Welcome Flat Hut volunteer warden
When
There are no volunteer hut warden vacancies left for the September 2009 - June 2010 season at Welcome Flat. Applications for the July 2010 - June 2011 season will open March 1st 2010.
Welcome Flat Hut is located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. This hut is reached via an 18km hiking track that begins 26km south of Fox Glacier on the West Coast of the South Island.
Prolific birdlife and towering mountains surround the hut and along with the nearby hot springs have helped to make this the most popular overnight hike in the park.
Welcome Flat Hut in mid-winter
Volunteer duties
Volunteers greet visitors, collect hut fees and provide information including the daily weather forecast. Volunteers are responsible for cleaning and tidying the hut and some light track maintenance. (These duties will take about 3-4 hours per day)
Fitness/skills
- Able to communicate well in English
- Good fitness level - i.e. able to carry a heavy pack for 6 hours over uneven ground
- Enjoy interacting with people from all over the world
- Experience in the New Zealand outdoors
- First aid training essential
- Be able to spend at least one week at Welcome Flat (one month is usually the maximum for first time volunteers)
Accommodation
Welcome Flat has its own Wardens’ Quarters - including 4 beds, wet-back stove, hot shower and kitchen facility. These will be shared on occasion with the hut warden coordinator and other DOC staff carrying out work in the valley. Free shared accommodation provided in Fox Glacier for days off.
What to bring
Essential gear:
- Good quality hiking pack
- Strong hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm clothing
- Warm sleeping bag
- Sunscreen and sunhat
- Food: Bring your own food (Reimbursement of up to $75 per week for food whilst at Welcome Flat).