Morning: My mornings almost always involved eating a bowl of muesli and imported peanut butter, going outside to enjoy the spectacular New Zealand views, and then meeting with our partnered non-governmental organization to discuss the environmental conservation project for the day and to reflect upon the work that had already been completed.
The main reason I chose to volunteer with International Student Volunteers was the variety in the focus and location of each service project. For example, I was able to travel up and down the north island where I gained hands-on experience in a number of areas as I planted hundreds of native species, removed invasive species in an effort to improve the ecosystem, built new trails for future park-goers to enjoy, while also learning about New Zealand’s efforts to develop sustainable tourism.
Afternoon: During my volunteer adventure with ISV, there was rarely a ‘typical’ afternoon. Some afternoons were spent running around athletic fields with Kiwi children, others were spent learning traditional Maori songs and dances while staying with an indigenous Maori community in a Marae.
One afternoon we all went to a popular tattoo shop and got traditional Maori tattoos and the next day was spent running away from herds of cows as we planted hundreds of trees near their habitat. ISV provided a perfect mix of educational activities, hands-on service work, and time to engage with the Maori community on a more meaningful, personal level.
Evening: Our evenings were also varied, but our trip leaders ensured that we would have designated time at the end of each day to discuss the work that had been completed that afternoon and to reflect on what we were taking away from our ISV experience. After reflecting (and scrubbing dirty fingernails), our group would often stay in for the night and bond over dinner, journal, explore the surrounding neighborhood, or meet Kiwis at the local pubs.
I highly enjoyed getting to know our New Zealand tour guides who shared with us their love of all things New Zealand. Instead of coming into the country as students from the United States with tour guides from the United States to accomplish projects that we felt were important, we were always surrounded by locals who helped us to better understand the country’s unique culture and bring us into their community.
Highlights: During my summer in New Zealand, I went white water rafting on the Kaituna River, black water rafting in glow worm caves, hiked on the Franz Josef Glacier, Zorbed, visited the thermal wonders in Rotorua, kayaked Abel Tasman, and jumped 43 meters off of the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown (the world’s first bungy). While I will forever remember the feeling of terror that took over my body as I jumped head first into a river with nothing but a rope attached, I will always appreciate the friendships that were created, the laughs that were had as we drove for hours in the same bus day in and day out, and the memories that I will continue to share with so many wonderful people.