Summary
Volunteer New Zealand.
Organised conservation projects around New Zealand.
Project location
You can choose from one of 3 gateway cities around New Zealand. From here you will be transported to your project site.
Length of project
1– 12 weeks.
Group/individual basis
You will travel as an individual, but join a group of other volunteers from around the world.
Support
Help and advice from our UK office throughout. Local support from our partners in New Zealand.
Includes
- Organised and supervised conservation volunteer work in New Zealand;
- Interview and initial briefing with Oyster;
- Pre-departure advice including joining instructions and kit list;
- Food, accommodation and transport during the project;
- You will be accompanied by a fully trained team leader while on the project (no more than 10 participants per leader).
Not included
- Flights
- Visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Any home country transport (eg. taxis and buses)
- Travel to the project
Accommodation
Accommodation will be provided for the duration of the project. You will need to arrange your own accommodation, if necessary, if arriving into New Zealand before the project begins. You will probably want to give yourself a day or two to get over the jet lag. Hostel accommodation in major cities is easy to pre-book over the internet. Wifi is not to be expected at the accommodation provided. Alcohol is not allowed on the projects including accommodation.
Travel arrangements
You will need to arrive at the meeting point (to be provided) in your chosen destination by 11am on the first day of the project (always a Friday). If coming straight from the UK we recommend that you book a flexible return flight arriving in New Zealand a day or so beforehand. Bear in mind that you will normally arrive 2 calendar days after your departure date.
Information
You will receive thorough information on your My Oyster account covering project expectations, preparation, health and safety, responsible travel and arrival arrangements at least 4 weeks before departure
Medical
Up-to-date tetanus is required. UK citizens and some other nationalities are eligible to use the free Medicare health service.
You can get useful medical advice relating to your destination on the ‘Fit For Travel’ website – http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/.
You must inform Oyster of any pre-existing physical or mental health conditions. Oyster staff may ask for you to provide a letter from your Doctor before continuing with your booking.
Insurance
You must take out a full travel insurance policy as soon as you can before departure. This must cover you for personal accident, medical, cancellation, lost luggage etc. We strongly recommend that you organise your travel insurance upon booking your place.
Any risk factors
It can be very hot during the summer, so adequate sun protection is vital. In winter bring lots of warm clothes. Transport in New Zealand is safe and reliable. Crime levels are similar to the UK, but you may be targeted for petty theft as a tourist.
Downtime
Unlike most of our other programmes, you will be living and working independently of Oyster and we cannot be responsible for your day-to-day safety while you are in New Zealand. However, do feel that you can contact us if you need to and we will do our best to help. CVNZ will be responsible for your welfare during your time on the project. Make sure you follow all their safety advice and instructions and bear in mind that they cannot be responsible for your welfare if you leave the project for any reason.
Accessibility
Participants need to be physically fit to get the most out of this project. It may be possible to accommodate certain physical disabilities. Please discuss with the destination manager before booking.
Financial Security
When you book with Oyster you can rest assured that your money will be protected and you will not be stranded abroad in the very unlikely event that our company becomes insolvent. If your booking includes a flight arranged by us, your whole trip will be subject to ATOL protection. If we have not booked your flight then your trip will be just as safe, since it will be insured through International Passenger Protection Ltd.
