Get involved in protecting New Zealand's fabulous forests! Experience a wonderful adventure and reconnect with nature, far from the city. All missions in Oceania here
Endemic species and thousand-year-old trees
New Zealand is one of the world's most isolated territories, known for its lush forests and endemic species. If its biodiversity is not given constant attention, invasive plants and urbanization could wipe out this treasure forever.
On this ecovolunteering mission, you will be working in a nature reserve in the north of New Zealand. This reserve overlooks the ocean and is essentially a forest environment. It's a unique place, far from any major city, with the first settlements just 2 kilometers away.
150 hectares of regenerating forest
The nature reserve comprises 150 hectares of regenerating tropical forest. A classified indigenous forest, where no logging is permitted. The many endemic species that live here, including the famous kiwi, require active protection against introduced parasites. Cows, possums, rabbits and feral goats indiscriminately graze on young plants, preventing forest renewal. Opossums, rats, ferrets and feral cats eat bird eggs and chicks.
Protecting native species
The aim of the program is to reduce the number of pests in order to give young plants and native birds a chance to mature. The reserve's management works with the Ministry of the Environment, and volunteers work hand-in-hand with forest rangers and learn the latest conservation techniques.
The role of the ecovolunteer in New Zealand's nature reserve
As a volunteer, you'll learn about New Zealand's rainforest ecosystem and the animals that live there. You'll understand the conservation challenges faced by local authorities, thanks to the training you'll receive. You'll be helping to protect the biodiversity of four different forests, including one that is over a thousand years old.
You will receive in-depth training to achieve a high level in conservation.
Ecovolunteers carry out a variety of tasks:
- Conservation activities such as pest control and native species monitoring. Activities include: cutting trails, trapping, monitoring kiwis and snails, installing surveillance cameras and analyzing data.
- Grounds maintenance and participation in various maintenance tasks
You will learn
- Find your way through a lush forest using a map, compass and landmarks.
- To use a radio for communication or in case of emergency.
- Plan, prepare and execute a number of conservation activities.
- Identify and map forest trails.
- À Identify New Zealand plants and trees.
- Facing up to environmental challenges.
- Kiwi protection techniques in New Zealand.
Departure on the first and third Monday of the month between November and March
| Duration | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 440 € | |
| 2 weeks | 825 € | |
| 3 weeks | 1155 € | |
| 4 weeks | 1452 € | |
| 5 weeks | 1815 € | |
| 6 weeks | 2178 € | |
| 7 weeks | 2541 € | |
| 8 weeks | 2905 € | |
| 10 weeks | 3630 € | |
| 12 weeks | 4356 € |
Included in the price
Transport between Dargaville and the sanctuary
Supervision and guidance
Meals
Accommodation
Weekly tourist excursion in the region
Donation for the reserve
Not included in the price
Air tickets
Visa
Travel and repatriation insurance
Transport to and from Dargaville
- 18 for girls and at least 20 for boys
- Intermediate level of English
- You will be interviewed if you wish to stay longer than three weeks.
- All-risk travel insurance.
- Be non-smoking and non-vegan.
Accommodation and meals
Accommodation is spartan but functional. You'll sleep in dormitories and have access to hot showers.
Everyone is invited to help prepare meals.
How do I get to the project?
From Auckland you'll need to take two buses to get to Dargaville (the first bus goes from Auckland to Whangarei, the second from Whangarei to Dargaville). Someone will be waiting for you in Dargaville by 5.30pm to take you to the project. Participants with their own vehicles should drive to the Whangarei Hub at the same time and follow the group to the sanctuary.
For the return journey, you will be dropped off in Dargaville on Monday at 7:30 a.m. (for the bus to Whangarei).
Because of the sanctuary's remoteness, it's best to pack everything you need and make any final purchases before leaving Whangarei.
You'll be staying in a sanctuary on the edge of the forest, far from the city. This is a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and yourself. You'll walk alongside Tane Mahuta, a 2,000-year-old tree!
Away from the distractions of modern life, you'll learn to observe and listen to the forest. You'll hear birdsong, appreciate the gradual movement of the stars in the night sky.
Discover the magnificent Kai Iwi lakes and climb Tokotoka Peak.
About the partner
The partner, Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctury, is an organization dedicated to protecting New Zealand's native flora and fauna. Its aim is to protect and extend a dynamic ecosystem while raising awareness of the importance of environmental conservation. This is achieved with the help of a small group of international volunteers with whom they learn, work and explore this unique rainforest.