Here is a fantastic way for you to give something back to a great country, meet wonderful people, learn new skills, and have lots of fun!  Experience beautiful Auckland, New Zealand by volunteering with a conservation project. Cultural Embrace partners with New Zealand's leading environmental volunteer organization to offer exciting conservation projects that enable you to protect, preserve, and restore Auckland's unique and beautiful environment. 

Auckland is the main gateway to New Zealand, with beautiful beaches, great culture and a vibrant city environment.  The City of Sails will be the homebase for our projects in the North Island.  You will usually spend one or two weeks at each project site, and projects take place in both urban and rural areas. There will be a team of up to 10 volunteers from all around the world and ages (18-70).  Each team is led by an experienced Team Leader - who are trained in the safe management of projects, and they are enthusiastic and an expert in the practical conservation projects.  We incorporate as much variety into our program as possible, while achieving our essential conservation outcomes.

The program begins every Saturday throughout the year, from Auckland. There is an included two-days 'jet-lag recovery' welcome package, which includes airport pick-up and transfer, two-nights of shared dorm accommodations in a centrally located Auckland hostel, breakfasts, and gateway city excursions. You will meet your volunteer team on Monday. 

Although good health and a positive attitude are essential, you do not need any prior skills or experience, as we will provide all training required. Projects normally run for 5 days per week, with one or two days free per week to relax or sightsee. Meals and accommodations are still provided at the volunteer site. Dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan can be catered for, just let us know in advanced. Typical hours are from 8am–4pm daily, although this varies on some projects when required by seasonal conditions or project activities. After the minimum 1 week at each project location, you can opt to work at another another project, or consider doing more projects in Australia...the Land Down Under! 

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

Each placement will vary since there are so many different conservation projects across Auckland. Although projects vary according to seasonal conditions and conservation priorities, we do our best to ensure an assortment of projects or locations during each project. Typical projects include:
• Tree planting
• Erosion and salinity control
• Seed collection
• Construction and maintenance of walking tracks
• Endangered flora and fauna surveys
• Weed control
• Habitat restoration
• Heritage restoration 

  Volunteering in New Zealand Offers:

• A first-hand experience to see and improve Auckland’s natural environment.
• A broader perspective on world views.
• Opportunity to learn the Kiwi lifestyles and community initiatives as well as opportunity to travel and have hands-on experience of the local destination.
• Memorable experiences while traveling and seeing exotic sites.
• Lifelong friends from all around the globe.
• International work and cultural experiences that strengthens your resume.
• Support and development of self-confidence and personal skills.
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview.

  Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Volunteer Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your volunteer project before you leave home to ensure an easy and hassle-free transition to your new life abroad.   
• Housing & Board
  Accommodations vary with each project and location. Typical housing includes caravans, hostels, shearers’ quarters, bunkhouses, and camping (tents supplied). You should bring a sleeping bag and mat. All food provided. Breakfasts and lunches are typically self-made. Dinner is usually group effort in preparing and cleaning.
• Arrival Assistance-"Jet Lag Recovery" Welcome Package
  A pick-up service from Auckland airport, transfer to two nights clean, comfortable shared dorm accommodations stay in a centrally located Auckland hostel, two continental breakfasts, orientation and excursions.
• Excursions
  An option to join a trip to the Bay of Islands or half-day sightseeing trip around Auckland City is included.  Other excursions and activities to North and South Island, New Zealand will be available for additional fees. 
• Arrival Orientation
  Training about the local community, communities, project duties, and lifestyle will be provided by your experienced Team Leader. 
• Volunteer Materials
  Volunteer t-shirt and/or guidebook will be provided on-site. 
• Project Transportation
  Transportation to and from volunteer sites throughout the program.
• Travel Insurance
  Cultural Embrace includes a comprehensive international traveler's insurance available for all nationalities.  
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and volunteering abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and New Zealand prior to, during, and after your placement. 

• You must be between the ages of 18 to 70. Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent.
• Good physical health
• Committed to project duration
• Good team player 
• Enjoy working and serving others outdoors
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad.
• Responsible and dedicated to full-term of commitment   

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	6 Weeks
US$875	US$1090	US$1260	US$1470	US$1850

 *Extra week >6 weeks: US$200  
 **Please note prices are subject to change according to world currency exchange rates
 ***AUD$, CAN$, £,€ accepted
 

1. Obtain the Volunteer Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Volunteer Form (PDF) and Volunteer in New Zealand Program Details and FAQ (pdf).

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be mailed to you within 7-10 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089/(US toll-free) 1-888-214-8570 to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days.

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Volunteer Program Application
• Signed Volunteer Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Cover Letter explaining what you want to do and why you want to volunteer in Australia
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Certificate verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee)