Dates

The 2026/2027 season dates are:

• 19 October – 13 November 2026
• 16 November – 11 December 2026
• 5 January – 29 January 2027
• 1 February – 26 February 2027
• 1 March – 25 March 2027

Description

The Nelson Lakes biodiversity team is based out of St Arnaud and carries out fauna and flora work across a range of conservation land.

Fauna work involves pest control and native species monitoring, with most of the work based around Lake Rotoiti and within the Nelson Lakes National Park.

Flora work involves weed control across the district in a variety of habitat types as well as native flora monitoring.

As a volunteer, you will gain experience in both fauna and flora work as well as opportunities to join the Heritage and Visitor team working on local tracks and Huts, contributing to a wide range of conservation outcomes.

Tasks

The work is varied and could include:

• predator trapping (for stoats and possums)
• monitoring of trapping effort (tracking tunnels)
• native species monitoring (kea, kiwi, bats)
• helping in one of the largest wasp control operations in the world
• monitoring native flora
• some experience with hut and track maintenance

Most work is undertaken during regular working hours although overnight trips are possible.

Wasp warning

Wasps are very prevalent in the Nelson Lakes area in the summer; so wasp stings are a real possibility for anyone around the village or walking in the bush.

Keep this in mind when applying for this opportunity, and note that St Arnaud is over an hour from the nearest medical assistance. 

What to expect

Fitness and skills required: Volunteers must have a high level of fitness and well-developed backcountry tramping skills.

Experience required: You need to be experienced and comfortable:

• navigating in the bush
• being off formed tracks
• using a map and compass
• have completed multi-day trips in the backcountry or have done similar work.

You will be required to work for short periods of time unsupervised so you must be confident in the bush unaccompanied.

Accommodation: Shared bach-type accommodation is provided free in St Arnaud for the duration of the volunteer period. You will need to supply your own bedding and towels. You supply your own food and transport to St Arnaud.

What to bring

Tramping boots, warm tramping clothing including wet weather gear, personal overnight gear for accommodation (including sleeping bag, pillow).

A full gear list is supplied with an information pack on acceptance. All safety equipment and any transport required for the job are supplied.

How to apply

Complete the online application form.

Contact

Volunteer coordinator
Email: nelsonlakesvolunteers@doc.govt.nz