New Zealand

Photo courtesy of Rob Brown and Tourism New Zealand

 

Arriving on Friday, volunteers will check into a central hostel in Christchurch for 3 nights, with free time to explore this stylish and contemporary city, full of natural and architectural beauty, cultural heritage, a vibrant arts scene and great nightlife. The hostel stay includes breakfast daily, a Christchurch Bus Metro Pass, Gondola Pass, $10 of internet time plus a welcome drink at the hostel. On Monday, your Conservation Volunteers Team Leader will meet you and provide a full induction, before the team leaves for Arthur’s Pass (left), which borders the Southern Alpine Ranges and is famous for pristine views and expansive landscapes. You’ll enjoy sightseeing and may also help with some critical biodiversity and conservation projects. From Arthur’s Pass, the team will travel to Punakaiki, gateway to the dramatic Paparoa National Park and halfway between Greymouth and Westport on one of the most spectacular coastal highways in New Zealand. Punakaiki will be your main base for the project. Conservation projects will vary for each team, and may include activities such as planting trees, shrubs and grasses; seed collection; helping to remove exotic weeds; track building and maintenance and installation of predator control networks.

 

Wildlife spotting around this region includes the chance to see the highly endangered Westland Black Petrel, the world’s rarest marine dolphin – Hector’s Dolphin, as well as Weta, Seals, Penguins, Kiwi, Shags, Terns, and Weka. You’ll have a free weekend, with plenty of opportunity to explore at your own leisure, join a locally operated tour (own arrangements / own cost), or hire a vehicle to travel further afield – maybe even a trip to see Westland National Park, an area of outstanding natural values, and part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, and the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.

 

After two weeks on the wild and wonderful West Coast, your Team Leader will take you back to Christchurch, arriving back on Friday afternoon, or you can choose to travel on independently from Punakaiki.

 

Program Dates 2009 (14 nights/15 days)	Booking
Friday 12th June – Friday 26th June	Make a Booking
Friday 26th June – Friday 10th July	Make a Booking
Friday 10th July – Friday 24th July	Make a Booking
Friday 24th July – Friday 7th August	Make a Booking

 

Program Fee: $778 inclusive of:

 

• All meals daily – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Three night accommodation on arrival at Base Christchurch
• Accommodation for duration of the program
• CVA Team Liaison Officer
• Information Kit and pre-departure information
• Onsite transportation
• CVA program management and administration fees

Program price does not include:

• International airfares
• Visas
• Recreational activities

 

Photo Gallery

 

It’s easy to book - simply:

• Click on the country that you are interested in then read the program notes
• Carefully read the Booking terms & Conditions
• Complete an Online Application Form
• Download a List of Essential Items
• Any questions? Check out our FAQ, email info@conservationvolunteers.com.au or Freecall 1800 032 501.

 

 

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