Before you come to New Zealand

You may need to take additional steps to prepare for travel to New Zealand, and after you arrive: 

Information about travel to New Zealand. 

You can apply to volunteer if you're an international visitor already in New Zealand and eligible to remain for the duration of the activity you are interested in.

Work visas

You do not need a work visa to volunteer with us. You can volunteer on entry to New Zealand as long as you do not receive payment or benefits. You still need to have a valid visa before coming to New Zealand.

Choose a visa from Immigration New Zealand.

Police certificates

You may be required to provide a police certificate to DOC, depending on the volunteer work you do with us.

Your police certificate would need to be written and certified in English. It's easier for you if you get a police certificate before you leave your country of residence. However, you can still get a police certificate if you're already in New Zealand.

How to get a police certificate if you're already in New Zealand.

You do not need a new police certificate if you've:

• supplied DOC with a police certificate, and
• volunteered with DOC in the past three years.

You would need to provide evidence of this.

Insurance

For all volunteers with DOC, we strongly advise you get comprehensive travel insurance and unlimited medical cover. DOC does not accept responsibility for any:

• personal medical or accident events
• loss or damage to personal items of equipment, or
• other associated costs while you're volunteering with DOC.