Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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The rules vary for different nationalities, so make sure you read up on the specifics of your country's agreement with
Volunteering
NZ presents a swathe of active, outdoorsy volunteer opportunities for travellers to get some dirt under their fingernails
and participate in conservation programs. Programs can include anything from tree-planting and weed removal to track
construction, habitat conservation and fencing. Ask about local opportunities at any regional i-SITE visitor information
centre, or check out
www.conservationvolunteers.org.nz
and
www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved
,
both of which allow
you to browse for opportunities by region. Another resource is
www.helpx.net
, which lists volunteering opportunities on
farms where you can work in exchange for accommodation.
Women Travellers
NZ is generally a very safe place for women travellers, although the usual sensible precautions apply: avoid walking
alone late at night and never hitchhike alone. If you're out on the town, always keep enough money aside for a taxi back
to your accommodation. Lone women should also be wary of staying in basic pub accommodation unless it looks safe
and well managed. Sexual harassment is not a widely reported problem in NZ.
See
www.womentravel.co.nz
for more information.
WWOOFING
If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, an economical way of travelling around NZ involves doing some vol-
untary work as a member of the international
Willing Workers on Organic Farms
(WWOOF; 03-544 9890;
www.wwoof.co.nz
)
scheme. Down on the farm, in exchange for a hard day's work, owners provide food, accom-
modation and some hands-on organic farming experience. Contact farm owners a week or two beforehand to ar-
range your stay, as you would for a hotel or hostel - don't turn up unannounced!
A one-year online membership costs $40; an online membership and a farm-listing book, which is mailed to
you, costs an extra $10 plus postage. You should have a working holiday visa when you visit NZ, as the immigra-
tion department considers WWOOFers to be working.
Work
»
If you arrive in NZ on a visitor visa, you're not allowed to work for pay. If you're caught breaching this (or any other)
visa condition, you could be booted back to where you came from.
»
If you have been approved for a WHS visa, look into the possibilities for temporary employment. There's plenty of
casual work around, mainly in agriculture (fruit picking, farming, wineries), hospitality (bar work, waiting tables) or at
ski resorts. Office-based work can be found in IT, banking, finance and telemarketing. Register with a local office-work
agency to get started.
