New Zealand is an island country consisting of two main islands, as well as some smaller ones, in the South Pacific Ocean, a part of Polynesia. It has a stunning natural environment, beautiful mountains, lakes, fjords, forests and coastline. Notable features include Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, and the Bay of Islands.
Some fun facts about New Zealand are that many scenes of “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movies were filmed there and that it is actually a snake-free country!
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. English and Maori are the official languages of New Zealand and the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is the official currency.
New Zealand offers an exceptional range of activities that attract more and more young people. This altogether makes New Zealand an ideal country for adventure and nature lovers. This country is also famous for its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability!
It is essential to check the visa requirements for volunteering in New Zealand from your country as it may be different depending on your nationality.
It is also important to always respect Maori culture, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Learning about their culture and customs will help you connect with the local people as well.
New Zealand has diverse climates, so make sure to research the weather conditions in the area where you’ll be volunteering.
Remember to embrace new challenges and be open-minded and adaptable to new cultures and unexpected situations. This will help you to make the most out of your experience.
New Zealand is considered to be a safe volunteer destination as it is known for its low crime rates and friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Nevertheless, you should still exercise caution when in an unfamiliar area.
In order to volunteer in New Zealand, you must be 18+, have at least proficient English, have a valid passport and have travel insurance. Be sure to check visa requirements as well.
Volunteer programs in New Zealand are mostly focused on eco-volunteering and sports volunteering. It is an especially interesting destination for humanitarian trips for youth. Eco volunteering is important especially because New Zealand is home to many unique species of birds and plants.
Join a Freepacker’s project and go on a humanitarian trip to New Zealand!
All visa applications should be made at https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/
Please check with your doctor or travel clinic in regards to the vaccinations you need for your project destination. You can also check the pasteur institute for the up-to-date health recommendation per destination at
For any international project, Freepackers Care requires the purchase of travel insurance including accident, sickness, repatriation and civil liability in case of third parties.
You can subscribe online with our partner CHAPKA, which offers a 5% discount with this link. If you take out another insurance, we will ask you to send us a copy of your attestation in English.
For comprehensive coverage for studies and internships abroad, you can purchase Cap Student insurance online by following this link. <nbsp;This insurance also includes civil liability in the context of an activity.
Responsible tourism is about making travel better for everyone involved. That includes local communities, the environment, and travelers themselves. It’s not just about where you go and the next photo-op. It’s about minimizing negative impacts, maximizing positive contributions to local communities, respecting local cultures and ecosystems, and supporting sustainable, locally led initiatives that continue even after you leave.
Experiential travel is a type of travel focused on immersive activities in a destination, in comparison to sightseeing, crossing landmarks or countries off a list. The goal is to connect with local communities, culture, food, traditions, nature, or daily life. Almost as if a small travel group is taking the role of anthropologists! The goal is travel that gives more meaning, experience, and connection.
Experiential travel is characterized by:
