Tight Budget? 6 Affordable Ways to Volunteer in New Zealand

Are you an adrenaline junkie, outdoor adventurer, with a love for all things “Middle Earth?” Affordable volunteer programs in New Zealand are perfect for you! From Auckland to Queenstown, you'll find some cheap (and really cool) opportunities to serve local communities.

In Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, you can tour the famous Sky Tower and, better yet, bungee jump off of it! Ever stood on an active volcano? New Zealand’s Mount Ngauruhoe has you covered.

In fact, Mount Ngauruhoe is the same volcano used to film Mount Doom scenes in The Return of the King! This beautiful country has diverse landscapes and activities—something for everybody!

Affordable Volunteer Programs in New Zealand

No baaahts about it—these programs for volunteering in New Zealand are affordable!

New Zealand is a top destination for many travelers, but volunteering in New Zealand is even better! You’ll make tons of friends in your volunteer program, and, depending on the project, get a true and deep sense of the land and the culture there.

And volunteer abroad for college students could even help further your career! There are ways to volunteer in New Zealand, but we’ve gathered a few of our favorite programs, just for you.

6 most affordable volunteer programs in New Zealand

1. Coast and Waterway Conservation with International Volunteer HQ

International Volunteer Headquarters is one of our largest providers for volunteer programs abroad! Their large size means they have tons of resources and lots of opportunities for your New Zealand volunteer abroad experience. This particular program is all about restoring traditional Maori land, specifically the marine area. This extends beyond just picking up litter on the beach (although that’s important too!). You’ll work alongside the local Maori people to nurture the gorgeous coastline area, coming away with a deeper understanding of the culture and beauty of New Zealand. This program can last anywhere from two to twelve weeks, and two meals a day plus accommodation is included in the price.

Where: Auckland, New Zealand
General Cost: ~$450 per week
More program info

2. Love Volunteer’s Environmental Volunteer Program

Down in the southern island, Punakaiki marine reserve is a great place for a New Zealand volunteer abroad program that centers around the environment! This program focuses on protecting blue penguins, also called fairy penguins because of their size. These tiny, adorable birds thrive in the coastal habitat of New Zealand, although their population has declined a significant amount in the last fifty years due to human interference. Love Volunteer’s program works to protect and restore the blue penguins’ habitat. Meals and accommodation are included, but it’s worth noting the accommodation ranges from volunteer houses, caravans, hostels, bunkhouses, and/or campsites where tents are provided. If you’re adventurous and love animals, this environmental volunteer program is for you!

Where: Punakaiki, New Zealand
General Cost: ~$420 per week
More program info

3. Long Term Volunteer in New Zealand

United Planet’s volunteer program in New Zealand is special for a couple of reasons! While they offer a handful of shorter programs, they also provide long term placement for volunteers. We’re talking six to twelve months, not weeks. This is awesome for volunteers who already know they will love volunteering in New Zealand and can donate this much time. Volunteer Abroad has a few different fields for volunteers, including children, education, and social work. Many of their programs include accommodation at various cabins and campsites, meaning no wifi and limited electricity for the majority of the time. This program is definitely a commitment, but an awesome commitment for the right person. If you’re open to roughing it for six months of adventures, this New Zealand volunteer abroad program will give you with the experience of a lifetime!

Where: Various camps around New Zealand
General Cost: ~$300 per week
More program info

4. Volunteer Abroad with an i-to-i TEFL/TESOL Course

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is a super popular way to travel the world, offering tons of opportunities to volunteer abroad for college students. I-to-i can get you TEFL certified and teaching abroad in no time! The cost of the certification varies, but the certification enables you to get paid for volunteering to teach English abroad. The average monthly salary in New Zealand for TEFL certified teachers is over ~$2,500! With a salary like that, you’ll have no problem covering housing and meals while abroad. And, if you play it right, you could even save enough for future traveling! Volunteering abroad with i-to-i offers an affordable program, with lifetime benefits of being TEFL certified. And New Zealand is the perfect location for it!

Where: Aukland, New Zealand
General Cost: Certification cost varies
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5. Off-grid Environmental Conservation Volunteer Program

This program will whisk you away to a sanctuary located in a literal cloud-forest on Tutamoe Peak in Northland, New Zealand. This forest is home to tons of wildlife, including the endangered kiwi bird and even a type of rare giant kauri snail. You’ll be working with other volunteers to protect this forest and the wildlife that calls it home. This means planting trees, protecting from invasive species of animal and plant alike. The sanctuary is off-grid, meaning no electricity or wifi. This creates a totally immersive experience— you, in a cloud-forest, with a break from technology and surrounded by giant snails! (Okay, maybe sub out the snails for kiwi birds instead ;) ) This program is only around $375 per week, making it an extra great budget option as well.

Where: Tutamoe Peak in Northland, New Zealand
General Cost: ~$375 per week
More program info

6. International Studies Abroad's Service Learning Volunteer Program

International Studies Abroad’s (ISA) service learning volunteer program in New Zealand focuses on more social volunteer work. With their program, you can volunteer at an art therapy center, help the disabled at an after-care facility, or build the community at a community engagement center. If those awesome volunteer opportunities aren’t enough to convince you, this is also an all inclusive program! Included are not only are room and board, but also health insurance for your entire time abroad. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that, if you get sick or are injured while abroad, you’ll be taken care of through ISA’s insurance. This program also includes transportation allowance, cultural excursions, and even a cellphone. It’s a bit more pricey than other options, but for good reason!

Where: Wellington, New Zealand
General Cost: ~$700 per week
More program info

Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad

You’ll have a blast as a volunteer in New Zealand!

The earth is calling. Make a difference for future generations—find volunteer work in New Zealand!

There are tons of opportunities for volunteer work in New Zealand, but volunteer work is no joke. It can be taxing, both physically and emotionally. However, with perseverance and a great attitude, the rewards can be twice as awesome! Whether you’re volunteering with conservation and the environment or with communities and kids, New Zealand has a place for you.

Just think—volunteering in New Zealand means you’ll have the opportunity to explore the gorgeous landscape, from scenic vistas to magical cloud forests. And, you’ll be fascinated with trying the food, from delicious meringue-cake pavlova to hokey pokey ice cream. Whether it’s learning the haka or bungee jumping, New Zealand is sure to be full of amazing adventures and surprises!