Project number: 4
Location: Stewart Island/Rakiura

Dates

1 – 2 volunteers for 3 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. The island has abundant birdlife, rich forest, golden sand beaches and a variety of well-formed walking tracks.

This is a rare opportunity to stay in this island paradise while acting as a roving ranger during the height of the visitor season.

Tasks will include track maintenance, weed surveillance, visitor facility maintenance, cleaning toilets, biosecurity advocacy, monitoring visitor behaviour and trap checking. There will also be ample time for other pursuits, such as bird watching and photography.

What to expect

Fitness/skill level

Medium fitness level. Good communication skills and an interest in conservation are essential. Some experience with GPS would be an advantage. Applicants will be interviewed and vetted for this role and a DOC safety check is required. Please indicate your availability and any skills or qualifications relevant to this opportunity on your application form. 

Accommodation

Volunteers will be expected to reside on Ulva 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 and contractors. 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. If required volunteers will need to provide their own accommodation in Oban prior to and after their time on Ulva Island.

Pickup/drop off location and times

Meet at the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre, Stewart Island/Rakiura at 9:00 am. Dates will be confirmed with the successful applicants. In the event of a rodent incursion response on Ulva Island, volunteer trips may have to be cancelled. 

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. Return transport between Oban and Ulva Island is provided.

Food will also be provided for up to two volunteers for the duration of their stay.