Description

Explore the coast and preserve the environment
During this stunning adventure, you will help in the preservation of some spectacular coastal areas of New Zealand's Northland. Northland is renowned for its many bays, beaches, forests, and marine reserves and the stunning scenery is enhanced by captivating Maori (indigenous people of New Zealand) and European history. Your group will be based within the Mimiwhangata Coastal Park. Staying right on the beach in our cozy cottage, each day will be spent helping the local Park Rangers around the park as well as assisting with larger initiatives under the guidance of The Department of Conservation.

Mimiwhangata is one of the most beautiful stretches of New Zealand's Northland coastline. The reserved area can be divided into two distinct zones. The first, situated above sea level, contains the Mimiwhangata Coastal Farm Park, which stretches for miles. The land was once covered by coastal forest and was home to many unique plants, insects and birds including the endangered Brown Teal. Beyond the shoreline, Mimiwhangata Marine Park extends 1000 metres off shore. The sea once teemed with life, including tuatua, kina, scallops, crayfish, mussels and numerous species of fish. Over the years the coastal forest was cleared for farming, removing the habitats of rare creatures like the Brown Teal. In the past few years hundreds of people and organisations including The Department of Conservation and volunteers from all over the world have worked to trap predators, cordon off special habitats and replant coastal trees on the land. The work is slow and expensive, but progress is being made to restore Mimiwhangata's pristine shoreline and you are going to help the restoration process. We will spend the week living beside some of New Zealand's amazing beaches and assisting in the reforestation, planting, pest control and running of the Mimiwhangata Coastal Farm Park.

Come Visit the Land of the Long White Cloud!
The North Island of New Zealand is a grand place of awe-inspiring vistas, welcoming people, and surprising adventures. Its remote location and charming, genuinely gracious people create an allure that few travelers can resist. Contrasting landscapes, thrilling outdoor adventure activities, and diverse wildlife make a journey through this land an unparalleled and unforgettable experience. Be sure to bring your camera along for once-in-a-lifetime photography opportunities. Come discover New Zealand, the Land of the Long White Cloud!

Highlights

WORK alongside Kiwis on environmental service projects including reforestation initiatives and beach clean-ups.

EXPLORE the remote Northland region, home to amazing wildlife and diverse marine species

HELP protect, restore and regenerate an area of great bio-diversity.

DISCOVER the secluded beaches, grand coastline, and many adventure opportunities of New Zealand's North Island.

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Sailing
• Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

Students must be 15-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,395 USD + International airfare

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants.

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983