Project number: 19
Location: Stewart Island/Rakiura

Dates

1 – 2 volunteers for a minimum of 2 weeks per trip

November 2026 to April 2027

Description

Ulva Island is the jewel in the crown of Rakiura National Park. This predator-free, open island sanctuary is just 8 minutes by boat across Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera from Golden Bay and has abundant birdlife, rich forest, golden sand beaches and a variety of well-formed walking tracks. This volunteer opportunity will only be available if a rat incursion occurs on Ulva Island and our team needs additional support.

Tasks will include visitor facility maintenance, cleaning toilets, biosecurity and sealion advocacy, walking trap lines off public tracks, checking DOC 200 traps, changing motor lures and trail camera SD cards, and possibly refreshing Brodifacoum bait stations if required. There will also be ample time for other pursuits, such as bird watching and photography.

What to expect

Fitness/skill level

High fitness level. Volunteers will be expected to walk traplines for 8 hours per day carrying a daypack in conditions similar to backcountry tracks. Volunteers will be dropped off by dinghy to check traps that are only accessible from the coast. Previous experience and knowledge of trapping and trail camera use would be preferable. Having excellent communication skills and an interest in conservation are essential. Please indicate your availability and any relevant skills or qualifications relevant to this opportunity on your application form.

Accommodation

During an incursion event volunteers will be expected to reside on the island. A single-room 4 bunk basic hut is located a short walk from the island’s jetty in Post Office Cove. This is a working biodiversity hut, so accommodation may be shared with DOC staff, contractors, or other volunteers.

The hut has solar lighting, an inverter for charging appliances and gas cooking facilities. Water is supplied from a rainwater tank and there is a solar shower and long-drop toilet.

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 and will also need to provide their own food and accommodation in Oban. Accommodation and food will be provided for volunteers while staying on Ulva Island and return boat transport between Oban and Ulva Island will be arranged.