Wāhine Kaiako Development Course

Ages 18+5 days

Are you a wāhine passionate about the outdoors? Do you want to experience what it's like to be a Kaiako at Outward Bound New Zealand? You're in the right place. This course is for:

Wāhine who are passionate about the outdoors and want a career as an Outward Bound kaiako to be part of their future.
People ready to explore and grow in a kaiako career with an organisation that's commited to growth and provides ongoing support, training, and development opportunities.
While this taster course is designed with prospective wāhine kaiako in mind, we warmly welcome applications from people of all gender identities and expressions.

Outward Bound NZ wants to support a strong pathway for wāhine to move into kaiako roles here. Right now, wāhine are underrepresented in our instructional team, and we’re committed to changing that so our team better reflects the communities we serve.

WHY JOIN?

To experience firsthand the unique challenges and rewards of being an OBNZ kaiako
To explore a career path that empowers others through outdoor education
To connect with mentors, role models, and a supportive whānau committed to your growth
To take the first step toward joining our kaiako team through a focused recruitment opportunity
To be part of building the pipeline of wāhine kaiako at Outward Bound NZ and create a more diverse, balanced team.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

A 5-day immersive taster at the Outward Bound NZ campus
Experience real instructor-led outdoor education activities
Discover the skills, values, and teamwork that shape kaiako
Learn how to build a rewarding career guiding others self development in nature
Recruitment opportunity to see what it takes to join our Kaiako whānau

Apply Now
Applications open until 2nd November 2025.

WHAT ARE THE COURSE COSTS AND DATES?

COURSE COSTS

This course is not-for-profit, so the cost of $250 (inc. GST) goes towards covering the costs for the course.

You will also be provided with accommodation and meals for all 5-days of the course.

Financial support is available if needed. We don’t want cost to be a barrier so please get in touch if this is challenge.

COURSE DATES

• 9th November - 13th November 2025

APPLY FOR THE KAIAKO DEVELOPMENT COURSE

Ready to experience life as an Outward Bound NZ kaiako and learn what skills are needed to get there? We want to hear from you so please submit your application below! Spaces are limited to just 14 participants - apply early to secure your spot.

APPLY NOW

We are looking for people who are passionate about a future as a kaiako with Outward Bound and will give priority to those who show that keen interest.

"The mahi here is incredibly powerful and you’re always supported by strong and compassionate wāhine to find your own way of getting it done."

— Hannah Waite, OBNZ Kaiako

"Instructing here is so much more than a job, you get to know and learn parts about yourself you wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity to see. The skills you learn in the outdoors set you up in so many different avenues beyond Outward Bound and the people who come here to instruct are super motivating and supportive."

— Bridget Dick, OBNZ Kaiako

"To work at Outward Bound is an incredibly uplifting and rewarding experience. It feels like you're truly having an impact on your students, all the while experiencing growth and development yourself. You are also a valued member within a supportive workplace and form some deep and long lasting connections with the community you work and live with."

— Emma, OBNZ Staff