BRING YOUR SPIRIT
The annual Spirit Inspiration voyage is an incredible opportunity for young New Zealanders who live with a disability to take part in an adventure of a lifetime. Sponsored by the combined Lions Clubs of New Zealand (led by the Karori Lions Club) and the Lindsay Foundation, we call it the inspiration voyage because the only way to describe what happens on board is INSPIRATION.
Thirty young people from across the country, aged 16-30 years, come together to face challenges outside of their usual boundaries, gaining confidence and achieving tasks that previously might have looked impossible. Activities in the programme include ship-handling, teamwork, problem-solving and water sports (in and on the water).
GENERAL INFO
This 5 day voyage on board tall ship Spirit of New Zealand, is for young people aged 16-30 who live with a disability. Participation is arranged by schools or organisations who support young people with disabilities.
We accept groups of 3, 6 or 9 from an individual organisation or school who are aged 16-30. For every 3 participants, the organisation or school must also send a buddy or support person to assist their group/s on the voyage. This is to ensure the voyage is able to offer a minimum 3:1 ratio of support to the participants.
Spaces for participants are managed via ballot, and applications of interest are accepted by schools or organisations who will then manage the booking process with their group. If you’re an individual wanting to join, you will need to speak with your school or organisation you work with to ask if they will participate.
Inspiration Voyage 2027 – Register Your Interest
Spaces for our February 2026 voyage have now been allocated. If you’d like to register your interest and be contacted when the ballot for our February 2027 Inspiration Voyage opens, please do so below.
WHAT HAPPENS ON A VOYAGE:
Our unique voyage focuses on life skills activities and includes some of the following:
building self-confidence - climbing the mast, swimming by the ship
developing leadership skills - putting up the ship sails
communicating with new people
learning to be resilient - helping clean the ship
working in teams - rafting ashore
dealing with close confines - sleeping in bunks
learning new skills - sailing small boats
FUN!
