New Zealand - FAQ

Tell me more about New Zealand
New Zealand is a country of unparalleled beauty: glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep clear lakes, bubbling mud, and lots of sheep. There are also abundant forest parks, deserted beaches, and a variety of unique fauna some, like the kiwi bird, vulnerable to extinction. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural - the honesty and friendliness of Kiwi people will impress you. What is truly unique about New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!
For more information I suggest you purchase the Lonely Planet's guide to New Zealand.

What is the climate like in New Zealand?
Lying between 34S and 47S, New Zealand sits squarely in the "Roaring Forties" latitude, which means the prevailing wind blows over the country from west to east; this can range from a gentle breeze in summer to a buffeting, roof-stripping gale in winter.

The North Island and South Island, because of their different geological features, have two distinct patterns of rainfall: in the South Island, the Southern Alps act as a barrier for the moisture-laden winds from the Tasman Sea, creating a wet climate to the west of the mountains and a dry climate to the east; while the North Island's rainfall is more evenly distributed without a comparable geological feature such as the Alps.

Temperatures are a few degrees cooler in the South Island, and both islands receive snow in winter. Winter falls in the months of June through August and summer from December through February. It is important to remember that New Zealand's climate is maritime, rather than continental, which means the weather can change with amazing rapidity and consequence.

What kind of volunteer work is available?

• Replanting native forests (on the mainland and also on off-shore islands)
• Stream quality monitoring as part of a regional stream health project
• Sailing within Wellington harbour, recording sightings of dolphin and whale species (November - February only)
• Educational visits to Kapiti island - a key offshore sanctuary for New Zealand wildlife (weather permitting)
• Restoring degraded dune ecosystems
• Removing pest plants from several native ecosystems (e.g. dunes, forests)
• Monitoring and control of introduced predators for the protection of native wildlife
• New Zealand Fur Seal monitoring at several sites in the lower North Island
• Working in Kiwi bird sanctuaries to help preserve this national icon
• Trail construction and park maintenance within wildlife reserves
• Trash and weed removal from harbour islands- involves kayaking to the islands (summer only)

What is the schedule of a typical day?
The program typically runs Monday – Friday with weekends free. Volunteers are collected together from the volunteer house by the team leader anywhere between 8am and 10am, depending on the project that day. It is usually around 8:30am each morning. You will then travel to the project (as there are a variety of projects the traveling time will vary each day but most projects are within an hour from the volunteer house). Each day there are breaks for lunch, and morning & afternoon tea (a New Zealand tradition!). Volunteers are back at the volunteer house between 3pm and 6pm, depending on the project, but most days you return around 5pm. Those days we are back earlier will provide you with an opportunity for local sightseeing or shopping.

Where will I be located?
The volunteer team is headquartered near to Wellington (20 min drive from CBD) and the program area is based largely in the Greater Wellington region. However, several of the projects also provide the opportunities to work in other regions of New Zealand.

Tell me more about the accommodation?
You will be staying with other volunteers in our volunteer house. The house is modern and has most amenities people will be used to (TV, internet access, washing facilities etc). The house is run like a cooperative style house where you will share duties such as cooking and cleaning with the other volunteers. Bedding and 3 meals per day will be provided.

When do I need to arrive in New Zealand?
You can start the program on the 1st or the 15th of each month. Typically, volunteers will be greeted at Wellington airport on their arrival. We are also happy to work with your specific arrival requirements if you plan to travel within New Zealand before your volunteer experience. As you will either start on the 1st or the 15th, you will need to be in Wellington a day ahead in order to actually start on that date. Therefore, your accommodation begins on either the 31st or the 14th of each month, a day before you begin, and it ends either on the 31st or the 14th.

What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Although you are travelling in a developed country and there are no legally required vaccinations we do recommend Hepatitis A and B as well as tetanus.

Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
The program will expose you to some of the most dramatic scenery in the Wellington region and beyond. The work we undertake is typically Mon-Fri leaving the weekends free to explore other parts of New Zealand. For more extensive travel we recommend you allow time at either the beginning or end of your volunteer experience.

Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The in-country fee covers accommodation, meals and transport costs while working. If you arrive early or intend to stay beyond your volunteer time in New Zealand then you will need to have additional money for this time. Other expenses not covered by your in-country fees include: your flights, entry visa (if applicable), travel insurance, departure tax, and any personal spending.

How much do things in New Zealand typically cost?
To give you an idea of the approximate costs of things in New Zealand, a coffee costs around US$3, a restaurant main US$15, a movie ticket US$10, a bus ticket to the city centre US$3, a visit to the doctor US$45, and a bungy jump US$95.

How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
There is a maximum of nine volunteers on the team at any one time.

Can I bring my family, including children, to this program with me?
Because of the nature of the accommodation, and the work that volunteers participate in on this project, it is not appropriate to bring children with you for this project. However, it is fine to volunteer as a couple.

What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We will at your skills and experience and how they are specifically related to the program you have applied to. We also look at volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program before making our decision.

Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
You will, if you require one. Most countries have a Visa Waiver Agreement which is valid for 3 months.

Do I need travel insurance?
As with any overseas travelling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc (up to US$8,000). If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/.

How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully refundable if you decide not to take part in the program). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program.