REAL STORIES. REAL IMPACT.

Every Outward Bound journey is unique, but the transformation is universal. Our alumni have taken the lessons learned in Anakiwa and carried them into their everyday lives, whether that's pushing past self-doubt, embracing new challenges, or inspiring others.

Here, you’ll find real stories from people just like you - those who dared to step outside their comfort zone and discovered what they’re truly capable of. Their journey doesn’t end at Outward Bound, and neither does yours.

Got a story to share? We’d love to hear it.

MBS & MBS Compact Stories

TAYLOR'S LIFE COMPLETELY CHANGED IN JUST A FEW MONTHS

"I’ve gone from being on the benefit, spending my time drinking with no direction in life, to having a great job that gives me a real sense of purpose and pride. "

PAIGE'S JOURNEY: FINDING POTENTIAL, HAPPINESS, AND BELONGING

Paige's journey to Outward Bound wasn't easy. But she is now excited about the future and unlocking her potential since completing her course.

SITHMI LEARNED TO DIG DEEP AND OVERCOME HER FEARS

"For me Outward Bound is a place full of love, happiness and triumph. It allows each individual to find the spark to power through whatever hardship they are faced with."

“It has been an amazing experience which I have thoroughly enjoyed, no matter how hard it may have been. The thing I learned at Outward Bound and will take with me is the confidence to be around others and work with them.“

Eden (Mind Body Soul Compact Course, 2024)

“I have made lifelong friends within my watch and it has taught me so many valuable skills that I intend to implement in my daily life. This course has made such a difference for me in focusing on a more positive mindset and proving to myself that I can do things as well, like overcoming fears.”

Phoebe (Mind Body Soul Course, 2024)

“I have enjoyed everything that has been thrown at me in this course, even though some things have been challenging. My physical and mental mindset has definitely expanded and I overcame my fear of heights when rock climbing.”

Hayden (Mind Body Soul Compact Course, 2024)

“It’s crazy that in just a short amount of time, I've learned so much about myself and where I want to go. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is to not take anything for granted and appreciate the little things in life, even if that's being around family or hot showers.”

Tamarah (Mind Body Soul Course, 2024)

“At first, I didn’t want to come here, and now I’ve learned so many things I can do. I’ll be saying, “I can’t do it” when I actually can do it. I learned I can do things on my own but just need someone to support me. I’m so grateful for that and I’m glad I came here.”

Lufo (Mind Body Soul Course, 2024)

"I have made new connections and best friends that I will definitely keep in contact with. I have made some awesome memories and this has been an amazing experience that I will never forget. I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone and have learned a lot about myself.”

Lulu (Mind Body Soul Compact Course, 2024)

“This course caused me to be engaged in so many ways I never thought I would be able to. My abilities and capabilities have expanded a lot. Before starting this course, I was hoping for a change within myself and to test my limits. Throughout this course, I definitely grew mentally and physically as a person.”

Ayesha (Mind Body Soul Course, 2024)

Classic, Masters, and Discovery Stories

DAN'S DISCOVERY OF SELF-CONFIDENCE AT OUTWARD BOUND

"Since Outward Bound, I’m much more confident at work and with new people. Little things that would have stressed me out in the past, like getting caught in the rain, no longer bother me."

LIFE AFTER OUTWARD BOUND: KEEPING THE MOMENTUM

Before Outward Bound I wanted to change. I lacked direction and was in a stressful place. During Outward Bound, I flourished and discovered the ways I wanted to grow.

SUE'S OUTWARD BOUND JOURNEY AT 61

Sue Richards realised that she wanted more from life – not just things to fill it with, but things with more meaning. Sue stumbled upon an OB Facebook post and quickly found herself booking a spot on Discovery Low Impact.

“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 anyone to give it a try.”

Brooklyn (Discovery Course, 2024)

"I’m so proud of myself and the change that I’ve gone through in such a small amount of time. If it weren’t for this experience, I would still be in the same old routines being lazy, having self-limiting beliefs, doubting myself and even belittling myself and repeating the same old habits. The change I’ve gone through is astounding. I’m almost unrecognisable, the new routines and confidence I’ve picked up are so unbelievable.”

Arlyce (Discovery Masters Course, 2024)

"This has been an incredible experience. I expected this to just be an outdoorsy course. It was so much more than that. It was hard but 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 (Masters Course Alumni, 2024)

"These three weeks and Anakiwa have been simply incredible. I have found deep connections with people from all walks of life as we have ventured alongside each other on this journey of personal growth and challenge. Equally, I have loved my solo time away from the distractions, trappings and noise of today’s world to reflect on the person I am, the person I want to be, and the difference I wish to make in this world."

Thomas (Classic Course, 2023)

“Words can't express my gratitude but know that I now have a renewed sense of confidence to continue facing my anxiety. I have realized that my life is worth doing great things with. This course has renewed this hope. Thank you!”

Isabella (Masters Course Alumni, 2024)

“This course has greatly impacted my life and made me believe I can accomplish anything that that I put my mind to. I participated in a half marathon and I never thought I would be able to complete one. I have finally gotten over my fear of jumping into water from high heights.”

Liana (Classic Course, 2024)

"I have learned that I can push myself further. I have learned that when I get knocked down, I can turn my mood around and shift my focus in a more positive direction. I'm a realist, very practical and I can't believe I'm saying this... but I genuinely think this experience may have changed my life."

Shaun (Masters Course Alumni, 2024)

“It changed my life forever. I learned how valuable it is to feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable. When you are in those situations, you are given an opportunity to grow stronger or run back to comfort and not grow at all. I will continue to push my limits and use discomfort as a checkpoint so I can grow stronger and get more places in life. “

Hine (Classic Course, 2024)

"I have learned to take time, appreciate the small things, believe in myself, push myself to my limits, overcome obstacles and have made some life long friends. I can’t wait to put these changes into place in my life as I move forward. I have discovered that there really is more in me."

Kelly (Masters Course Alumni, 2024)

Women in Leadership & Professional Stories

WHAT THESE WOMEN TOOK FORWARD AFTER AN OB LEADERSHIP COURSE

After completing our Women in Leadership course, Anna, Lisa and Stacey share the learning they could take forward into leadership and the adventures they had on our Women in Leadership course in the Marlborough Sounds.

HOW AN OB EXPERIENCE INSPIRED A LAWYER TO PARTNERSHIP

Sarah Scott, a partner at the Simpson Grierson law firm in Christchurch, completed an Outward Bound Professional course in 2014. As she explains, her experience in Anakiwa has filtered into and influenced many aspects of her professional life.

REBECCA ACHIEVED A DREAM AFTER AN OB PRO COURSE

"Your attitude is key. You can’t always control what happens to (or around) you, but you can control how you react to it. I have received feedback from managers and colleagues since OB, in regard to how resilient and patient I now am when faced with adversity."

"The best leadership course I have ever experienced."

Outward Bound Alum (Professional Course)

"This was the most challenging and rewarding week of my life."

Outward Bound Alum (Professional Course)

"I didn't think Outward Bound was for me. It took being here to realise this is what I needed to grow!"

Outward Bound Alum (Professional Course)

SHARE YOUR STORY

Your Outward Bound experience doesn’t end when you step off the cutter or leave Anakiwa behind. The lessons, the challenges, the moments of grit and growth - those stay with you. And your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear to take the leap themselves.

Maybe you backed yourself in a way you never had before. Maybe you found a new perspective, a new purpose, or just a new way of looking at what you're capable of. Whatever your journey, we’d love to hear it.

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