So, I'm planning to spend about 6 weeks in New Zealand sometime between January and March. I want to do something different from a regular vacation, so I'm probably going to do a volunteer program, probably for a month. Plus it's a cheaper way to stay longer.

I've done some online research, and come up with a few programs, but I was curious to see if anyone here has done something like this (or knows someone else who did), in New Zealand or anywhere else in the world. Any horror stories? Things to look out for?

It looks like most of the programs in NZ are environmentally based, which I think I'd enjoy.

I only know people who have done volunteer programs through Christian organizations. Most loved them (Costa Rica, Mexico, US, South Africa), but one girl in particular (also Africa, don't remember where) hated it so much, she came home early and then quickly moved to Utah. She hasn't talked to any of her old friends in months. Not sure what that was about.

I would guess that a good place to go for information would be colleges.

nacho, if you're interested in more information, I can provide you some when I get home next week.