Volunteer: Off-grid Environmental Conservation Zealand

Location

Kauri Coast, New Zealand

Minimum 2 weeks

$1300 USD for the first two weeks + $330 for each week thereafter

All food, accommodation, pre‑departure and in‑country support, orientation and all project related activities

Flights, travel insurance, personal spending, visas and vaccinations

• Learn about New Zealand's unique native flora and fauna and the challenges of its protection
• Learn various conservation and monitoring techniques and receive the training required to perform at a biodiversity ranger level
• Participate and complete hands‑on conservation work in different forests, each with its unique characteristics
• Have the opportunity to see endangered species in the wild and explore areas closed to the general public
• Learn about sustainability and about living off‑grid
• Have the opportunity to engage in self‑discovery through the experience of immersing in a remote forest setting
• Visit some of the attractions of the Kauri Coast, be it a trip to the lakes or a visit to a 2000‑year‑old tree
• ‑grid

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. Volunteers perform a wide range of activities: creating access trails, protecting native species from invasive rats, possums, and stoats, planting native trees, monitoring pest numbers, and building an environment that will continue to be home to the endangered kiwi and kokako birds.

This project gives volunteers a chance to actively restore protected ecosystems and creates an everlasting experience for all who are involved.

Volunteering at the sanctuary will challenge your mind, body, and soul. You will learn a great amount about conservation and sustainability practices, and you will be involved in the execution of the sanctuary's daily maintenance tasks and activities.

• Cutting and marking tracks
• Installing, refilling and monitoring bait stations
• Monitoring kiwi, kokako, and rodents
• Monitoring bats, lizards, and freshwater fish
• Entering data
• Weeding and planting the herb garden
• Building and landscaping
• Chopping wood and much, much more

• 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)

Monday is a free day when you can relax, maybe head into town to use the internet. Once a week we head out to explore some of the sights of the Kauri Coast and return for 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 a can‑do attitude. There will also be plenty of time to explore the gorgeous surrounding areas of our little nook of New Zealand.

Note: All information above is subject to change. Please check the most up‑to‑date information on the Global Nomadic website when applying. Follow the link on the Apply button above.