Help conserve New Zealand’s vulnerable ecosystems and wildlife!

"I absolutely loved New Zealand. It is a beautiful country and it was a pleasure learning about kiwis and the Maori and to help in a small way in preserving their beautiful land." - Margaret Niesen, University of Wisconsin

About ISV's New Zealand Conservation Projects

New Zealand is like no other place on earth. The iconic kiwi bird is a flagship species that exemplifies the plight of New Zealand’s rare and threatened species. Land management practices have threatened their survival and caused a loss of many species and ecosystems. ISV has partnered with a range of New Zealand local organizations that are doing meaningful hands-on projects to conserve and rehabilitate the precious regions that remain. You have the chance to make a difference through volunteering on ISV’s conservation projects which are located in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions. Projects focus on habitat restoration, and some involve meaningful interaction with indigenous Maori communities.

Last year's key achievement: Planted almost 30,000 native trees

ISV's Projects

ISV has projects spread across the country. By volunteering with ISV in New Zealand you will interact with the friendly and outgoing locals and contribute to the much needed conservation efforts throughout New Zealand’s many and varied habitats. Projects include:

• Habitat Restoration: Restore breathtaking New Zealand landscapes!
  Get your hands dirty and see the results of your efforts by helping to restore the natural environment. By volunteering in ISV’s habitat restoration projects throughout New Zealand you will help rehabilitate ecosystems which form critical habitat for many of the nation’s rare and endangered species. Alongside your team you will be involved in tree planting, trail building, invasive species removal and also community environmental education.



• Restoration of Island Sanctuaries: Recreate safe havens for endangered species!
  Many of New Zealand islands have suffered the adverse affects of farming and human interaction. ISV has incredible projects where you will help transform a previously farmed island into an authentic natural environment of native forests, wetlands, beaches and open spaces. ISV is helping restore a beautiful and pest free island to its former glory so it can be a sanctuary for rare and endangered native birds, reptiles and insects.



• Government Environmental Assistance: Help the experts conserve the environment!
  On these projects you will be volunteering beside regional, national and government organizations that are responsible for looking after New Zealand’s stunning environment. Learn from experts as you spend your day assisting park rangers and council staff in their valuable work and do your part to enhance the environment. Tasks include managing reserves, constructing walkways, track and hut maintenance, ecological restoration and restoring limestone caves.



• Environmental Education: Educate and inspire others to live sustainably!
  Get involved on a local level and help teach others about conservation and sustainability. The goal of these projects is to facilitate an understanding and appreciation of the natural world and the importance of taking care of it. In addition to tasks like forest restoration, removing invasive weeds, light construction projects and nature trail building you will have the opportunity to pass on your knowledge to local school kids and work with people with disabilities.

Project Locations

Projects are spread across both main islands of New Zealand and are constantly being updated according to the changing needs of our host organizations.

Please note: These are ALL great projects with significant conservation and educational value in phenomenal locations. Please be flexible with your project preferences as project availability is specific to departure date.

More on ISV's Projects

Each project runs for two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established conservation organizations including, not-for-profits, government and non government organisations (NGOs), private industries, and local grassroots groups. Projects are based in various locations, from island sanctuaries, nature reserves and small towns. Each volunteer team will be supervised and directed by professional staff from the host organization and an ISV project leader. The volunteer team will consist of around 8 - 15 people, depending on the project.

Please Note: Certain projects only operate on specific program dates.

No prior experience or expertise in environmental areas is needed in order to participate. Accommodations vary with projects, ranging from dormitory style accommodations and volunteer houses to backpackers. Meals (3 per day) will be provided during the volunteer project.