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Conservation volunteer projects:
Each project runs for two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established conservation organizations including, not-for-profit groups, government departments, private industries, and local grassroots groups. Projects are based in various locations, from the remote outback to New Zealand suburbs.
Each team will be supervised and directed by professional staff from the host organisation an ISV Project Leader.
No prior experience or expertise in environmental areas is needed in order to participate. Accommodations vary with projects, ranging from national park huts, dormitory style accommodations, or research stations. Meals (3 per day) will be provided during the volunteer project.
 
Conservation Organizations in New Zealand
Project Locations:
 
Projects: (the following list of projects are updated regularly)
Each project can be broadly classified based on the goals of the host organisation, the project location, and the primary work task:
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Habitat Restoration projects encompass a huge variety of locations both on public and privately owned land. The goal of these projects is to improve local habitats through native revegetation and sometimes recreational facilities improvement including trail building. The primary task on these projects is weeding and native species planting. (Kuaka, DoC, Kaikoura, Leigh, Tongariro, Motuihe Island)
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Scientific Research projects take place in a variety of locations, but the primary goal of the project is to undertake tasks related to a designated research study. Primary tasks may be directly related to the study and include animal & plant surveys, monitoring, experimental set-up, and other data collection. Tasks may also be indirectly related to the research goals of the organisation and include weeding, planting, and operation of educational facilities. (Leigh, DoC, Tongariro)
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Outdoor Education projects take place on a variety of public and private land locations. The goal of these projects is to foster an understanding and appreciation of nature and conservation in visitors. Primary tasks vary and can include weeding, planting, building, trail maintenance, and property maintenance. (Kuaka, Leigh, Tongariro, Motuihe Island).
Please note: Projects are available on specific dates only. Hence, depending on your assigned departure date, only certain projects will be available. Please be flexible in your project preferences; these are ALL great projects in phenomenal locations all with significant conservation and educational value.
ISV’s Two Week Adventure Tour
Participants will travel throughout New Zealand. Their adventure will include such
optional activities as:
- Black water rafting in Waitomo glow worm caves
- Exploring the geothermal wonders of Rotorua
- Visiting the cultural attractions of Wellington (New Zealand's Capital)
- Hiking on the Franz Josef Glacier
- White water rafting rapids on the Rangitikei River
- Jet boating on the Shotover River
- Sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
- Experiencing the true Kiwi night life in Wellington and Queenstown (the adrenaline capital of the world!)
 
Accommodations: All accommodations have been carefully selected for their comfort and ideal locations. Accommodations range from tourist class hotels to youth hostels (dormitory style).
Meals: All meals(3 per day)are provided by ISV, and meals reflect the local cuisine. ISV also stays in many accommodations with kitchen facilities to allow participants to prepare some of their own meals.
Activities: ISV includes five activities in the program price to make your experience unforgettable. Activities will change from tour to tour but range from visiting a nature park and geothermal pools in Rotorua, white water rafting, an exclusive tour of NZ’s National Museum to black water rafting in glowworm caves.
“I've done and seen things I never thought I'd do or see. We've covered so much in a short amount of time. Absolutely amazing, breath taking, adrenaline packed!”
Carolyn Chan, New York University
NORTHBOUND TOUR: (Queenstown to Waitomo)
Day 1 – Arrive in Queenstown
(Skyline gondola, haka  and buffet): Depart your volunteer project and fly over the Southern Alps to Queenstown,the adrenaline capital of the world. Orientation will take place after arrival and you will have free time in the evening. Those with the Optional Activity Package will start the tour with the 3-in-1 package, a combination of a gondola ride to the top of Queenstown Hill, a powerful Maori culture performance and an all you can eat ‘kiwi tastes buffet’, all overlooking the breath-taking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
Day 2 – Free Day in Queenstown (Shotover Jet Boating): The day starts with a wild, breathtaking jet boat experience through the Shotover Canyons for participants with the Optional Activity Package. Afterwards step up and test your courage by signing up for the ultimate in adrenaline, the awe-inspiring bungy jump. Tonight is a good chance to search the local restaurants and cafes for some tasty local cuisine and then sample the truly international nightlife New Zealand’s most vibrant tourist destination offers.
Day 3 – Free Day in Queenstown: Another day to explore the dozens of activities Queenstown has to offer. Travel to stunning Doubtful or Milford Sound for a cruise on the fjords or how about a wine tour or Lord of the Rings horseback tour into ‘Paradise’. Try skiing or snowboarding in the Southern Alps, visit old gold mining towns, and there’s even a chance to go hang-gliding, the options are endless!
Day 4 – Queenstown to Franz Josef: A day not to forget, we travel through the scenic Southern Alps to Franz Josef, one of the great drives of New Zealand. Along the way stopping at the striking lakeside town of Wanaka. We may also visit a kahikatea forest that resembles pre-historic scenery you would expect to see from the dinosaur ages. Make sure you have your cameras handy to capture the diverse landscapes, from snowy mountain peaks to coastal rainforests. Rest up tonight for a dazzling day glacier hiking tomorrow.
Day 5 – Franz Josef Glacier (Glacier hiking): Today tho se with the Optional Activity package will experience the ultimate adventure of glacier hiking. Crossing deep ice crevices and exploring through the blue heart of the icefall terrain. The rainforest creeping to the edge of the glacier provides an astounding contrast and phenomenal photo opportunities! Less challenging options may include a forest walk through the valley where you will enjoy a full view of the glacier at the end. Or if you need to get even closer there is always the option of taking a helicopter tour over the glacier.
Day 6 – Franz Josef to Nelson: From the greenest area of New Zealand to the sunniest region of the country in one spectacular drive. We make our way to the top of the South Island with the wild, rugged west coast on one side and the towering Southern Alps on the other side. Photo stops are a must! We visit a Kekeno (New Zealand Fur Seal) colony at Cape Foulwind, and also the famous geology of the Pancake Rocks before arriving into Nelson, the sunniest city in New Zealand.
Day 7 – Nelson (Sea kayaking OR Quad biking): Now is the chance for all  those with the Optional Activity Package to choose their adventure for the day. Some may choose sea kayaking through the protected, pristine coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park, exploring the golden sand beaches and forest tracks, or others may prefer to venture through native forest trails high into the hills around nelson on a quad bike (ATV). Nelson is also ISV’s preferred location for skydiving, test your nerves to see if you have what it takes to leap from a plane at 12,000 feet!
Day 8 – Nelson to Wellington: This is a travel day with a difference. We board a ferry and travel through the stunning Marlborough Sounds at the tip of the South Island, across the Cook Strait and into the port of New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Tonight you can explore literally hundreds of cafes and restaurants in the heart of the city to find the perfect cuisine for your evening meal.
Day 9 – Wellington (Te Papa Museum highlights tour): This morning we embark on an inspiring guided tour of the highlights of New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy and explore New Zealand’s finest city culture. Take in a tour of the nation’s Parliament building, stroll down Cuba Street (known for it's great shopping), take in a show at the theater and/or visit the Karori Wildlife Refuge to look for New Zealand's rare and endangered birds. Tonight is an opportunity to sample the local nightlife!
Day 10 – Wellington to River Valley Lodge: We say goodbye to th e bustling city life and journey out into the contrasting full remoteness of the central North Island and River Valley Lodge, our location for tonight’s stay. Nestled at the base of a huge gorge and on the side of the river, this homely lodge will have you sitting around the cosy fireplace into the night resting yourself for tomorrow’s action.
Day 11 – River Valley Lodge to Rotorua (White water rafting): Get ready for an adrenaline packed white water experience! This is the Rangitikei River, a wild, remote, free flowing river, with ample grade 4 and grade 5 white water rapids, “world class, and as good as rafting in New Zealand gets.” After a recuperating lunch we travel on through to Rotorua, the geothermal hotspot of New Zealand, passing beneath the volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park and World Heritage area as we go.
Day 12 – Rotorua (Hells Gate thermal reserve): This is the day where we visit Rotorua’s most active geothermal park, The Hells Gate Thermal Reserve, Mud Baths and Spas. Take in the steaming sights of this thermal wonderland and then sit back and relax in the curative and invigorating properties of the special mud and mineral waters. You’ll even have a chance to try your hand at traditional Maori wood carving and flax weaving. In the afternoon and evening you will have free time to enjoy other optional activities or browse the shops for any final gifts and souvenirs.
Day 13 – Rotorua to Waitomo (Kiwi encounter and Zorbing): On the way to Waitomo we will stop in at the Kiwi Encounter, a working nursery and hatchery where Kiwi (New Zealand’s endangered national bird and icon) are raised, you’ll get to see a real live Kiwi up close! And we can’t miss the Zorb – a real unique activity! Tumble down the hill inside a giant plastic ball with two of your new best friends! Tonight we enjoy a relaxing evening in Waitomo ready for our last big activity day tomorrow.
Day 14 – Waitomo (Black water rafting): For our final activity day  we experience the thrills of Black Water Rafting, a must-do in New Zealand! Prepare yourself to be mesmerised by this underground glow worm universe.Some participants will choose to upgrade this activity to the more challenging five hour trip as part of the ISV Optional Activity Package. For the remainder of the day, consider horse riding through the rolling Waitomo hillside. Our final night is a celebration of all the achievements, new friends, fun times and adventures gained from this unforgettable ISV New Zealand experience.
Day 15 – Waitomo to Home or Fiji: Today it’s time to say Haere Ra (goodbye) to New Zealand as you depart to return home.
Accommodations: All accommodations have been carefully selected for their comfort and ideal locations. Accommodations range from nice tourist class hotels to youth hostels (dormitory style).
Meals: All meals (3 per day)are provided by ISV. ISV also stays in many accommodations with kitchen facilities to allow students to prepare some of their own meals.
Activities: ISV includes more activities to make your experience unforgettable. Activities are subject to change but may include activities such as black water rafting in underground caves, Grade 5 white water rafting, Kiwi Encounter experience, a guided tour through Te Papa National Museum, and an exploration of the thermal wonders of Rotorua (via the Hells Gate Thermal Reserve, Mud Baths and Spas).
Volunteer Project: ISV will send you the Project Overview for your assigned volunteer project along with your ISV Participant Travel Manual, approximately 30 days prior to departure.
Disclaimer:Exact dates, itineraries, accommodations and included activities will be given to participants in the ISV Participant Travel Manual approximately 30 days prior to departure. ISV reserves the right to change the ISV tour itinerary, accommodations and activities without notice. Any and all changes are within the discretion of ISV, Inc.
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