New Zealand/Fiji 4-Week

Days 1-6: Bay Of Islands – After arriving in Auckland, we will travel north to the beautiful “Bay of Islands.” A visit to a hot spring along the way will help relax away the day of travel. After we arrive, our home in the community of Kerikeri will provide us with an incredible backdrop for teambuilding activities, getting to know one another, and learning about the history and culture of “Aotearoa.” Here we will work with local volunteers at an ecological reserve. Our projects include construction and conservation work, planting trees, and rebuilding habitat for New Zealand’s endangered national bird, the ‘kiwi.’ Our comfortable eco-lodge will provide our end-of-the-day resting place where the call of the kiwi and the sound of lapping waves will soothe you to sleep after a rewarding day’s work. When we are not working, we will enjoy New Zealand’s incredible beauty and adventure opportunities alongside our Kiwi friends. We take day trips to Northland’s awe-inspiring Ancient Kauri Forest, Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern tip, and the place where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet.

Before heading across New Zealand to the wild West Coast we will visit Rotorua and the TE PUIA Marea. The local community will welcome us, sharing the spirit, legends, dance, song, food, vitality and warmth that are the essence of New Zealand’s native Maori culture. We visit the geothermal wonderland of the central North Island and gain a true appreciation for the Maori people and their unique culture. Here, an outdoor pursuit center provides us with safe, professional guidance on activities such as high ropes courses, sea kayaking, surfing, caving and rock climbing. 

From Rotorua, our group will travel to the western coast of the North Island and the quiet beach community of Raglan. Our joint community projects involve organics and permaculture, conservation work, planting trees, and environmental service. When we are not working, we will be hanging out with our new friends and enjoying New Zealand's incredible beauty. Activities include learning to surf at the famous Raglan beach break, hiking on Mt. Karioi, and a day trip to experience black water rafting through the world-renowned Waitomo Caves. Our final New Zealand stop is Auckland, "the City of Sails." On our last evening in New Zealand we will have time to explore and take in dinner in the heart of the city and reflect on the first leg of this amazing journey.

Although it will be a sad farewell as we board our flight, our eyes will remain wide with excitement and anticipation as we head towards the sandy beaches of the Fiji Islands. After a short flight, we will travel to a remote coastal village. A true paradise in the Pacific, this Fijian village is complete with volcanic mountains, coral reefs, waterfalls, and friendly people. We will essentially become part of this coastal community, living and working at the relaxed pace of “Fiji-time.” After a formal “sevu sevu” welcoming ceremony, the village will open its heart and homes to us. Working side by side with our Fijian friends, we will help with a community construction project, such as building a nursery or library for the village school. During our days here, we will work on projects, learn about local customs, and participate in adventure activities such as SCUBA diving! Your stay in Fiji will provide you with the extraordinary experience of living a communal village lifestyle.