activities within their own capability.
I believe in supporting people to learn through doing, to build on their own strengths and to empower advocacy to develop a strong voice and vision for their own future.
My main role here at Outward Bound is support you and the team across the adapted courses. I'm here to help you find the right course so that you have the best experience during your time with us.
Want to have a chat? Please get in touch with me at adapted@outwardbound.co.nz
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Activate can cater for a range of physical disabilities. It’s best to call us so we can make sure Activate is right for you.
All participants should be able to independently manage their personal care, transfers and medication. You should be able to communicate verbally and have no intellectual disability. Activate participants must be able to attend without a carer and have experience of spending time away from home.
The course will be run by 3 of our expert Outward Bound instructors who are there to make sure the environment is as safe and supportive as possible. There will also be 3 support workers who have completed their own Outward Bound course in the past who are there to help you out.
The other members in your group will become like your family at Outward Bound, you will all be there to support each other through the ups and downs of the course.
There is full funding available for Work and Income clients and others eligible for MSD funding - including travel to and from the course.
Funding may be available for those not eligible for MSD or WINZ funding. Get in touch with us to see if you are eligible.