Environmental Science Internships in Auckland
Contribute to managing and conserving New Zealand’s famous pristine environment, learning practical conservation techniques and making a genuine difference to the natural ecosystem. Environmental Science interns can also complete research projects in laboratories, informing policies and modern approaches to environmental protection.
Internship Highlights:
- Gain hands-on experience learning about conservation techniques in a stunning natural environment
- Contribute to conservation in New Zealand, learning from experienced local environmental scientists
- Enjoy the world famous tourist adventures on offer in New Zealand
Type of host organizations:
- Department of Conservation
- Environmental NGOs
- Eco-tourism companies
Internship details
Contribute to managing and conserving New Zealand’s famous pristine environment, learning practical conservation techniques and making a genuine difference to the ecosystem. Environmental science interns can also complete research projects in laboratories, informing policies and modern approaches to environmental protection.
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation included. Click here to view remote Environmental & Marine Sciences internships, which you can undertake from home.
New Zealand is widely considered as one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world. Environmental scientists and advocates play a vital role in maintaining and regenerating New Zealand’s natural ecosystems, tackling the anthropological impact of development and conducting important research to preserve fragile species and environmental ecosystems.
As an Environmental Science intern, there is broad scope for you to learn about specific areas of conservation that you are interested in. Internships are personalized to suit your goals, skills and experience. Each placement is assigned according to your profile and enables you to gain highly relevant career experience, while contributing to New Zealand’s environment in a tangible way. Interns can be placed in a range of public and private organizations, including New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, environmental NGOs and eco-tourism companies.
Note that, subject to availability, some internship placements within this field may be based on Waikeke Island. Waiheke Island is the second-largest island, located in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. It is known for its warm climate, scenic beaches, art galleries, and numerous wineries. It is also here where a professional not-for-profit organization works on local projects to restore the environment, protect natural resources, and build sustainable resilience. Scheduled ferry services regularly sail to and from Waiheke, as passenger services operate from Downtown Auckland to Waiheke’s Matiatia wharf. Trips take approximately 40 minutes.
Internships may be related to campaigning against environmental degradation, contributing to long-term research programs, conducting laboratory analysis, and more. You’ll be collaborating with experienced local environmental scientists and conservationists to learn all about what goes into environmental protection. General tasks within the field of Environmental Science internships can include, but are not limited to:
- Working in a range of natural environments to collect data
- Data analysis and reporting
- Collaborating on research projects
- Assisting in laboratory work
- Engaging with local communities to address environmental issues and share knowledge
Interns wanting to gain experience within a specific area of environmental science should include details in your application. Preferences are accommodated wherever possible, but are subject to availability.
In your spare time, you’ll be able to explore. New Zealand is renowned for adventure tourism and incredible environmental diversity, so come to New Zealand ready to enjoy natural landscapes - from glaciers and mountains, to stunning lakes, beaches, native bush and incredible geothermal attractions. From Auckland city, many regions are just a short flight away. Your weekends will be packed with adventure and discovery like never before!
Career Benefits
Environmental Science interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Conducting field tasks to conserve natural environments
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Contributing to data collection
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Carrying out data analysis and compiling reports
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Laboratory work
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Preparing and hosting community engagement sessions to teach locals conservation techniques and environmental issues
Professional development opportunities:
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Learn about conservation issues and how to address them
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Practice skills and techniques in environmental research
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Gain understanding in laboratory research techniques
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Learn how to prepare and present reports based on your research
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Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.
New Zealand photo gallery
Academic credit available for all internships
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing an internship abroad or remote internship program with Intern Abroad HQ.
Learn about course creditProgram fees
It’s free to apply for this internship. Once we have reviewed your suitability and accepted you onto this program, you’ll need to pay a deposit of US$449 to confirm your place. The remaining balance of your Program Fee (less your initial US$449 deposit payment) will be due no less than 60 days before your internship start date.
Duration |
Program Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 12 weeks | $4,409Equivalent to $52/day |
| 14 weeks | $4,849Equivalent to $49/day |
| 16 weeks | $5,399Equivalent to $48/day |
| 18 weeks | $5,839Equivalent to $46/day |
| 20 weeks | $6,279Equivalent to $44/day |
| 22 weeks | $6,719Equivalent to $43/day |
| 24 weeks | $7,159Equivalent to $42/day |
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- Airport pick-up
- Program orientation
- Dedicated support before, during, and after your internship
- In-country guidance for social and tourist activities
- Sourcing and securing your internship placement
- Personalization of your internship plan
- Coaching from your supervisor
- Documented portfolio of your experiential learnings
- Academic credit facilitation
- International reference letter
- Certificate of Internship Completion
- Meals
- Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
- Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
- Optional extras, such as language lessons
- Souvenirs and leisure activities during your free time
- Personal spending money to cover basic expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, public transportation, and any meals not included in your Program Fee
- A deposit of $449 USD is required to secure your internship
- It is important to note that internships in Auckland do not include meals and interns should budget to cover this Independently. Kitchen facilities are provided in all accommodation for independent meal preparation. An accommodation security deposit of approx. NZ$700 must be paid in-country but this is fully refundable, subject to inspection of the accommodation upon departure and confirmation that there have been no damages.
- Balance of your Program Fee is due 60 days before your internship start date.
- All payments attract a 5% transaction fee to cover international banking fees and currency charges.
- Terms and Conditions apply.
Arrival and Orientation
Internships in Auckland begin every Monday. Exceptions may be made to this when start dates are shifted to avoid public holiday disruptions or closed when the program has already reached capacity. Interns may choose to spend a minimum of 8 weeks, up to a maximum of 24 weeks.
Airport pick up and accommodation are included in the Program Fee. The accommodation is covered from the Sunday night before the Monday start date. All interns are asked to arrive on Sunday, in order to receive their airport pick up. The port of entry is the Auckland Airport (AKL). Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation.
If you are planning to spend time independently in Auckland prior to your internship and will not require an international airport pick up, we can arrange an alternative pick up from another convenient location within the city.
The last night of the accommodation is the Friday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Saturday. Extra nights of accommodation can be arranged in advance, if requested and are subject to availability.
Orientations are mandatory and currently held remotely. You will receive an invite for this. During your orientation, you’ll have the chance to meet the local staff and other interns (that are starting on the same date as you), discuss program expectations, responsibilities, and requirements. You will also receive a local sim card during your orientation and be advised on available data and calling plans. The orientation covers essential details about your host country, safety, accommodation guidelines, cultural customs and differences, weekend excursions, etc.
Please note that all participants are advised not to book flights until they have first registered to confirm their internship placement.
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Accommodation and WiFi
All interns in Auckland, New Zealand, are accommodated in student apartments within or near the city. The central location of the accommodation is ideal for commuting to internship placements within the downtown area. These apartments are close to public transportation routes, as well as shops, restaurants, cafes, entertainment, and parks. Public buses also provide access to surrounding beaches and popular seaside suburbs, such as Takapuna and Mission Bay.
Apartments are small and basic, yet clean, comfortable, secure and adequately furnished. Interns can expect to have their own private room and bedding is provided. The apartment can be co-inhabited with up to two other international students / interns, so the kitchen and living room are shared spaces. (The typical apartment size is three bedrooms, with a maximum of one guest per room). All roommates are expected to respect common areas, keeping them clean, tidy and comfortable for all guests. If you are interning alongside a friend, please let us know and we can aim to ensure you’re accommodated together (subject to availability). Laundry facilities are also available within the accommodation.
It is important to note that WiFi is not included within all of the apartments (in some cases, it may be available for an additional fee, taken care of in-country). The internship orientation will provide a local sim card, which you can use to ensure you have data and connectivity on your own smartphone. Ensure that your phone is unlocked for international use prior to your arrival in New Zealand, so that you can use the sim card and stay online.
Please note that the accommodation pictured in the photo gallery of this webpage is provided as an example. Since we work with more than one apartment, the exact accommodation that you’re assigned may differ from the photos. Rooms sizes, along with storage space, varies. However, you may assume to receive a single-sized bedroom (as per the photos).
Meals
It is important to note that internships in Auckland do not include meals. However, the shared apartment (which is included in the Program Fee) provides kitchen facilities where interns are welcome to prepare their own meals and snacks. A recommended food budget of US$100 - US$150 should be sufficient for purchasing weekly groceries to prepare meals and packed lunches. You should budget more for meal purchases if you eat out frequently. There are some relatively affordable eateries, including Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian options (and more). There is a booming food scene in the city and the Britomart waterfront precinct, comprised of heritage buildings, hosts an eclectic collection of bars, cafés and restaurants. Chat to your internship placement colleagues for the best local tips about where to go for great taste and value!
Activities and tourism
During the internship program, weekends are available for free time and leisure activities. As New Zealand’s main hub, there is no shortage of attractions and natural landmarks to check out in Auckland, as well as ongoing arts, sporting, cultural and entertainment events. The Auckland Civic Theatre and Auckland Town Hall often host events and performances to enjoy and the Aotea Square is typically home to various festivals. Auckland’s main venues for sporting events and concerts include Eden Park, Mt Smart Stadium, and the Spark Arena. For museum and art enthusiasts, don’t miss Auckland War Memorial Museum, MOTAT, Auckland Art Gallery, and New Zealand Maritime Museum. The Rainbow’s End amusement park is a fun weekend activity but thrillseekers shouldn’t look past New Zealand’s natural attractions and adventure tourism activities for the best way to really get out and experience the country!
Our local team in New Zealand are available to advise you on some of the greatest things to see and do, so that you can really make the most of your time - especially if you want to connect with others to make new friends and explore the region socially. Whether connecting for dinners, joining social events, planning weekend excursions such as hikes, winery tours, surfing trips, white water rafting, black water rafting, hot pools, or… let’s face it… a visit to Hobbiton, our team are available to ensure you make incredible memories that will last a lifetime.
Once you have confirmed your internship in New Zealand and are in the planning stages of your trip, you’ll be welcome to reach out to our Auckland based team for support, if you want advance information about planning your free time (especially if you want to plan activities and travel either before or after your internship duration). Otherwise, you can expect to learn more about the free-time opportunities during your internship orientation in-country. The team will always remain available throughout your internship as well, should you wish to sign up for activities as you go!
Essential country information
| Capital | Wellington |
| Population | 4.79 million |
| Languages | English, Māori, NZ Sign Language |
| Currency | New Zealand dollar ($ - NZD) |
| Time zone | UTC+12:00 |
Weather and climate:
New Zealand is considered to have a maritime or temperate oceanic climate, meaning that both the summers and winters are typically moderate. Rainfall, wind and cloud cover can occur year round and conditions vary from wetter on the west coast, to dryer in inland or eastern regions. In Auckland, where the internship program is based, the summers are comfortable (from late December through late March) and the winters are cold and wet. The average daily high temperature throughout the summer is between 15°C and 24°C (59°F and 75°F). In the winter, it’s between 8°C and 16°C (46°F and 60°F).
