What is Journeys?

Journeys is an outdoor adventure programme with no cost for Central Otago girls and young women. We have a welcoming and supportive female only environment so that girls feel safe and can have a go at some new challenges.

Journeys runs for two hours one evening a week in local wild places on mountain bike and on foot, alongside inspiring wāhine and older girls. We can provide all equipment and outdoors clothing that is required.

There is a summer 12 week Mountain Bike season, and a 12 week winter On Foot season.

We also have programmes for older teen girls and young women: Journeys Inspire for 15-24 Year olds, and our Youth Leadership Programme.

SUMMER ADVENTURES

Mountain Bike Adventures

Alexandra is surrounded by many kilometers of unique mountain biking single track. Mountain bike Journeys will introduce girls to adventuring on bikes at a level that is suitable for everyone, and gradually teach mountain bike skills along each weekly Journey as we explore new local wild places. We will stop along the way to take notice of our amazing outdoor places, share kai and learn mind skills related to self confidence and resilience which we can use when biking, and in other parts of life.

Bike To Explore

Mountain Biking

Bike To Explore

Mountain Biking

WINTER ADVENTURES

On Foot Adventures

These adventures involve some walking, scrambling, route finding and navigation. We hang out together outdoors at dusk and in the darkness, and discover local wild places we didn’t know existed. Sharing kai and a hot drink, and learning how to take care of ourselves in challenging weather is an important part of On Foot Adventures. We learn about perseverence and team work, and the navigation and map reading skills we develop can help with future missions in the outdoors.

For Young Women aged 15-24

Journeys Inspire

Inspire was created by one of our own young women who saw the need for a Journeys Programme designed specifically for, and with, older teen girls and young women.

Inspire invites you to try a range of outdoor activities in our supportive, fun and non judgemental environment.

Your winter season might include navigating, general outdoor skills, trail running and a tramp. The summer could see you sample stand up paddle boarding, open water swimming, biking and trying waka ama. There could be some rock climbing and moving water sessions in there too.

You are welcome to come for all sessions, or just join for the weeks that work for you!

Supported by Bike it Now! and Fulton Hogan

Leadership Programme

Young women who already have some Journeys experience and are Year 11 and older are invited to apply to be part of our youth leadership programme. These young women instruct younger girls alongside our volunteer instructors. We have two annual weekend training camps as well as regular group meetings or one on one mentoring to support our young leaders with their individual growth. They also have the opportunity to become involved in other aspects of our programme development or take on responsibility for parts of the efficient running of Journeys.