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Volunteers make a difference! Travel with a purpose by participating in a hands-on Volunteer Work Project immediately followed by an Adventure Tour through New Zealand. Organized by International Student Volunteers (ISV), your trip is four weeks in length and consists of two 2-week segments. This trip combines conservation, recreation, education and community development into the experience of a lifetime.

4 weeks — Volunteer Work Project followed by an Adventure Tour including stops in Queenstown, Franz Josef, Nelson, Wellington, Taihape, Rotorua, & Waitomo.

TRIP PRICE

$3,295 plus 95USD for internal flight tickets. The Optional Activity Package (OAP) is 325USD. Internal flights and OAP costs are paid to ISV after the booking is made through Brilliant Trips. International flights are not included.

HIGHLIGHTS

You will participate in a hands-on Volunteer Work Project with such host organizations as the Leigh Marine Laboratory, the Motuihe Island Restoration Trust, Kuaka New Zealand or a host of others. You will then travel throughout New Zealand on an adventure that will include such optional activities as: Black water rafting in glow worm caves, Exploring the thermal wonders of Rotorua, Visiting the cultural attractions of Wellington (New Zealand's Capital), Hiking on the Franz Josef Glacier,White water rafting rapids on the Rangitikei River, Zorbing, Sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, Experiencing the true Kiwi night life in Wellington and Queenstown (the adrenaline capital of the world).

See New Zealand Volunteer Adventure itinerary to review the day-to-day activities.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The accommodations vary by volunteer work project, ranging from volunteer houses, dormitory style accommodations to research stations. All accommodations for the adventure tour have been carefully selected for their comfort and ideal locations. Accommodations range from nice tourist class hotels to youth hostels (dormitory style).

MEALS

Three meals per day are provided during the volunteer work project. Each project is a little different. Sometimes host organizations provide the food to volunteers (such as via host families), while other projects require participants to contribute to the meal planning and preparation. Your ISV Project Overview Manual (provided approximately 30 days prior to departure to your host country) will advise you of the meals that can be expected on the project. The number of meals provided during the Adventure Tour varies depending on the host country, but at least half of the meals will be provided as part of the trip cost. For all other meals, we encourage you to explore the local restaurants and eateries in the area. You should make note of any health and safety information provided by the Tour Leaders prior to trying new foods or restaurants. You will also stay in many accommodations with kitchen facilities to allow you to prepare some of your own meals. Be on time for meals. No reimbursements will be made for missed meals resulting from your being late or choosing not to attend.

TRANSPORT

Ground transportation varies greatly on these programs; ISV tries to offer a range of different experiences for travelers. While the majority of the transportation during the adventure tour is on air-conditioned busses, other forms of transport (for tour and project) may include trucks, overnight train, or ferry. You are required to pay for domestic airfare for flights within New Zealand as the volunteer work projects are scattered all over the country. New Zealand internal airfares have been arranged to be fair to all travelers (as suggested by past ISV participants.) The internal airfare cost is $95. BrilliantTrips will contact you once your booking has been confirmed with information on how to book these tickets.

GROUP SIZE

8 to 10 for Volunteer Work Project
Up to 45 for Adventure Tour

BrilliantTips

This BrilliantTrip is suitable for anyone who desires to make a difference by volunteering in conservation or community development work, is open to enlightening encounters with other like-minded individuals, and thrives on exciting outdoor adventure activities!

VISAS

All countries require a valid passport (with minimum 6 months validity). The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from; citizens of the U.S. can visit www.travel.state.gov/visa. It is important that you check for yourself. Also see our FAQs and Travel Info. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. BrilliantTrips will contact you after booking confirmation to obtain your passport information. We will also review group flight options to New Zealand, internal flights within New Zealand and the optional activity package.

2. All participants must ensure that you voice any dietary needs (e.g. vegetarian) prior to departure. Please also include any allergies to foods as part of your dietary and medical information.

3. Participants traveling to Australia or New Zealand on ISV Group Flights departing from Los Angeles must attend a two-hour registration on the day of departure. The location of the registration will be nearby to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at a local hotel. ISV will provide additional information directly as it becomes available.

4. All participants will have a "Project Orientation" upon arrival in your host country. Again, details will be provided to you in your Travel Manual which will be sent thirty days prior to the departure date.

5. Projects are available on specific dates only. Hence, depending on your assigned departure date, only certain projects will be available. Please be flexible in your project preferences; these are ALL great projects with significant conservation and educational value in phenomenal locations.

6. Exact dates, itineraries, accommodations and actual activities will be given to you in the Participant Travel Manual sent to you 30 days prior to departure by ISV.

TOUR LEADERSHIP

Project Leaders & Tour Leaders. ISV's field staff, project leaders and tour leaders guide your groups on volunteer projects and outdoor adventure tours, respectively. ISV requires all field staff to be certified in first aid. ISV's team is well trained and experienced in leading groups. Training is thorough and focuses on the need to be proactive to prevent accidents and incidents. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own behavior and actions; however, ISV staff emphasize that you must be safety-conscious at all times. You can be assured that the ISV staff will do everything responsible and within reason to safely guide you on your overseas experience. ISV has established an office in each of the countries they operate volunteer and adventure travel programs. In each country they have a country coordinator who assesses the local conditions, directs the program and oversees ISV's field staff. In the unlikely event of an incident abroad, the country coordinator will contact and coordinate with ISV's head offices. Important communication between family and friends is best achieved by calling the ISV head office who then relays information to the country coordinator in the participant's host country. ISV has a global team of staff who ensure your well-being and leaders who are available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.

JOINING INSTRUCTIONS

You are encouraged to take the group flight from Los Angeles. If you choose not to take the group flight, you will need to meet the group at the airport in your host country.

LOCAL PAYMENT

None.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

In addition to the five included activities in the adventure tour, we are pleased to offer travelers an exciting Optional Activity Package (OAP). These activities are more of the best that New Zealand has to offer in outdoor adventure and appreciation of the spectacular natural surroundings. Each year about 95% of participants choose to purchase the OAP as it adds such great value to the overall experience. All you have to do is show up and be ready to have a great time! Upon confirming your booking, BrilliantTrips will contact you to inquire if you would like to purchase the OAP.

The special price for the 2008 New Zealand OAP is $325.

Here's what's included:

The Black Abyss - Black Water Rafting (Waitomo)

The Black Abyss is an exhilarating five hour extravaganza which is a more challenging upgrade to the ISV included black water rafting activity. Imagine this: enter the caves by rappelling deep down into the vast limestone cavern. Then you will find yourself climbing underground waterfalls, jumping off rocks into the water and zip-lining in the dark across the glowworm lit river. This is spelunking (caving) at its most exciting!

Franz Josef Glacier Hike (Franz Josef)

An incredible glacier experience with phenomenal photo opportunities. Start the adventure with a stunning hike along the beautiful valley floor to the foot of the glacier. Gaining confidence as you go and with a total of up to 6 hours on the ice you could find yourself in all manner of situations, from squeezing through tight blue crevasses to sliding through ice caves. Along the way you will learn about the creation, melt and movement of this ice giant! Travel to spectacular icefalls in the mid reaches where expert guides use step-cutting techniques to make this extensive and challenging trip surprisingly achievable.

Zorb! (Rotorua)

Zig, Zag Zorb! You've seen it on "The Amazing Race" — now experience this unique kiwi activity for yourself! Slip, slide and tumble down a track inside an enormous inflated plastic ball with two of your new best friends up to the speed of 30mph. Guaranteed fun and laughter like you've never had before!

Shotover Jet (Queenstown)

Hold on tight and experience the thrills of jet boating by twisting and turning at breathtaking speeds through the narrow Shotover river canyons, flying fast past rocky outcrops and spinning 360 degrees in the open areas. Find out what a jet boat can really do Kiwi style!

Sea Kayaking -or- Quad Biking (Nelson)

Choose one of two options (1) Sea kayaking or (2) Quad biking.

Sea Kayak and Hike: Abel Tasman National Park is the jewel of the Nelson region. This is a four hour trip of kayaking and hiking, exploring this park by land and sea. First, navigate by sea kayak the protected, pristine coastline and enjoy the views which boast golden sand beaches, coves, lagoons and wildlife. Then, leave your kayak on the beach and return by foot through the easy forest track with a vista over the stunning Tasman Sea.

Quad biking: Explore the beautiful native forest trails of Happy Valley. Visit gigantic native Matai trees, ride high to the hill tops to view spectacular coastal scenery and wind your way down through the farmlands. Finish the experience by trying out your skills on the fun track!

Skyline 3-in-1 Combo (Queenstown)

A 220 degree view of spectacular Queenstown from the top of Queenstown hill. Ride the 3000 ft gondola in comfort to the summit complex (a must-do in Queenstown). Dine at the Skyline Restaurant where you'll enjoy the "Kiwi Tastes Buffet" with generous "Kiwi" portions and a touch of culture — A "Haka" show (a traditional native war dance) with an authentic and powerful presentation of Maori Culture!

HEALTH & MEDICAL

You are required to indicate if you have any injuries, illnesses, allergies or are taking any medications. The information provided should be complete and accurate. The ISV office will follow up with a thorough medical form should a participant indicate anything that would require ISV to obtain additional information. You must update ISV in writing should your medical information change between the time of confirmation and departure.

Illness or Injury Overseas

For each volunteer project and each tour destination, ISV obtains the location and details of the nearest medical facility. If you become ill or are injured overseas, ISV staff will assist you in receiving appropriate medical care (including applying first aid or visiting a clinic or hospital). Depending on the severity of the situation, ISV will contact your listed emergency contact via the ISV head office. Participants are also provided with local and ISV emergency contact numbers and the contact details for local clinics should they require them.

Prior to departure — immunizations

It is strongly recommended that all participants visit a medical doctor for a travel consultation prior to departing. A medical doctor will provide the most accurate and up to date information suitable for each host country. Although ISV does not require any specific immunizations for participants on an ISV program, it is strongly advised that all participants ensure that your immunizations are up to date.

Get fit before you travel

Due to the design and nature of this trip, you should ensure that prior to departure you also attain at least a moderate fitness level so that you can maximize your participation and enjoyment level throughout the experience.

FINE PRINT

Actual adventure tour dates and activities may change. Exact dates, itineraries, accommodations and actual activities will be given to you in the Participant Travel Manual sent to you 30 days prior to departure by ISV. All activities are subject to change without notice. Any and all changes are within the discretion of ISV. The OAP must be purchased as a whole rather than a selection of one or more of the activities mentioned above. All activities are subject to change without notice. Any and all changes are within the discretion of ISV, Inc. Full payment is due prior to departure.