Development

Aoraki Bound

COVID-19 update

The Aoraki Bound programme and activities have been put on hold indefinitely.

This difficult decision has not been made lightly. Like many organisations in Aotearoa, the Ngāi Tahu Group has been hit hard by COVID-19. Our aim now is to ensure our operations continue to strengthen the resiliency of whānau and support our tribal aspirations, while navigating the financial constraints we face. As a result, the delivery of Aoraki Bound is no longer possible at this time.


Aoraki is the sacred mountain of Ngāi Tahu and the tallest in Aotearoa.

“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.

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