Description:
New Zealand and Australia are two of the most ecologically intact and diverse countries in the world - immerse yourself in these amazing countries! Our 9-week experiential travel program offers an inspiring experience down under, with three week-long volunteer conservation projects in different national parks and marine reserves throughout New Zealand and Australia; challenging multi-day expeditions; and educational adventure travel through New Zealand and Australia's stunning mountain, forest and beach environments.
This study abroad / gap year travel program is suitable for high school graduates, university students and graduates, ideally 18-23 years.
"Traveling with Pacific Discovery has been one of the most personally rewarding things I have ever done. The program's small group sizes and focus on responsible travel allows you to interact with a country's local culture, customs, and environment on a much deeper level. I had the time of my life on the trip!" - M Lowrey
Highlights:
* Three week-long rewarding volunteer conservation projects in National Parks and wildlife reserves, partnering with New Zealand's Department of Conservation.
Week One: Bay of Islands Maritime Park - beautiful beaches, dramatic islands, significant archeological sites. Working on site preservation and access.
Week Two: Nelson Lakes National Park - stunning alpine lake environment. Working on the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project which is successfully reintroducing locally extinct species.
Week Three: Keppel Bay Islands National Park, Australia. White sand beaches, fringing coral reefs. Working on various conservation projects.
Participants will get a hands-on introduction to strategies initiated to protect and care for these eco-systems and the plants and wildlife they contain.
* Four multi-day outdoor activities including a four-day surfing camp, a five-day canoeing journey, a three-day backpacking trip and a five-day multisport journey. The purpose of these activities is to teach participants the hard-skills needed to overcome the natural challenges specific to each activity and more importantly to teach soft-skills...including lateral thinking, initiative, leadership, decision-making, and teamwork. Participants will experience a great deal of personal growth, gaining confidence in themselves and their abilities in the outdoors.
* Overland travel component. Travelling through New Zealand and Australia, engaging in a number of activities from sea kayaking with dolphins in Byron Bay, to white water rafting in New Zealand; from evenings around the campfire, to swimming in crystal clear lakes and rivers; participants will gain insight into local indigenous cultures, examine historical and contemporary society, discover some of the world's most livable cities, and experience firsthand the legendary Australasian welcome.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
The three projects will be run in conjunction with the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand's pre-eminent conservation and resource management organization. Project work may include species preservation and monitoring, controlling introduced pests, managing visitor impacts, trail building etc. You do not need any experience to undertake this work - just an interest in conservation and some enthusiasm!
Travel Types:
BackPacking Abroad,
Camping,
Canoeing,
Eco Tours,
Environmental Studies,
Hiking,
Kayaking (Sea),
Overland Tours,
Student Tours,
Surfing,
Trekking
and Volunteering
Language:
English
Subject Areas:
Conservation and Preservation,
Environmental Studies,
Interdisciplinary
and Travel / Tourism
Cost in US$: 6,850
Cost Includes:
Excursions,
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Registration fees,
Travel while in host country,
Written materials abroad
and Written materials pre-departure
* Mid-program flight between New Zealand and Australia
* Visas
* All in-country transport
* All accommodation
* Most Meals
* 3 different week-long volunteer conservation projects
* All excursions and activities as described in the itinerary
* Lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism
* Experienced New Zealand and Australian program leader/s
* Online image library for your program
Credit Available: yes
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
conservation,
eco-tourism,
environment,
reforestation
and tree planting
Typical Volunteer: An interest in conservation, enthusiastic, adventurous and open to new experiences.
Age Range: 18-25 ideal
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Group living
Participants Travel to Australia
in Groups
Typically Participants Work
in Groups of 8-12
Scholarships Are Available. - Pacific Discovery does not provide scholarships, but we are happy to support you with any information required if you would like to pursue your own indepdent scholarship application.
Application Process Involves:
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
Typically The Application Process Time Is 2-3 days
Post Services Include:
- Alumni Network
- Exit Debriefing Abroad
Pacific Discovery's Mission Statement:
Through meaningful and challenging experiential travel, we assist participants in gaining the skills, confidence and insight to realize their potential in an increasingly global society; develop empathy for other cultures; further understanding of international issues; and heighten appreciation for the earth's wilderness and diversity.
Year Founded: 2001