Volunteer Programs in Queenstown, New Zealand

People who know Queenstown know two things: it’s indescribably beautiful, and there are countless opportunities to get your adrenaline rushing. Volunteering in Queenstown offers the chance to lend your time to protecting the environment, or serving the community, while dodging (or maybe joining) the daredevils who have come to fling themselves off cliffs or out of airplanes.

Popular causes and program types in Queenstown. For green thumbs and aspiring botanists, you will have truly found your Mecca. Consider programs in conservation, environment, trail building, tree planting, eco-tourism … the list goes on. By the way, no need to worry about the creepy crawlies while working for these causes — New Zealand is no Australia. There is only one endemic venomous spider in the country, and the rest are harmless. Can we get a slow clap for Aotearoa?

Queenstown also has volunteer opportunities for those less inclined to clean dirt from under their fingernails each night. If you’d prefer to volunteer more closely with civilization, consider programs in areas such as community development and youth development. There is also the unique choice of anthropology, perfect for those particularly interested in supporting the indigenous Maori people.

Short term volunteer programs. If you plan on entering New Zealand on a tourist visa, look at programs that are 9-12 weeks in duration. While volunteering in Queenstown, you may struggle to find a placement that has a span shorter than three months, but they do exist, and will surely include more affordable program fees. Plus, a shorter duration placement will leave you more time to explore the country, or give you the chance to volunteer in another city!

Long term volunteer projects. For any volunteer in Queenstown looking to spend up to six months in Queenstown, program fees may be daunting, but the rewards will surely be priceless. When volunteering for six months to a year, you will start to see the difference your time and effort makes. You will make a deeper impact, develop more lasting friendships, and you might even start to feel like a true Kiwi yourself!