Project number: 6
Location: Stewart Island/Rakiura

Dates

3 volunteers for 3 months (multiple trips during this time, 10 days per trip)

November 2026 - March 2027

Description

Most of the work will take place in Mason Bay, the largest active dune system in southern New Zealand. This is a rare opportunity to stay in remote coastal locations around the North West and Southern circuits on Rakiura. Volunteers will live and work in teams of 4-6 people which includes experienced DOC staff. 

Tasks may include grid searching dunes while carrying a knapsack and/or shovel, handling and spraying herbicide/chemical for marram, lupin and gorse control, digging or hand pulling gorse, lupin or marram when the weather isn't suitable for spraying, plant identification, biodiversity advocacy and interacting with members of the public. Rodent incursion response work on rodent free islands may also be included if there is an incursion. 

What to expect

Fitness/skill level

High fitness level. Volunteers will be expected to walk through steep sand dunes for up to 8 hours a day while carrying spraying equipment and wearing gumboots, overalls, and other appropriate PPE. Excellent communication skills, teamwork, working and living together in a small team and an interest in conservation are essential. Experience in plant identification or spraying would be useful. Please list on you application any previous injuries and relevant skills (eg first aid certificate, other volunteer experience, chemical use or growsafe certificate, working in small teams or remote locations, GPS use)

Accommodation

During field trips a variety of accommodation may be used including Mason Bay historic homestead, camping in tents, or staying in backcountry huts. A room in a shared DOC house will be provided for accommodation on days off between trips, this will depend on the availability of housing and could potentially be shared rooms.  

Pickup/drop-off location and times

Meet at the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre, Stewart Island/Rakiura. Dates and times will be confirmed with the successful applicants.

Contribution towards food and transport

There is no charge for this activity. However, volunteers will need to make their own travel arrangements to and from Stewart Island/Rakiura. Transport to field site, food during field trips and accommodation for the duration of your time on Stewart Island/Rakiura will be provided.