DISCOVERY
This one-week course is your chance to hit pause on the everyday and dive into something real. Designed for 18-26 year olds, it's a fast-paced, high-energy adventure that challenges you physically, mentally and emotionally.
In just one week, you'll learn transferrable lessons for life, connect with others, explore the outdoors and discover what you're truly capable of.
Step away from the noise of everyday life and into a week that will stretch you into your potential. The one-week course is a condensed version of the classic three-week Outward Bound experience - designed for young adults who want the challenge, growth and adventure, but are short on time.
You'll navigate the bush, mountains and waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, using nature as your classroom and your own mindset as the compass. Expect little downtime, plenty of challenge and moments of reflection that will expand your perspective.
PROGRAMME
We believe in today’s digital world, we often forget to “live in the moment.” By keeping each day’s programme a surprise, we hope you can be present in the now. Here’s a sample of what you might get up to on a one-week or three-week course in Anakiwa. But don’t hold us to it!
DAY 3
Morning PT session with a short run and dip in the ocean, breakfast in dining hall, school assembly, check-in with your watch. Bus to the Pelorus River and set off on a two-day kayak journey. Campfire dinner and overnight at kayak camp. Reflection session around the campfire.
DAY 4
Breakfast and day two of your kayak expedition. Return to Anakiwa for dinner, a debrief and an unpack from the last two days. Workshop session discussing coping mechanisms to conquer fear and self-perceived limitations.
DAY 5
PT session, sea dip and run; breakfast in the dining hall; watch house clean; assembly; prepare for high ropes session at the school. Afternoon activity learning about personal values. Dinner in dining hall. Assist dinner service, cooking and cleaning. Overnight in watch house.
PARTICIPANT OUTCOMES
Revitalize and re-energize in the great outdoors.
Focus on your goals and return home prepared to tackle them.
Discover or revisit and reflect on yourself and your values
Take time away from the pressures of study, work, family and technology to de-stress and refresh.
Challenge your self-imposed limitations and push yourself beyond what you thought possible.
BOOKINGS & FEES
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Thanks to our generous donors and supporters, we have limited funding available for people aged 18-26. Head to our Ka Mahi scholarship page for more information. Eligibility criteria apply.
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.
GEAR LISTFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Each participant must undergo a medical screening prior to confirmation of enrolment. Read the Outward Bound Participation Guidelines here.
You must complete an Outward Bound medical form with a doctor. The medical form is valid for 90 days* from the date it is completed by a doctor and must be valid until the course start date. All medical forms will be reviewed by our nurse.
If you are concerned about a medical condition, please call us on 0800 688 927 to talk it through.
*Medical forms for participants booked on either a Mind Body Soul, Classic, or Leaps & Bounds course are valid for 180 days.
The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it! With that being said, Outward Bound is not a bootcamp. In fact, our instructors are experts at creating an environment where the most powerful challenges are mental and emotional, not just physical. The goal isn't to be the fastest or strongest. It's to learn what you're truly capable of.
As you'll be on your feet a lot, we do require a basic level of fitness to ensure you can safely and confidently participate: to run or walk 3kms within 25 minutes and to be comfortable in water with a life jacket. It's much more achievable than you think and we have a guide to help you!
Check out our guide to getting fit and healthy for OB.
No, you don't need to have any experience of outdoor activities or spending time outdoors.
You simply need to be willing to give the activities a go. The more you get involved, the more you will get out of your course.
Outward Bound is your opportunity to simply be yourself, without the expectations of people who know you. For this reason, we don't allow you to attend a course with friends or people you know.
You can attend at the same time as someone you know, however, we will put you in different groups (where available).
Our Leaps & Bounds and Custom Design courses are the exception to this rule.