Volunteer programs to work in New Zealand: Hostels, home stays, NGOs, farms, eco villages and more

Want to work in New Zealand? Check how volunteer programs work

New Zealand volunteer programs are a great opportunity to open your mind and expand your horizons. Volunteer programs work in different ways, but one thing doesn’t change: for every trip you make on Worldpackers, you work for a few hours a day in exchange for free accommodation and benefits.

The type of New Zealand volunteer opportunities you’ll be able to find will depend on the kind of volunteer work you want to do, the type of host, the season of the year and what skills you’re able to provide. In some cases you could be working with cleaning, painting, as a breakfast chef or you could be that person who cheers everyone up at the parties - speaking of which, you could also be a bartender.

Also, the work you’ll do as a volunteer abroad in New Zealand will depend on the location. If you go to big cities to do volunteer work in Auckland, Wellington or work exchange in Christchurch, you’ll find a vibrant atmosphere, many internationals and immigrants.

You’ll also encounter calmer places with incredible landscapes perfect for conservation volunteering in New Zealand. Rainforests, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and snow-covered mountains are among the natural highlights of this archipelago with more than 500 islands. Can you imagine how awesome it would be to travel as a wildlife volunteer in New Zealand? Can you picture yourself there already? We can!

By being a volunteer abroad in New Zealand you can get the extra push you needed to start your adventure. When you exchange work for accommodation you save a lot of money that can be used to rent a bike, take climbing lessons or get a bus to a new place

Why should I volunteer and work in New Zealand?

If you’re looking for a place with beautiful nature, opportunities to go hiking, rowing or swimming, fun nightlife, and worldwide known universities, look no further: volunteer abroad in New Zealand.

Another reason to go to New Zealand is to learn about Māori culture. Did you know that 15% of people in New Zealand are from this ethnicity? Māori is the second-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, after the European New Zealanders ("Pākehā"). They are a very significant part of NZ culture, being famous for their tattoo style, language and dances. So, when you meet someone from New Zealand - Māori or not - say “Kia ora”! It’s like “Hello”, but these two little words represent more than just a greeting. This simple, everyday expression in Māori language also indicates gratitude, show love, and to show that you want to make a connection with the person you just met.

Due to its mixed origin and closeness with its neighbors like Australia and many Asian countries, New Zealand is a place that welcomes people from everywhere. If you feel like getting out of your comfort zone and seeing something completely different in a welcoming environment, it’s time to work in New Zealand.

Choose yours: 3 types of volunteer work in New Zealand

Whether you’re planning a gap year, starting a sabbatical, or if you’re a student that wants to go abroad and learn a new language. Whether you travel solo, or if you’re planning something with friends. There’s always a place that needs help. You can do volunteer work in New Zealand and exchange hours of help for room and board. Check out the kind of work you can do:

1. Work Exchange: work in exchange for room and board in hostels, bed and breakfasts, party hostels, surf hostels and many other locations. As a traveler, you’ll help out for a few hours per day, and get accommodation and other benefits in exchange. As a volunteer, you can work in New Zealand as a cleaner, bartender, photographer, receptionist and much more. This kind of volunteer work is great to open-up, meet new people, learn new skills, and dive into a cultural immersion. It's humbling and at the same time, empowering.
2. Social Impact: Volunteer abroad and help an organization, school, social project or any kind of project that needs a volunteer and receive accommodation and benefits in exchange. To find a social project in New Zealand, think about how you can help. What are your best skills? Have you got a talent you want to improve? It could be teaching a language, coaching sports, web design, dancing or art classes. Check our host list to find a volunteer position that matches what you can offer.
3. Eco Program: work in an organic farm or ecovillage anywhere in the world. Learn about permaculture, how to live in a more eco-friendly way and much more. Check our host list to find out how to work in New Zealand helping a farm, ecovillage, eco hostels and other locations that will bring you closer to mother nature. Planning a trip with friends? This is a great way to make sustainable travel a reality

Costs and Visa: how to work in New Zealand?

Visitors from several countries like the United States can get a New Zealand work visa or working holiday visa. If you want to work in New Zealand, visit family and friends, study a short course or go as a tourist, the visitor category will fit for a lot of countries. Remember to always check the kind of visa required for your nationality in New Zealand’s government immigration website.

The majority of travelers and expats choose New Zealand’s main cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. As a volunteer abroad in New Zealand, you might want to save some money for tours around the amazing landscapes of the country. NZ got you covered: you’ll be able to find cheap meals like fish and chips, or noodles for around $10. A beer will cost around $8.00. In Wellington, for example, bus fares start at $2.00 and weekly/ monthly passes are also available. A monthly pass to use buses, trains, and any other public transport will cost about $150.

Among the main cities, Auckland is usually more expensive.

Travel volunteering in New Zealand and do something new

Tired of working from 9 to 5? You can quit your job and start traveling. But most people take vacations when they get tired of their daily work. What if your vacation is also a pre-set model? Where's the fun in that? Free yourself from old paradigms, do something new and take an unusual vacation: volunteer in New Zealand!

Doing something different is a good way to refresh your mind, expand your horizons and maybe change your views on life. New places and surprises from a new culture can take your mind off the boring tasks back home. Want to take an unusual vacation while saving lots of money? Do volunteer work in New Zealand and come tell us all about it later. Become a member to book a trip!