New Zealand Conservation

After spending a couple of days settling in to the typical Kiwi lifestyle, you will be met on Monday morning by a project team leader. You will receive a health and safety briefing and receive details about the projects you will be undertaking before travelling to the project location.

Conservation Volunteers New Zealand place volunteers on projects in urban, regional and remote locations. You will often travel to a different project location every week or two. This is a fantastic way to take part in different project activities in across the country! Every project is assessed to ensure that it has positive conservation outcomes and is part of an overall management plan. You will not be offered a choice of projects, as they vary according to seasonal conditions and conservation priorities however project leaders will do their best to provide a variety of projects or locations during your time as a volunteer, while achieving their essential conservation outcome, which always remains the priority.

The range of projects that you may get involved with include:

• Tree planting
• Erosion control
• Seed collection
• Walking and trail construction
• Endangered flora and fauna surveys
• Weed control
• Habitat restoration
• Heritage restoration

Project hours run from 8am – 4pm and you will have your weekends free, although some travel can take place on Sundays.

You will be working in groups of 6-10 other volunteers. Taking part in this project is a great way to meet people from all corners of the globe. A responsible team leader will also look after you - they are experts in conservation and extremely knowledgeable – ask as many questions as you like - you can learn loads about conservation and New Zealand’s environment and wildlife during your programme! They are also fully trained in first aid so they will take good care of you.

If you are volunteering on the North Island you will begin your experience in Auckland, and the projects take place in and around this famous city – known as the City of Sails, in its stunning location on the Hauraki Gulf.

If you are volunteering on the South Island then your experience will start in Christchurch. You will then travel down Punakaiki, which will be your main base for you project.

Please note: Itineraries and activities are subject to change. Projects are closed over the Christmas and New Year period from the 23rd December 2011 until the 3rd January 2012. If you start volunteering before this date you will be entitled to a break over the closed period and restart your project on the 3rd January.