Native Forest Conservation Helper

location
2 - 26 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Experience living in a rain forest
  • Learn how to protect endangered species
  • Connect with like-minded people

Highlights

  • Experience living in a rain forest
  • Learn how to protect endangered species
  • Connect with like-minded people
  • Live off grid in a sustainable way


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Join us to help protect this beautiful jungle-like forest and to create a safe environment for the kiwi!

    You are thinking of coming to New Zealand attracted by the amazing landscapes, never-ending beaches, blue skies, soaring mountains, and green forests. You like nature and seek respite from the crowded city. You sometimes wonder what simple life is like, living off-the-grid, maybe? You want to do ...

    About the program

    You are thinking of coming to New Zealand attracted by the amazing landscapes, never-ending beaches, blue skies, soaring mountains, and green forests. You like nature and seek respite from the crowded city. You sometimes wonder what simple life is like, living off-the-grid, maybe? You want to do something meaningful with your hands and see the result of your work.

    You should come and join us!

    What you can expect

    The Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary welcomes you to this place of learning: about the forest and its creatures, about conservation, about what is important in life, and about yourself. You will be challenged on many fronts: living off-the-grid, working in a dense rainforest forest, questioning the need for many of the things that we take for granted. You will meet people from various countries and different backgrounds and together with them you will experience something that is rare these days: the expanse of an uncharted forest which you and your fellow volunteers will help preserve.

    While at the sanctuary you will have the opportunity to learn about different aspects of life (living in tune with nature, discovering what is really important to you, what other cultures value most), to get some practical skills (planning, setting priorities, using creativity to find solutions within the available means), to learn about New Zealand native species and the different ways to protect it, to understand what it takes to live in a sustainable way, and to explore the attractions in the surrounding region. Body and mind will both be exercised and enriched.

    The program

    This program has three components: the conservation work that we do in the forest, the manual work that we do around the sanctuary, and the sightseeing that we do around the region.

    The conservation tasks that we perform in our sanctuary and on the behalf of the Department of Conservation are performed at a professional level, and you will receive the training necessary to reach the required high standard. 

    Throughout your stay you will learn and practice the basic navigational skills and tools required to operate in the dense rainforest. While working with us, you will realize the vast amount of work that happens behind the scenes to ensure that the New Zealand forest stays healthy. You will also learn the meaning of sustainability through observation and practice. The opportunities to learn are endless and we are keen to teach those that show interest.

    Volunteer work

    Some of the tasks that you will complete are:

    • cutting and marking tracks
    • installing, refilling, and monitoring bait stations
    • installing and monitoring traps
    • kiwi, kokako, and rodent monitoring
    • seed collection
    • weed control and planting of native plants
    • data entry

    The manual work part of the program refers mostly to the activities that we have to perform to maintain and enhance the living area. It is most likely that most of the tasks that you will have to perform will be new to you. We will train you and you will use your creativity and previous skills to find ways of completing the tasks.

    Tasks include:

    • weeding and maintaining the herb garden
    • building maintenance tasks (i.e. painting walls, setting up walls)
    • landscaping
    • chopping wood
    • general help around the place

    Previous volunteers helped us paint the accommodation buildings, start a herb garden, paved a patio area, built sheds, erected fences, and built an outdoor bath.

    Every month, week, and day has its own target tasks to complete be it monitoring, track cutting, or some facility improvement. In general, we aim to find a balance between the conservation and maintenance tasks.

    The third component of the program consists of the relaxation activities that are so important to recharge one's batteries. We believe that it is important for each volunteer to see the extent of their contribution in the wider context of the Kauri Coast region. We are also proud of the beauty of this land and it will be our pleasure to share it with you. 

    At night we might go on a safari looking for kiwi, these three hour night walks are an amazing opportunity to hear the sounds of the forest and let the stars guide us. Sometimes we also go deep in our forest to visit the glowworms that live near one of the waterfalls. There is nothing as magic as sitting in the dark by the creek and watch the tiny blue lights of these amazing creatures. One day a week we head to the lakes for some swimming or SUP practice, or we head for a long beach walk (or mountain climb), or we visit the amazing two thousand year old Tane Mahuta - the oldest and biggest tree in New Zealand.


    Typical day

    Typical Day at Work 

    • 8am - 9am breakfast
    • 9am - 10am cleanup
    • 10am - 12pm morning working activity
    • 12pm - 1pm lunch/picnic
    • 1pm - 4pm afternoon working activity
    • 4pm - 6pm leisure activities (free time)
    • 6pm - 8pm dinner
    • 8pm - 10pm leisure activities (sunset watching, dusk bird chorus, and/or searching for ...

    Typical day

    Typical Day at Work 

    • 8am - 9am breakfast
    • 9am - 10am cleanup
    • 10am - 12pm morning working activity
    • 12pm - 1pm lunch/picnic
    • 1pm - 4pm afternoon working activity
    • 4pm - 6pm leisure activities (free time)
    • 6pm - 8pm dinner
    • 8pm - 10pm leisure activities (sunset watching, dusk bird chorus, and/or searching for kiwis on a night safari) 
    Each working morning, depending on the weather, we clarify which tasks will be performed for the day. As a rule of thumb: if it is windy, we go in the forest (where there is protection and warmth), if it is calm, we stay in the living area. We always work in a group for safety and for the pleasure of each other's company.

    Please note that Monday is a day off. Depending on the weather, we will pick a day during the week during which we will go sightseeing around the region. 


    Free-time activities

    Due to our remote location, there are no opportunities to go to town or to the cinema during the free time. However, we have a cinema on site!

    During the free time, the volunteers are encouraged to explore our forest. 

    We always eat together and sometimes we invite the DOC rangers or the neighbours ...

    Free-time activities

    Due to our remote location, there are no opportunities to go to town or to the cinema during the free time. However, we have a cinema on site!

    During the free time, the volunteers are encouraged to explore our forest. 

    We always eat together and sometimes we invite the DOC rangers or the neighbours for dinner. At night we can organize a movie night in our recreational room. 

    Monday is always a free day and the volunteers might have the opportunity to relax around the sanctuary.

    One day a week, we will head out on an adventure either to to swim at the nearby Kai Iwi lakes, go for a walk on the beach, or visit the two thousand year old kauri tree that lives close to the sanctuary.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    Letter of Motivation and CV

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Building skills or outdoor guiding skills will be an asset

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 09:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary

    The fees include accommodation, meals, training, safety equipment, sightseeing trips around the region (to the lake, beach, etc...), and transfers to/from the closest town (Dargaville).

    Volunteers will be responsible for their flight costs, airport transfers, transportation to Dargavile, and accommodation before the start of the program.

    Accommodation

    Our facilities are basic but functional. One of the principles behind our sanctuary is to be as kind to the environment as possible. We are off-the-grid and we try to use as little resources as possible. The main facilities (kitchen, showers, dinning room) are housed in recycled shipping containers. We reuse as much second hand material or furniture as we can find. 

    The accommodation is in a small cabin and consists of bunk beds. 

    Small items can be washed in the sinks and we do a load of washing once a week. The cleaning of the facilities is part of the daily tasks that each participant has to complete.

    Please note that we are off the grid and do not have electricity or running water. It is best to work on the assumption that you will be able to charge your mobile phone only once a week. Please note that the use of mobile phones is not allowed between 8am and 4pm (except for taking pictures).

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. Most of the meat that we eat is organic beef, and we also have organic milk, butter, and cheese. We also have honey that was produced from the trees in our forest.

    We accommodate vegetarians and gluten free diets. Please note that we are not able to cater to vegans due to the high level of energy required by the participation in our program.

    The drinking water is from filtered rain water. Volunteers are encouraged to plan on bringing their own snacks or any non-alchoolic drinks that they will require.

    Please note that alcohol is not permitted in the sanctuary.

    We are not able to accommodate smokers due to the risk of fire to the forest.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Auckland Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Auckland Airport (AKL) in Auckland. We assist you to find cheap flights to New Zealand. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for New Zealand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in New Zealand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for New Zealand. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The nature sanctuary is open the first Monday in November and the first Monday in April. Due to our remote location, you can join (or leave) the program on Mondays only.

    The start dates are on the first and third Monday of every month.

    The pick-up time is on Mondays at 16:30 and the drop-off time is on Mondays at 7:00, both in Dargaville, the closest town with public transport


     

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 900€
    3 weeks 1,400€
    4 weeks 1,600€
    6 weeks 2,400€
    8 weeks 3,000€
    26 weeks (max. stay) 8,000€
    Average fees 378€/week

    Program fees

    378€ per week 2 - 26 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 26 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (7 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2008

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Octavian

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    An initiative to protect the kiwi and the native New Zealand forest.

    Meet your organization

    About us

    The Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection of New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. Our goal is to protect and extend a vibrant ecosystem while educating others on the importance of conservation. We view ourselves as partners with our volunteers, visitors, community, and the environment.

    We are not on the tourist maps and we prefer to focus on the conservation and education aspect of our work rather than on mass tourism. We host a small group of international volunteers that together learn, work, and explore this unique environment.

    The location

    The Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary is located 250km from a crowded city, 50km from the closest supermarket, 2km from the next door neighbour, and at an arm's length from the Milky Way. In our world, seeing two cars in a day is a traffic jam and being able to live in the middle of the forest is the ultimate lifestyle.

    Nestled on the slopes of the Tutamoe peak in Northland, New Zealand, the Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary consists of 100 hectares of regenerating rainforest. This native forest is classified as having national significance and no logging is allowed within the sanctuary.

    The Sanctuary

    We are also located within a greater area in which kiwi are present and one of our long-term goals is to establish and maintain a protection area that will support twenty pairs of resident kiwi birds.

    Pupu Rangi is home to other native species of trees and birds that have require active protection from introduced pests. Cows, possums, rabbits, and feral goats browse indiscriminately on young plants thus preventing the forest renewal. Possums, stoats, ferrets, and feral cats eat eggs and young bird chicks endangering the native species that are not adapted to the introduced mammalian predators. Through different techniques recommended by the Department of Conservation, we try to keep down the numbers of pests to give the seedlings and the native birds a chance to develop and mature.

    Sustainable Living

    The sanctuary is named after one of the many fascinating creatures that calls it home: the kauri snail, or, as it is named in Maori, pupurangi.

    To minimize the impact on the environment, we chose not to build an ecolodge but rather borrow some tricks from pupurangi's philosophy; all structures are portable and the kitchen, showers, and the dinning hall are set-up in recycled shipping containers. Our tents are suspended from the trees and do not touch at all the forest floor.

    The rain water is collected from the roof, filtered, and used for drinking, washing, and showering. We have a small herb garden so we can cook with fresh herbs. The meat that we eat is mostly organic, from cows that graze in our neighbour's paddock. We milk those cows and we also use the milk to make our own cheese, butter, and yoghurt. The honey that we eat is made by bees foraging in the native trees of our forest. We also compost and recycle as much as we possile.

    The little electricity that we use is generated by solar panels and by the occasional use of a generator. At night, we dine by candlelight and walk on paths lit by moonlight.

    7 reviews · rating4.9

    Natalia Chiriatti rating5

    2019 at Native Forest Conservation Helper

    I had a wonderful time in the Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary. I learned a lot about the nature, the species in the forest and the forest itself. I worked with amazing people and Octavian is really kind. There's always a good ambiance in the camp and the landscapes, forests are very ...
    A fantastic host and very accommodating with our plans. We had a great time at Pupu Rangi assisting with getting the place set up for the conservation volunteers. The group was great and the food was excellent. It was good to get a tour through the reserve and see the conservation work that had ...
    Kate Unknown rating5

    2015 at Native Forest Conservation Helper

    An amazing place to escape from it all and learn about the native plants and animals in NZ. Simple, back-to-basics accommodation with a wonderful host and a great chance to meet like-minded ...
    Yeon Unknown rating5

    2015 at Native Forest Conservation Helper

    It was great honour for my children and me to be the first South Korean Volunteers for Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary. There was no power but extremely pure nature and a very different thinking person! Thanks Octavian for offering awesome ...
    Stephen Unknown rating4.8

    2015 at Native Forest Conservation Helper

    I spent nearly a month at Pupu Rangi and would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering. I learned so much about the history and present day state of New Zealand's ecosystem and really felt like I was able to make a difference. Octavian's passion for the project rubs off on everyone that is ...
    If you are looking for a project that will challenge you both physically and mentally, this place is for you! We thoroughly enjoyed our week at the sanctuary and learned more than we could have anticipated. Octavian was a spectacular host with a great sense of humor and the gift of strong management ...

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