With the potential for some of the most iconic road trips, the darkest skies and some of the planet’s tallest trees, New Zealand is home to many perfect dreamy landscapes. In fact, land and place are central to the Māori people’s identity and as a consequence, nature and the environment has settled at the heart of Kiwi society. But with such natural beauty this is not altogether too surprising: soaring mountainscapes, mysterious lakes and rivers, dramatic volcanic plateaus, fjords, ancient forests, glaciers, miles of farmland and even more miles of glorious coastline with sandy beaches.
This just gives you a taste of the sites to embrace when you come to volunteer in New Zealand. In fact, if you’ve seen the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Narnia Chronicles or the Piano you already have a sense of what the country has to offer – though nothing compares to the marvel of the landscapes in person. Because of this, New Zealanders share a strong sense of guardianship (kaitiaki-tanga) for the environment and balance is a cornerstone of society.