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- Environmental Conservation in New Zealand
What is the Environmental Conservation project in New Zealand all about?
Volunteer in New Zealand and get involved in a vital environmental conservation project. This project focuses on the Punakaiki Coastal Restoration project which aims to restore native forest habitat for the vulnerable local seabird, called the Westland Petrel.
The Westland Petrel is one of New Zealand’s unique bird species with its only breeding location confined to a 5 km area in the foothills of the Paparoa Range. The location is essential to preserve as the birds return to their colonies between April and October to breed. They can be viewed at dusk and dawn from the project site. Volunteers will take part in varied activities which may include environmental monitoring, tree planting, weed control, seed collection and prevention of the propagation of some plan species to name a few. This project will be enjoyed by all who have a love for the outdoors and who are environmentally concerned. It is located on the rugged and wild West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The region of Punakaiki is well know for its dramatic limestone country of the Paparoa National Park and the famous Pancake Rocks and blow holes. This volunteer project will allow you to explore some of the incredible scenary the region has to offer.
Why choose this Environmental Conservation project?
- Become a responsible global citizen and understand the impact of climate change and pollution.
- End the suffering of species and habitat loss as well as environmental degradation.
- Work as part of a team and discover the beauty of New Zealand South Island in a unique context.
Role of the Conservation volunteer
Volunteers will take part in this conservation project starting their journey from Chistchurch. Volunteers usually work in groups and are assigned tasks upon arrival as conservation work depends on seasonal conditions and priorities at the time of your placement. You will take part in a variety of activities which may include environmental monitoring, heritage restoration, track maintenance, tree planting, endangered species protection and habitat conservation.
What skills do I need to be an Environmental Conservation Volunteer in New Zealand?
There are no specific skills required to participate in these projects but you must have a love for the outdoors. Volunteers should be prepared to live and work as a member of a team and a positive attitude is essential. We also advise that you have a reasonable level of fitness in order to take part in all activities. Conservation activities involve active-hands on projects and potentially walking on soft, uneven ground.
REQUEST MORE INFO RESERVE YOUR PLACE
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To work on projects aiming to protect Punakaiki’s vulnerable seabird
To protect and restore habitat for vulnerable Westland Petrel colonies in Te Ara Taiko Nature Reserve
Work in a spectacularly beautiful location
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS

Where will I work in New Zealand?
The South Island is less populated than the North Island, and well-known for its beautiful coastline and adventure opportunities. During your project time, you will be located at the project site mainly located in a rural area in the top half of the Island. If travel is a priority, then add on some time for personal travel after your volunteering placement to visit the many wonderful landscapes the South Island has to offer. If you are a thrill-seeker then activities such as glacier walking on either Fox or Franz Joseph Glaciers, jet-boating in Queenstown or canyoning in Abel Tasman National Park should be appealing. For those of you looking for something a little more relaxed, then explore the Maori culture by visiting the weekend markets in Nelson, join a whale watching trip in Kaikoura or enjoy a hot pool at Hanmer Springs. Whatever your interest, New Zealand South Island will have something for you to do, so ensure to build on travel time to your volunteering adventure.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 1+ weeks (4 weeks minimum is recommended)
- Cost: £733 / $1145 for 1 week
£1026 / $1602 for 2 weeks
£3334 / $521 per each extra week - Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Various locations on the South Island, New Zealand
- Working hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am - 4 pm
- Project availability: Project starts every Friday. Project closed for 2 weeks over Christmas and New Year.
- Arrival day: Friday before 11 AM
What is included
- Accommodation: shared rooms in bunk houses with communal bathroom amenities and a shared kitchen area
- Food: 3 a day and snacks are provided. Volunteers help in the preparation of food
- Training: orientation and training
- Support: 24-hour support from on-site coordinator and project leaders
- Wildlife guidebook and map of location
- Certificate of appreciation; optional conservation volunteer certificate available (at additional cost if volunteers have completed 40+ hours)
- Conservation activity equipment
- Park entries and guided walks
- All project-related travel
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Airport pick up/drop off and travel to starting points
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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