Volunteer Programs 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.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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.

This important conservation program works in parks and sanctuaries across the Wellington region to protect precious natural places and their inhabitants. Volunteers work on various projects in different locations. From aiming to plant 100,000 native trees in inner-city parks to restoring wetlands to working in wildlife sanctuaries on predator control, all these projects play an essential role in protecting and enhancing the Wellington region’s unique natural heritage. New Zealand has many native species of birds that are in grave danger of extinction, along with giant snails, frogs, lizards, and fish. Sanctuaries play a vital role in protecting and conserving the country's unique biodiversity and animal species. They strive to recreate a landscape that pre-dates the arrival of pests by reintroducing species into protected spaces and creating a pest-free environment. Replanting and restoration of native bush areas destroyed by pests is also a crucial project. From working with the most threatened species to assisting in environmental restoration, volunteers can make a huge difference in New Zealand!

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.

Fly across the International Dateline and arrive in the Land Down Under! Our journey to Australia and New Zealand is a TFT favorite, combining adventure with cultural exploration and major travel destinations with little-known gems. In New Zealand, we will experience the country’s famed natural beauty and enjoy a boat cruise on picture-perfect Milford Sound in the mountains. During the cruise, we will watch for penguins, seals, and even dolphins! We will also take an exhilarating ride on the world’s fastest jet boat, zooming through rock canyons. To cap off our time in New Zealand, we will enjoy a traditional Maori ceremony and even have the chance to learn the dance and participate! After New Zealand, we’ll hop on a short flight for the ultimate Australian experience. Here, we will enjoy the best of Australia’s wildlife while completing service work with local organizations dedicated to protecting the country’s unique and diverse wildlife and natural habitat. Projects include working at a rehabilitation center where we will help care for injured and orphaned tree-kangaroos and reintroduce them back into the wild, and visiting an endangered ecosystem.

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.

Journey through the South Pacific on an immersive adventure that spans Fiji’s coral-rich waters, New Zealand’s alpine landscapes, and Australia’s rugged Outback and iconic reefs. Begin in a coastal Fijian village, where you experience island traditions, explore waterfalls, and snorkel alongside local dive experts. Ski New Zealand’s Southern Alps, join a welcoming Kiwi homestay, and then sail through Australia’s Whitsunday Islands as part of a working crew. Cap it off with time in Sydney and epic hikes around Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Spend a semester or academic year in Wellington with AIFS Abroad. Earn up to 16 credits studying at Victoria University, choosing between the Full Curriculum Program and the Specialized Study Abroad Program. AIFS Abroad adds a unique academic experience with the optional Pacific Studies Program in Suva, Fiji, for an introduction to the history and culture of the Pacific Region at the University of the South Pacific. Global Leadership and Service Learning opportunities include: • Wellington Plus, an extracurricular certificate program that includes volunteerism, workshops, and seminars. • The Wellington International Leadership Program, a self-paced extracurricular certificate program about global issues, competency, and employability. • International Buddy Program, a friendship and peer support program. Live in a university residence hall and receive a transportation subsidy, which you can use on Wellington's excellent public transportation system. You’ll enjoy cultural and social activities such as: • Guided city walks • Cable car ride over the city • Sporting events like rugby or cricket • Lord of the Rings Tour • A 3-day excursion to Rotorua

Sign up for one of our Engineering internships in New Zealand and choose from any of these sectors: energy engineering, chemical, mechanical, I.T., electronic and electrical, hydraulic, aerospace, civil and structural, and architectural. You will be placed at a company or firm in either Wellington or Auckland, helping with specific tasks for eight weeks to 16 weeks. Duties will differ according to your placement and location. For instance, you might be expected to work on drafts while focusing on civil engineering. On the other hand, you might be responsible for prototyping while working in the sector of mechanical engineering. No matter the type of placement, the key will be your assistance in all aspects of project management and completion. Completing an international internship in the field of engineering will make your résumé stand out from the sea of other résumés. You will gain global experience that future employers will value.

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!