WHAT YOUR COURSE FEE COVERS
We're a non-profit organisation and registered charity. That means your course fee simply covers the real cost of running your experience - nothing more. Every dollar goes toward creating life-changing courses that build resilience, compassion and self-awareness, helping us achieve our vision: Better People, Better Community, Better World.
We understand your course fee is a big commitment but we believe there's no better investment than your own potential. We work hard to keep costs as low as possible without compromising quality or safety. This is the best experience of its kind you'll find at this cost.
We believe everyone deserves to experience an Outward Bound course so we do our best to support as many people as possible in getting there. If you need support, visit our 'Ways to Pay' page to see how we help make it possible.
Costs covered by the course fees
All meals and snacks, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options for all students. We cater to a wide variety of dietary requirements. You need fuel for your activities so feeding you well is a priority for us (in fact, our alumni often comment on this).
Two highly-trained instructors (per watch group) whose competence is verified in all areas of course delivery: whitewater kayaking, sailing, driving launches, rock climbing, high ropes, bush, first aid and facilitating group processes. On top of their existing experience, we prioritise continued mentoring and training for our instructors to ensure a world-class experience and outcomes.
Transport – Water taxi, passenger trucks, launches.
Accommodation – Our main base provides bunkhouse accommodation for 154 students and we have three satellite camps located around the Marlborough region
Equipment – Sailing cutters, kayaks, waka ama, tents, packs, sleeping bags, clothing, wetsuits, safety equipment including helmets, life jackets, booties, harnesses, ropes, rescue equipment for specialised activities
Curriculum resources, quality assurance programme and our programme evaluation system
Maintenance of all our delivery buildings
Compliance & Insurance – All our activities involve risk management. As an outdoor education and commercial food / accommodation provider we are required to meet rigorous compliance responsibilities. Similarly, insurance and liability cover are part of our overheads.
Pre-course and on-course support – Personal and medical screening, onsite medical advice, course reflection materials.
Expert facilitators leading advanced team and leadership development sessions, goal-setting and problem-solving workshops, and experiential learning activities for our leadership courses.
Many of our courses are subsidised by the Outward Bound Trust Foundation which is made possible by generous donors who support Outward Bound New Zealand.
Every full-fee paying student ensures that these funds can be better utilised for young New Zealanders who do not have the means to fund their own course. This means not only do you get your life-changing adventure, but you help someone else get one too. You greatly support our mission and vision in more ways than one.
