Eco tour - sightseeing and volunteering

Volunteering/Community Development Project: Environmental conservation

You will work on local conservation projects restoring and enhancing natural habitats. This involves weeding, planting and pest control. This work will include some specific work on penguin and yellowhead or mohua bird habitats. Work may also involve track upgrading, and restoration of historic sites. You will have all equipment supplied and instruction will be given to ensure safe, efficient use of energy and equipment. You will have some free time each day to enjoy the local environment, kayaking in the estuary, walking in the forest or coast, visiting the Lost Gypsy Gallery, reading from the extensive library, trying flax weaving …

Trip highlights

• Albatross viewing
• Doubtful Sound overnight cruise
• Penguin and sea lion viewing
• Queenstown and its adrenalin activities
• Lake Wanaka
• Fly/hike/jet boat experience

Accommodation

You will be staying in 3-4* accommodation and comfortable home-stay whilst volunteering, and one night on comfortable boat.

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1 Start in Dunedin
Day 2 Albatross and penguin trip
Day 3 Transfer to the Catlins
Day 4 Catlins tour -penguins, sea lions, forest/waterfall walk
Day 5-7 Environmental conservation volunteering in the Catlins
Day 8 Transfer to Manapouri
Day 9 Doubtful Sound overnight cruise
Day 10 Doubtful Sound , transfer to Queenstown
Day 11 Queenstown - free day
Day 12 Makarora via Lake Wanaka; hiking opportunity
Day 13 ‘Siberia Experience’ - scenic flight, hike, jet boat ride, return to Queenstown
Day 14 Queenstown - trip ends, or take extension trip to glaciers

This trip departs with a minimum of 2 people (maximum number of travellers per trip: 8)

Hands Up Holidays offers fixed departure date options as well as independent, tailor-made travel.