Looking over the lush green hilly landscape in New Zealand, grazing sheep in the foreground

Volunteer Abroad New Zealand: Nature Conservation

New Zealand 2 to 12 weeks From 1.250 € Enquire now

As a volunteer in New Zealand, you will act as an advocate for the indigenous endangered animals and help protect the unique flora and fauna.
For this purpose, there are numerous year-round nature conservation projects on both main islands in New Zealand. In small groups you carry out renaturation and maintenance tasks, helping to clean up beaches and taking care of cultural heritage sites in the country.
You will work in regions that remain hidden to most tourists and therefore experience a completely different and exciting side of New Zealand.

Your trip at a glance

Highlights

Actively contribute to sustainably conserve New Zealand’s pristine nature
Work together with volunteers from all over the world
Get to know different spots of the country in an incomparable way
Experience the unique flora and fauna from up close

Locations

Auckland

Christchurch

Wellington

Plan your trip

Included in the programme fee
- Placement in the programme
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Assistance with selecting travel insurance
- Assistance with booking flights
- Risk coverage certificate
- Pre-departure information pack
- Drinking water
- Wildlife handbook
- Accommodation during the programme
- Programme-related equipment
- Food items for cooking daily meals during programme
- Programme-related transfers
- English-speaking support by long-term experienced staff
- 24/7 support throughout the programme
- Certificate

- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Accommodation between two projects
- Transfer between different locations
- Personal expenses and optional excursions
- Further beverages (e.g. liquors, soft drinks, bottled water)
- (Limited) laundry service

Write An Email

Meghan, your travel expert for New Zealand

Don't hesitate to contact me if you would like to learn more about this journey! I answer all of your questions and assist you before, during and after your adventure abroad.

Volunteers at work in New Zealand's vas backcountry to conserve the country's natural landscape

Looking over Lake Pukaki in New Zealand, snow-covered Mount Cook in the backround

Looking over a lake in New Zealand; A forrest and an mountainrange in the backround

The Moeraki Boulders on New Zealands coast, the Pacific Ocean in the backround

New Zealand's Pancake Rocks in the soft light of the evening sun

Volunteering in New Zealand

As a volunteer in this project you experience New Zealand’s rich flora and fauna and help protect the country’s natural beauty and conserve unique habitats.

Two volunteers in New Zealand planting seedlings to conserve the country's natural areas

Arrival and orientation in New Zealand

Your start your volunteer work in New Zealand with an information event that takes place Friday at 11 AM in the corresponding office of our partners in Auckland, Wellington, or Punakaiki (via Christchurch). The volunteers are assigned to various projects depending on the current needs. In the seminar, you will learn everything you need to know about the project such as what to expect when you are there, what security precautions need to be taken, and how to behave appropriately at the site. You should make sure to arrive early so that you do not miss this seminar. Afterwards, you can enjoy your first weekend in New Zealand, explore the city, and shake off your jet lag.

Volunteer activities in New Zealand

On Monday morning, you will meet the other members of your group and head off with them to the project site. During the project, you will generally work Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. In general, the projects run for one to two weeks, but if the project site is more remote, then you may be staying there for ten days. In this case, you will have several extra days off. The projects end on a Friday afternoon so that you can spend the following weekend any way you want.
In groups of six to ten volunteers, you will carry out small projects in various regions. You'll plant trees in nature reserves and thus help to preserve the habitat of the endangered kiwi or help to maintain hiking trails. In addition, you may be taking part in conducting field studies for projects dedicated to researching endangered species. Cleaning up beaches and taking care of cultural heritage sites in New Zealand may also be part of your responsibilities.

A conservation volunteer standing on New Zealand's coast and looking over the blue ocean

Accommodation as a volunteer in New Zealand

Where you will be accommodated depends on the particular project and its location. You may have a bed in a shared room in a hostel, in a hut, or in a caravan, and in some cases you may be sleeping in a tent. The accommodation in which you will be living with your international team are located in most cases directly on the project site. During your working hours and on the weekends, you will be provided three daily meals that will be prepared by you and the members of your team.

Leisure time during the conservation project

If you decide to take an extended time off between two projects, then we recommend you take a tour around to fully enjoy the fascinating beauty of the country. You can visit some of the countless number of protected natural environments in the national parks and see hot springs, geysers, and glaciers or explore the fjords on the South Island.

Arrival

Arrival in New Zealand

Your stay in New Zealand always begins on Fridays with an information meeting. You will need to book your own flight to either Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, depending on which destination you have chosen. We recommend arriving one day in advance. You can take a bus or shuttle into the city when you arrive at the airport. We will be happy to help you plan your personal travel arrangements.
1. Friday

Information session on volunteering in nature conservation

It is of great importance that you arrive at the office of your chosen location at 11:00 am on your official start day (Friday).

All participants will be assigned to different projects on-site. We cannot guarantee a selection of projects, nor can we give you a list of tasks to participate in beforehand. This is because our projects depend on seasonal conditions and conservation priorities. We will do our best to make sure you get to know different projects, tasks and places.

Our partner will give you a comprehensive briefing in a seminar on this day to prepare you for your stay. You will be informed about safety precautions and what to expect on-site.

After the briefing and on the weekend, you will have the opportunity to meet other volunteers, rest and relax and perhaps visit the local sights on your own.
1. Monday
Your first day in your conservation project
The first weekend is usually at your leisure, although occasionally you may need to travel to a remote project site on Sunday. You will be told when your Team Leader will pick you up for your first project - usually on Monday morning (times may vary slightly depending on the season).

At each project site, there will be an additional briefing by the team leader before the volunteers start the activity. This briefing includes:
- The conservation objectives of the project
- How the project will be carried out, including any instructions and training required for the volunteers
- Important safety information
- An introduction to the facilities at the site and the surrounding area
Project

Your stay in the volunteer project

Our programmes normally run from Monday to Friday. This may change from time to time if a project falls on a weekend or if travel to the project site is required on the weekend. Project hours are normally from 8am to 4pm.

Our programme varies, depending on the season, weather and conservation priorities. We will put together a programme of conservation activities for you. Some weeks, you might complete a larger project, such as planting trees as part of a team or building a walking trail. In other weeks, you could do a variety of activities every day. We make the programme as varied as possible without losing sight of conservation priorities.

On the weekends, you will have free time to relax and visit the local sights. Food and accommodation are provided. Ask our local staff for suggestions if you need sightseeing ideas!

Remember that you can visit a number of start locations - you will need to organise and pay for your own travel between start locations.
Departure

Your last day in New Zealand

You finish the programme on a Friday around mid-afternoon. You will return with your team to the office in Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington, from where you will move on by public transfer. However, as you may be returning from a project that is far away from the office of the respective location, we recommend that you book your onward or home journey from Saturday. This also means that you will need to book your own accommodation for Friday evening. All volunteers receive a certificate of appreciation at the end of their programme.

FAQ – Learn more about this trip

Prior to departure to New Zealand

In order to apply for this project you need to be over 18 and have sufficient English skills to follow the course contents. Since this project requires you to be physically active we need a doctor’s certificate confirming your state of health and physical fitness. Furthermore you might need a Visa for your volunteering work. Depending on the duration of your stay and your destination the requirements might vary. You might check out the foreign department’s website for the Visa standards or ask the NATUCATE team directly.
Prior to your departure we will help you organize and plan your whole stay and save you a place in the project. We will help you find a good flight and arrange your Visa application. There will be introductory meetings before each project starts. You will be provided with food and accommodation. Transfer between bureaus and projects will be organized by the local team. The team in New Zealand and Natucate in Germany will support you during the whole project. Flights are not included.
You will need travel insurance to start your volunteering work with Natucate. We can provide you with all the necessary information. In general you need to talk to your doctor and make sure you are vaccinated against Morbilli, Mumps and Rubella. In case of injuries it is also advised to be vaccinated against Tetanus. For current information and warnings regarding your destination you should check out the homepage of the foreign department. In general New Zealand is a safe country without any severe sicknesses. Still you should inform yourself beforehand on the foreign department’s website about possible risks and how to prevent them.
You don’t need special clothing for the work, but you should pack outdoor clothing that is appropriate regarding the weather conditions. Remember that you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. We advise you to pack hiking boots, resistant pants, long sleeved shirts, water bottle, working gloves, rain clothes, sunscreen, hat and mosquito repellent. You also need warmer clothes for the night. Your baggage should not weigh more than 15 kilogrammes due to space shortage.

Arrival in New Zealand

We will support you during your organization and planning process. You will have to book your flight to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch on your own. When you arrive at the airport you can take a bus or shuttle to get to the city. You will receive all the information you need to arrive at the bureau. If you want to change location during your stay you will have to pay for the transfer on your own.
After your arrival at the city there will be an introductory meeting at 11 AM at the bureau. There you will get all the information about the project you need. You have the first weekend off and start working on Monday morning. The team on site will arrange your transfer to the project's location. Transfers during the project will also be arranged for you.

During the project in New Zealand

Your work depends on what kind of project location you pick. You will be actively involved in different types of environment and nature conservation. You will help protect the environment by planting trees, constructing hiking trails and fences. Furthermore you will be part of a project that monitors the environment and wildlife. You will also help cleaning up beaches and traditional sites. Volunteers will be distributed to the project sites depending on the current demands.

Life on site in New Zealand

You will be working from Monday to Friday starting at 8 in the morning and ending at 4 in the afternoon. The working hours may vary depending on the day and conditions. Every project lasts about one or two weeks. Weekends are free. Some projects last longer and your days off are directly following the work days.
In New Zealand you can find all kinds of activities. You can spend your free time outside in the beautiful nature and try out some outdoor activities like kayaking or surfing. You can also try Bungee jumping and parachuting if you like. If you want you can also just go for a nice hike or take a boat tour through the fjords.
The weather conditions totally depend on the project’s location. The North has a tropical summer and the South has cold winters with temperatures below zero. Due to coastal influences the whole country has a rather mild climate. The further you go south the colder it gets. January and February are the warmest months and July is the coldest month.

Learn what others say about their Natucate adventure.

Auslandsaufenthalt in Neuseeland: Eine Bucht mit Blick auf den Pazifik

Blick auf den offenen Ozean und die aufgehende Sonne

Review Volunteering New Zealand – Sandra

“Living simply, taking care of each other, growing together as a team, testing limits. This all gave me so much positive energy, which I do not want to miss.”

Volunteere bei einer Verpflegungspause von der Arbeit

Ein eingerolltes Farnblatt im Vordergrund der restlichen Pflanze

Review Volunteering New Zealand – Melanie

“Ich habe meine Zeit in Neuseeland sehr genossen. Es ist ein wunderschönes, interessantes Land.”

Blick auf den Pazifik und einer weiteren Insel

volunteering-neuseeland-erfahrungsbericht-naturschutz-meer-natucate

Review Volunteering New Zealand – Arde

“I was able to improve my English, witnessed unique landscapes and a fascinating flora and fauna, which I had never seen before.”

Ein freiwilliger Helfer bei der Arbeit Zum Erhalt des Naturschutzes entfernt ein Freiwilliger mehrere kleine Baueme

Volunteering in Neuseeland: Ein Ziegensittich frisst Fuuter aus einer dafuer befetsigten Futterstelle

Review Volunteering New Zealand – Simon

“Three exciting months full of new experiences. Even though it did not go all as it was planned, I had a wonderful time and I learned a lot.”

1. Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is a lively centre for excellent restaurants, music, arts and culture – and also offers beautiful beaches and fantastic hiking trails.
2. Christchurch

The „Garden City of New Zealand“ promises a colourful mix of historic elegance and modern culture. It is not by chance that the gate to the South Island is a popular travel destination.
3. Wellington

The capital of New Zealand is nestled between the cosy harbour and soft green hills and is an ideal destination for all arts and culture lovers.

Purpose of the volunteer project in New Zealand

New Zealand’s natural environment is one of the most unusual on the planet. Due to its isolated position, a large number of endemic (i.e. species which only exist in one region) animal and plant species have developed on the island nation over millions of years. From the flightless kiwi and curious kea to huge elephant seals and cranky penguins, the wildlife has fascinated visitors and residents alike. Primal fern forests and mighty kauri trees, which can be up to 2000 years old, will carry you away into a strange world.
Because New Zealand has no native land mammals, birds have taken up a number of their ecological niches. Flightless birds such as the kakapo parrot or the kiwi play a particularly important role in the ecosystem.
A number of unique bird species are now seriously under threat, particularly since humans brought land mammals like cats, dogs and rats with them when they settled in New Zealand. Anthropogenic (human) pollution, habitat devastation, intensive agriculture and climate change are posing more and more of a risk for sensitive ecosystems.
Wide-ranging environmental monitoring and nature and species conservation measures are therefore essential in order to maintain the natural biodiversity of New Zealand.