Project number: 9
Location: The Catlins

Dates

2 volunteers for 2 weeks per trip

• Trip A: Monday 7 December to Monday 21 December 2026
• Trip B: Monday 21 December 2026 to Monday 4 January 2027
• Trip C: Monday 4 January to Monday 18 January 2027
• Trip D: Monday 18 January to Monday 1 February 2027
• Trip E: Monday 1 February to Monday 15 February 2027

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.

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.