Adventure Recreation and Conservation Combination

  New Zealand

Auckland,  Hamilton,  Napier,  Rotorua,  Taupo,  Tauranga

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: year-round

Description: One of the (many!) things that makes our volunteering experience unique is the emphasis that we place on recreation activities. Recreation is the "re-creation of self" and is an essential and integral aspect of life. Playfulness is one important measure of intelligence in many animals! We believe that positive aspects result from recreation (health, fitness, stamina, friendship, teamspirit, fun, self-confidence...) and the variety available to the

Valley community is enormous for at least three reasons:
* Our location is central to many different landscapes and a range of sub-climates - within a few hours drive we have rainforest, snowy mountains, active volcanoes, white-sand pacific beaches, mountain lakes, raging rivers, surfing coasts, several large cities, many small rural towns, and a huge collection of subtropical islands. More options are available to a group of friends who understand each other and can plan adventures, food, accommodation etc. and act as a team.

* Our trips are set-up to take advantage of best weather and best times for individual locations - we often go mid-week when most people are working, and so have locations to ourselves - want to make the only footprints on a 3 mile beach? walk in peace and quiet where you'd otherwise be among hundreds of other tourists?

* Our staff has a considerable depth of experience in many adventurous and low-key recreation activities. We love the outdoors and we savour the best that NZ has to offer. While you are volunteering with us you will get a 1 or 2 day organised trip every week and a 5-7 day 'Epic trip' every 5 to 6 weeks. All extra equipment and instruction for these activities is provided. As well as that you will get 1 or 2 free days per week for whatever other activities (or relaxation!) you would like to do.

Highlights: Heres a sampling of some of the activities we get up to:

* Epic Trips
* Hiking & Camping
* Seakayaking
* Swimming & Diving
* Wildlife Island Visits
* Horse Riding
* Yoga
* Mountain Biking

Qualifications:
* NO especial skills required - but a willingness to try, enthusiasm and sense of humour are essential.
* You'll be living / working / playing with a small community of international volunteers - tolerance and self-reliance develop fast and everything is way more fun when you're in a good group.

Cost in US$: 395

Salary / Pay: scholarships are possible - contact us for details

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: often students, or new graduates (but not exclusively), all ages but young-at-heart, people wanting to travel with a difference by giving something back - people who are tolerant and caring and want to have fun with similar great folk from all over the world : )

Age Range: 18 years and older

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to New Zealand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of variable

Scholarships are Available. scholarships are possible - contact us for details

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Earthwise Valley's Mission Statement: We're taking direct action to create an ecologically sound Centre for Sustainable Living. This includes revitalising degraded farmland, growing and planting trees, controlling animal pests and weeds, using organic and permacultural techniques, and native bush research. The Valley relies on your support - we need your donations, loans, advice, and physical labour to make a difference.

Year Founded: 1999