Project number: 9
Location: The Catlins

Dates

2 volunteers for 2 weeks per trip

• Trip A: Monday 10 November to Monday 24 November 2025
• Trip B: Monday 24 November to Monday 8 December 2025
• Trip C: Monday 8 December to Monday 22 December 2025
• Trip D: Monday 22 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026
• Trip E: Monday 5 January to Monday 19 January 2026
• Trip F: Monday 19 January to Monday 2 February 2026
• Trip G: Monday 2 February to Monday 16 February 2026
• Trip H: Monday 16 February to Monday 2 March 2026

Description

Volunteers are needed to provide assistance and conservation education to visitors, as well as to maintain facilities and clean toilets as required – due to high visitor numbers, the facilities must be clean and tidy at all times.

Nugget Point is a popular tourist destination where rare endemic botanical and wildlife species can be found, such as the yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho.

This is a great opportunity for a couple or two friends.

What to expect

Fitness/skill level

Low fitness level. Rangers need to be visible in the reserve for 4–6 hours per day, particularly around the viewing area in the evenings. The tracks around the reserve are well formed and an easy gradient.

Volunteers need to have good communication skills and enjoy talking to people from the local area, as well as other parts of New Zealand and overseas.

Accommodation

Former lighthouse keeper's residence (managed by DOC) – a fully-furnished four-bedroom brick house at the top of the reserve. A hot shower and laundry facilities are available, and all kitchen appliances and equipment are provided.

Each volunteer will have their own bedroom, but the kitchen/living area and bathroom may be shared from time to time with DOC staff working in the area.

Pickup/drop-off location and times

Meet at the DOC Owaka Field Centre, 20 Ryley Street, Owaka at 9:00 am. Volunteers will finish at 10:00 am on the final day.

Contribution towards food and transport

There is no charge for this activity. However, volunteers will need to provide their own food and transport. Due to the isolated location of Nugget Point, volunteers must have their own vehicle.

How to apply

Applications are now closed.