Volunteer in New Zealand

A New Zealand volunteer experience is a truly unforgettable way to explore the rich and diverse local culture as well as travelling with a difference. Whether volunteering abroad for the first time or as a returning VolSol alumnus, we can help kickstart your volunteering journey in New Zealand today! If you’re looking to make a lasting impact on our volunteer programs in New Zealand and truly become a global citizen, our teams are ready for you to get in touch and help find the perfect volunteering opportunity for you. 

The ‘how’ in how to volunteer abroad in New Zealand is a pretty simple process that our team can guide you through. The hard part is choosing a program that you want to get involved in! Our New Zealand volunteer programs offer a breadth of opportunities to work with those in need of the support and contributions you can offer.

We’ve only one volunteer opportunity in New Zealand, but it certainly is a good one! Our Conservation Volunteering Program in New Zealand is a unique opportunity to support ecological work carried out by local teams. 

Climate change poses a real threat for many countries across the world, and New Zealand’s rare and unique ecosystems are feeling these effects acutely. You will be helping to counter these issues by joining our program. 

Your work would be going toward maintaining and expanding the biodiversity present on the island. You’ll be planting native trees to promote wildlife expansion and improve their habitat. Trees are food sources to many creatures, as well as helping to create microclimates that benefit plants and animals alike that dwell beneath them. Of course, trees also absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change, which indirectly supports biodiversity by preserving ecosystems that are vulnerable to climate impacts.

Have we piqued your interest? Good! Are you ready to get started? Even better! Volunteering in New Zealand is only a few clicks away; choose your program, click ‘Apply Now’, complete the registration process, and let us take care of the rest. Get in touch with us today for more information on how we can make your volunteering experience in New Zealand unforgettable. 

Volunteering Solutions offers a wide range of programs in over 25 destinations worldwide. In the last 17 years, we have placed over 21,000 international volunteers across various projects and internships, helping them grow personally and professionally while making a difference to the world at large. We’ve hosted teen volunteering groups as well as gap year travellers, youth volunteers as well as family volunteering groups across various destinations.

Not only do we have our experience, but we have many accreditations that attest to our excellence in the field as well as our legitimacy as a volunteering experience coordinator. We are approved by WYSE Work Abroad, Go Overseas, and many other accreditors for volunteering abroad organisations. 

We have a dedicated team that ensures that volunteers have a smooth and memorable experience, learning from their peers along the way. From the moment you inquire, through the process of clearing doubts, filling out the application, making payments, accessing the Pre-Departure Guidebook, and reaching the volunteering location followed by Program Orientation – our team supports you every step of the way. We have in-country coordinators and representatives to assist you at the project sites.

Additionally, Volunteering Solutions offers various support services, including:

• Medical and travel insurance at a nominal extra cost
• Fundraising assistance for volunteers facing financial challenges
• Weekend excursions and hikes in New Zealand
• Local transportation and airport drop-offs for a minimal extra cost

Upon completing your project, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, which will significantly enhance your career prospects. This experience will boost your CV/resume and expand your social network. It’s a journey you’ll cherish forever.

Volunteering Solutions also provides tailor-made projects for group volunteering (students, colleagues, or families) where people can work together and explore New Zealand most uniquely.

Split over two islands, New Zealand has many places just waiting for you to discover them! Our projects are mainly based outside of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Punakaiki. 

Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is a vibrant urban hub that seamlessly blends natural beauty with cosmopolitan flair. Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland boasts a stunning harbour and is surrounded by volcanic cones, lush parks, and beautiful beaches. Auckland’s blend of urban excitement and natural beauty makes it an appealing destination for travellers seeking a taste of both city life and outdoor adventure!

Christchurch, often referred to as the "Garden City," is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and a vibrant destination known for its unique blend of natural beauty and urban regeneration. After experiencing significant earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, Christchurch has undergone remarkable transformation and revitalization, making it a compelling place to visit. With its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, Christchurch offers visitors a unique experience.

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is known for its vibrant arts scene, rich culture, and stunning natural harbour. Nestled between rolling hills and a rugged coastline, Wellington is often celebrated for its compact size and walkability, making it easy to explore its many attractions.

Punakaiki, a small coastal village on New Zealand's West Coast, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features. Nestled between the Paparoa National Park and the Tasman Sea, Punakaiki offers visitors a blend of breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Here’s what we have on offer in New Zealand: 

• Conservation Volunteering Program 

Think you could be a great addition to our team? Let us know if you fulfil the following requirements! 

- Be at least 18 years or older at the time of joining the project.

- Have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

- Should also be proactive and can take initiative.

- Should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

- Should be open to learning, and be friendly with everyone.

Apart from that, a Criminal Background Check Report is essential for volunteers who are joining Childcare, or Teaching programs. And you should be empathic towards the animals if you want to volunteer for wildlife conservation programs.

Our prices in New Zealand start from as low as £495! Here’s what’s included: 

• All meals, including on weekends
• All accommodation, including on weekends
• Project-related travel
• Volunteers wildlife or plant guidebook
• Pre Departure Information
• Orientation and Induction on arrival
• Local Project Support
• Certificate Of Completion 

Like everywhere else around the world, volunteering in New Zealand comes for a minimal fee, which also covers your airport pickup, accommodation, and pre-departure booklet that contains all the information to get you started on your volunteering journey! Other than that, you'll also be provided with meals, pick up and drop from the project site to your accommodation, and most importantly, there will be 24/7 in-country support.

However, you can always fundraise to pay for your meaningful volunteer trip and experience the goodness of travelling abroad to make a difference.

Since our inception in 2007, we have sent over 21,000 volunteers to over 25 destinations across the world! We have much experience in providing unforgettable volunteering experiences across the world, and our excellence in the field is a testament to that!

We know what volunteers look for regarding safety and security during their stay. All of our accommodation is located in safe areas, with 24/7 support from VolSol staff. You will be provided with a full orientation about the country, the city, and the local area to ensure you are as best informed as you can be! 

Our pre-departure booklet provides comprehensive information about the do’s and don’ts of the area, and how best to respect the cultures and traditions of your destination of choice! 

Most of the time, you’ll be based outside of  a large city, so there will be opportunities to grab items you may have forgotten over the weekends, but on-site you may not have so many opportunities to grab the essentials! Here’s some basics that we suggest taking along:

• A good sturdy pair of boots. A lot of the work will require you to be outside and working the land, so a pair of boots that also protects your ankles is a must! You’ll be on your feet all day, so make sure they are comfortable too.
• Waterproof layers! The weather can get quite wet, and you won’t want to be caught out with nothing to keep you dry!
• A backpack. You’ll need to take a few things out with you on site, so a backpack is an essential for keeping all these things with you.

New Zealand’s climate is split into 4 seasons, so there’s enough variation for everyone to join at a time of year they love. Remember that in the southern hemisphere the seasons are the opposite way around to those on the northern hemisphere! 

Summer (December to February) is always ideal for outdoor activities, beach visits, and hiking. Expect warm weather and longer days, but it can be busy with tourists. Autumn (March to May) is another great time of year to visit. Beautiful fall colours, milder weather, and fewer crowds would appeal to those looking for a more peaceful stay. It is still a great time for hiking and exploring vineyards. Winter (June to August) is perfect for skiing and snow sports in the South Island. If you prefer a winter wonderland, this is the time to go!

Spring (September to November) ushers in blooming flowers, new life, and mild temperatures. Good for hiking and enjoying nature as everything comes to life.

We welcome volunteers from all over the world and different walks of life! We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion can only make the world a better place. We want to champion global citizens with an international vision and a deep commitment to the betterment of our society. Our volunteers should be compassionate, enthusiastic about change, diligent, and open-minded. 

Our projects cater to group volunteering in New Zealand, as well as family volunteering groups, student volunteering, gap year travellers, as well as teenage travellers looking to expand their horizons. 

You can easily apply to volunteer in New Zealand and be a part of our mission trips by following a few simple steps. Once you have decided which program you wish to join, and in which destination, you can go ahead and fill out the application form here.

You will receive a welcome email from the team, acknowledging your application. We will then send your Booking Confirmation in 7-10 working days. Once you receive your Booking Confirmation you can log into your account to view your trip details and make your final payments.

If you can’t decide which program to join, or where to travel, you can always write to us at [email protected] - and our Program Advisors will assist you.

Before travelling to New Zealand, please ensure that you meet the following general requirements: 

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected return date.
• Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for your visa and other necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.

British nationals do not need a visa to enter New Zealand for stays up to 6 months. Check here the visa requirements for your home country. 

Short-term volunteering in New Zealand is perfect for those who don’t have a month or more to dedicate to our projects. Even the shortest contributions make a huge difference to our teams! 

Our conservation project has a minimum stay of 1 week, so for those with only 1 or 2 weeks to dedicate to our projects, this one could be the one for you! You’ll be able to positively impact the fight against climate change, learn about a new culture and become a global citizen, all in the space of a fortnight!  

Wanting to volunteer for a longer period of time? We can cater stays of up to 8 weeks! You’ll watch your work in action and the lasting impact it has on the wider community. Many volunteers then use our projects to kick-start their backpacking journey across the region. 

Worried that you’ll find yourself bored after a while? We can assure you that there is no way this will happen, especially not in such a beautiful and diverse country as New Zealand! We can help organise weekend trips for you and advise on the best places to visit during your stay. Fiordland National Park, Tongariro National Park, Waitomo Caves, Abel Tasman National Park, Lake Wanaka may all be familiar names to you, and they are well-worth the visit! Don’t forget to spend some time relaxing on one of New Zealand’s many beaches! 

Want to know more about what trips are available to you? Just email [email protected] for more information on this! 

Of course, when you are travelling to a new country, it’s obvious that you’d want to explore and experience the area, making the most of your journey. You’ll have the weekends free to explore the country!

New Zealand is a breathtaking tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. From the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the lush rainforests of the North Island, the country's natural beauty is unparalleled.

Often dubbed the adventure capital of the world, volunteers can indulge in thrilling activities like bungee jumping in Queenstown, skydiving over Lake Taupo, and hiking the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. There’s also much to enjoy with the local culture and traditions, with Maori culture taking centre-stage. 

New Zealand is home to unique wildlife and a beautiful landscape. Hikes through national parks and days spent on nature are commonplace! You’ll be able to spend your weekends traversing through lush landscape, and admiring the animal world there. 

One such place is Waiheke Island. All you need is a ferry ride to start your journey and from there you can start exploring wineries, beaches, and tracks for bushwalking. If you’re looking for some adventure, then you can try a local zip-lining tour because that will definitely give you a bird’s eye view of New Zealand’s landscape. 

The Great Barrier Island is another fantastic destination for a weekend trip! Prepare yourself for a marvellous treat as you take a ferry to the Great Barrier Island. This island is ideal for fishing, diving, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, or just hanging out on the beach. Relish the long walking tracks, elegant beaches, and the overall breathtaking scenery.