Dates

2025: Most places are filled, but let us know if you are available at short notice to fill any cancelled places.

2026: Places are available from February.

At times there are more applicants than places, so we will only contact you when we can offer you a place.

What to expect

Fitness required: Medium – capable of comfortably walking with a 5 kg pack over uneven ground for up to 6 hours. 

Volunteers work 6 hour days. So, there is also time to explore the island and enjoy time amongst many of Aotearoa New Zealand’s endangered species. 

You will assist the rangers with whatever general maintenance tasks they need help with, for example cleaning, weeding, painting, infrastructure and track maintenance. One afternoon you will clean and tidy the island visitor centre. Seasonally, you will check the water troughs and assist with the sugar water processing and distribution for the nectar feeding stations.

You will not be directly working with wildlife: Your role on the island is to assist the rangers with general maintenance tasks, while fortunate enough to be spending time amongst many of New Zealand’s endangered species. 

Transport: Transport to and from the island by ferry is provided at no cost by Explore Ferry:

• Departure points are Auckland Ferry Terminal or Gulf Harbour Marina.
• Auckland: The Explore kiosk is at the Viaduct Harbour at the end of Quay St. It is a 5 minute walk from Britomart Transport Center. There is no free parking for your vehicle. 
• Gulf Harbour: Departure point is pier Z, Gulf Harbour Marina, Whangaparaoa (North of Auckland). You can park your vehicle here for the week at no cost.
• Explore Ferry departure times

Food: Bring your own. No supplies are available on the island. Pack all food in rat, mouse and insect proof (sealed) containers.

Accommodation, facilities and gear list

Your accommodation will be in the island bunkhouse; this will be booked for you free of charge. This is a shared bunkhouse and you will be expected to help with daily clean up duties.  

Predator-free island

Tiritiri Matangi is a mammalian-pest free island:

• All foodstuffs must be placed into rodent and insect proof containers.
• Use containers such as fishbins, chilly bins or barrels, with lids.
• Plastic or cloth supermarket bags, or similar are not secure enough to ensure that insects or rodents are not able to climb in.
• All bags taken to the island must be able to be completely closed.
• Your boots, clothing and packs must not be carrying any dirt or seeds through which new species of weeds or disease could be introduced to the island.
• Use DOC's biosecurity checklist to assist you when you are cleaning and packing your gear.  
• Contact us if you are uncertain or have any questions about biosecurity.

How to apply

Register your interest by filling out our online application form.