Outward Bound is one of New Zealand’s leading organisations for showing people their full potential through outdoor challenge and adventure.
We believe in experiential learning – or learning through doing. That means students take responsibility over the challenge ahead of them. Whether that’s leading the way on an expedition or managing their team to complete a kayak journey.
Our focus lies in building transferable skills and attitudes that remain far beyond a participant’s time with us. Lessons learnt are applicable to work, study, home – and they last for life.
Outward Bound, located in the Marlborough Sounds, at the top of the South Island, helps you reach your full potential through challenge in the outdoors. Our classrooms are the mountains, bush and waterways of this beautiful corner of New Zealand.
Outward Bound is a non-profit organisation – our aim is to help create better people, better communities, and a better world. People of all ages, cultures, abilities and backgrounds are welcome at Outward Bound.
All Outward Bound courses are designed on these principles:
Learning through Experience – learn by doing! Learn more about yourself and others from challenge, success and failure, self reflection and feedback. All activities are designed to promote learning that can be transferred to home and work.
Adventure and Challenge – Our courses are based on real adventure. You will have experiences that are physically, mentally and emotionally challenging. We will push your limits and help you conquer your fears!
Physical Activities in the Outdoors – All activities involve situations where there are real consequences. Our highly skilled instructors deliver our courses, which will include activities such as: Sailing, Kayaking, High ropes, Rock climbing, Solo experience, Tramping, Physical training. You don’t need previous outdoors experience to participate.
Safe and Supportive Environment – Clearly maintained boundaries ensure physical and emotional safety. Supportive relationships and culture.
Outward Bound is not a destination – it’s a journey. Like every rewarding journey it’s full of challenges.
OUTSTANDING LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE!
I was lucky enough to gain a scholarship to do the 3 week course when I was in my early 20s. At the time I had just begun my primary teaching career. the Outward Bound course was absolutely amazing. It pushed me mentally, physically and emotionally and taught me so many lessons! One of the key lessons was “There is always more in you” The amount of things we packed into the 3 weeks at Anakiwa was mind blowing, most days were actively doing something from early early morning till late evenings. The tutors were passionate, inspiring and brought out the best in all of our group!
I could write a novel on the many experiences we had. If you are looking for something that will take you to the next level (in anything) any of the courses at OB will put you on the right track! DO IT!!!!
Dan Vann
What makes us unique?
The experience of trying new things and being challenged builds confidence, resilience and helps develop new skills and behaviours.
Our research has shown that this has a positive and lasting effect on the lives of our participants.
There is no one way to easily describe an Outward Bound course, as the experience is unique to everyone who attends. This can make Outward Bound seem a little mysterious, especially as we don’t hand out a timetable for our courses. Without these boundaries and expectations, participants are able to ‘live in the moment’ and take each adventure as it comes – providing a richer outcome for participants.
Here’s a taster of what you can expect:
Courses run for 21 days
You’ll kick off each day very early in the morning
You’ll have a maximum of 14 participants in your group (watch) of similar age and 2 or 3 instructors.
You will have to hand your devices/technology in the moment you arrive.
You will experience a wide range of outdoor activities – kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, tramping, high-ropes.
You’ll be asked to give everything a go – it’s worth it!
It’s been just over a week since I left Outward Bound! It was the most amazing and challenging thing I have ever done! I miss being there so much but it has taught me so much about who I am and who I can be if I just believe in myself! I really recommend this to anyone of all ages above 16 🙂 you honestly won’t regret it! Plus you get to meet some amazing people who are on the course and those amazing people that run the course.
Catherine Tofa
Susanne Doerner
StudyNZ Co-ordinator
Wellington office
General enquiries