9 Pros & Cons of Going to New Zealand to Volunteer

From extreme skydiving to easy-going surfing, rolling hills to craggy mountains, bustling cities to small villages, and Maori feasts to sophisticated wine, New Zealand’s got it all. It’s no surprise that so many people choose to volunteer in New Zealand! There are tons of challenging, high quality volunteer programs in New Zealand. Plus, it’s a super safe place to travel abroad! Add that to the super charming locals and you’ve got an ideal destination for volunteering abroad.

It’s not all roses though. Volunteering abroad can be challenging and New Zealand volunteer programs aren’t perfect. It’s important to know all the facts before you make the decision to embark on a life adventure like this! Read on for the scoop on potential cons of New Zealand volunteer work — and all the pros that make it worth it anyway!

9 pros and cons to consider before volunteering in New Zealand

1. Pro: The views!

New Zealand is known for its incredible landscapes! We’re talking all the amazing places seen in movies like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Wolverine. The rugged mountain ranges alone will make you realize how big the world truly is. While volunteering abroad in New Zealand, you’ll also witness impressive glaciers and breathtaking fjords. 

You’ll have the opportunity to hike enormous plains, rolling hillsides, and even subtropical forests! There are also volcanic plateaus and an endless coastline with beautiful sandy beaches. These are just some of the gorgeous views New Zealand has to offer! When you’re not volunteering, you’ll have more than enough spectacular landscapes to occupy your free time. 

2. Con: The costs

Depending on what program you choose, the price of volunteering in New Zealand can be a bit high. The top-notch programs with tons of in-country support that allow you to see the entire country are definitely more expensive than the more simple programs that allow you to settle in one place more long term and contribute to the community. 

Some programs can be as much as $1000 per week, and that’s not even including airfare! Add that to the fact that paid volunteer work isn’t really a thing, and it can feel a little overwhelming. Basically, finances can suck. We get it.

• What you can do: Start a FundMyTravel campaign! Family and friends are often happy to contribute and help you achieve your dream of volunteering abroad. Even $5 from each person can add up quick! GoAbroad also has an impressive scholarship directory to help with finances...check it out!

3. Pro: Outdoor recreation galore!

Because of the incredible landscapes, there is plenty to do outdoors in New Zealand! Ziplining, bungee jumping, paragliding, you name it. On the South Island, Queenstown isn’t called the “Adrenaline Capital” for nothing! 

But, if adrenaline isn’t your thing, never fear. There are tons of low-pressure ways to see New Zealand’s great outdoors. No matter where you volunteer in New Zealand, there will plenty of hikes just around the corner. 

Horseback riding is another great low-pressure option! Whatever your adventure style, outdoor recreation will be a huge highlight for your time volunteering in New Zealand.

4. Con: There isn’t a ton of variety in the type of volunteer programs available

Have we mentioned that New Zealand has incredible landscapes and outdoor recreation? (Oh, we did?) Because it does! Because of that, many volunteer programs are based on environmental issues, working with animals, and similar subjects. This isn’t necessarily a con … unless you’re not super interested in volunteering in those fields of study.

There isn’t a ton of variety with volunteer programs in New Zealand. You might find a handful of community outreach programs, but finding something that perfectly fits with your career and personal interests might be more difficult.

• What you can do: Use GoAbroad’s Online Advisor to find a program that’s perfect for you! Programs are also more varied in bigger cities like Auckland, so definitely check there if you’re looking for a different type of volunteer program.

5. Pro: It will look great on your resume!

Any experience abroad will look good on a resume. It shows that you are able to adapt and adjust to a new environment and new people, which is super appealing to future employers. Volunteering abroad in particular shows that you have a desire to serve and help people, another appealing quality for future employers.

New Zealand volunteer work also means that you have real-life experiences beyond the classroom that you can directly transfer to future jobs. These are just a few of the reasons why volunteer abroad programs look great on your resume. When you volunteer abroad, you also further your future career!

6. Con: Bugs and sun

New Zealand is famous for its dramatic landscapes, which means you’ll likely spend a lot of time outdoors. You’ll have a great time exploring the great outdoors!...except that you might come home sunburned and with tons of bug bites. New Zealand tends to have more standing water, which attracts bugs like mosquitos. You’ll do your fair share of swatting bugs when you spend time outdoors in New Zealand.

The sun isn’t unique to New Zealand or anything, but the amount of time you’ll spend outside is. It’s easy to get sunburned when you’re busy enjoying the views and activities! This makes sunburn a definite con of volunteering abroad in New Zealand.

• What you can do: There’s no big fix for bugs and the sun. Basically, use tons of sunscreen and bug spray, every time you go outside. We’re not kidding. Your skin will thank you!

7. Pro: You’ll learn about a new culture!

The culture in New Zealand is as unique as it is varied. You’ll have opportunities to see the haka performed and marvel at traditional Maori tattoos. Western influences are mixed in as well, merging with architecture, art, and food. You can’t miss pavlova, a popular dessert in New Zealand! There are tons of different aspects of the culture here and many different ways to observe it.

Learning about a new culture is always awesome, but volunteering abroad in New Zealand means you’ll get to see it up close and personal. You’ll likely spend extended time with the locals, giving a more in-depth look at the culture and people. It’ll be super interesting and it will also help broaden your horizons so to speak. It’s a win-win.

8. Con: It’s fairly isolated

New Zealand is huge and awesome, but it’s also really, really, really far away from legitimately everything. Not only is the country itself far away from other countries, but the population is also sparse compared to the sheer size of New Zealand; it’s around the size of Great Britain, but with 1/14th of the population! it can feel like you are super far from other things inside New Zealand as well. Add that to the fact that you are away from home, family, and familiar things, and it’s easy to feel isolated.

• What you can do: Capitalize on technology to help you feel less alone! Between Skype, FaceTime, phone calls, texts, and even emails, it’s easy to stay in contact with the people you love most. Try setting weekly “dates” with friends and family to catch up and spend time together. Technology can even help you reach out to fellow travelers in New Zealand!

9. Pro: You’ll grow a ton personally!

New Zealand is great, you’ll have a great time, it’ll look great on your resume, and the entire experience will change you for the better. Volunteering abroad is no joke. It’ll throw you into new situations and force you to improvise and learn new things. You’ll grow in your career and skills, which will help you grow personally.

Being abroad on your own will force you to become self-reliant and stretch yourself beyond the confines of your comfort zone. Basically, you’ll grow a ton in every way, but especially personally. You’re already great, but you’ll come away from your volunteer experience as a better, stronger, more independent person!

Next step: Get matched with 5 volunteer programs in New Zealand—for FREE! 

When you volunteer in New Zealand, you’ll only have eyes for the good stuff!

Volunteering in New Zealand is a spectacular experience. You’ll enjoy world-class views of stunning landscapes legitimately everywhere you go. And though the costs can be a bit high, fundraising and scholarships can make up the difference with a little hard work.

The outdoor recreation is perfect for every type of traveler, from adrenaline junkies to easy-going surfers. There are tons of environment-related programs for our conservationists out there, and even a handful of community-focused volunteer abroad programs in the bigger cities. 

Plus, it will look great on your resume! Through bugs and sun, through the bit of isolation and homesickness you’ll likely feel, you’ll also get to learn about an amazing culture and grow a ton personally as well. No matter where you go or what type of volunteer work you do, you’ll have a lasting impact while living in a dream destination. Volunteering in New Zealand will be your next great adventure!

Explore ALL Volunteer Opportunities in New Zealand on GoAbroad.com