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Description

Escape winter for an amazing summer down under on our experiential semester program combining challenging multi-day adventures, hands-on volunteer conservation work and insightful overland adventure travel through New Zealand and Australia. This travel-study abroad semester or gap year program is suitable for students, graduates and non-students, ideally 18-25 years.
"Traveling with Pacific Discovery has been one of the most personally rewarding things I have ever done. The program's small group sizes and focus on responsible travel allows you to interact with a country's local culture, customs, and environment on a much deeper level. I had the time of my life on the trip!" - M Lowrey

Highlights

* Three week-long rewarding volunteer conservation projects in National Parks and wildlife reserves, partnering with New Zealand's Department of Conservation.

- Week One: Based from Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands Historic and Maritime Park.
- Week Two: Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park. Working on an island in beautiful glacier carved fjords.
- Week Three: Nelson Lakes National Park. Working amidst mountains, lakes and forest.

* Four multi-day adventure expeditions:
- Expedition 1: Waitomo. 5-day self-sufficient journey involving caving, rappelling, tramping (backpacking), canyoning and canoeing, from Waitomo to the Tasman Sea.
- Expedition 2: Whanganui National Park. 5-day self-sufficient canoeing journey down the Whanganui River
- Expedition 3: Fraser Island National Park 3-day self-sufficient tramping trip.
- Expedition 4: Surfari's surf camp. Learn to surf on Australia's west coast.

* Enjoying culture in the friendly cities of Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Queenstown, Christchurch and Sydney.
* Enjoying Wellington's annual Waitangi Day 'One Love' roots music festival.
* Soaking in natural hot springs
* Wellington daytrip New Zealand's vibrant capital Parliament tour, NZ's National Museum, beaches and cafes.
* Mountain biking in Nelson.
* Traveling down the West Coast of the South Island one of the top-ten road trips in the world stopping overnight at Punakaiki and Okarito/Franz Josef Glacier with an eco-canoe trip on Okarito lagoon.
* Queenstown the worlds adventure capital and the birthplace of Bungy.
* Overnight trip to Milford Sound including sea-kayaking on the Fjord.
* Swimming in the most amazing freshwater lakes on Fraser Island.
* Enjoying some serious beach time in Byron Bay.
* 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.

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Eco Tours
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Overland Tours
• Student Tours
• Surfing
• Trekking
• Volunteering

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

The three projects will be run in conjunction with the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand's pre-eminent conservation and resource management organization. Project work may include species preservation and monitoring, controlling introduced pests, managing visitor impacts, trail building etc. You do not need any experience to undertake this work - just an interest in conservation and some enthusiasm!

Languages

• English

Subject Areas

• Conservation And Preservation
• Environmental Studies
• Interdisciplinary
• Travel / Tourism

Cost in US$:

5,550

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

Cost Include Description:

* Visas
* All in-country transport
* All accommodation
* Most Meals
* 3 different week-long volunteer conservation projects
* Lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism
* All excursions and activities as described in the itinerary
* Experienced New Zealand and Australian program leader/s
* Online image library for your program

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Conservation
• Eco-tourism
• Environment
• Reforestation
• Tree Planting

Typical Volunteer

An interest in conservation, enthusiastic, adventurous and open to new experiences.

Age Range

18-25 ideal

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 8-12

Scholarships are Available

Pacific Discovery does not provide scholarships, but we are happy to support you with any information required if you would like to pursue your own indepdent scholarship application.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-3 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

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