Nelson Obstacle Park
New Zealand’s only permanent purpose-built obstacle course, located in Nelson-Tasman.
Our Mission & Vision
At Nelson Obstacle Park, our mission is to create a fun, challenging, and supportive environment where our community can thrive both physically and mentally. We believe in creating space to build confidence, determination, and teamwork, and believe that the participating in physical activity can help individuals grow into more capable and empowered members of society. Through these efforts, we aim to offer a gateway for athletes to achieve international recognition, proudly representing New Zealand as 'Black Warriors.'
Our vision is to establish New Zealand’s only permanent, year-round Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) facility, where athletes of all abilities can train, compete, and excel. We aspire to be a hub for personal growth and physical activity, welcoming schools, community groups, and corporate teams to engage in the challenges we provide. Our goal is to be the leading OCR club nationally, with our athletes showcasing New Zealand's talent on the world stage.
Meet our Owners & Creators
In 2023, Julia and Kevin co-founded Nelson Obstacle Park, offering exciting opportunities for the OCR community and beyond.
To date, they have helped six locals qualify to represent New Zealand at the 2024 World Championships and are looking forward to helping many more in the years to come.
Julia and Kevin love working with people of all abilities, guiding them through the park, and thrive on teaching them how to achieve their personal goals.
Check out some of their media coverage here.
Kevin
Born and raised in Nelson, Kevin is the youngest of four siblings. His sporting journey started early, playing rugby from a young age through to U18, followed by a five-year stint in hockey, while also enjoying indoor sports with friends.
Kevin’s passion for Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) began ten years ago when he was asked to build obstacles for an event in Nelson. After entering the race himself, the sport took hold. In 2018, Kevin represented New Zealand in the OCR World Championships in his age group. By 2019, at 49 years old and with expert training by his life and business partner Julia, he was competing in the Pro category for New Zealand. His dedication saw him travel to Costa Rica in 2024, marking his fifth time representing New Zealand in the OCR World Championships, and he is excited about the opportunity to provide a training ground for OCR athletes training for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Julia
Julia started her fitness career in the UK with Les Mills before founding her company, 'Fit For It,' specialising in training for gym-phobics, stress management, and creating an 8-week school course for girls aged 15-18. The course format was so successful it was bought by the local council before she moved to New Zealand in 2003.
In New Zealand, Julia quickly established herself in the fitness industry, working across several gyms and becoming a leading personal trainer. She joined City Fitness in Nelson in 2012, where she began focusing on enhancing her clients' quality of life through seminars on exercise, nutrition, and well-being. Julia’s reputation grew, and in 2017, she was shortlisted for the New Zealand Exercise Association’s Personal Trainer of the Year.
With over 30 years experience, Julia is now a master trainer, mentoring others, hosting workshops, and working with Special Olympians. Her science-based approach focuses on optimal movement, mobility, and correcting imbalances to create a strong foundation for future success, both on and off the obstacle course!
Book the Park
Grab a group of mates, gather the team together or bring along the family for a fun and challenging day out