Description

Eco-Trail Construction
Volunteer in stunning locations throughout New Zealand as you construct much needed trails and walkways through fragile ecosystems.

International Student Volunteers (a non-profit organization) offers you the chance to volunteer in a conservation program dedicated to the success of the ongoing improvement to New Zealand's damaged ecosystems. After learning lifelong sustainability lessons, and changing your outlook on the world, then take part in an action packed two week tour! On ISV's New Zealand adventure tour you'll experience zorbing, glacier climbing, bathe in a thermal hot spring, black water rafting, and you'll also have the chance to sky-dive, bungy jump or explore Lord of the Rings' Middle Earth in the adventure capital of the world!

About ISV's Scientific Research Projects:
Experience the brilliance of New Zealand's landscapes as you volunteer with grass roots organizations, universities and even government departments in order to collect preserve the unique and picturesque New Zealand landscapes. By volunteering with ISV you will also help rehabilitate ecosystems which form critical habitat for many of the nation's rare and endangered species. You will also be actively involved in constructing trails and walking paths so other s may enjoy these environments while minimizing damage. This is grass roots conservation giving your practical hands on experience in outdoor land management. Other tasks may include tree planting, trail building, invasive species removal and also community environmental education.

Other Volunteer Projects in New Zealand:
environment education, island sanctuary preservation, government environmental awareness, trail building, community awareness, revegetation

Adventure Tour
You will travel throughout New Zealand's North and South Islands, exploring the Southern Alps, glaciers, primary forests, wild rivers, limestone caves, geothermal areas, national parks, and the nation's capital city, Wellington. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

* Black water rafting in glow worm caves
* Exploring the thermal wonders of Rotorua
* Visiting the cultural attractions of Wellington (New Zealand's capital)
* Hiking on the Franz Josef Glacier
* White water rafting rapids on the Kaituna River
* Zorbing
* Experiencing the true Kiwi (New Zealand) night life in Wellington and Queenstown (the adrenaline capital of the world)

Highlights

Key Achievement from last year
10km of track either cleared, built or repaired.

Optional Excursion:
After your stay in New Zealand, you'll have the opportunity to spend five days on the beautiful tropical islands of Fiji! You will have the chance to relax and unwind after your amazing adventure as you snorkel, scuba and sail around this island paradise. Details about this trip will be sent to you by ISV once you are confirmed on the ISV New Zealand Program.

Why Travel with ISV?
* Combine meaningful volunteer projects with exciting adventure travel
* ISV has support offices in every program country we operate in
* Trained staff to guide your project and tour
* Group travel you will make friends from across the globe and not be alone
* Educational learn a lot and possibly receive academic credit (if applicable)
* ISV is not a sending agent we run our own programs with our own trained staff to ensure you have the most amazing experience possible.

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Birdwatching
• Canoeing
• Climbing
• Cross/Back Country Skiing
• Cycling (Mountain)
• Downhill Skiing
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Kayaking (River)
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Mountaineering
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Racing
• Rafting
• Rugby
• Skydiving
• Snorkeling
• Snowboarding
• Volunteering
• Water Skiing

Qualifications

No qualifications are necessary; ISV will give you all the training you need. To maximize your experience it is preferable you can speak English fluently. You do not need to speak the language of your host country, as you will have bi-lingual project and tour leaders to guide your experience. Minimum age is 18 years old by the time of departure. This program is open to everyone, not just students.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Program prices vary. Please see wesbite for details.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Your program price includes quite a lot:
* All accommodation
* All meals in first two weeks (volunteer project) - delicious local cuisine!
* Approximately half of your meals in the second two weeks (adventure tour)
* All ground transportation in the host country (including all in-country airport transfers)
* ISV Adventure Tour activities (minimum five incredible activities per tour)
* An ISV Project Leader to accompany you on the volunteer project
* An ISV Tour Leader to guide you on the Adventure Tour and make sure you have an amazing time
* All in-country orientations upon arrival in the host country
* All administration and promotion costs
* All pre-departure training, manuals and preparation of participants
* In country offices set up to coordinate projects and programs for participants
* Training of all host organizations
* All materials for projects (for example, bricks, mortar, wood, tools)
* Twenty-four hour support for you during the program through our dedicated office and program staff

The program cost also goes towards the equipment or building materials needed for your projects, your in-country support, your adventure activities, your amazing trained project and tour leaders, AND towards the ongoing sustainability and training of each project. We give you and our projects the support and structure many other volunteer organizations cannot, as we have an office in each country to look after your entire experience and develop lasting relationships with the communities in which we operate.

Cost does not include: passport costs, insurance, international flights, in-country domestic flights (if required), vaccinations, spending money, extra activities on tour (available through Optional Activity Package).

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Despite our name, any person may volunteer with ISV as long as they are over 18 years old. The majority of our participants are 18 to 30 years old, but we welcome anyone who wishes to join us and make a difference. You do not need any special skills to volunteer with ISV. We just ask that you are willing to give back to your host country; you are willing to learn as much as you can about the people, environment and issues facing your host country, and are ready to make the best friends along your adventure of a lifetime.

Age Range

18 +

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 Week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

International Student Volunteers's Mission Statement

To create an environment that combines conservation, community development, education and recreation into the ultimate adventure travel program for anyone who desires to make a difference by volunteering in local communities abroad.

Year Founded

1981