Conservation Volunteering Program in New Zealand

We provide wholesome food based on a typical local diet for the volunteers in New Zealand. Meals are a group activity with all volunteers helping with cooking and cleaning. Meal examples include cereals, toast, tea and coffee for breakfast; sandwiches and fruit for lunch; and meals like pasta, BBQ, curries or stir-fries for dinner.

Yes, all accommodation and bathrooms on this program are shared.Depending on the project location and style of accommodation, rooms may be shared or there may be separate rooms for male and female volunteers.

You will usually be able to find an internet café or library with internet access on weekends. Internet access is not provided at volunteer accommodation – even if you have your own laptop, wireless broadband is not often readily available outside major cities.

It's always better to travel light. As space is limited, we ask that volunteers keep their luggage to a maximum of 15kgs in a backpack or soft-sided bag. We suggest that volunteers bring a small daypack to carry lunch, sunscreen, water bottle etc.

This is absolutely a personal choice. You should be aware that we cannot provide insurance or guarantee safe storage for items like laptops – you will need to take full responsibility for looking after it.

We can only provide contact details for former volunteers who have consented to having their data shared. However, there is a Facebook group for past and current volunteers which you are welcome to join. There are also hundreds of reviews online from our former volunteers as well as social media posts on Instagram, TikTok and our You Tube Channel.

The best thing to do is join our Facebook group and put up a post detailing your start date, that way you can connect directly with other volunteers joining at the same time as you. 

No, you will need to make your own way to the meeting point/office which is your starting point. All the meeting points/offices are in reasonably central locations, and we will provide directions to help you get there. You need to plan to arrive at the office by 11 am on Friday morning, and be ready to start your program.

If you are a citizen of the UK or any country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, you can stay in the country for 3 months without a Visa. However, getting a Visa isn't much of a difficult task. You can simply fill the Online Application form and opt for the Visa. For more information regarding the Visa, you can check here or get in touch with our Program Advisor.

Unless you’re on a remote project, weekends are your free time to relax and enjoy some local sightseeing. Food and accommodation are provided. Ask our staff for suggestions if you need some sightseeing ideas!

This is an active program, and you should be reasonably fit. If at any time you have a concern about your fitness for any activities, please speak to your Team Leader.

You need to declare any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies or injuries when you make your booking. The information you provide is kept in confidence, but it will help us to manage your condition safely. It’s always best to tell us so that we can look after you properly.In some cases, we may ask you to obtain some further information from your doctor before we can accept your booking.If we feel that we are not able to accept your booking because we do not think it will be safe for you to take part, we reserve the right to refuse the booking. In this case, we will, of course, give a full refund of any money paid so that you can find an alternative program to join.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference and should be willing to work outdoors and get their hands dirty. Volunteers need a reasonable level of fitness to participate in this programme. You should be comfortable being active outdoors (e.g. planting trees, mulching and weeding) for five to six hours a day. Volunteers must be prepared to participate to the best of their ability. Any pre-existing injuries, allergies or medical conditions that may affect participation must be declared at the time of booking.

As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on first come first basis, it is strongly recommended to apply for the program and reserve your spot in the program well in advance. You can book your spot in the program by filling an online form and pay the application fee. Once you complete your application, your individual 'My Account' will be active in which you will receive your placement confirmation after which you can pay the program fees. You can pay the program fees later as well in installments, but 45 days before the program starts.

You can book your slot by filling the online application form and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however,  the complete payment should be made 45 days prior the start of the program.  If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form. The initial application fee is refunded in the unlikely event that we’re not able to offer you a place on the program, and you have the flexibility to request a change of start date up until the 45 day payment deadline (this is subject to availability for other dates). 

As long as you wish! We would say, the more the better! Most of the volunteers join our program for at least four weeks, but many stay much longer. Remember that you can book a number of starting locations and arrange your own travel to fit volunteering in with your travel plans around New Zealand. Our programs run in weekly blocks, starting on Fridays at 11 am and finishing on Fridays after 4 pm.

Note: If you are staying more than one week, weekend meals and accommodation are of course included.

Yes, of course, many volunteers choose to make bookings from two or more starting locations. If you choose this option, you’ll need to arrange and pay for your own travel between starting locations. You should either leave a week in between your bookings or arrange to re-join at your new starting location on Monday morning as we cannot accommodate volunteers arriving on weekends.

Yes! On our application form you can detail the name of the friend(s) or partner you are applying with. We accept bookings from individuals – you can apply by yourself, or with your friend(s). If you’re volunteering by yourself, don’t worry –most people join as individuals and you’ll make friends very quickly!

No – just be prepared to join in the best of your ability! There will always be a Team Leader with you, who is there to explain the project to you (including the conservation reasons), show exactly you what to do and how to do it safely. You’ll learn plenty of new skills on this program.

Yes. The Orientation Session takes place on Friday when you start your program. We’ll explain everything you need to know, including essential safety information, and introduce you to our staff and fellow volunteers. After that, you’ll have some free time to relax and get to know the other volunteers, before starting your first project on Monday.

As most of our programs are dependent on seasonal conditions as well as a conservation priority, we usually assign resources and volunteers around 2 weeks before each project starts. We’ll let you know what activities you’ll be doing at your induction on arrival.

No. Our program varies, depending on the time of year, weather and conservation priorities. We’ll put together a program of conservation activities for you.

It will depend on circumstances and the need, of course. On some weeks, you make complete a major project, such as being part of a team planting a thousand trees or building a walking track. On other weeks, you may do a variety of activities every day. Each week or two, your projects will change to a new location. We include as much variety in the program as possible while maintaining the focus on conservation priorities because this is what you have volunteered to help with.

Our programs usually run from Monday to Friday, with weekends free. This may change from time to time on remote projects, where volunteers spend 10 days in a remote location, followed by a longer break, or when travel to a project site is required on weekends. Project hours are normally from 8 am – 4 pm.

Our programs finish on Fridays. Activities are normally completed by 4 pm, however, you may then need to travel back with the rest of your team to our office or catch a train back to the city (we’ll organize travel for you). Our Team Leaders will usually offer to drop you off near the town center, station or bus stop if it’s convenient, or you can call a taxi to pick you up from the office.

Incase you are a returning volunteer, you’ll get a $50 discount on the application fee. Also, in case you are coming in a group of 5 or more, you ask for a discount and we’ll surely look into it.

Yes, Volunteering Solutions will provide you a Certificate of Completion, once you finish your work.