Q. What sort of clothes am I going to need?
A. ISV has a detailed list that you will receive, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
New Zealand’s winter season is from May to September. Temperature ranging from 15 degreesC at day too 5 degreesC at night, so it is fairly cold for most. Thermals are best all round for warmth and saving space for luggage. Also easy to wash and dry fast. Rainwear-. You will definitely need rainwear/raincoats, but there are options you should be aware of. We recommend a middle of the range rain jacket. Unless you are going to use an upper range, Gore-Tex or such jacket….. alot, and on a tight budget, you don’t need it. During your work project we do not have volunteers working in bad conditions, so you definitely wont need hurricane grade rainwear! At the same time it would need to be able to keep you dry if we were caught in a shower. Boots- Once again, boots should be sturdy but don’t need to cost a fortune. A good sole for slippery conditions, ankle support, and fit well is what you want. Hiking boots are best all round for your project work and for your adventuring around new Zealand. You can also buy “gumboots” in New Zealand for $ 10-20NZ and then, if you wished, donate them to a local community center on your departure, saving you luggage room and carrying.
Q. Is there clothes washing facilities?
A. There is a clothes washing facility in all accommodations but they do not have dryers.
Drying of clothes can be a problem during this time of year because of weather conditions. New Zealanders have a culture of air drying clothes on outside lines as dryers are expensive to run and a waste of power. Try to bring clothes that are synthetic e.g nylon pants/shirts, polypropylene thermals. They dry easy and fast compared to cotton or wool.
Q. How large and what should I use for my luggage? Is there storage at accommodation?
A. We would recommend a 70-75 litre backpack with a attached 10-15 litre day pack. They don’t need to be top of the range, in fact a budget backpack would meet your needs.
There is secure room at all accommodations for luggage storage in dorm rooms, although can be limited if people don’t keep belongings tidy.
Q. How many people will be on my project?
A. Kuakas groups range from 15 participants up to 45 per group, the majority is the larger. Participants will be from all over the United States and Europe and is a great opportunity to meet like minded people from these areas.
Q. What happens when I get to New Zealand?
A. Don’t worry….Everything is taken care of. Most flights will be coming in Saturday morning(New Zealand) at around 5.30am. You will be met firstly by a ISV representative, grouped, and then be met by your Kuaka rep. You will then be bused from Auckland to your accommodation in Tauranga( approx 3 hours), stopping on the way at a Supermarket.
Q. Do I need to be fit for the project work?
A. The work in our conservation programs is suitable to all fitness levels and physical abilities. You will be part of a work group, with a number of duties/tasks in each group, working together.
Q. Will I have internet facilities?
A. Unfortunately during your project stay there is no internet at accommodations, although you will have the opportunity a couple of times to get to a internet café. There will be a phone at accommodations, but you will need to purchase an international phone card when you arrive to use these.