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WEEKS 1 & 2 Volunteer Project

Each volunteer work project runs for the 1st two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established conservation organizations including, not-for-profits, government and non government organizations (NGOs), private industries, and local grassroots groups. Projects are based in various locations, from the remote outback to New Zealand suburbs. Each work team will be supervised and directed by professional staff from the host organization and an ISV project leader. The ratios of participants to Project Leaders are approximately 12:1, with the minimum number of participants per project being 8.

Volunteer Work Projects

Each project can be broadly classified based on the goals of the host organization, the project location, and the primary work task.

Habitat Restoration projects encompass a huge variety of locations both on public and privately owned land. The goal of these projects is to improve local habitats through native revegetation and sometimes recreational facilities improvement including trail building. The primary task on these projects is weeding and native species planting. (Kuaka, DoC, Kaikoura, Leigh, Tongariro, Motuihe Island)

Scientific Research projects take place in a variety of locations, but the primary goal of the project is to undertake tasks related to a designated research study. Primary tasks may be directly related to the study and include animal & plant surveys, monitoring, experimental set-up, and other data collection. Tasks may also be indirectly related to the research goals of the organization and include weeding, planting, and operation of educational facilities. (Leigh, DoC, Tongariro)

Outdoor Education projects take place on a variety of public and private land locations. The goal of these projects is to foster an understanding and appreciation of nature and conservation in visitors. Primary tasks vary and can include weeding, planting, building, trail maintenance, and property maintenance. (Kuaka, Leigh, Tongariro, Motuihe Island).

CONSERVATION HOST ORGANIZATIONS

• Leigh Marine Laboratory, University of Auckland
• Motuihe Island Restoration Trust
• Kuaka New Zealand
• DOC, Te Kuiti
• Tongariro Natural History Society
• Kaikoura District Council & Innovative Waste Kaikoura
• DOC, West Coast Conservancy

WEEKS 3 & 4 Adventure Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Queenstown (Skyline gondola, haka and buffet)
Depart your volunteer project and fly over the Southern Alps to Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of the world. Orientation will take place after arrival and you will have free time in the evening. Those with the Optional Activity Package will start the tour with the 3-in-1 package, a combination of a gondola ride to the top of Queenstown Hill, a powerful Maori culture performance and an all you can eat 'kiwi tastes buffet', all overlooking the breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

Day 2: Free Day in Queenstown (Shotover Jet Boating)
The day starts with a wild, breathtaking jet boat experience through the Shotover Canyons for participants with the Optional Activity Package. Afterwards step up and test your courage by signing up for the ultimate in adrenaline, the awe-inspiring bang jump. Tonight is a good chance to search the local restaurants and cafes for some tasty local cuisine and then sample the truly international nightlife New Zealand's most vibrant tourist destination offers.

Day 3: Free Day in Queenstown
Another day to explore the dozens of activities Queenstown has to offer. Travel to stunning Doubtful or Milford Sound for a cruise on the fjords or how about a wine tour or Lord of the Rings horseback tour into 'Paradise'. Try skiing or snowboarding in the Southern Alps, visit old gold mining towns, and there's even a chance to go hang-gliding, the options are endless!

Day 4: Queenstown to Franz Josef
A day not to forget, we travel through the scenic Southern Alps to Franz Josef, one of the great drives of New Zealand. Along the way stopping at the striking lakeside town of Wanaka. You may also visit a kahikatea forest that resembles prehistoric scenery you would expect to see from the dinosaur ages. Make sure you have your cameras handy to capture the diverse landscapes, from snowy mountain peaks to coastal rainforests. Rest up tonight for a dazzling day glacier hiking tomorrow.

Day 5: Franz Josef Glacier (Glacier hiking)
Today those with the Optional Activity package will experience the ultimate adventure of glacier hiking. Crossing deep ice crevices and exploring through the blue heart of the icefall terrain. The rainforest creeping to the edge of the glacier provides an astounding contrast and phenomenal photo opportunities! Less challenging options may include a forest walk through the valley where you will enjoy a full view of the glacier at the end. Or if you need to get even closer there is always the option of taking a helicopter tour over the glacier.

Day 6: Franz Josef to Nelson
From the greenest area of New Zealand to the sunniest region of the country in one spectacular drive. You make your way to the top of the South Island with the wild, rugged west coast on one side and the towering Southern Alps on the other side. Photo stops are a must! Visit a Kekeno (New Zealand Fur Seal) colony at Cape Foulwind, and also the famous geology of the Pancake Rocks before arriving in Nelson, the sunniest city in New Zealand.

Day 7: Nelson (Sea kayaking or Quad biking)
Now is the chance for all those with the Optional Activity Package to choose their adventure for the day. Some may choose sea kayaking through the protected, pristine coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park, exploring the golden sand beaches and forest tracks, or others may prefer to venture through native forest trails high into the hills around Nelson on a quad bike (ATV). Nelson is also ISV's preferred location for skydiving, test your nerves to see if you have what it takes to leap from a plane at 12,000 feet!

Day 8: Nelson to Wellington
This is a travel day with a difference. Board a ferry and travel through the stunning Marlborough Sounds at the tip of the South Island. Cross the Cook Strait into the port of New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Tonight you can explore literally hundreds of cafes and restaurants in the heart of the city to find the perfect cuisine for your evening meal.

Day 9: Wellington (Te Papa Museum highlights tour)
This morning you embark on an inspiring guided tour of the highlights of New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy and explore New Zealand's finest city culture. Take a tour of the nation's Parliament building, stroll down Cuba Street (known for its great shopping), take in a show at the theater and/or visit the Karori Wildlife Refuge to look for New Zealand's rare and endangered birds. Tonight is an opportunity to sample the local nightlife!

Day 10: Wellington to River Valley Lodge
Say goodbye to the bustling city life and journey out into the contrasting remoteness of the central North Island and River Valley Lodge, our location for tonight's stay. Nestled at the base of a huge gorge and on the side of the river, this homely lodge will have you sitting around the cozy fireplace into the night resting yourself for tomorrow's action.

Day 11: River Valley Lodge to Rotorua (White water rafting)
Get ready for an adrenaline packed white water experience! This is the Rangitikei River, a wild, remote, free flowing river, with ample grade 4 and grade 5 white water rapids, "world class, and as good as rafting in New Zealand gets." After a recuperating lunch you travel on through to Rotorua, the geothermal hotspot of New Zealand, passing beneath the volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park and World Heritage area as we go.

Day 12: Rotorua (Hells Gate thermal reserve)
This is the day where you visit Rotorua's most active geothermal park, The Hells Gate Thermal Reserve, Mud Baths and Spas. Take in the steaming sights of this thermal wonderland and then sit back and relax in the curative and invigorating properties of the special mud and mineral waters. You'll even have a chance to try your hand at traditional Maori wood carving and flax weaving. In the afternoon and evening you will have free time to enjoy other optional activities or browse the shops for any final gifts and souvenirs.

Day 13: Rotorua to Waitomo (Kiwi encounter and Zorbing)
On the way to Waitomo you will stop in at the Kiwi Encounter, a working nursery and hatchery where Kiwi (New Zealand's endangered national bird and icon) are raised, you'll get to see a real live Kiwi up close! You can't miss the Zorb — a real unique activity! Tumble down the hill inside a giant plastic ball with two of your new best friends! Tonight you enjoy a relaxing evening in Waitomo ready for our last big activity day tomorrow.

Day 14: Waitomo (Black water rafting)
For our final activity day you experience the thrills of Black Water Rafting, a must-do in New Zealand! Prepare yourself to be mesmerized by this underground glow worm universe. Some participants will choose to upgrade this activity to the more challenging five hour trip as part of the ISV Optional Activity Package. For the remainder of the day, consider horse riding through the rolling Waitomo hillside. Your final night is a celebration of all the achievements, new friends, fun times and adventures gained from this unforgettable ISV New Zealand experience.

Day 15
Today it's time to say Haere Ra (goodbye) as your trip has come to an end.