Volunteer Programs in Queenstown, New Zealand

Going to Australia and New Zealand was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Paragliding was insane definitely the most unforgettable part and getting to see kangaroos and koalas up close felt like something out of a movie. We spent time planting trees, which was actually really cool and made me feel like I was doing something good for the environment. Exploring Sydney, climbing the Harbor Bridge, and going to a rugby game gave me a real feel for the culture. Every day was packed with something new, and I still think about it all the time.

Overall the trip was a very fun and rewarding trip. A lot of the time in fiji was spent doing very fun service. We worked with young kids at a local school and helped to improve their school buildings. In australia and new zealand we did lots of sight seeing, adventure activities, and culture immersion. Overall the trip was very fun and rewarding and I would recommend it to anyone.

Taking a gap year was one of the best decisions I have made. Initially excited and, as my first time out of the country, a bit nervous, my worries quickly faded away as my group and I explored Sydney together. Still in contact with almost every member of the group, we all became very close during our time together. This was also helped by the fact that we had an amazing program leader. All of my expectations were surpassed. The conservation projects were engaging, interesting, and the people we worked with were knowledgeable and passionate. From planting trees for koalas to working with school kids to walking trap lines for invasive species, exploring Australia and New Zealand off the beaten path was spectacular. Though the projects were incredible, my favorite memories of ones in with the group were enjoying some free time together. We explored cities and countrysides, learning about the culture and histories of the places we visited. A few highlights included a canoeing trip, white water rafting, abseiling, sleeping next to a glowworm infested waterfall, and seeing all of the different wildlife (which are crazy cool). I highly recommend this trip to any and all!

At the start of the trip, I was most excited about the traveling in a new and different place. The culture and land were so amazing to learn about and see. Getting to do things like help restore animal habitats, maintenance for a youth camp, rock climb, and do a multi-day trek was fun and rewarding. The unplanned outings are also high lights, like a spur of the moment Wallaby v. All-Blacks rugby game, or going paint-balling. What I ended up enjoying the most though, and learning just as much from, was the connections I made with the people I traveled with and met along the way. Things I value, like how to work and communicate effectively with different people, letting go of an issue or how to resolve it. We lucked out with Kim Kenyon as our guide, who was instrumental in facilitating our personal and group growth. Coming out of high school, these were the learning experiences I needed to grow as a person. I highly recommend Pacific Discovery, the volunteer projects are engaging with the community, the adventures are fun and challenging, and the people and experiences are unforgettable.

I am so glad to have been able to travel to Australia and New Zealand this past summer. I was able to explore brand new countries, all while making amazing friends. Coming into this trip, I didn’t expect to be crying in the airport, not wanting to leave, but that’s where I ended up. I met amazing friends and did amazing things along the way. I can honestly say that it was the best three weeks of my life! I recommend this trip to anyone who is considering it.

There are so many amazing and breathtaking moments from my Australia and New Zealand trip, we did so much from seeing the Sydney Opera House to paragliding in Queenstown. We immersed ourselves in the culture going to Aboriginal and Maori Hakas and some of us even got to join in. There was also the fulfilling volunteer work where we got to help at a nature preserve by making trails and clearing areas full of weeds. We also got to have a little fun with the animals, getting to feed the wallabies, going on bird watching tours, and a nighttime nature walk. During our volunteer work, we camped in the Outback, some of us even slept in hammocks under the stars. At nights after a hard days work we would sit around a campfire cracking jokes, telling stories, singing songs, and playing games. We were so disconnected from technology we got to just enjoy the nature and the company of our new friends. The counsellors were also amazing, leading us on these adventures and taking care of any of the few problems we had. There were days when things didn’t go to plan, but they made it work. Overall, it was an unbelievable trip with unforgettable experiences, culture, volunteer work, and people.

I will never forget the three weeks I spent in New Zealand and Australia with Travel for Teens this summer. From the moment I stepped off the plane I fell in love with New Zealand. The beauty country is just breathtaking, and all the activities we did while in New Zealand were exhilarating. After an amazing few days in NZ we were off to Australia which was just as an amazing country. The service work we did while in Australia was incredibly fulfilling. I absolutely enjoyed every aspect of the trip, from day one to twenty-one! The counselors were the best!! They were approachable, spirited, and full of fun positive energy. The other campers on the trip were awesome, and by the end of the trip we all became like a big family! I can not wait to one day return to these stunning countries!

Traveling to Australia with Travel for Teens was an experience I will never forget. The counselors were so engaging, the friendships I made were long lasting, the excursions we went on (snorkeling, sand boarding, bridge climbing, koala holding) were mind blowing, and the service we did at a Wildlife Hospital was incredibly fulfilling. Whether you chose to go to Australia or not, I highly recommend that every high school student travel abroad before they leave for college. It is a necessary step to leaving the nest. It's a "test flight," and I've never had a better time being "tested" in my life.

I went on this trip and it was so fun! We not only enjoyed touring Australia’s and New Zealand’s best sights, but we also got to help the wildlife community at the Eagle Nest Hospital. When I was there I helped repair an animal enclosure so that wallabies could access their food. The volunteer work was not only fun but rewarding. In addition to the great community service, I enjoyed feeding wallabies and kangaroos, holding a koala, climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge, sand boarding down sand dunes, viewing beautiful waterfalls, and so much more! Lastly, the people made the trip a great experience that I will never forget. The counselors were so kind, funny, and informative and the other kids on the trip I still talk to today. I had a great time! Can’t wait for where I will go next with Travel For Teens.