TEEN COURSES
Prove it to yourself. Find your people. Discover skills you didn't know you had.
Come back knowing what you're made of
Our courses aren't school camp and they're not a bootcamp either (promise). You'll paddle, tramp, and problem-solve your way through some of the best parts of the Marlborough Sounds, with a crew of other 16-18 year olds you'll probably stay in touch with long after.
No phones. No algorithm telling you who to be. Just you, your crew and a lot of fresh air. It's a proper break from the usual, and most people head home a bit surprised by what they pulled off.
Parents, this is what you can expect...
Everything on our courses are designed to build real-world skills and attitudes that your teen will actually use, at school, in study and well beyond. They'll develop independence, focus and leadership qualities to make the most of their final school years, as well as approach new challenges with confidence and self-belief.
They also learn to stay calm under pressure, work with others through uncertainty and reflect on what really matters to them - just in time for those big decisions about life after school. These are the kind of experiences and skills that prepare teens for their next big step, and give them an edge that stands out to universities and employers.
Our alumni say it best
What you'll actually walk away with
Nobody hands you a grand trophy at the end but what you get is priceless, and you can carry it into the most important chapters of your life.
A watch who become real mates
Spend that long with the same crew and you get close. Plenty stay in touch long after.
Knowing you can do hard things
Because you just did, more than once.
Backing yourself
Tired, wet and over it? Turns out you've still got more in the tank.
A real go at leading
Everyone takes a turn out front, including people who've never led anything.
Calm when things go sideways
Weather turns, plans change. You learn to roll with it.
A clearer idea of what matters
Time away from your phone and the usual noise gives you room to think.
Thinking about uni or your first job? Working in a team when it gets tough and sorting out problems with no easy answer is exactly what interviewers ask about. You'll have plenty of real stories, real examples and real substance to make you stand out.
Explore our courses for teens
If you do the three-week course, you'll most likely get a taste of everything. This includes kayaking, tramping, sailing, high ropes, rock climbing, coasteering, mahi aroha and a fair bit of figuring stuff out as a group. Because of the condensed format, our one-week courses have fewer activities and multi-day excursions.
Either way, you don't need to have experience in any of the activities - most people don't. Your kaiako will train you on all that you need to know, and you'll walk away feeling proud and accomplished by all the new things you tried.
A group of up to 14 in your watch, plus two highly-trained Kaiako who've done this a lot. Don't know anyone? Neither will anyone else. We mix up every watch so you're all starting with strangers, which makes it much easier to meet new people and create new bonds.
This is except for the Teen & Adult duo course, however, where you'll have your adult with you.
Honestly? Really good. In fact, the food is one of the things alumni rave about. Back at base, our chefs are always cooking up delicious dishes (including dessert) that you'll probably still think about after your course. Plus, snacks are available to you at all times in the kitchen if you ever find yourself getting hungry. Out on expedition, it's simpler camp cooking and energy dense food, but you'll still be well fed.
Got dietary requirements? Tell us about it when you enrol - we can cater to a wide range of them!
Your phone gets collected and stored safely away for the whole course, along with any other electronics. The exception is a camera or GoPro that you can use to capture photos and videos.
Going phone-free sounds full on, but students typically walk away really valuing the time away from their screens. It's a big part of why people come home feeling renewed, and many feel inspired to cut down their screen time as a result.
A bit nervous about what to expect?
Most people feel that way before their course, so you're in good company. We keep some of it under wraps on purpose, because handling the unknown is a big part of what you get out of it. One thing you can expect is that you'll be well looked after! Here's a gist.
If you're wondering about fitness, gear requirements and other questions relevant to course preparation, we have an entire page on How to Prepare for a Course. Check that out along with our FAQs.
Questions parents ask
Sending your teen off grid for one or three weeks is a big ask. Here's what's going on behind the scenes.
Did you go? You wouldn't be the first parent to send your kid to Anakiwa after doing it yourself. Plenty of our teens are here because mum or dad came home talking about it, and never really stopped. If it's still on your own bucket list though, check out our courses for adults too!