We offer a range of opportunities for volunteers to contribute to our work, based on experience, availability and skillsets. Whether you are part of a team or an individual, we have a role for you. Volunteers play a vital role in traplines, planting, track care, visitor hosting, and monitoring wildlife.

We match tasks to your skills, fitness, weather, and Sanctuary priorities. Full training and supervision are provided.

 

Why volunteer?

• Help protect taonga species and support long-term conservation.

• Learn practical field skills.

• Live and work in a stunning Sanctuary inside a predator-free fence.

• Be part of a friendly team committed to manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga.

 

What you’ll do (typical tasks)

• Conservation fieldwork: checking traplines and bait stations, tracking tunnels, trail cameras, bird counts, weed control, nursery work, planting and maintenance.

• Sanctuary care: track clearing, fencing checks, tool maintenance, signage.

• Visitor support: greeting day visitors, basic guiding, tidying communal areas.

• Data and reporting: simple records on trap checks, sightings, weather logs.

• Projects: seasonal planting, beach clean-ups, marine pest checks (as needed).

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Who we’re looking for

• Ages 18+ (under-18s considered with a guardian).

• Reasonable fitness for walking hilly terrain 3–6 hours with a daypack.

• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather and in a small team.

• Reliability, good communication, and respect for wildlife and people.

• Willingness to live simply and follow biosecurity and health and safety procedures.

 

Time commitment

• Minimum stay: 1–2 weeks preferred (shorter stays considered if local).

• Hours: ~4–6 hours/day, 5 days/week (weather dependent).

• Start days: Most Mondays—arrive the day before if possible.

• Best seasons: Year-round; winter is weed/control heavy, spring–autumn includes planting and monitoring.

 

What we provide

• Our new Accommodation. Five self-contained cabins, with a central Volunteers and Meeting Centre, hot showers, cooking facilities.

• Local transport: Pickup/drop-off to Glenfern Sanctuary by prior arrangement.

• Training and gear: Tools, PPE, radio; bring your own sturdy boots and wet-weather gear.

• Support: Daily briefing, on-call ranger support, and induction.

 

Food and personal provisions

• Food - self catering, we can help organise supermarket deliveries, and there is a local 4square 15 mins walk away. 

• Washing machine available. 

 

What you bring

• Sturdy tramping boots, rain jacket & over-trousers, warm layers, sunhat, daypack, water bottle.

• Personal meds, sunscreen, insect repellent.

• Positive attitude and willingness to pitch in with dishes/cleaning.

• If you have them: pruning saw experience, first aid cert, 4WD experience—tell us!

 

Biosecurity & tikanga

We honour mana whenua Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea and uphold the Tiaki Promise. To protect the motu and Sanctuary:

• Before travel: Clean all footwear, tents, and gear; check for soil, seeds, ants, or stowaways.

• On island: Keep doors closed, secure food, follow pest-prevention steps.

• In the Sanctuary: Stay on marked tracks, follow rangers’ instructions, no dogs/pets, no drones without approval.

 

Health, safety, and conduct

• Induction and daily briefings are mandatory.

• Work in pairs for field tasks; carry radio as assigned.

• No alcohol/drugs during work hours or before safety-critical tasks.

• Respectful behaviour is required—this is a harassment-free, inclusive space.

• Let us know about any medical conditions that may affect your work.

• We may require a basic background check for longer stays or youth groups.

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Terms & conditions (summary)

• Status: Unpaid volunteer. A simple Volunteer Agreement will be signed on arrival.

• Hours and flexibility: Weather and wildlife needs may shift the roster.

• Cancellations: Please give at least 7 days’ notice if your plans change.

• Insurance and visas: Volunteers are responsible for their own travel/health insurance and must hold the right to volunteer in NZ.

• Photography: Personal photos welcome; commercial use requires written permission.

• Privacy: We store your application details securely and only for volunteer coordination.

(Full terms available on request or during onboarding.)

 

Travel to Aotea

• Ferry: Auckland (Downtown) ⇄ Tryphena (SeaLink).

• Flights: Auckland ⇄ Claris (GBZ).

• To Glenfern: We’re in Port Fitzroy; public transport is limited—coordinate arrival with us for pickup or arrange a rental/ride share