EVERYONE WHO'S DONE IT HAS A STORY

For over 60 years, we've been getting people into the outdoors and out of their comfort zone to prove, "There's more in you."

Our courses are for people from all walks of life.
No experience needed.

EVERYONE WHO'S DONE IT HAS A STORY

For over 60 years, we've been getting people into the outdoors and out of their comfort zone to prove, "There's more in you."

FIND YOUR COURSE

Our courses are for people from all walks of life. No experience needed.

64+

Years running courses

70,000+

Have taken the journey

16-70+

Ages we welcome

5-21

Days per course

Find the course for you

Our courses are designed to meet people at every stage of life. Find yours below.

Teen (16-18) →

I'm ready to discover what I'm capable of, gain confidence and make friends.

See teen courses →

Young Adult (18-26)YA (18+) →

I'm ready to test what I'm made of and come back with some direction.

See young adult courses →

Adult (27-65+)Adult (27+) →

I'm ready for time away for a fresh challenge, a reset and to figure out what's next.

See adult courses →

Adapted (16+) →

I'm ready for an experience built around my capabilities, rather than limitations.

See adapted courses →

Before you talk yourself out of it

75% said the fitness level was just right — not too easy, not too hard.*

You don't need to be an athlete, gym junkie or outdoorsy person. Most people show up having done little more than the odd day hike and that's enough. The physical is only one part of it - the real test is often mental or emotional and where that shows up is different for everyone.

See how achievable it is →

What you'll gain from the course

98%

say Outward Bound helped them believe in themselves

94%

say they left with a more positive outlook and attitude

88%

say Outward Bound has given them greater confidence

¹ These results are drawn from independent research by Research NZ, illustrating some of the valuable long-term impacts of an Outward Bound course. * Additional data collected from our Programme Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ), completed by every student after their course.

SINCE 1962

70,000+ have done it. We wouldn't still be here if it didn't work.

It's been a simple formula since the beginning: put people somewhere real, give them a bit of a stretch and let them find out what they're capable of. It's worked so well, we're still rolling with it sixty-odd years later - and so is the rest of the Outward Bound network, 30+ schools strong, all around the world.

Discover our story

We know you can do it too. Are you willing to prove it to yourself?

There's no one type of person who does an Outward Bound course. We work hard to cater to people from all walks of life (fun fact: the oldest person who's ever done a course was 84 years old). Age, fitness, background, religious or dietary requirements — none of it rules you out — so if it's calling to you, we encourage you to step up to the challenge and join our community of 70,000+ who took the leap!

FIND YOUR COURSE

READ ALUMNI STORIES

Our alumni say it best

"Outward Bound saved me from living a life in fear. It has boosted my confidence to heights once thought impossible. This course has been life-changing by definition. Thank you so much for this opportunity."

Aperahama — Three-Week Course for 18-26

"This experience is one of the biggest life changing breakthroughs I've had. I've learned so much about myself and the power I hold within. I will remember this for the rest of my life and recommend it to anyone."

Brooklyn — One-Week Course for 18-26

"This has been an incredible experience. It was incredibly meaningful and I think everyone should experience it in their lifetime. I feel a lot more clear-headed now and I am ready to set goals for myself. I have achieved things I never would've achieved otherwise and I feel extremely lucky."

Stephanie — Three-Week Course for 26+

"I cannot express how much this course has done for me; it has helped me grow mentally and most of all physically. It has given me the self-motivation to reach for higher goals and the will to look after my physical health a lot more than I did before this course."

Taipua — Three-Week Course for 16-18

"This experience has profoundly impacted my personal growth, resilience and sense of adventure. The outdoor challenges, coupled with the supportive environment, have instilled in me perseverance, determination and lessons that will continue to guide me in my personal life and career."

Ella — Three-Week Course for 18-26

"I was just interested in the outdoors and didn't think the course would affect me in any dramatic way. Well, turns out I was wrong! Looking back now I realise it was possibly the most pivotal event for me that has led to the role I am in today and the life I live."

Kimberely — Three-Week Course for 18-26

"It's challenging to find opportunities to relate to a teenager. Outward Bound gave my daughter and I a 'gift' of experience and stories that we now share. I created a stronger connection with Emma and also found the incentive to keep pushing hard for the things that matter in my life."

Mike and Emma — One-Week Course for Adult & Teen Duo

"I've learned so much about myself, my values and what I'm capable of. I truly don't think I'd have learned these lessons without this course. I've done so many things that I never thought I was capable of, but with the right support and encouragement, I was able to achieve so much."

Selena — One-Week Course for 16-18

Ready to make things happen?

We'll walk you through the rest, one step at a time.

A young male excited to be rowing on a cutter at Outward Bound

Wondering how you'll pay for it?

Payment plans, fundraising support and scholarships are here to get you on course. See what's on the table before you rule it out.

See funding options →

An instructor offering their hand to a student while coasteering

What are the requirements?

Getting prepared to go on an Outward Bound course is so much easier than most people think. We talk about fitness, gear and more.

See what's required →

Highly-trained and qualified kaiako (instructor) providing instructions to students

How do we ensure safety?

Every course runs with highly-trained instructors and a low instructor-to-participant ratio. Safety comes before adventure, always.

Our safety standards →

1 in 3

has taken a leadership role as a result of Outward Bound¹

¹ Results are drawn from independent research by Research NZ and *our Programme Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ), completed by every student after their course.

4 in 5

became better team players as a result of Outward Bound¹

¹ Results are drawn from independent research by Research NZ and *our Programme Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ), completed by every student after their course.

93%

agree that Outward Bound was relevant for their professional development *

¹ Results are drawn from independent research by Research NZ and *our Programme Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ), completed by every student after their course.

These are some of the organisations we work with

Leadership development with no walls and no ceiling

Your team already knows how to sit through a workshop. Put them somewhere that actually tests how they communicate, adapt and lead under pressure, like New Zealand's mountains, bush and waterways (not a slide deck). Our programmes are built around your goals, whether that's developing a leadership team, building resilience in employees, or getting a squad to trust each other before the season starts.

Explore Leadership Development

Make a contribution to our kaupapa

As a non-profit organisation, your donation makes an impact in two ways: it helps fund scholarships for young people who couldn't otherwise afford a course and it keeps Outward Bound NZ operating. Your support doesn't just send one person on their journey. It ensures Outward Bound is here for the next generation of New Zealanders, giving more people the chance to discover what they're capable of.

Make a One-Off Donation

Make a Regular Donation