Volunteer in New Zealand

Volunteers and paradise-seekers alike favor the natural playground that is New Zealand. With everything from extreme mountains to coastal farmlands, volunteers here are in love with the landscape of this amazing island country. Because of its remote location, it was one of the last places on earth to be settled by humans. Most of New Zealand’s population is of European descent, while the indigenous Māori are the largest minority group. New Zealanders describe their culture as relaxed and casual, but with a passion for social welfare. They depend on good weather for their exports, and because most of the country lies near the coast, plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures and moderate rainfall are usually in the forecast.

As a volunteer in New Zealand, you will be hosted by ACVE, ICYE’s New Zealander partner organization. Each year ACVE welcomes 50 volunteers from around the world to share their skills and experience life in New Zealand.

Volunteers will stay active at one of the Youth/Adventure Camps in need of facilitators. Engage young athletes and enthusiasts in canoeing, hiking, swimming in more. You’re in for a busy Quest if you choose to make this your experience.

Assist with teaching, conduct art workshops, sports classes, or other recreational activities depending on your skills and experience. Volunteers may work in the classroom as assistants or facilitate after school activities and tutoring. You may travel to a local school daily or reside alongside students in boarding institutions. Share you passion for education in the best ways you know how.

Volunteers can work with the mentally-handicapped, the elderly, disabled children, or disabled adults. Duties at these projects range from laundry to kitchen work, housework and caregiving, providing companionship for the residents, and helping out wherever needed.

New Zealand’s natural beauty is very popular in the film industry. Take the opportunity to visit the locations where films like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia, and the Hobbit Trilogy were filmed. Who knows, you could even stumble upon a crew who is out there that is filming a new movie.

The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and have inhabited the island for over 1000 years. There are numerous opportunities for you to experience the Maori culture, one example is watching the Maori war dance, The Haka, be performed. The dance is used to welcome honored guests at ceremonies or to celebrate special occasions. You can also see beautiful carvings, woven baskets and mats, or cloaks made of feathers and decorative threads which are typically only worn by chiefs.

The people of New Zealand are very passionate about rugby, especially their team, the All Blacks. Go to one of the rugby games and see what all the buzz is about! If you like what you see, then make sure to go to one of the biggest rugby events in New Zealand, the Hertz Sevens Rugby Tournament. Fans go crazy at this tournament and dress up as various characters from Superman to blue Avatars. Along with the rugby games, there are also DJs and live performances that take place during this tournament, making it an unforgettable experience for any fan.

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. There are opportunities for you to explore that natural beauty of Auckland by hiking through the neighboring rainforest, or visiting the black sand beaches. You can also visit the tallest man made structure in New Zealand, the Sky Tower. Go to the top of the tower and see the city of Auckland shrink as you look down upon it.

• Extensive pre-departure preparation, including a training weekend in New Hampshire with United Planet staff or online
• Food and lodging in your host country
• Airport transfers
• Emergency medical insurance
• In-country orientation upon arrival and ongoing support and supervision throughout your Quest
• Language training
• Mid-year camp (for 1 year volunteers) and final camp
• Monthly stipend for incidental expenses

• 18 – 30 years old
• Citizen or resident of the United States or Canada

• Long-term Quests begin twice a year, in January and August.
• Volunteers are responsible for booking and covering the cost of their own flights, both to the training weekend in New Hampshire and to and from their host country.
• Long-term Quests in New Zealand include a period of open, extended travel during which time, volunteers are responsible for planning and expenses (meals, accommodations, etc.). Please contact us for more details!​
• Volunteers will obtain the necessary visas with support from our Long-Term staff to volunteer in their host country.