THREE-WEEK COURSE
Perfect for those looking to shake life up, the three-week course gives you the momentum to make a real change to your life.
If Outward Bound has been a long-held ambition or if you’ve reached a turning point in life, this is your chance to step out of your routine and invest in yourself. Let go of your preconceived beliefs about your own ability and return home in control, ready to lead the life you want to live.
Outward Bound’s three-week adventure is designed to help you step away from the noise, challenge yourself and reconnect with what really matters. Each day brings something different, and while we won’t tell you everything upfront, expect to be active, outside and occasionally out of your comfort zone. With a supportive crew and highly-trained instructors who've got your back, you'll quickly discover what you're truly capable of - especially when you choose to back yourself.
This iconic course is built around teamwork, reflection and personal growth. You’ll leave with a stronger sense of who you are, what you value and what you're capa. The best investment you can make is in yourself because everything starts with you. When you emerge with a new sense of clarity, confidence, and resilience, you'll realise that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
This course is often described as 'life-changing' but you have to take the leap to find out!
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 Dates & Fees
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We understand it can be difficult to balance your commitments with a course. Try involving and engaging your employer in your Outward Bound programme. Explain what you'll get out of it and how your effectiveness at work should also improve.
For inspiration on how to manage taking time out of work, watch David's story.
You’ll experience a range of activities while on your course, kayaking, sailing, ropes course, rock climbing and tramping.
On the water - kayaking, sailing, canoeing
Up high - ropes course, rock climbing, abseiling,
In the bush - tramping, solo, camping
For your community - service projects, environmental
For you - goal setting, values, running
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.
COURSE STORIES
Want to know what the three-week course for adults is like from a participant’s point of view?
Receptionist Lisa overcame her fears after 3 weeks at Anakiwa.
Want to chat?
If you have questions, concerns, or simply want to talk to someone about this course, get in touch!