Scuba Diving Gap Year Programs in New Zealand

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Creative, colorful, and exciting. These are some of the best words from feedback for the Institute for Global Studies' marine research projects. IGS is an industry leader and has been placing students in Hawaii, Palau, Fiji, Australia, Thailand, and the mainland United States since 1995. IGS has run semester-long field studies that included turtle research in Hawaii, fish monitoring in Fiji, and Great Barrier Reef coral studies in Australia. IGS customized internships match the individual with university researchers with the goal of creating a high-quality marine learning experience. In Fiji, past students have laid transects in marine protected areas to help monitor fish populations, focusing on reef indicator species like the triggerfish. In Palau, Micronesia, students have worked with researchers from the University of Sydney on fish ecology and reef health. In Hawaii, students have worked with world-renowned scientists in the lab to study coral ecology and health. In Sydney, Australia, students have worked at a major university fish laboratory, conducting experiments primarily on fish behavior and publishing their works in academic journals.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

This program for individuals ages 17-22 has just the right balance of adventure and environmental service in New Zealand, followed by the laid-back island living in Fiji. In New Zealand, we'll mountain bike in Rotorua, raft over the world's highest commercial waterfall, stay in a sacred Maori house, and connect deeply with nature during an environmental service. We'll work alongside park rangers, search for the elusive kiwi bird, plant native trees, get hands-on with local ecology and wildlife, and camp under brilliant starry night skies. The Polynesian legacy is the development of seafaring and navigation skills and canoe technology that enabled them to voyage across the Pacific Ocean. We journey across the Pacific to Fiji, immersing in authentic village life on Vatulele Island.

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volunteers has provided safe, affordable and ethical volunteering and gap year projects. Join a program today for a life-changing experience.