PREPARING FOR COURSE
Choosing to invest and believe in yourself is an incredible first step - now let's make sure you're ready for the adventure ahead! In the time leading up to your arrival in Anakiwa, use the list below to double-check you have everything you need. If you still have unanswered questions, make sure you check out our full list of Frequently Asked Questions next.
If you're still deciding whether to take the leap, this page is worth a read too. Most of what people worry about beforehand (fitness, swimming, gear, the unknowns) gets covered here.
What are the fitness requirements?
The short answer: fitter than "never worked out", nowhere near "marathon runner". Outward Bound courses are full days with activities back to back, so a bit of prep means you're enjoying those longer days more (which makes it easier to take in all the epic views around here too!).
The benchmark: If you can run/walk 3km in under 25 minutes, you're in good shape to start. Get there and any extra training is just to build comfort. If you can't do this yet, a few weeks of regular walks with some jogging mixed in is usually enough to close the gap.
You don't need to be a strong swimmer. Lifejackets are on hand for anything on the water, always. What actually matters is being comfortable giving it a go — being in the water, in a lifejacket, without that being the scary part of your day.
It's not required, but it can help - especially if you're doing a three-week course. You'll be on multi-day expeditions carrying a pack with gear, so a bit of leg, back and core strength beforehand means your body isn't figuring that out for the first time on course.
Nothing fancy: bodyweight squats, a loaded day pack on your walks (even better if you walk some hills), that sort of thing. The fitter you feel carrying weight, the more headspace you've got for everything else going on around you.
What gear do I need?
What you need depends on how long your course is, so check the gear list for your specific course below. Don’t stress if you’re missing a few items - that's normal and it's not a reason to hold off enrolling. We have a wide range of gear that you can borrow (no booking required) - you'll see which items can be borrowed on the gear list.
If you are missing any essential items that cannot be borrowed from Outward Bound, ask your friends and whānau if they have any items that you can borrow. Someone's always got some barely used items sitting in a cupboard and it beats buying gear that you'll use once.
What if I get my period on course?
If you are a person who menstruates, you may get your period while on course. Periods are a normal part of life, and our staff are trained to ensure every student feels supported and comfortable. You will always have access to a private space to manage your period, and your watch will carry a dedicated period kit with extra supplies and hygiene items.
In the first few days of your course, your kaiako will guide your watch through a discussion about period management and how we can support our watchmates who menstruate.
Please bring the products you are most comfortable using at home. Our approach promotes respect, care, and support within your group, while also following Leave No Trace practices when we are out in nature. For more information on how we support period management at Outward Bound, click here.
The countdown to Anakiwa
Please make sure you click and read every section to ensure you're well-prepared for your course. We recommend reading our FAQs as well.
Contact us if you are unwell. Outward Bound actively takes steps to prevent the spread of any infectious illness during all courses. We want you to thrive on your course and arriving already sick will significantly impact your own experience and the experience of those around you. If you are sick in the lead-up to your course, please contact us to discuss whether this is the right time for you to attend Outward Bound.
Keep moving (but don't go too hard). Make sure you are able to meet our benchmark of a 3km run/walk in under 25 mins (note: this is not a requirement for our Adapted courses, Leadership courses or 60+ courses). While it may be tempting to come into Outward Bound guns blazing, steer clear of any type of intensity or activities that could put you out before your course.
Start packing your bags. Make sure you pack everything outlined on your gear list. Find your correct gear list in the My OB portal or above for your specific course. Ask friends/whānau to borrow their gear if you don't have it all. You can borrow some gear from Outward Bound too - you don't even need to reserve this! The gear we have available to borrow is highlighted on your gear list.
Name all of your gear. You’d be surprised how many items are left behind each month! Save yourself the hassle and name everything - including socks, water bottles, thermals and anything that looks like everyone else's. Iron-on tags, sew-in tapes or just a permanent marker all work fine. Items of value left behind will be returned at the cost of the owner.
Check your course start time and location. You will find this in the MyOB Portal. You can also find this information here - please make sure you read the page carefully so you don't miss anything important.
Double-check your own travel details. Make sure you will get to your course before the start time (as detailed in the link above). Work backwards from your start time and build in a buffer if possible - better to arrive early than late.
Book your shuttle. If you’re flying into Blenheim, we recommend booking a shuttle with Marlborough Shuttles to take you to Picton. Outward Bound does not provide a shuttle to/from Picton and Blenheim and you will need to arrange this privately. Contact them here - www.marlboroughshuttles.co.nz - they know exactly what to do!
Let us know your plans. Submit your travel details in the MyOB Portal. Our team at Anakiwa uses this to know when and where to meet you. It also helps if there are widespread delays (e.g. flight cancellations, weather closing in), so we already know who's affected and can start following up, rather than you have to chase us.
Ensure you've submited your travel information. If you haven't submitted your travel plans yet, it's essential that you get them in today! Head over to the MyOB Portal to submit them.
Complete your final training run. You’ll want to give your legs a rest and try to prevent any last-minute injuries.
Reminders for friends and whānau:
Contact while on your course. You won't have access to your phone, a computer, or the internet for the entire duration of your Outward Bound course. Your whānau won't hear from us unless it is necessary, so please remind everyone at home that no news is good news!
Letters and packages. You can send and receive letters the old-fashioned way while you're with us. If your friends/whānau are feeling extra generous, they can send you a small 'care package'. We are based in a rural location, so please be mindful of the amount of plastic packaging sent to us. Ensure your loved ones send letters and packages within the first 5 days of your course starting or they will not arrive in time.
Use the correct postal address. Please share our Anakiwa addresses with your friends and whānau. Courier packages sent to our Wellington or Auckland office addresses will be returned to the sender at their own cost.
Sending letters: Outward Bound NZ, Private Bag 403, Picton 7250 - please include the name of recipient
Sending care packages: Outward Bound NZ, 387 Anakiwa Road, RD1, Picton 7281 - please include the name of recipient
Remember to name all of your gear!
Share Outward Bound's contact info. Ensure your friends/whānau have Outward Bound’s contact information in case of an emergency.
Clothing: Wear activewear as your course will start right away.
Eat lunch: Ensure you have a big lunch before you meet us in Picton and pack some snacks too!
Travel delays: If your travel to Outward Bound is delayed, please call our enrolments team on 0800 688 927 as soon as you’re aware of the delay.
Please do not contact us if your delayed travel will still get you to your course start on time.
If your travel arrival time changes significantly, our enrolments team will work with you to support your arrival. Please call us as soon as you know of your delay.
Meet us as the designated start point: Find the correct time and location for your course here. If you are being dropped off by car in Picton, please do not park in the marina by the Outward Bound vehicles. There is a drop-off area nearby on Wellington Street.
Bags/Luggage: Please do not leave your bags/luggage unattended in Picton, including at the designated meeting spot, as this is a public area.
Wet weather: If it is raining and you have time to kill before your course start time, you’re welcome to go to the Picton Library or into town to keep dry. There is no shelter at our meeting point.
Our team will not arrive at the meeting point until the designated course start time.
See you soon!
Mā te wā - see you soon!