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Esparza is a medium-sized agricultural town nestled amongst the mountains above Rio Barranca, in the Central Pacific Coast area of Costa Rica. The area was first settled by the Chorotega and Huetar peoples. The Chorotega people fled from Mexico 1,500 years ago and brought their traditions with them. This is a possible reason why there are Mexican words which jump several countries and turn up again in Costa Rica.

The Spanish town was founded in 1577, making it the second oldest in the country. It has a rich history which includes legends of hidden pirate gold. Esparza is the second largest canton in the province of Puntarenas, covering an area of 216.80 km², and with a population of approximately 35,000.

The pace of life is relaxed. It is not unusual to see horses being ridden in the street. The town itself is off the tourist trail. However, the nearest beach for surf and relaxation is only 20 mins (14kms) away. Within a distance of 25 kilometers, you can also find canopy tours as well as the world-famous attractions of Puntarenas, including a marine park and a newly renovated marina. Likewise, the nearest national park, Carara, is only an hour's drive away.
Accommodation & Food
Your new home will be one of two newly built Eco houses in our centre in Esparza: Jaguar House and Toucan House.

The two houses sleep up to 22 people. Most rooms have bunk beds and are shared on a single gender. One room in each house has a bunk bed with a double bed below, single above, suitable for couples or small families, if needed. (Private rooms can be obtained at additional cost; this must be arranged before arriving for your program).

All doors are lockable, but as rooms are shared, and we carry out regular cleaning, we recommend that you don't lock your rooms.

There is also a large dining hall/games room/communal area shared by both houses, with free WiFi, and table tennis, and a large garden of tropical plants, including coconut palm, papaya, banana, and citrus.

Food Arrangements
Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. The meals will mainly be a mix of traditional and modern Costa Rican food, so you may experience the Costa Rican take on foods you will be familiar with. Most meals will include either fish, chicken, pork or beef, but vegetarians can be catered for.

Facilities
There are shops within 300 metres of the centre, and bars, restaurants, and an excellent public pool within 15 minutes walk. There is an ATM within 1km and more ATMs in town, about 2kms. Buses into town and further afield leave from within 300ms of the centre.

Esparza and the surrounding area has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants within easy reach.

Sights & Surroundings
Esparza and Puntarenas have plenty to offer for weekend activities, including horse riding, watersports (surf is huge), game fishing, canopy tours, hotels to suit all budgets, and some of the best scenery in the world. Puntarenas is also ideally suited to take a scenic ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula and its many secluded beaches.

Esparza is on the Panamerican Highway, so access to the rest of Costa Rica and the rest of the American continent is at your doorstep.

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Marine Park and Animal Rescue Volunteer in Costa Rica - TRU Experience Travel

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Esparza is a medium-sized agricultural town nestled amongst the mountains above Rio Barranca, in the Central Pacific Coast area of Costa Rica. The area was first settled by the Chorotega and Huetar peoples. The Chorotega people fled from Mexico 1,500 years ago and brought their traditions with them.

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Project Overview

In this particular gap year volunteer in Chile programme, you will work alongside local farmers and help them with their daily work. Your tasks might include planting and watering the crops, cleaning the farm or picking fruits and vegetables - it all depends on what's needed at the time.

Many farms have a wide variety of crops and, because of this, several projects on the go at the one time. In Coihueco, for example, they grow fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, plums and apples, as well as tomatoes, lettuce and cabbage. They also grow potatoes, corn and flowers.

Most villagers in Chile have devoted their lives to farming. It's a practice which has been passed down from generation to generation and villagers tend to eat what they have grown.

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Farming Experience Coihueco - TRU Experience Travel

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In this particular gap year volunteer in Chile programme, you will work alongside local farmers and help them with their daily work. Your tasks might include planting and watering the crops, cleaning the farm or picking fruits and vegetables - it all depends on what's needed at the time.

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https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year/nepal/where-there-dragons/14576

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GoEco - Volunteer in Indonesia - Orangutan and Wildlife Rescue Center | GoEco

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In this program you will work in a center for rehabilitating wild animals including orangutans, crocodiles and more. Work includes conservation tasks and teaching English to the village children.

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Location - Map

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Description

Which sports can I coach?

Accommodation

Food

All Food is included.

Want to go travelling afterwards?

Project story

"Volunteer coaching in Africa is a fantastic way to play the sports you love and encourage disadvantaged children to to do the same. The smiles on the kids' faces as they were learning from the volunteers were amazing to see. You can learn more about my visit to the project on my sports coaching blog," says Anne, Destination Manager

More Information

2019

START DATE DURATION END DATE

If your passion is to teach sport abroad, you will be welcomed into the project and community with open arms. It's very rewarding to give the kids this opportunity when so much is stacked against them. You will meet some fantastic children, teachers and volunteers alike, on a volunteer project that will really open your eyes to life in this stunning country.

Sports aside, this is a fantastic place to do volunteer work abroad - Port Elizabeth is vibrant and fun, the beautiful Garden Route is on your doorstep, and you can take part in safaris, surfing and bungee jumps to your hearts content.

Read here for the top 5 reasons to coach sports on your travels.

Between Monday and Friday you will coach in 3 schools per day, spending 90 minutes at each school

You can either team up with another volunteer or take a group on your own.

You'll be well-supported by the full-time staff who will accompany the group to each session and provide guidance if you want it.

You can see an example sports coaching day by following the link.

Rugby fans all over the world recognise the South African rugby team as a force to be reckoned with. The passion for this sport in South Africa is shared across the country as a whole, although not all children have the chance to formally learn how to play. Unfortunately this is a reality for many kids in the townships, and a trend that our gap year rugby coaching programme aims to reverse.

Much of the raw talent for South African rugby comes from the townships, although few players ever get the opportunity to make it onto the international stage. As rugby is not usually taught formally in township schools, many children never have the chance to fully develop their talents. This is where you, as a rugby coaching volunteer, step in.

Volunteers travel around several of Port Elizabeth's township schools each day, getting the kids out of the classrooms and onto the field. Here you will be coaching them their favourite sport: rugby. From fitness drills to passing techniques to games, you will take the lead in giving these kids a formal environment in which to learn this beloved game. There is ample opportunity for you to play too - the kids love for you to get involved - and we also have great links with local rugby clubs if you would like to play socially in your free time too.

Oyster welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds with a love for playing or coaching rugby. You can be of any level, as long as you are enthusiastic- from social rugby players, those representing their school, club or university, and even those who have experience of coaching rugby- you will each bring something to this project. The kids that you are working with may develop to go on to some of the schools of excellency that the project works with, so this programme can give them such a boost.

Cricket could easily be described as the national sport in South Africa. Thousands of people play it around the country, from the top at national and international cricket level, right down to kids in the townships. This is certainly a sport which crosses all boundaries.

Passing through townships in South Africa, it is not rare to see kids playing an improvised version of cricket in the streets outside their houses. Very few of these kids get the opportunity to play cricket in a structured and competitive environment, and even fewer will get the chance to really improve their game. This is where you, as a volunteer cricket coach, will come into your element and help the kids to progress.

As a volunteer cricket coach, you travel around several township schools each day with other volunteers, bringing your favourite sports to these townships. Along with the other cricket coaches, you will be working with township kids to help them to improve their game- helping with catching, drills, how to place the ball, bowling and batting. There is ample opportunity for you to play too - the kids love for you to get involved and there is even the opportunity to play in your free time too should you wish.

Oyster welcome coaches of all abilities- whether you play for a club or school, or just enjoy having a game with your friends in the park or at the beach, all levels of volunteers are needed to bring the sport and enthusiasm to the townships.

Netball is a fast growing sport in South Africa, with many girls taking to the court to learn and develop their ball skills. However, whilst it is becoming more popular on the whole, in some of the township areas access to courts and coaches can be hard to come by. Whilst our volunteers cannot improve the quality of the courts available, they can bring a passion for the game and experience to the young girls who are keen to learn.

As a netball coach in South Africa, you will be out and about in the schools each day, getting the girls enthusiastic about the game and teaching them some great skills. From ball skills to drills, from passing to shooting, and finally on to the games, it is amazing what progress the girls can make over the course of the programme under your tuition. The girls love it- they are very keen to learn, and this is often the only opportunity for them to play the game with guidance. Netball coaching not only opens the girls up to this great game, it also teaches them vital life skills such as team work, co-operation, motivation and fitness. And one of the best bits: the smiles at the end of a session.

Life in the townships in South Africa can be hard. Many of the kids' parents are unable to feed their families daily, and so part of the programme helps to feed some of the kids in the schools. The opportunities that the netball coaching programme offers to help some kids in need are amazing.

We are looking for passionate sports players- from school or university team players, to those who play weekly with a team, or just enjoy the odd game with friends. Whether you are doing this as part of your gap year, career break or some time out, passion is a must, and a love for children! You will enthusiasm and a love for the game to inspire and teach girls how to get all that they can from this sport.

If you are passionate swimmer or swim coach and want to encourage kids to learn to swim, this swimming programme is a great way to make a real difference. Whether you are on a gap year, career break or just taking some time out, teaching some township children how to swim could be one of the most important things that you ever do.

Whilst South Africa boasts medal winning Olympic swimmers, over 70% of the population has little or no swimming ability. Each year over 1000 people drown because they cannot swim. Tragically, it is mainly the people from poorer backgrounds who never have the chance to learn - 95% of people who drown each year are from less privileged upbringings.

In 1999 the government started to heavily subsidise swimming, and the SSA (Swimming South Africa) set up a national Learn to Swim Campaign. This involved the creation of subsidised swimming pools and increased lessons to schools in townships. Working alongside trained coaches, you will help out in some of these swimming pools in South Africa, and teaching the next generation of kids to learn to swim.

Not only do the kids love it, it also saves lives.

You do not have to be trained swimming coach to make a difference on these projects. You just need to be able to swim well, and have a passion and enthusiasm for passing this on. You will receive full guidance and training from the team on the ground. A love for kids and fun is a must, as many of these children will initially be afraid of the water. It is your job to get them in there and learning the basic strokes.

We are an approved activity provider for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. You are able to put the time that you spend volunteering abroad on this project towards achieving your Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. We are happy to sign off your completion of this programme to show that you have achieved the Residential section of the Gold Award.

Port Elizabeth gets moderately hot summers, and mild winters. It is one of the richest rainfall areas in South Africa. Most of the rains occur in the winter months, brought on by the humid sea winds from the Indian ocean. The area is perennially green, making it a beautiful region to visit.

Spring: late August to October.

Summer: November to March, with December to February seeing mid-summer daily temperatures of about 24-30ºC.

Autumn: April and May, with average daytime temperatures in the low 20s.

Winter: June - August, where the days can still be warm (up to 20ºC), but expect chilly nights.

Please note that the weather may dictate what you do on the project. For example, if it is raining heavily the lessons may get cancelled, as the children do not have separate sports kit from their school uniform. The swimming lessons may not run in autumn, winter or spring due to the cooler weather making the outdoor pools too cold to spend much time in.

The town centre is about 10 minutes' drive away

There is a mini supermarket within easy walking distance and restaurants and shops about 5- 10 minutes walk away

Transport in Port Elizabeth is very good, with excellent links throughout the city

Port Elizabeth is a hot-spot for travellers worldwide and with its abundance and variety of exciting activities there is no wonder why. You will be able to experience all the delights of the local area, including the game reserves, its renowned scuba schools and friendly nightlife, as well as its 40 km of the golden beaches.

Included in the project price is a whole assortment of sports and adventurous activities for you to try out - if you can muster up the courage! Fully inclusive free activities and outings in a 12 week stay can be seen below. Several of these will be available in the 5 week stay or shorter durations:

Visit to Kragga Kama Game reserve - Port Elizabeth

Authentic evening meal under the stars at the Bushcamp Boma - Port Elizabeth

Traditional dances and drumming performance and workshop

Traditional play performed by local artists

Visit of the Red Location Museum in the historical New Brighton township

Braais, games, storytelling at the accommodation.

Many volunteers also choose to get involved in the local sports teams, playing football, cricket and rugby in their spare time. Volunteers often enjoy eating out or going for a few drinks at the weekend too.

In addition to the extra activities included, there are plenty of other things that can be arranged in your free time such as mountain biking, camping, shark cage diving, bungee jumping, 4×4 safaris, golf, fishing, scuba diving, parachuting, horse riding, dune boarding, microlight and helicopter flights, tennis, kayaking, badminton, waterskiing, coastal hiking and more!

You will generally work on the project from 9am-4pm in line with the school day so you will have evenings and weekends free. There are often socials laid on so there is lots to do in your down time.

You can read more from returned volunteer Saskia about her first weekend on the project.

Supervision will be fairly intensive during the first few days, when you will receive a thorough induction and work-related training. Once you are comfortable with things, you might not always have a supervisor working alongside you, but there will always be staff and other volunteers around to help, and you will always be accompanied for any high risk activities.

Staff at Oyster's head office and in-country will be responsible for your safety and welfare while you are at the project. This will start from the moment you are picked up from the airport until the time you are dropped back there. Before and after these times, you will be outside Oyster's responsibility and should make sure that you act safely and avoid risk. This is also true if you choose to leave the project during your time off. We will give you plenty of guidance and advice about this.

Other adventures like this

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Sports Coaching in South Africa, Teaching Jobs in South Africa, Oyster Worldwide

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Location - Map Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa Description Which sports can I coach? Accommodation Food All Food is included. Want to go travelling afterwards? Project story "Volunteer coaching in Africa is a fantastic way to play the sports you love and encourage disadvantaged children to to do the same.

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Bespoke gap year programs run by dedicated, veteran leaders. From volunteering to conversation, trekking to skilled internships; start your adventure here.

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Get a glimpse of life on the beautiful island of Zanzibar and make a tangible difference in the community. You will help teach English and get creative with arts and fun activities for school children.
Program Highlights:

Gain practical experience in teaching English.

Provide educational enrichment and reduce the chances of children dropping out of school.

Make learning more fun by organizing educational games.

Immerse yourself in the myriad of cultures that make up Zanzibar.

During the weekends' you can join a safari tour or enjoy amazing beaches nearby.

Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum two-week commitment):
Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ). You will be picked up at the airport and taken to your new home in Sone Town. Take the time to get settled and meet other volunteers.

Day 1, Monday: You will join our orientation day to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and local culture.

Days 1-4, Tuesday-Friday: Begin your meaningful volunteer work on our teaching enrichment programs.

Days 5-6, Saturday-Sunday: Your weekends are free to explore Zanzibar and Tanzania.

Remaining Weeks: The remaining weeks will follow a similar schedule of volunteering Monday-Friday and having Saturday-Sunday off. Departures are on a Saturday.

Location of the Project: Stone Town, Zanzibar

Project length: Min 2 weeks - Max 8 weeks

Arrival Airport: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

Volunteer Work: Teaching

Age: 18-70

Number of Volunteers: Up to 20 international volunteers

Important Note:
What's Included
Accommodations: Shared accommodation at the project base

Food: Three meals on weekdays and two on weekends

Airport Transfers: Included on arrival day

Orientation: Orientation day is on Monday to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and local culture

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.
What's not Included
Flights, visas (approx. $50 USD), travel health insurance, personal expenses

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Get a glimpse of life on the beautiful island of Zanzibar and make a tangible difference in the community. You will help teach English and get creative with arts and fun activities for school children. Program Highlights: Gain practical experience in teaching English. Provide educational enrichment and reduce the chances of children dropping out of school.

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Fiji

Capital: Suva
Language: Fijian
Currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD)
Time zone: ICT (UTC +7)

Country Information
Fiji is an archipelago of 333 sun-kissed, picture perfect islands tucked away in the South Pacific, close to Australia and New Zealand.

It’s famed for its rugged landscape of blue lagoons and palm-lined beaches, and eco-activities from mountain climbing and surfing to soft-coral diving and zip-lining. Its major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, contain the lion’s share of the population, meaning much of the country is uncrowded.

The 20th century brought about important economic changes in Fiji as well as the maturation of its political system. Fiji developed a major sugar industry and established productive copra milling, tourism and secondary industries.

As the country now diversifies into small-scale industries, the economy is strengthened and revenues provide for expanded public works, infrastructure, health, medical services and education.

The country’s central position in the region has been strengthened by recent developments in sea and air communications and transport. Today, Fiji plays a major role in regional affairs and is recognised as the focal point of the South Pacific.

Fiji is now home to many other races — Indians, Part Europeans, Chinese and other Pacific islanders living in harmony, and keeping their own cultures and identity. Fijians, slightly over 50 per cent of the total population, are essentially members of communities. They live in villages and do things on a communal basis.

Climate
The climate in Fiji is tropical marine and warm year round with minimal extremes. The warm season is from November to April and the cooler season lasts from May to October. Temperature in the cool season still averages 22 °C (72 °F).

Rainfall is variable, with the warm season experiencing heavier rainfall, especially inland. Winds are moderate, though cyclones occur about once a year (10–12 times per decade).

Culture
Fiji was first settled about three and a half thousand years ago. The original inhabitants are now called “Lapita people” after a distinctive type of fine pottery they produced, remnants of which have been found in practically all the islands of the Pacific, east of New Guinea, though not in eastern Polynesia. Linguistic evidence suggests that they came from northern or central Vanuatu, or possibly the eastern Solomons.

Before long they had moved further on, colonising Rotuma to the north, and Tonga and Samoa to the east. From here, vast distances were crossed to complete the settlement of the Pacific to Hawaii in the north, Rapanui (Easter Island) in the east and Aotearoa (New Zealand) in the south.

Unlike the islands of Polynesia which showed a continuous steadily evolving culture from initial occupation, Fiji appears to have undergone at least two periods of rapid culture change in prehistoric times.

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Construction & Renovation Volunteer Fiji - TRU Experience Travel

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Be a Construction & Renovation Volunteer on the Coral Coast, Fiji, rebuilding community spaces destroyed by the cyclone disaster.

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TO ECUADOR

Week 1. Environmental Volunteering & Cultural Immersion

On arrival in Quito, you will be met by your program instructors. Quito is a sprawling city nestled high in the Andes and flanked by volcanic peaks. Its location and sights are spectacular! We have a few days of orientation in Quito to explore the historic center and get to know each other. Our time will focus on creating a positive and reflective group culture to support us in realizing our program goals.

We then head to Tena, the gateway city to the lush Amazonian rainforest, and kick off this program with an environmental project. We love to work with small communities to help them educate local children and adults the techniques for restoring and protecting the local environment. We also want to encourage them to grow and flourish economically. Our volunteer work in Ecuador could range from supporting tourism efforts through the building of cabanas to teaching locals how to streamline their efforts to encourage sustainable tourism. It will depend on the community's needs at the time.

But these days are as much about delving into the culture as they are about conservation and sustainable living. By working alongside the local villagers in a small community, we will better understand their way of living and get a truly immersive and authentic experience.

TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Week 2. Wildlife, Biodiversity and an Adventure in The Galapagos

After a quick stop in Quito, we take a flight to San Cristobal Island - the first island Darwin visited in the Galapagos Archipelago. This week, we will visit sites of ecological significance and incredible biodiversity on the Galapagos Islands. We will snorkel, hike, and watch the many varied wildlife in a fascinating few days that we will remember forever!

A highlight of any visit to the Galapagos is the incredible snorkeling opportunities available. One of the best spots for snorkeling, Kicker Rock or Leon Dormido is an unique rock formation near San Cristobal Island. While we snorkel around Kicker Rock, we can spot sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, Galapagos sharks, tropical fish and if luck is on our side we can even see hammerhead sharks. Besides enjoying the underwater view, we can usually see frigatebirds on the cliffs as well as sea lions along the shore.

We also get the chance to visit a tortoise breeding centre and walk the El Junco volcano! There will be wildlife at every corner during our time on the Galapagos islands, whether that is snorkeling with turtles or swimming with the local sea lions!

No trip to the Galapagos is complete without a trip to the Darwin centre which was the base for wildlife studies from 1964! This visit will blow your mind with facts galore about the research they carried out here. This will be our last visit before we fly out and onto the next adventure.

TO PERU

Week 3. Community Exchange near Cusco

After landing in Peru, we will head to historic Cusco and learn why this city is also known as the gateway to the Incan Empire. Colorful Cusco sits at an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level and was built by the Spanish on the remains of Inca temples and palaces. We will wander up and down Cusco’s small, steep streets and stumble upon many wonderful sights, ruins, museums and plazas full of ambiance.

In the rural areas of Cusco, we will take part in a community exchange project this week. We will stay, cook and learn with locals, help with a local project, share stories of your family and community at home and get a feel for what life is really like as a Peruvian. This homestay and community project will give us the chance to know authentic Peru and its unbelievably friendly people.

Week 4. Trekking Through the Andes

It’s time to put our hiking boots to good use and get off the beaten track! The Ausangate Circuit is world class hiking. We will be walking the bright red sands of the high Andes with the extreme contrast of white snow caps. In this unreal environment, a team of porters and mules will be supporting us to make the epic 5 day overland journey. We will walk by glaciers, turquoise pools and camp at the base of towering peaks.

During our trekking, a local Wayki guide will explain all about the Inca ruins, farming, villages and views that surround us. We will pass the occasional remote indigenous villages where people dress in their typical attire and speak the Incan language. While we gradually climb to a height of 4,700m, we will depart the villages but instead be surrounded by snow-capped mountains and herds of llamas. This alpine trekking will test our limits, but it will all be worth it, we promise!

Week 5. Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley

With the Incan capital Cusco as our base, it’s time to explore the incomparable Sacred Valley region. The picturesque town of Ollantaytambo is where our journey begins this week, before moving on to Aguas Calientes, the neighbor of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu is one of those places that every traveler should experience at least once in their lives. It’s the best-preserved relic of Incan civilization, and earned itself the title of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Take an early morning hike up to the Sun Gates to see the morning light over the ruins, and spend the day wandering through temples, palaces, forts and monuments. Take a moment to meditate on the amazing experience you've had in the Andes countries.

We then say farewell to Peru and fly to the other side of the world. Our Peruvian Sol becomes Vietnamese Dong and we’ll have the chance to try another new language and take part in local life at streetside restaurants and markets. We base ourselves in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, where daily life spills out onto the street.

TO VIETNAM

Week 6. Trekking & Tasty Cuisine in Sapa

In Hanoi, we enjoy some free time to explore the colorful streets of the Old Quarter, where streets are named for the products they sell. See artisans creating a myriad of products, gravestones being carved, silk merchants haggling, flower markets and everything imaginable being bought and sold on the streets.

From the urban feeling of Hanoi, we move on to the lush terraced rice paddies and the rustic charm of the native dwellings in Sapa. You’re sure to fall in love with this place! Many diverse groups like the Dzay, Dzao, Tay, Xa Pho or Hmong populate this richly cultural northern territory. We will walk through the rice paddy fields this region is famous for, and delve deeper into the daily life of the locals as we pass small villages and sample their unique delights.

TO LAOS

Week 7. Community Project in Luang Prabang

You have to experience an authentic, backpackers overland journey at least once on this epic trip, and this is it. Join the dots from Northern Vietnam to Western Laos with a border crossing, vans and slow boats on the Mekong River tributaries. Laos is a vibe, with it's spicy chilli noodle soup and small population in the heart of south east asia. Enjoy the slow pace of life with a stop at Muang Ngoi, interact with the friendly locals and enjoy the natural beauty, before moving onto the loveable town of Luang Prabang.

Described by an alumni as a town of ‘colonial-French-Buddhist-jungle-rainforest fusion’, this UNESCO World Heritage town – with its glistening temple roofs, crumbling French colonial architecture and fantastic food, is hard to leave. While we are in this stunning town, we will work on a community project. Helping locals, we will be working at a local school to further a current project. Our daily tasks may vary based on the needs of the school, and could range from classroom learning to building or landscaping.

TO THAILAND

Week 8. Jungle Trekking Near Chiang Mai

It will be hard to move on from the connections we make on the community project in Luang Prabang, yet we will continue on as we head to the historical city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Although Chiang Mai is the third largest city in the country, it has the appearance of a large village. We explore the historic center during the day, and spend the evening browsing, shopping and snacking in Chiang Mai’s night markets.

We will also start with an off-the-beaten-track hike to visit hill tribes in remote tropical areas near Chiang Dao. This area is known to have the greatest variety of tribal villages in northern Thailand. We will immerse ourselves in these new cultures, chatting to as many locals as possible, trying the rainbow of foods that is the Thai cuisine foods and taking in all the beautiful views of limestone ranges along the many trails! This walk really balances out our Global Discovery hiking portfolio; from the red dessert of the Andes to the lowland sticky jungle of Northern Thailand before we take on the epic snow capped Himalayas. Each one is a world apart.

TO NEPAL

Week 9. Rafting Journey & Exploring Kathmandu

After finishing our last few days of hiking through the jungle, we make our way to the Himalayas, to what many feel is the spiritual home of adventure. The beautiful, rugged country of Nepal is where we will put the technical, educational and learning principles developed throughout this program into practice. It’s time to focus on all you have learnt so far in your program and apply this to how you would run an expedition of your own. What better place to do so than the awe-inspiring landscape of Nepal?

We will spend a few days in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, which is set in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. There will be time to wander around the maze-like alleys in Durbar Square, shop for souvenirs at Asan’s bustling market area, and talk to some of the friendliest locals around. You are also free to take some rest days for the adventures ahead or to get any trekking equipment you may need from the endless outdoor stores.

From Kathmandu we embark on a 2-day rafting journey down the Lower Seti River, one of the most majestic rivers in Nepal. This unique journey has us rafting through rice fields, waterfalls, rapids, a jungle corridor rich in wildlife as well as small local villages. After we set up camp on a beautiful remote beach, we can unpack and jump in the warm waters of the Lower Seti for a relaxing evening swim!

Week 10. Wilderness First Aid Course in Pokhara

Our rafting journey brings us to Pokhara, nestled on the banks of Phewa Lake at the foot of the mighty Annapurna mountains. Pokhara was once an important town on the trading route between Tibet and India. Today, it is one of the most laid back and popular places to visit in Nepal, and is home to several Tibetan communities and the World Peace Pagoda. While we’re here, we will gain first aid knowledge during a Wilderness First Aid Course. This course is designed for guides of the trekking industries and covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from frostbite and hypothermia to injuries and high altitude sickness and is also heaps of fun!

Pokhara is also our gateway to Annapurna National Park, and an incredible journey trekking the Annapurna Circuit through the rugged Himalayas. We will meet with the team who will become your trekking crew - porters, guides and cooks who will share your journey into the mountains, and explain all about the region. Over the next two weeks, we hike through glacial carved valleys, and overnight in tents or tea houses with local Sherpa and Tamang families. The trail takes us through forests, steep gorges, past glaciers, breathtaking lakes, and some of the highest mountains on earth.Just ask anyone who has done it; it probably changed their life.

Week 11. Village-to-Village Trekking through the Himalayas

Our days on the Annapurna Circuit trail are some of the most inspiring and challenging we will ever encounter, and we'll be absolutely captivated by the area from the very first day!

Tradition and Tibetan Buddhist culture is still preserved on the Annapurna Range, making it one of the best treks from a cultural point of view. On our journey, we will learn about life in the Nepali mountain communities, visit the sacred Muktinath temple (one of the world’s highest temples at an altitude of 3.800 meters), get to know locals in Gurung and Magar villages, and enjoy the beautiful hospitality of the Nepali people. These experiences will become achievements you will look back on with immense pride and satisfaction for the rest of your life!

The resting days in the remote villages of Kagbeni and Manang provide our feet with some well-deserved rest and give our bodies the chance to acclimatize, but also provide us with ample opportunities to explore the prayer-flag alleys, Buddhist gompas, monasteries and other local cultural heritage.

Week 12. Wildlife Jungle Safaris in Royal Chitwan National

We then head to Royal Chitwan National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled at the foot of the Himalayas. Crocodiles, cheetahs, slug bears, wild elephants, monkeys and rhinos all inhabit this area, so we will have to keep our eyes open during our jungle walks and open jeep safaris to spot them. If we are lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger! What we will surely see, however, is Asian elephants.

Since we are fortunate enough to work with a partner in Royal Chitwan National Park that aims to create better lives for elephants in Nepal, we get to learn about their journey into establishing an inspiring elephant welfare program that takes elephants out of the tourist industry. We will listen to the stories of our guide, participate in making elephant food, and simply enjoy sitting beside these gentle creatures while they graze, river bathe, play in the sand and walk through the bush in their massive chain-free corals. Finally, we will head to a local Tharu village, where we are welcomed inside a traditional mud house for a cooking lesson and dinner with the family. We will learn about the traditions and experience the lifestyle of the ethnic Taru people, before spending the night listening to the jungle sounds of birds and animals from above the ground in our very own jungle tree house.

We then return to Kathmandu, to celebrate and reflect upon our learning and growth throughout the program. You will depart Nepal a different person, touched by the people, places and experiences you’ve encountered, and with an intimate understanding of the complex issues facing our environments and indigenous cultures.

*Each week there will be some designated free time so that you can catch up on email, laundry, rest, and explore independently with others in the group.

**Pacific Discovery reserves the right to alter and/or change the order of the itinerary, the locations, the focus of the projects or the activities themselves due to dates, availability, and safety precautions.

For full program details, please request the information booklet

What's included?

✓ All in-program travel and transport, including flights

✓ All accommodation

✓ All meals

✓ All expeditions, activities, excursions, volunteer projects and entry fees as described in the itinerary

✓ Experienced Program Instructors and local guides

✓ Informal lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism

✓ Outdoor Leadership Qualification

✓ Advanced International Wilderness First Aid certification

✓ Experiential core curriculum that pushes students to reflect and ask questions of themselves

Activity Level

High Activity Level: Anyone with an intermediate to advanced fitness level and an enthusiasm for the outdoors and new experiences will have a great time on this gap semester! You will need to be fit enough to complete a multi-day trek (4-6 hours trekking per day carrying a daypack), and engage in physical work during the volunteer project.

Camping Level

High Camping Level: Be prepared to spend some time out in nature on the multi-day hikes. You'll love the experience of camping, staring at the camp fire, breathing in fresh air and stargazing the night away.

Volunteering Level

Medium Service Learning Level: You will be able to make a difference to the local community during your stay. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and do some hands-on learning about local issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the accommodation like?

Accommodation is diverse, comfortable and carefully chosen to fit our needs. Our accommodation will be a mixture of comfortable and clean hostels and simple trekking lodges; village homestays (in pairs/small groups); and some nights of camping (tents supplied). Laundry and Wi-Fi will be available approximately once per week, except while on expedition.

What are the meals like?

Food is undoubtedly a highlight when traveling around the world and throughout there will be the opportunity to eat local cuisine. Special dietary requirements and vegetarians are catered for. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the program cost. Any snacks are at an additional cost, which we recommend budgeting around $10 per day for.

How do I arrange my flights and travel insurance?

To make things easy for you, we partner with a full service travel agency that can arrange flights, appropriate travel insurance and post program arrangements for our students.

They have access to a "Cancel For Any Reason" or CFAR travel insurance for US citizens in participating states. This optional travel insurance product allows travelers to cancel for any reason whatsoever up to two days prior to departure and still receive a significant refund. This allows you to keep planning for the future while avoiding the stress and the financial worry of canceling a program if you need to.

What is Pacific Discovery’s response to COVID-19?

Our program locations and itineraries have been carefully selected and modified to minimize risk of exposure to anyone outside the group with most being located in rural areas. This allows for a more focused learning environment, as well as a safe haven from the stress of our modern world.

We've been working hard and watching closely to any CDC recommendations about group sizes and testing requirements to come up with options that will allow you to have a safe, healthy, and stress-free Gap Year experience. We do the hard work so you can come and enjoy the fresh air, adventures, and new friends!

We have been running successful international gap year programs in Spring, Summer and Fall 2021. The students shared their experiences in testimonials and wrote their stories down in blog posts - feel free to have a look.

Check out the information on our COVID-19 page to find out more about our Covid-19 policies, procedures and updates.

Any other questions?

We have answered the most frequently asked questions in the FAQ Section. If you still have any other questions, feel free to schedule a call with our admissions team for more information.

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World Discovery Program | Pacific Discovery

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Join us for a worldwide adventure! Experience adventures and cultural immersion on this gap year program around Ecuador, The Galapagos Islands, Peru, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Nepal.

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What began with a ski instructing internship and ski instructing for one of our program participants in Canada has resulted in Revelstoke Mountain Resort, BC employing Tom as a full-time photographer for the resort and he now owns his own photography company as a result.

He is a specialist in snow photography and videography and has no plans to stop anytime soon.

Well as I am a skier, I would personally pick the ski instructor internship plus program. Although this is the more premium internship option, for my own personal development, this program would have more to offer.

You receive everything that the internship program has to offer including the world-class training, the guaranteed job offer at the resort of your choice, the examination fees, and accommodation throughout the course. However, it also includes other helpful courses and training such as level two training, park & freeride training, an avalanche safety course, and a first aid course.

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Ultimate Winter Travel Experience: Improve Your Skiing & Gain a Qualification

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What began with a ski instructing internship and ski instructing for one of our program participants in Canada has resulted in Revelstoke Mountain Resort, BC employing Tom as a full-time photographer for the resort and he now owns his own photography company as a result.

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Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers on the Cultural Immersion project are accommodated with a host family, living in the Vaddah community in Dambana. Volunteers can expect to share their room with other volunteers of the same gender. You can expect very basic living conditions, with outdoor showers, squat toilets, and a woodfire oven. It's a unique insight into rural Sri Lankan living and volunteers should come with an open mind.

During the Introduction Week Orientation in Kandy you'll be accommodated in a volunteer house. Bedrooms have bunk beds and you can expect to share a room with four to 12 other volunteers.

Homestay accommodation is also available in Kandy and is a popular option for couples or older volunteers. This option can be arranged with our local team according to availability and volunteers may either have their own room or share with one or two others of the same gender, depending on how many other volunteers have requested homestay accommodation. Alternatively, private rooms and matrimonial rooms can be arranged for an additional $35 per person, per week, subject to availability at the time.

Living is comfortable and all accommodation has electricity and running water. Bathrooms in the volunteer houses and homestays are all western style with a shower that has warm water, a toilet and basin. Bedding is provided which includes a pillow with pillow case and top and bottom sheets. You will need to bring a towel, toiletries including hand soap and toilet paper, and a mosquito net if you wish to sleep with one.

Families who wish to volunteer in Sri Lanka are required to stay in a homestay at an additional cost of $35 per person, per week. If your family has more than four members, two rooms may be required to accommodate all family members.

To access the internet during your program, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Sri Lanka, as WiFi is not available in the volunteer accommodation.

Meals

Volunteers on the Sri Lanka program are provided with three meals a day during the week and brunch and dinner during the weekend. Breakfast includes toast, eggs, fruit, tea, coffee and milk. Sri Lankan foods served for lunch and dinner include roti bread, dhal, curries, vegetables and salads. Meat is rarely eaten except on festive occasions. Authentic Sri Lankan meals are cooked by a local chef and most are prepared with an array of spices and coconut milk.

Bottled water is readily available in Sri Lanka and volunteers should budget approximately US$5 per week for 2 liters per day. There are also water filters in the volunteer houses and homestays. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can discuss this with you. However, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. The local team will do their best to see that you are well taken care of, but as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible. If you wish to supplement some of your meals with home comforts, there are basic kitchen facilities available to use.

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Cultural Immersion Volunteer Program in Kandy - Sri Lanka

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Volunteers on the Cultural Immersion project are accommodated with a host family, living in the Vaddah community in Dambana. Volunteers can expect to share their room with other volunteers of the same gender. You can expect very basic living conditions, with outdoor showers, squat toilets, and a woodfire oven.

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1. Home

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4. Coast and Waterway Conservation Volunteer Project in New Zealand - Auckland

Coast and Waterway Conservation Volunteer Project in New Zealand - Auckland

Apply now. The next available start date for this project is Jun 6, 2022

Interested in being a Coast and Waterway Conservation volunteer in New Zealand? International Volunteer HQ’s Coast and Waterway Conservation project enables volunteers to spend time outdoors assisting with a wide range of activities that help to protect and preserve New Zealand’s incredible natural environment. Volunteers gain experience and knowledge of conservation methods while providing important support for local initiatives that work to keep New Zealand beautiful and clean.

Highlights:

Programs start every first and third Monday of the month

Affordable fees from $935 for 2 weeks

Includes accommodation, breakfast and lunch (monday to friday), airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support

Help restore a piece of Māori land and conserve and protect waterways

Enjoy New Zealand’s incredible natural environment

Stay in a lodge in the friendly suburb of Mt Eden, Auckland

Apply Now

Who is this program suited to?

Fit and active volunteers who are willing to work hard and don’t mind getting dirty in the name of helping the environment.

Key information

Protect the planet & preserve nature

Dormitory-style hostel accommodation

Volunteers aged 18+ and families

Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

Fully hosted experience from $935 for 2 weeks

Durations from 2 - 12 weeks

Discover New Zealand's pure beauty

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

New Zealand is considered one of the purest, most environmentally friendly countries in the world. However, it takes a lot of work and conservation activities to keep waterways clean and ecosystems thriving. This is often done by local charities, who operate with limited resources and have a high need for volunteers.

As a Coast and Waterway Conservation volunteer you’ll be outdoors, helping with a variety of activities in order to conserve and preserve the stunning local beaches, waterways and islands. A primary focus of the project is on the restoration of an important piece of traditional Māori land. You’ll get the unique opportunity to volunteer with members from a local iwi (Māori community), gaining cultural insights and traditional knowledge while learning about New Zealand’s history and the importance of restoration work.

All activities undertaken on this project are working towards the vision of beautiful beaches, healthy waters and inspired people. Conservational activities are seasonal and vary based on the time of year you’re there, but can include:

Beach clean-ups

Restoring habitats for marine wildlife

Walking track maintenance

Helping at a native plant nursery

Removing invasive species

Planting native trees

Collecting seeds

Composting and mulching

Helping endangered native animals and birds

Why do Coast and Waterway Conservation volunteering in Auckland with IVHQ?

When you volunteer in New Zealand you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Supporting local initiatives that protect the environment

Helping restore Māori land and learning of its importance

Developing your communication skills

Gaining conservation experience

Immersing yourself in the New Zealand way of life

Exploring New Zealand’s natural environment

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team

All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead

All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance

All volunteers must speak fluent English.

Please note: You are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter New Zealand. All volunteers must have both doses of their Covid-19 vaccine unless they are a citizen of New Zealand.

New Zealand photo gallery

IVHQ Coast and Waterway Conservation project

IVHQ Coast and Waterway Conservation project

IVHQ Coast and Waterway Conservation project

IVHQ volunteers in Auckland, New Zealand

IVHQ Coast and Waterway Conservation project

IVHQ Coast and Waterway Conservation project

IVHQ Coast and Waterway Conservation project

IVHQ Coast and Waterway Conservation project

IVHQ Coast and Waterway Conservation project

IVHQ Coast and Waterway Conservation project

IVHQ Coast and Waterway Conservation project

IVHQ volunteers in New Zealand

IVHQ Coast and Waterway Conservation project

Exploring New Zealand during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Auckland during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring New Zealand during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring a beach in the Coromandel during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Auckland during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Waiheke Island during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring New Zealand during an IVHQ weekend

New Zealand adventure activities during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring a beach in the Coromandel during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Auckland during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring the Coromandel during an IVHQ weekend

”I had amazing experience with IVHQ in New Zealand. They basically opened my eyes into the environmental issues affecting beaches and coastlines due to non-degradable plastic, etc and fresh water supplies. The staff do a great job helping out volunteers and make us feel at ease and motivated. This program has given me awareness of the importance to educate children, especially in school, about the importance of the refuse, reduce and recycle program!”

Read reviews from Coast and Waterway Conservation volunteers in Auckland

See more reviews

Location

Set in the middle of the South Pacfic ocean, New Zealand is a small island nation with a big reputation for its breathtaking scenery, cultural diversity, unique wildlife, adventure sports and relaxed lifestyle. It’s also known for being clean and environmentally conscious, but with continued development and a booming tourism industry it needs volunteers to help the country live up to its pure, green image.

The IVHQ New Zealand Program is located in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, which is home to roughly one quarter of the country’s population. Auckland is a modern, multicultural city with a wide range of attractions and activities to take part in, and is a great place from which to explore the rest of New Zealand. Volunteer placements are located throughout the wider city area of Auckland.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of every month and volunteers need to arrive in Auckland on the day before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Auckland International Airport (AKL). Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Mt Eden, Auckland. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are centers in New Zealand prior to your volunteer program, you will need to arrange your own transport to the accommodation in Auckland the day before your program orientation.

Orientation is hosted by our New Zealand team in Auckland. It begins the morning of your chosen start date and lasts for a full day. The orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in New Zealand – an introduction to New Zealand, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, an introduction to project and placement as well as a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers with whom you can swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

Volunteer schedule example

Weekdays

After the initial orientation, you will have a morning or afternoon shift at your placement and will work for approximately 4 to 6 hours per day, though this may vary depending on the needs of your particular project.

An example schedule is as follows:

7:30 AM | Breakfast and a packed lunch provided by a local cafe near the accommodation.
8:30 AM | Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project.
12:00 PM | Eat a packed lunch at your placement and then resume your volunteer work.
2:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Plan for the following day’s activities or use your free time as you wish. This could include sightseeing and exploring Auckland’s beautiful surroundings.

Weekends

With your weekends free in New Zealand you could find yourself relaxing on a beautiful, remote beach; swinging through a cavernous gorge; touring plopping geothermal mud pools; learning about the indigenous Māori culture; hitting the slopes or diving the depths of the country’s crystalline waters.

For the adventurous, there’s a plethora of excellent surfing spots, bungee jumping, white water rafting, parasailing, mountain biking, kayaking, swimming and snorkelling opportunities as well as a host of glaciers, rainforests, mountains, coastlines, fjords, waterfalls and rolling hills to explore.

Auckland is an extremely advantageous base for travel to other parts of New Zealand, and most places can be reached with a short flight, or car or bus trips of varying lengths. Just a quick ferry ride away from Auckland, volunteers can spend their day in wineries on Waiheke Island or tramping up an extinct volcano on Rangitoto Island.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers stay in a dormitory-style lodge in Mt Eden Village; a charming, centrally-located area of Auckland with a friendly community feel. The lodge is a comfortable, family-run boutique hostel, with a certain homeliness to it. The offices of the local team are a 20-minute bus ride plus a 10-minute walk from the hostel, and the middle of downtown Auckland is also 20 minutes away by bus.

You should expect to share a room with four to ten other people of both genders. Please note all rooms have communal, co-ed bathrooms equipped with western toilets and hot showers. Bedding is provided, but you’ll need to bring your own towels and toiletries. There are staff who clean the accommodation throughout the week, including your sheets, however volunteers are required to keep their rooms tidy. Lockers are available but you must bring your own padlock.

Accommodation upgrades to private rooms, or smaller rooms (with three or four beds per room) can be arranged at an additional cost after registering for the program. This must be arranged at least three weeks prior to your program start date.

WiFi is available at all times, at no extra cost. There are also two shared computers in the dining hall, which can be used at any time. To keep connected, you can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone.

Meals

On Mondays, volunteers start the week with a relaxing sit down breakfast and hot drink at a local cafe, and pick up a take-away lunch for the day. During the remaining weekdays, volunteers are provided with ingredients for continental-style breakfasts, which can be made in the communal kitchen area of the accommodation. This typically includes coffee and tea, granola, yoghurt, seasonal fruits, breads, a selection of spreads, eggs, and avocados. There are outdoor tables set in the garden area where you can eat your breakfast if you wish.

You will make your own packed lunch to eat during your lunch break at your volunteer placement. This is prepared at breakfast, or the night before if preferred. Ingredients provided for these packed lunches include bread or wraps, salami or chicken, hummus, seasonal salads, sauces, and a sweet treat for afterwards.

Volunteers are responsible for purchasing their own dinners, either taking advantage of the nearby restaurants or purchasing groceries to prepare themselves in the accommodation’s communal kitchen.

On weekends, volunteers are responsible for purchasing their own meals, either taking advantage of the nearby restaurants and cafes or purchasing groceries to prepare themselves in the accommodation’s communal kitchen.

Tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink in most areas but we strongly recommend bringing a reusable water bottle with you to cut down on plastic waste.

Volunteer accommodation

Volunteer living room

Typical volunteer bedroom

Typical volunteer bedroom

Volunteer accommodation backyard

IVHQ volunteer orientation

IVHQ volunteer orientation

IVHQ volunteer orientation

Pricing

Duration

Program Fee

Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.

2 weeks | $935 Equivalent to $67/day
3 weeks | $1,385 Equivalent to $66/day
4 weeks | $1,830 Equivalent to $66/day
5 weeks | $2,270 Equivalent to $65/day
6 weeks | $2,710 Equivalent to $65/day
8 weeks | $3,575 Equivalent to $64/day
10 weeks | $4,430 Equivalent to $64/day
12 weeks | $5,275 Equivalent to $63/day

Accommodation

Breakfast and lunch (Monday to Friday)

24/7 in-country support

In-country program orientation

Pre-departure support from your Program Manager

Airport pick-up

Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists

Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners

Certificate of International Volunteering

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

All programs attract a Registration Fee of $299 in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.

A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.

Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, some meals, public transportation to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.

Recommended spending money: Volunteers in New Zealand generally find US$150 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as weekend breakfast and lunches and all dinners, as well as local tours and activities.

Check what's required to visit New Zealand

Check out the widget below to find out what the Covid-19 restrictions and visa requirements are for New Zealand, based on your country of residence.

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.

All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.

All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.

All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.

Protecting against COVID-19:

Volunteers tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of travel

Health & safety information provided during orientation

Strict disinfecting standards for programs & accomodation

Greater physical distance between volunteers

Essential country information

Capital | Wellington
Population | 5 million
Languages | English, Māori
Currency | New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time zone | UTC+12:00

Weather and climate

As a whole, the climate is considered to be maritime temperate, but New Zealand’s climate is quite varied due to its diversity in geographic features and the severity of weather patterns coming off the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Weather in Auckland, where the IVHQ volunteer program is based, has a breezy, mild and humid temperate climate with warm summers and no dry season. Winter temperatures in Auckland (June through August) range between 8°C and 16°C (46°F and 60°F). Summer temperatures in Auckland (December through February) range between 15°C and 24°C (59°F and 75°F). Clouds and rain are relatively common in Auckland and New Zealand as a whole, with moderate to light rain occurring at some point in the day roughly 50% of each year.

Latest blog posts

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Coast & Waterway Conservation Volunteering in Auckland, New Zealand

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Help to keep New Zealand beautiful by taking part in conservation activities around beaches, islands and native land, with a unique chance to learn about the cultural history of New Zealand from indigenous Māori people.