PREPARING FOR COURSE
Investing 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. We're with you every step of the way, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
GETTING FIT
Outward Bound courses are action-packed, so getting your body ready will help you make the most of every moment. You'll experience full days of activities, so building up your fitness is essential. You should be able to run/walk 3km in less than 25 minutes.
What to focus on
Cardio Training: Since you'll be active throughout the day, cardio is key to helping you keep up with the pace. You should also try to spend more time on your feet leading up to your course.
Strength Building: You might go on a multi-day expedition carrying a pack with gear. Strength training (especially your legs, back and core) will help you feel more prepared.
Training tips
To begin, we suggest two to three cardio sessions per week. You can use a run and walk combo where needed.
By the end of prep, aim to run 3km, four times per week.
Remember, you don't need to be a seasoned runner or athlete. This is simply about getting your endurance to the best place possible, so you can get the most out of your course.
Check out our Getting Ready Guide (Health and Fitness) for more tips!
PACK YOUR GEAR
With your training underway, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about what gear you’ll need for your course. The essentials can vary depending on the length of your adventure, so make sure to check the right gear list below.
Don’t stress if you’re missing a few items - we have you covered! We’ve got a range of gear you can borrow, no booking needed. And don’t forget to ask friends or whānau if they have gear to lend - it’s a great way to keep things simple and sustainable.
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
Once our medical team has confirmed your spot on course, it is time to book your travel! Outward Bound New Zealand is located at Anakiwa in the Queen Charlotte Sounds at the top of the South Island. You'll need to organise your journey to and from Picton but there are plenty of ways to get there.
Check out our Travel Information page for tips, discounts, and advice. Once your travel has been booked, let us know your plans in the My Outward Bound Portal.
THE COUNTDOWN
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 your fitness up. Make sure you can meet our fitness requirement of the 3km run in under 25 mins. This is timed on your course and you are expected to be able to meet this. *Note: this is not a requirement for our Adapted courses or Discovery Low Impact.
Start packing your bags. Make sure you pack everything outlined on your gear list. Find your correct gear list on the webpage for your specific course or see here. Ask friends/whānau to borrow their gear if you don't have it all. You can borrow some gear from OB 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! Items of value left behind will be returned at the cost of the owner.
Check your course start time and location. You can 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).
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!
Submit your travel information. Send this info to our enrolments team here.
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!