Environment Volunteering in New Zealand

Come to New Zealand and get involved in a crucial environmental conservation project which aims to restore native forest habitat for the vulnerable local seabird, the Westland Petrel. This is one of the country's unique bird species with its only breeding location confined to a 5 km area in the foothills of the Paparoa Range. This project is located on the rugged and wild West Coast of New Zealand's South Island which will allow volunteers to explore some of the incredible scenery in the region. Volunteers who are in this project usually work in groups and take part in varied activities such as environmental monitoring, tree planting, weed control, seed collection, and prevention of the propagation of some plant species, among others. This project is ideal for those who love the outdoors and care so much for the environment. There are no specific skills required for this project. Volunteers should be prepared to work as a member of a team and must have a positive attitude. You are also expected to have a reasonable level of fitness in order to participate in all activities.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

Join our Rural Animal Farm Internships in New Zealand, where you will work at a rural Canterbury farm. You will get exposed to daily farm life together with chickens, dogs, and horses. You will also interact with hospitable household as well as their young farmhands. The farm is within proximity to an equestrian school and a 45-minute drive from Christchurch, providing you with plenty of things to do - from horseback riding to a lunch picnic at the Botanic Gardens in your free time. Canterbury, found on South Island, features snow-capped peaks, clear lakes, and grassy plains. The seat of the region is Christchurch, which is also the largest city. It is renowned around the world for its green spaces, such as the Botanic Gardens. Canterbury also boasts of the 27-kilometer-long Tasman Glacier and the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Are you passionate about protecting our planet? Are you looking to travel but also want to get off the beaten track? Take part in a valuable conservation project and help preserve one of the world’s most unique sets of islands for biodiversity and beauty. Combat problems such as coastal erosion, the introduction of foreign species, and the effects of drought and pollution. Volunteers will work in urban, regional, and remote locations and assist in projects, including wildlife surveys, walking trail construction, weed control, seed collection, and habitat and heritage restoration. Participants can choose from one of three gateway cities and travel to project locations focused on restoration and strengthening local community networks. Travel from Auckland or Wellington on the North Island or Christchurch on the South Island to join passionate and inspiring locals. You will volunteer with a group of up to 10 individuals under the guidance of a conservation leader. You will work from Monday to Friday, leaving the weekends to explore whichever exciting location you are based in. New Zealand is home to glorious beaches and stunning mountains!

Contribute to conservation efforts in New Zealand. Volunteers will be working in the Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary, an ideal location for learning what it takes to protect endangered species. Situated on the slopes of Northland's Tutamoe Peak, the sanctuary has 100 hectares of regenerating native forest. Volunteers gain access to an unexplored forest, beautiful views of the ocean, and the calls of the kiwi under visibly bright stars. Behind the beautiful scenery the location offers, witness the countless hours of hard work spent filling bait stations, cutting trails, and monitoring pest populations. Pupu Rangi can accommodate up to eight volunteers at a time. Due to the remote location and the basic training required, placements have a minimum duration of two weeks.

The goal of this program's conservation projects is to preserve the natural beauty and unique habitats of New Zealand. Join this fascinating project and make an active contribution to protecting the country’s stunning biodiversity! Together with 5-10 other volunteers, you will carry out small projects in various regions. Your tasks involve planting trees in nature reserves to preserve the endangered kiwi's habitat or maintain hiking trails. Furthermore, you may help conduct field studies for projects dedicated to endangered species research. Cleaning up beaches and caring for cultural heritage sites may also be part of your responsibilities. You will work in regions off the beaten path; therefore, allowing you to experience a completely different and exciting side of New Zealand. Your accommodation depends on the particular project and its location. You may have a bed in a shared room, hostel, hut, or caravan. Sometimes, you may sleep in a tent. During working hours and on weekends, you will be provided with three daily meals prepared by you and your team.

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together. UK residents can apply now to join us on our six or 12-month placements starting in either January or August, and work with locally run NGOs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe on impactful projects that matter, such as: - Human rights projects - Women’s empowerment projects - Supporting people with compromised health and/or disabilities - Environmental and wildlife conservation - Sustainable agriculture projects - Providing education, care, and support for children from under-resourced communities - Sports, art, or cultural projects - Community development programmes - And many more Additionally, short-term placements of 3 to 5 months with flexible start dates are available in some of our partner countries. Whether you join us on our long-term or short-term programme, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, learn, grow, and make an impact! Get in touch to find out more!

The New Zealand Internships Volunteer program is especially created for those candidates who would love to visit and explore beautiful New Zealand while at the same time making a positive and lasting contribution to the country and its people. Volunteer options are broad in New Zealand. Placements range from volunteering within any of the large international and domestic charitable organisations that require to working on environmental restoration and protection projects. Complete a 5 minute application on our website to apply now!