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Placements in New Zealand include nature conservation, Maori culture course and TEFL courses.

Since the success of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films, New Zealand has enjoyed a record number of visitors to its shores. And it’s easy to understand why! It is a country of rare and pristine beauty; crystal clear glacial lakes, rugged mountain ranges, deserted golden beaches and abundant native forests that are home to a surprising diversity of wildlife. This stunning country is heaven sent for lovers of the outdoors offering fantastic sailing, excellent skiing and boarding resorts, challenging climbs and a pretty good rugby team! By volunteering in New Zealand you’ll help to ensure that this beautiful country can be enjoyed for many generations to come.

Maori Culture Course and Conservation
If you've ever been intrigued by the All Black's "war dance" or fascinated by their tribal chant then you'll love this programme! This is your chance to travel to Aotearoa - "the land of the long white cloud" - and get right to the core of Maori culture. You too will learn the Maori war challenge and you'll begin to discover exactly what the haka means to these indigenous people. You'll go out on a Waka Canoe, learn flax weaving and help prepare traditional hangi as you experience life in Maori society first hand. Between activities you'll be able to explore Wellington, the arts and culture capital of New Zealand. You can choose between a selection of theatres, art galleries and museums, or if you're feeling adventurous you might want to try out one of the cities many adventure sports including climbing, gliding and sky diving. This is a great opportunity to experience Maori culture from within while exploring this beautiful country.
Project details: In New Zealand we work with a local organisation who have created this new volunteer programme allowing participation in a 2 week Maori course, followed by volunteer work in one of 10 or more Department of Conservation volunteer projects.
For your first two weeks you will be studying a course in Maori culture, giving you the opportunity to learn about the 'Tangata Whenua' - the people of the land. This course is packed full of new experiences, including lessons in jewellery making, flax weaving, Maori history, the Maori language and a chance to learn the haka - the internationally famous Maori dance. You will also take a trip on Waka canoes, visit Somes Island and help prepare hangi for an evening meal.
From there you will transfer to your volunteer project, which could be one of a number of Conservation projects in rural areas of New Zealand.
Why the project needs volunteers:
The work done by the projects is important in repairing the forests and bird life now, to avoid repercussions in years to come. Most projects are run by couples who live on the land, who need help due to the scale of the projects they are undertaking.

Nature conservation across New Zealand
The area around Auckland has become something of a playground for the outdoors-types that abound in New Zealand's second city. Volunteers are needed to work alongside an experienced conservation charity, helping to protect local habitats and ensure the long term sustainability of this stunning region. You'll be working in areas such at Hamlins Hill and the spectacular Hunua Ranges, so you'll not only be making a lasting contribution to vital conservation efforts but you'll be spending time in some of the most beautiful areas in the southern hemisphere. Starting from Auckland, volunteers may be placed on projects anywhere on the North Island, and occasionally also on the South Island.
Project details:
In New Zealand we work with a conservation charity called CVNZ. Founded as CVA in 1982 they are the biggest conservation charity in Australia and have now started operations in New Zealand. They are involved in a range of projects around the North Island of New Zealand, current examples of which include the creation of a network of walking paths for Hamlins Hill Regional Park in Mutukaroa and construction and invasive weeding projects at the Hunua Ranges Regional Park and trips to Waiheke Island where the project involves walking track maintenance near a crescent shaped beach on the south side of the island known for its mature coastal forest. The beach is home to the rare NZ Dotterell which can be observed on the beach. Some teams travel further afield to Whirinaki Forest just south of Rotorua's geothermal region - the volunteers will help to restore native birdlife habitats and enjoy discovering geothermal activity on a bush walk in the forest.
Why the project needs volunteers:
The work of the projects is important in helping to preserve, monitor and re-establish the natural environment in rural areas of New Zealand. These projects are dependent on volunteers to run.

Call 0800 011 1156
or visit http://www.i-to-i.com/destinations/new-zealand/

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