9-12 Weeks Volunteer 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.

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.

Come to New Zealand and get involved in a crucial environmental conservation project which aims to restore native forest habitat for the vulnerable local seabird, the Westland Petrel. This is one of the country's unique bird species with its only breeding location confined to a 5 km area in the foothills of the Paparoa Range. This project is located on the rugged and wild West Coast of New Zealand's South Island which will allow volunteers to explore some of the incredible scenery in the region. Volunteers who are in this project usually work in groups and take part in varied activities such as environmental monitoring, tree planting, weed control, seed collection, and prevention of the propagation of some plant species, among others. This project is ideal for those who love the outdoors and care so much for the environment. There are no specific skills required for this project. Volunteers should be prepared to work as a member of a team and must have a positive attitude. You are also expected to have a reasonable level of fitness in order to participate in all activities.

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

Sign up for one of our Engineering internships in New Zealand and choose from any of these sectors: energy engineering, chemical, mechanical, I.T., electronic and electrical, hydraulic, aerospace, civil and structural, and architectural. You will be placed at a company or firm in either Wellington or Auckland, helping with specific tasks for eight weeks to 16 weeks. Duties will differ according to your placement and location. For instance, you might be expected to work on drafts while focusing on civil engineering. On the other hand, you might be responsible for prototyping while working in the sector of mechanical engineering. No matter the type of placement, the key will be your assistance in all aspects of project management and completion. Completing an international internship in the field of engineering will make your résumé stand out from the sea of other résumés. You will gain global experience that future employers will value.

Contribute to conservation efforts in New Zealand. Volunteers will be working in the Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary, an ideal location for learning what it takes to protect endangered species. Situated on the slopes of Northland's Tutamoe Peak, the sanctuary has 100 hectares of regenerating native forest. Volunteers gain access to an unexplored forest, beautiful views of the ocean, and the calls of the kiwi under visibly bright stars. Behind the beautiful scenery the location offers, witness the countless hours of hard work spent filling bait stations, cutting trails, and monitoring pest populations. Pupu Rangi can accommodate up to eight volunteers at a time. Due to the remote location and the basic training required, placements have a minimum duration of two weeks.

The goal of this program's conservation projects is to preserve the natural beauty and unique habitats of New Zealand. Join this fascinating project and make an active contribution to protecting the country’s stunning biodiversity! Together with 5-10 other volunteers, you will carry out small projects in various regions. Your tasks involve planting trees in nature reserves to preserve the endangered kiwi's habitat or maintain hiking trails. Furthermore, you may help conduct field studies for projects dedicated to endangered species research. Cleaning up beaches and caring for cultural heritage sites may also be part of your responsibilities. You will work in regions off the beaten path; therefore, allowing you to experience a completely different and exciting side of New Zealand. Your accommodation depends on the particular project and its location. You may have a bed in a shared room, hostel, hut, or caravan. Sometimes, you may sleep in a tent. During working hours and on weekends, you will be provided with three daily meals prepared by you and your team.