New Zealand Summer Program: Conservation Volunteering, Adventure Travel, Cultural Insight

  New Zealand

• Auckland: 
Auckland
• Wellington: 
Wellington
• All Other Areas in New Zealand: 
Nelson,  Rotorua,  Queenstown,  Taupo,  South Island,  Whangarei

Term: Summer 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Offered in July every year - register now for July 2009 and July 2010

Description: Two weeks of volunteer conservation projects, followed by two weeks of interpretive, educational and adventure travel.

Get out of school, quit the summer job and head away for four weeks of adventure 'downunder'. New Zealand is the perfect escape. Its temperate climate, unique blend of vibrant culture and breathtaking environment are exhilarating. First up, you'll do two weeks of hands-on conservation work in some of the New Zealand's most interesting national parks and wildlife reserves. Then road-trip through the North Island experiencing culture, welcoming hospitality and unique adventures amidst spectacular landscapes and wide open spaces.

New Zealand has enjoyed 100 million years of isolation since it separated from the southern super continent Gondwana, sinking into and rising again from the ocean. This sinking, rising and isolation from other landmasses (Australia is 1300 miles away), protected unusual eco-systems where birds filled all the major niches usually taken by mammals. These eco-systems were radically compromised by colonization and the introduction of new animal species. First from the indigenous Maori some 800 years ago and more recently by European settlers. On this program you will get a hands-on introduction to strategies initiated to protect and care for these eco-systems and the plants and wildlife they contain.

For those students who would like to incorporate this educational opportunity with academic credit, please contact us or refer to our website for up to date credit options.

Highlights:
* Two weeks of rewarding volunteer conservation projects in National Parks and wildlife reserves, partnering with New Zealands Department of Conservation: Week One: Based from Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands Historic and Maritime Park. Week Two: Various work sites in the Nelson region which is home to 3 National Parks, 1 Forest Park, 1 Maritime Park and numerous reserve areas.
* Full-day adventure caving trip in Waitomos limestone caves.
* Enjoying culture and nightlife in the friendly cities of Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown.
* Full-day of rock climbing and mountain biking at Castle Rock Lodge.
* Exciting white water rafting trip on the Kaituna River
* Soaking in natural hot springs
* Wellington daytrip New Zealands vibrant capital Parliament tour, NZs National Museum, beaches and cafes.
* Mountain biking in Nelson
* Traveling down the West Coast of the South Island voted as one of the top-ten road trips in the world stopping overnight at Punakaiki and Franz Josef Glacier with the choice of a glacier hike or an eco-canoe trip on Okaritio lagoon.
* Queenstown the worlds adventure capital and the birthplace of Bungy.
* Series of informal lectures from local conservation experts
* Very personalized small group experience (compare with other programs of up to 40 students).
* Fantastic New Zealand program leader/s

Qualifications:
This program is suitable for anyone of average fitness with an enthusiasm for conservation and new experiences. You need to be committed to, and prepared for, some physical work whilst on the volunteer component of the program i.e. trail building or the removal of invasive plants.

Cost in US$: 3150

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Enthusiastic, open to new experiences, ready to 'roll-up-their-sleeves' and get involved

Age Range: 18-25 ideal

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to New Zealand Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of approx 12 participants

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Pacific Discovery's Mission Statement: Through meaningful and challenging experiential travel, we aim to provide and assist participants in gaining the skills, confidence and insight to realize their potential in an increasingly global society; develop empathy for other cultures; further understanding of international issues; and heighten appreciation for the earth's wilderness and diversity.

Year Founded: 2001