Image: DOC
A wide stretch of clear blue water, and a person in a blue kayak, surrounded by bush.
Camp Bay camp hosts
October to April each year: Situated along the Queen Charlotte Track and close to Punga Cove, this is a popular camping site. 2 weeks minimum time commitment.

Camp Bay Campsite provides camping for users of the Queen Charlotte Track. The campground is small with capacity for 20 tent sites. Nearby there is a lodge with a bar and restaurant. Hosts will be taken to the campsite from Picton.

Tasks

Your duties will usually take 2-3 hours a day.

These include:

  • encouraging visitors to pay their fees
  • cleaning the facilities each day
  • minor campsite maintenance 
  • sharing information about the area with visitors

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

What to bring

You need to be fully self-contained for camping. Applicants that don't have adequate gear will not be allowed to host. You will need to bring:

  • sleeping mat, sleeping bag, pillow
  • cooking equipment: cooker, gas bottles, plates, utensils, pots etc
  • wet weather gear
  • warm clothing
  • insect repellent
  • sun protection
  • walking shoes/boots, shoes for around camp
  • torch (head torch and hand torch would be wise)
  • personal medication/toiletries – including anti-histamines (there can be high wasp numbers)
  • water purifying tablets

Optional gear

  • Day bag/drink bottle for day walks 
  • Camera
  • Swimsuit
  • Seasickness tabs if you need them – the trip is about 1hr and should be pretty calm (but you never know!)

We can provide you with

  • Family-sized tent
  • Return boat trip from Picton to campsite
  • 2x single beds and mattresses

Let us know if you are short of anything, we may be able to lend it to you.

What to expect

If your application is successful, the volunteer coordinator will meet you before you head to the campground.

Meeting point: Picton Office, 14 Auckland St. This will usually be at 8:15 am so you will need to be in Picton the day before.

Induction: You will then be given a Health and Safety briefing, before heading off in the boat with one of the rangers. They will give you an on-site induction.

Your meeting time will be confirmed with you two weeks prior to your start date.

Insurance:

DOC cannot pay for any medical costs or loss of personal equipment incurred during your stay.

If you're an international volunteer we strongly recommend travel insurance.

Food reimbursement

We recommend you buy all the dry goods you think you'll need, plus the first week's worth of fresh food. Rangers should be able to bring out additional fresh food you need each week.

DOC will reimburse volunteer’s food expenses up to $100 per week. No receipts will mean no payment.

For volunteers with an NZ bank account, we deposit the money directly into your account. There is usually a 2 to 3 week processing delay. For those that don’t have an NZ bank account, we'll provide you with FreshChoice grocery vouchers.

Bring to your induction your NZ bank account number if you have one, and grocery receipts for the food you've bought. Keep your grocery receipts a week or two before you start.

How to apply

To register:

Safety checks

Everyone who applies for this position is subject to a DOC safety check and Ministry of Justice criminal record check. Information about these checks will be provided after you apply.

What happens after you apply

  1. All applications will be shortlisted by matching to role availability.
  2. We’ll send the shortlisted applicants the safety check form for you to complete.
  3. We’ll contact you about an interview time – the interview will be with a DOC staff member and it’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the role.
  4. We’ll talk to your referees.
  5. We’ll request a Ministry of Justice criminal record check – this takes around three days.
  6. DOC staff will assess all the material provided and decide on suitability.
  7. Once approved we will work with you to find dates that suit you and complete your induction.

Contact

Phone: + 64 3 520 3002
Email: picton@doc.govt.nz