Volunteer days in Rotorua
Introduction
Come along to help DOC rangers and community groups enhance local gems in Rotorua.Description
Rangers from Rotorua invite you to join our monthly volunteer days. The activities and the location will vary from month to month.
As well as helping out DOC rangers and community groups, you'll also get to learn about the history of the project area, go on a walk, or even catch a glimpse of some of the amazing wildlife.
Dates
March
Okataina Track Maintenance
When: 21 March 2024, 8:15 am – 4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve - Ngahopua / Anaha / Kepa Tracks
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades
Requirements:
- Expect to walk between 5–7 km undulating to steep terrain.
- Medium to high fitness
April
Okere Falls Walk Track Maintenance
When: 18 April 2024, 8:15 am–4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Okere Falls Scenic Reserve – Okere Falls Walk / Ridge Track / Carpark
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades
Requirements:
- Expect to walk between 4–6 kilometres undulating to steep terrain.
- Medium to high fitness
May
Tarawera Trail Track Maintenance
When: 23 May 2024, 8:15 am–4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve – Carpark to Landing
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades
Requirements:
- Expect to walk between 4–6 kilometres to steep terrain.
- Medium to high fitness
June
Ngongotaha Track Maintenance
When: 20 June 2024, 8:30 am–4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve – Ngongotaha Loop Track and Jubilee Track
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades
Requirements:
- Expect to walk between 5–7 kilometres undulating to steep terrain.
- Medium to high fitness
July
Hinehopu Track Maintenance
When: 18 July 2024, 8:30 am–4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Hongis Track
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades
Requirements:
- Expect to walk between 4–6 kilometres undulating and wet terrain.
- Medium fitness
August
Tarawera Falls Track Maintenance
When: 22 August 2024, 8:00 am–4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Tarawera Scenic Reserve – Tarawera Falls Track & Tarawera Falls to Outlet Track
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades
Requirements:
- Expect to walk between 8–10 kilometres undulating and steep terrain.
- Medium fitness
September
Restoration Planting
When: Last 2 weeks in September – 8:00 am–4:30 pm
What: Restoration Planting
Where: Various sites
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking native vegetation restoration
Requirements:
- Expect to carry, dig and plant native plants at a planting site.
- Expect to be working in exposed conditions and wetland ecosystems.
- Medium fitness
October
Restoration Planting
When: First 2 weeks in October – 8:00 am–4:30 pm
What: Restoration Planting
Where: Various sites
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking native vegetation restoration
Requirements:
- Expect to carry, dig and plant native plants at a planting site.
- Expect to be working in exposed conditions and wetland ecosystems.
- Medium fitness
November
Orchid Survey
When: Last week in November, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
What: Annual survey of the Red Bearded Orchid (Calochilus robertsonii) with DOC biodiversity rangers.
Where: Rotorua District
Task: Survey The Red Bearded Orchid with Biodiversity Rangers
Requirements:
- Low to medium fitness
- Comfortable close toed walking shoes /boots
Campground Maintenance
When: 21 November 2024, 8:30 am–4:30 pm
What: Campground Maintenance
Where: Lake Rerewhakaaitu, Ash Pit Road Camp
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking facility cleaning, vegetation clearance using hand-tools, power tools and water blaster.
Requirements:
- Medium fitness
What to expect
Volunteers may find themselves helping to maintain walking tracks, tackling invasive weeds, helping with pest control or planting native trees. Some tasks may be physically demanding.
You should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the task.
Transport may be provided – check with the office.
For track and maintenance days you can expect to do the following:
- Use hand tools to trim any low hanging branches/vines or encroaching
- Collect rubbish
- Remove debris from tracks
- General track maintenance
What to bring
- Food for lunch
- Drinking water
- Sun hat
- Raincoat
- Personal medication
- Phone
- Good footwear (boots preferred)
- Back pack
- Appropriate clothing
DOC will provide
- Safety Hi-vis vest
- Gloves and eye-wear if required
- Hand-tools
- First-aid kit
Contact
For more information and to register, contact: cnoble@doc.govt.nz