ONE-WEEK COURSE
A short course. A big impact. One week in the Marlborough Sounds with a crew of strangers, no phone, and a full-on programme that keeps you moving. Same spirit as our classic three-week course, built to fit around study or work.
$4,198 incl. GST
or secure your spot with a $395 deposit
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 a few moments that'll make you stop and think. Nobody here knows who you were last week, so you get to find out who you are when it counts.
One week isn’t long. It’s long enough.
A small taster of your days
We don't hand out the full plan and that's on purpose. Not knowing what's next and being okay with uncertainty is part of it. But here's a sample of what some of your days might look like from a recent three-week course.
Day 3
Off down the river
Early run and a dip in the sea, breakfast, then assembly and a check-in with your watch. By lunch you're on the Pelorus River for a two-day kayak journey. Dinner over a campfire, a reflection session as it gets dark, and a night at kayak camp.
Day 4
Paddle home, then dig in
Day two on the water, then back to Anakiwa for dinner and a debrief on the last 48 hours. The evening workshop gets into fear, self-doubt and the limits you've set for yourself.
Day 5
Up in the ropes
Run and sea dip, breakfast, a quick clean of the watch house, then high ropes. The afternoon is about working out your own values. You'll help cook and clean up dinner, then crash in the watch house.
Course Outcomes
Every activity on this course is designed to build transferable real-world skills and attitudes that you can carry into life, study and work.
This course helps you build focus and perspective to decide on your future direction. You'll learn to stay focused under pressure, work with others through uncertainty and reflect on what really matters to you.
At a time when big decisions and change are starting to take shape, the clarity, confidence and resilience you will gain is invaluable. You'll leave with a stronger sense of direction and the tools to take on whatever comes next.
According to independent research by Research NZ:
You'll walk away with:
More confidence in yourself and your decisions
New mates and shared experiences you won't forget
Experience of leading and influencing
Increased resilience and determination
A calmer attitude and approach when under pressure
Better relationship-building and communication skills
A collaborative and team-based approach to challenges
Appreciation of diversity and the value of others around you
A better ability to deal with change
A clearer idea of what matters to you
Course Dates & Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, you can expect to be challenged and that might be physically, mentally or emotionally. It is very real - at times you may get dirty, tired and wet, yet at the same time, you may feel refreshed, exhilarated and triumphant.
It is the challenge of overcoming your perceived limitations as a team that makes a course special. Through being with people 24/7, talking about what is really going on for you, and hearing what's really going on within others, you get a better appreciation of yourself, others and how you deal with the world.
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!
Check out 'Preparing for Outward Bound' to learn more about fitness and swimming requirements.
Absolutely. Plenty of people arrive having never tramped, sailed or slept in a tent, and nobody expects you to know what you're doing on day one.
Kaiako teach you everything from scratch, from tying knots to steering a cutter. You're never thrown into something you haven't been shown how to do. You're also doing it with your watch, so there's always someone figuring it out alongside you.
Being new to it all can even be an advantage at times. You've got no bad habits to unlearn and no reputation to live up to.
We keep you well fed with healthy and delicious food. This includes all meals and snacks. We also cater to a variety of dietary requirements. Just make sure you tell us about any dietary requirements when you enrol. If you request a particular diet, we ask that you please consume the meals that have been specially prepared for you.
We can cater for vegetarians and vegans, for halal and kosher diets, and for gluten or dairy free diets. We may also be able to accommodate some other restrictions or specific allergies, but not all – for example we can’t do 100% peanut-free (or most other life-threatening allergies), paleo, low-carb, whole-food only diets. As we regularly use wheat flour in our kitchen we are unable to guarantee no traces of gluten. We are also unable to provide facilities for you to cook your own food.
In some cases, we will suggest bringing your own snacks for when out on expeditions.
We strongly recommend that you do not start any new diet for your Outward Bound course. We also recommend against any optional diet that restricts your choices or energy intake – a course is busy and physically demanding, not the best time to cut down your fuel options!
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.
Each participant must complete a medical screening prior to confirmation of enrolment. This is done digitally in the MyOB Portal. Please ensure you check your emails in case we contact you about any additional steps you may need to take.
Some applicants will need to complete an Outward Bound medical form with a doctor. The medical form is valid for 180 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.
Depending on which course you choose, your group will be a mix of ages. Your watchmates will come from all over NZ, from a range of social and cultural backgrounds. Many find life-long friends at Outward Bound.
There will be up to 14 people in your group and you will have two Outward Bound instructors leading you through the activities. Our watches are mixed gender (unless specified).
Want to chat?
If you have questions, concerns, or simply want to talk to someone about this course, get in touch!