Introduction

Get involved with conservation groups working with DOC in the West Coast.

Listed below are some volunteer based groups that you can get involved with. You'll learn new skills, meet like-minded people, contribute to conservation, and increase your connection to your local community and natural spaces.

For more conservation volunteer opportunities on the West Coast:


Coast Road Dawn Chorus

Aim: Predator trapping along the Coast Road of the Barrytown Flats, from 12 Mile to Truman Track. 

Contact: coastroaddawnchorus@gmail.com or +64 28 415 6994

Facebook page

Karamea Estuary Enhancement Project

Aim: To preserve, enhance and promote the historic and natural values of the Karamea Estuary and surrounds.

Karamea Estuary Enhancement Project (KEEP) website and Facebook page

Kawatiri Beach Reserve Advisory Group

Aim: To create a multi-use recreational reserve at the area known as North Beach near Westport. 

Contact: Glenn Irving glenn@solidenergycentre.co.nz

La Fontaine Stream Enhancement Project

Aim: To showcase the benefits of stream restoration for conservation values and farming alike at La Fontaine Stream in Hari Hari.

Contact: DOC's Franz Josef Visitor Centre +64 3 752 0360 or westlandnpvc@doc.govt.nz

Okarito Community Nursery & Wetland Restoration

Aim: To grow eco-sourced native seedlings for sale to the public, and for restoration projects around Okarito Lagoon and the West Coast, while sharing knowledge of the Glaciers to Wetland ecosystem. Also, remove gorse and other weeds to enhance the landscape and provide the best habitat for rare kotuku, bitterns and godwits. Volunteers welcome.

Contact: Facebook or call Paula Sheridan on + 64 3 753 4223  

Paparoa Wildlife Trust

Aim: To protect blue duck in Moonlight Creek and great spotted kiwi in the Paparoa Ranges. There had been a dramatic decline in the numbers of blue duck sightings in the Moonlight catchment over the last couple of decades. The Moonlight Track is one of the most accessible recreational areas where it is possible to encounter the endangered blue duck

Paparoa Wildlife Trust website

West Coast Blue Penguin Trust

Aim: To conserve and enhance blue penguins on the West Coast. 

West Coast Blue Penguin Trust website and Facebook page

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