Aoraki Bound

“Ekea kā tiritiri o te moana…
Ascend to the heights of your aspirations”

The place of Aoraki in Ngāi Tahu culture is significant; the mountain is a symbol of our mana (prestige and character) and as a people we look to its lofty heights with respect and for inspiration. Aoraki Bound draws on this relationship to help build the leaders of tomorrow.

Aoraki Bound is a 20-day cultural and personal journey, developed and delivered by Outward Bound and Ngāi Tahu. It includes the physical, task-orientated and intense group focus of Outward Bound, as well as the cultural components of Ngāi Tahu reo, haka, waiata, kōrero, pōwhiri, wāhi tapu/tohu whenua.
Explore our land and stories, from Anakiwa (near Picton) to Arahura, finishing at the feet of our maunga tupuna, Aoraki.

We welcome applications from those with a genuine desire to learn more about Ngāi Tahutanga, who are open to challenging themselves.

Watch this 30 minute Aoraki Bound documentary and discover more about how this three week journey could change your life.

Apply for Aoraki Bound

If you are interested in joining Aoraki Bound, or if you have whānau who might benefit from this hīkoi, we would love to hear from you.

There are two courses each year; one in February, and one in March. Applications for Aoraki Bound are open year round through the link below. Applications each year are required by September, for the courses at the start of the following year.

Apply here for Aoraki Bound.

We welcome applications from those who have

• A genuine desire to learn more about Ngāi Tahutanga
• A good level of fitness (able to comfortably run 3km in under 25 minutes and walk a full day on inclined terrain with a pack)
• Able to correctly pronounce Māori vowels
• Able to pass a medical which has been approved by your doctor
• Able to be smoke-free for the entire course and be confident in the water

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Genesis, there is some funding available. Further information on fees can be found via the on-line form, and will be discussed in detail during your Aoraki Bound Enrolment.