Login
  • Life On Land
Reopening soon

Off-grid Environmental Conservation

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Learn about New Zealand’s unique native flora and fauna and participate and complete hands-on conservation work in different forests!

This Sanctuary is a non-profit organization located in the cloud-forest of Tutamoe Peak in Northland, New Zealand. The area is home to the endangered kiwi bird and to the rare giant kauri snail. Locals and volunteers are working together to protect this lush forest and to restore it to its natural ...

About the program

This Sanctuary is a non-profit organization located in the cloud-forest of Tutamoe Peak in Northland, New Zealand. The area is home to the endangered kiwi bird and to the rare giant kauri snail. Locals and volunteers are working together to protect this lush forest and to restore it to its natural splendor. The organization is built on sustainable principles and it is totally off-grid with most of the structures and tools having been recycled from other projects.

Working with the Department of Conservation, we are also able to protect and monitor the precious wildlife in a number of other forests each having its unique characteristics. Our volunteers perform a wide range of these activities, creating access trails, protecting native species from invasive rats, possums, and stoats, planting native trees, monitoring the pest numbers, and building an environment that will continue to be home to the endangered Kiwi and Kokako birds. This project not only gives you a chance to actively restore protected natural ecosystems, but it also creates an everlasting experience for all who are involved.

Volunteering at the sanctuary will challenge your mind, body and soul. Not only will you learn a great amount about conservation and sustainability practices, but you will also be involved in the execution of the sanctuary’s daily maintenance tasks and activities.

Typical day

You’ll be getting your hands dirty with activities like:

  • cutting and marking tracks,
  • installing, refilling and monitoring bait stations,
  • monitoring kiwi, kokako, and rodents,
  • entering data,
  • weeding and planting the herb garden,
  • building & landscaping
  • milking cows,
  • making cheese and butter,
  • chopping wood ...

Typical day

You’ll be getting your hands dirty with activities like:

  • cutting and marking tracks,
  • installing, refilling and monitoring bait stations,
  • monitoring kiwi, kokako, and rodents,
  • entering data,
  • weeding and planting the herb garden,
  • building & landscaping
  • milking cows,
  • making cheese and butter,
  • chopping wood and much, much more.

No volunteer experience is the same and you never know what exciting tasks will come up while you’re here! We try to balance the maintenance and sustainability activities so everyone gets a well-rounded stay. We appreciate every hour our volunteers put in because without you, this initiative would not be possible.

Each day allows for leisure activities and self-discovery, too- so we’re not all work and no play. Typically, your day is going to look something like this:

6:30 am - 8 am Cow milking (optional activity)
8 am - 9 am Breakfast
9 am - 9:30 am Clean-up
10 am - 12 pm Morning work activities
12 pm - 1 pm Lunch (indoors or picnic-style)
1 pm - 4 pm Afternoon working activities
4 pm - 6 pm Free time/ leisure time
6 pm - 8 pm Dinner
8 pm - 10 pm Leisure activities- sunset watching, soccer, dusk bird chorus

Free-time activities

Monday are free days when you can relax, maybe head into town to use the internet. Once a week we will head explore some of the sights of the Kauri Coast and on return go on a night safari looking for kiwi in the forest.

Weather will always be a contributing factor to the days activities, so we need ...

Free-time activities

Monday are free days when you can relax, maybe head into town to use the internet. Once a week we will head explore some of the sights of the Kauri Coast and on return go on a night safari looking for kiwi in the forest.

Weather will always be a contributing factor to the days activities, so we need adaptable volunteers with can-do attitudes! There will also be plenty of time to explore the gorgeous surrounding areas of our little nook of New Zealand.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

You should be able to walk 10km a day No previous experience necessary, just a strong desire to work in nature. Full medical insurance Strong teamwork skills Clothes for rainy/chilly weather (even in the summer) Warm sleeping bag and gumboots (also known as rubber boots or Wellingtons) Please bring a supply of any necessary medications that will cover your entire stay (next medical clinic 50km away) Necessary vaccinations Necessary flights & visas

What's Included

What's Included

On-site Services

  • Accommodation
  • Food & Drinks
  • night safaris
  • sightseeing activities
  • Pick up from Dargaville (the closets town)

Accommodation

Accommodation
Volunteers will live among nature in an off the grid, ecologically friendly camp. The common structures of the camp (kitchen, showers, dining room) are made from recycled shipping containers. They do not have electricity or running water (except on occasions where generator will be turned on for a short time for hot showers).

The accommodation for volunteers consists of a small cabin with two bunk beds each (men and women have separate cabins), or you can upgrade to an incredible tree tent for a small fee. We only host up to 8 volunteers at a time to ensure enough space for all.

Wifi
There is no wifi available for use as we do not have electricity. Phone signal for internet and calls is generally strong in the common areas for these providers: Telecom, Vodafone, Skinny, and 2degrees. There is no connection in the forest (and we like it that way).

Food & Beverages

Food
Most dietary restrictions can be catered to if we are notified before you come. We drink filtered rain water, eat herbs from our own garden, and have mostly organic meat, cheese and butter that will be made by you. Feel free to bring any additional snacks or special foods yourself, but only goods that do not need refrigeration.

Alcohol and smoking
The possession and consumption of alcohol is not permitted within the sanctuary.

Smoking is allowed in one area only and you will need to provide proof of fire insurance (minimum NZD 5 million) before being allowed to smoke. We would like to protect our forest and in such a remote area firefighting costs are very high.

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Auckland Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Internet Access

Sorry, no access at the project site

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Auckland Airport (AKL) in Auckland. We assist you to find cheap flights to New Zealand. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for New Zealand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in New Zealand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for New Zealand. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Starts every Monday between November and March, depending on availability.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program Fees

$591 per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 24 weeks

Deposit

Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

Final Payment

You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

4.6
Top Pick
One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

Location

Oceania > Australia and New Zealand > New Zealand > Kauri Coast

Meet your project coordinator

Jeremy
18
reviews
4.63
Perfect
2009
Founded

Verified

  Moderate response rate
Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Conservation Work in New Zealand
Contact Jeremy
  Moderate response rate

Most volunteers ask about

Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Jeremy
Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

Travel dates

1. - 1. Jan 1

Book with Flex Option!

Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

Complete Support for Every Volunteer

This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

Price details