The Conservation Program
OPEN NOW for New Zealand residents! Borders are closed to international arrivals.
This amazing program is a long term project which aims to deliver significant environmental and community benefits in the Christchurch region. Working in diverse locations from inner-city parks and waterways to scenic hilltops overlooking the Pacific ocean and coastal reserves, volunteers will work on restoring biodiversity in the area, support species protection, help to strengthen community networks, and provide enhanced conservation land for the benefit of future generations.
Goals of this Project:
- Protect New Zealand’s beautiful parks, reserves and natural heritage
- Protect many species of wildlife from extinction
- Restore and open more parks and reserves to the public for them to appreciate and learn more about their significance
- Enable inter-cultural exchange between all parties and teach international visitors more about environmental practices and New Zealand
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goal of this program - to maintain and restore the diverse native flora and fauna ecosystem. Volunteers work to conserve, restore, rehabilitate and manage land using conservation tools and people power to improve conservation resources and to provide access for people to enjoy and appreciate nature.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on various environmental projects. The following projects are currently underway:
Central Christchurch: Following the devastating earthquakes in 2011 the city has gradually been rebuilt and an ambitious plan to restore habitat and reintroduce native flora and fauna into the city is now underway. Volunteers will be involved in planting a green corridor along the Avon river which meanders through the cleared earthquake zone; creating something special out of disaster and attracting native birds back to the area.
Banks Peninsular: Lying to the South of the city this rugged area consists of two huge extinct volcanos and a vast and dramatic coastline, home to a myriad of isolated bays offering shelter to diverse marine life. Volunteers are involved on land, planting native bush corridors as a safe habitat for endangered native bird species.
Punakaiki: Located on the opposite, Western, coastline of the South Island, a 4 hour journey from Christchurch, lies the isolated community of Punakaiki. Situated on the doorstep of the vast Paparoa National Park to the East and unparalleled coastaline to the West, this remote and rugged location is perfect for conservation work. Volunteers build on a decade worth of work in the area, improving and manitaining the natural environment and making it accessible to visitors and locals alike.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to give their time and energy to help protect the natural environment of New Zealand. This 'hands-on' project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in conservation/environmental studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by your local project leader. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Resume
Project Location
This program is based out of New Zealand's largest South Island city, Christchurch. Known for its English heritage and welcoming nature the city is a wonderful balance of old and new. Both the city itself and the surrounding region offer a stunning location in which to enjoy the best New Zealand has to offer.
Famous for its stunning landscapes, endemic flora and fauna, impressive topography and crystal clear Pacific Ocean waters, New Zealand offers a vast array of activities for locals and international visitors alike and is an environmental jewel well worth our efforts to preserve.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every FRIDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers fly into Christchurch International Airport and take a 25 min taxi ride to the volunteer house in Halswell.
The local team provide a comprehensive orientation to prepare volunteers for the Conservation Experience ahead. After orientation and over the weekend there is ample opportunity to meet the other volunteers, rest and relax and perhaps enjoy some independent local sightseeing.
Volunteers may move to a Regional Office after orientation, travelling by train or by bus (organised by the local team) or may remain in the Halswell accommodation. In either case the Team Leader will provide pick-up from the accommodation at around 8am Monday morning.
Detailed inductions take place on the project site, conducted by the Team Leader.
- Arrival Day: FRIDAY PRIOR TO 11am
- Departure Day: FRIDAY, AFTER 4PM
- Arrival Airport: Christchurch International Airport, Christchurch, New Zealand (CHC)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are primarily accommodated in a beautiful, historic stone house in the Halswell region on the outskirts of central Christchurch. Rooms are dormitory style with 2 - 4 people sharing and split by gender. Volunteers should bring their own sleeping bag, small pillow, towel and toiletries.
The house is comfortable and well equipped with western-style bathrooms, laundry facilities, unlimited wi-fi and communal areas for relaxing.
Volunteers on remote placements may be accommodated on-site in suitable lodgings.
Three meals per day are included in the program fee. Breakfasts will typically be self-serve cereals, bread or toast and condiments. Lunch is prepared by volunteers with ingredients provided and is likely to be sandwiches and fruit. Volunteers are also involved in preparing dinner which may include pasta, roasts and vegetarian dishes. Fresh, local cuisine after a hard day’s work – nothing tastes better!
Fees
That’s just USD 56 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.