Description

A month immersion in New Zealand's incredible environments and unique culture. This program combines two weeks of rewarding volunteer conservation work in national parks and two weeks of insight, exploration and adventure travel through the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Try mountain biking, rafting, canoing, climbing; immerse yourself in the spectacular landscapes and wide open spaces. There's also time to explore vibrant Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown. Throughout your time in New Zealand you'll learn an enormous amount about New Zealand's environmental and ecological history and how that unique history has shaped New Zealand's flora, fauna and people.

This educational travel summer program is suitable for high school graduates, gap year students, college students and graduates, ideally 18-25 years.

Pacific Discovery programs combine sustainable educational adventure travel, cultural immersion, experiential education, volunteer and community service projects, personal and leadership development, and tons of fun! For gap year and college students, the opportunity to combine this with transferable academic credit gives you an unbeatable study abroad or gap year travel experience.

Since 2001, Pacific Discovery has taken hundreds of students and graduates on unique travel study programs abroad, utilizing a staff of experienced and qualified program leaders and faculty.

If you have a thirst for adventure, to explore places you've dreamt of, learning through hands-on experiences and making friends for life, then join us for a life-changing journey.

Highlights

* Two weeks of rewarding volunteer conservation projects in National Parks and wildlife reserves, partnering with New Zealands Department of Conservation: Week One: Based from Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands Historic and Maritime Park. Week Two: Various work sites in the Nelson region which is home to 3 National Parks, 1 Forest Park, 1 Maritime Park and numerous reserve areas.
* Full-day adventure caving trip in Waitomos limestone caves.
* Enjoying culture and nightlife in the friendly cities of Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown.
* Full-day of rock climbing and mountain biking at Castle Rock Lodge.
* Exciting white water rafting trip on the Kaituna River
* Soaking in natural hot springs
* Wellington, New Zealands vibrant capital - Parliament visit, the National Museum
* Mountain biking in Nelson
* Traveling down the West Coast of the South Island voted as one of the top-ten road trips in the world stopping overnight at Punakaiki and Franz Josef Glacier
*Eco-canoe trip on Okaritio lagoon to spotting rare white heron
* Queenstown, the worlds adventure capital and the birthplace of Bungy.
* Series of informal lectures from local conservation experts
* Very personalized small group experience, maximum 14 participants (compare with other programs of up to 40 students).
* Fantastic New Zealand program leader/s

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Nature Tours
• Overland Tours
• Student Tours
• Volunteering
• BackPacking Abroad
• Environmental Studies
• Photography
• Snowboarding

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

No experience needed, but we like participants to have a positive attitude, be enthusiastic, open to new experiences and other cultures.

Languages

• English

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

3150

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:

- All in-country transport
- All accommodation
- Most meals
- 2 weeks of volunteer conservation projects and 2 weeks of adventure travel
- Lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism
- All excursions and activities as described in the itinerary
- Experienced New Zealand program leader/s
- Online photo album of your program
- Optional discounted group flight available from/back to Los Angeles at time of registration for approx USD 1500.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Enthusiastic, open to new experiences, ready to 'roll-up-their-sleeves' and get involved

Age Range

18-25 ideal

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 12-14

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
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-3 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Pacific Discovery's Mission Statement

Through meaningful and challenging experiential travel, we 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