Amazing adventure New Zealand!
Are you drawn to the lush landscapes of New Zealand? Here’s your chance to dive deep into the natural forests and meet some native animals. From December to April, you can take advantage of the summer months to volunteer at a nature sanctuary and travel around the north island. Get ready for the ultimate eco volunteering adventure with this month-long New Zealand trip itinerary!
Week 1: Auckland and Bay of Islands
Start your trip by arriving in Auckland - New Zealand’s biggest city and hub for international visitors. There’s plenty of hotspots for new arrivals to explore, including a happening waterfront dining district and downtown streets lined with trendy shops. Surprisingly, the city also offers a wealth of nature activities - try taking the ferry to Rangitoto where you can hike around a volcano, or head out to Piha Beach where you’ll discover a black sand beach facing the Tasman Sea.
After you’ve finished with Auckland, head north to Paihia to access the gorgeous Bay of Islands. The 144 islands that make up this scenic bay are awash with eco activities. You can take a nature cruise to gaze at impressive rock formations, meet the local marine life (try swimming with the dolphins!), or take a hike to the spectacular Rainbow Falls.
Next, it’s on to your volunteering adventure! Head south to Whangarei to start your trip.
Weeks 2-3: Volunteer at a nature sanctuary
For the volunteering section of your trip, you’ll spend 2 weeks at a nature sanctuary while studying the wildlife and participating in conservation activities for the local kiwi population. Kiwis are a rare and endangered bird native to New Zealand, and these timid creatures could use your protection from predators and habitat destruction.
This is an eco experience like no other. Try learning jungle navigation in the forests of New Zealand while seeking some of the rarest animal and plant species in the world. Your on-site accommodations will be in the heart of the wilderness (there’s even the opportunity to sleep in a tree tent!) so getting familiar with mother nature is a necessity. This volunteering adventure is a great way to discStart your trip by arriving in Auckland - New Zealand’s biggest city and hub for international visitors. There’s plenty of hotspots for new arrivals to explore, including a happening waterfront dining district and downtown streets lined with trendy shops. Surprisingly, the city also offers a wealth of nature activities - try taking the ferry to Rangitoto where you can hike around a volcano, or head out to Piha Beach where you’ll discover a black sand beach facing the Tasman Sea.
After you’ve finished with Auckland, head north to Paihia to access the gorgeous Bay of Islands. The 144 islands that make up this scenic bay are awash with eco activities. You can take a nature cruise to gaze at impressive rock formations, meet the local marine life (try swimming with the dolphins!), or take a hike to the spectacular Rainbow Falls.
Next, it’s on to your volunteering adventure! Head south to Whangarei to start your trip.over New Zealand’s offbeat landscapes, as you’ll have ventured far from the tourist hotspots.
On your days off, visit the nearby Kai Iwi Lakes which are lined with pure white sand, or climb Tokatoka Peak. The short but steep hike takes you to a lookout point atop a volcanic stone offering spectacular views of the Wairoa River.
Volunteer at a nature sanctuary in New Zealand
Week 4: Rotorua and Taupo
After your 2 week volunteering experience, there’s time to explore more of New Zealand’s north island. Head south to Rotorua, where you can get a glimpse of some steamy geothermal activity. Hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pools are a feature of this area, so visitors often choose to spend time exploring the thermal parks around the city. Adventure activities are also a must - take your pick of white water rafting down a river complete with waterfalls, ziplining through a tree canopy, or racing a Luge cart through a forest.
After Rotorua, spend a few days relaxing at Lake Taupo. Soak in a thermal spa surrounded by a peaceful garden, or cruise on the lake and enjoy a drink while the sun sets over the horizon. If you’re up for something a little more adventurous, stand on a footbridge overlooking the impressive Huka Falls which are coloured a vibrant aqua, or take a thrilling jet boat ride up to the edge of the falls!
This might be the end of your month in New Zealand, but there are plenty of ways that you can extend your stay. How about hopping over to Australia for some more eco volunteering adventures?
