Kapiti Island summer season volunteers

When

You must be available for roughly one full month between September 2024 and March 2025.

You’ll work two 10-day blocks in a 1 month period. You will get a 3-day break in between to return to the mainland and restock supplies.

2024/25 dates

September, October, November, December, January, February or March. Exact dates will be negotiated with successful applicants.

What to expect

You'll work with rangers or other volunteers on general tasks to help manage visitor facilities and the unique biodiversity of the island.

Duties include assisting with hihi/stitchbird management, as well as working with traps, tracks, infrastructure and visitor assets.

You'll be working 6–8 hour days and must be able to commit to the full month.

You must be over the age of 18.

Jobs you may be required to do include:

• bird feeding, which involves carrying heavy loads uphill
• maintenance and hygiene of bird feeders and cleaning of equipment
• domestic chores including cleaning, laundry and weeding
• basic DIY, painting, etc.
• checking and rebaiting DOC150 trap boxes
• track maintenance
• beach clean-ups
• visitor surveys
• assist with other research and conservation projects.

Fitness required: A high level of fitness is required. The work is physical and will require you to work off-track in steep, challenging terrain carrying up to 15 kg.

Skills required: Experience with tramping and bush navigation skills are an advantage. You must have the ability to work independently or within a group and be confident interacting with members of the public. Your skills will be matched to the tasks available where possible. You must be prepared to be socially self-sufficient as well as a courteous house-mate as part of our small and isolated team.

Transport and biosecurity: Boat transport to and from the island will be provided by DOC. You'll need to arrange and pay for your own transport to and from the Paraparaumu Beach departure point. Kapiti Island is a pest and predator-free nature reserve. There are strict biosecurity protocols in place. Details will be provided to all successful applicants at the planning stage of their trip.

Training: Any necessary training will be provided. If you have specific skills list them in your application.

Accommodation: Volunteers will stay in a well-equipped DOC house with shared bunkrooms. The accommodation has shared facilities including:

• renewable electricity, flush toilets, gas-powered hot water and cooking
• a well-equipped kitchen
• lounge/living area
• shared bathroom
• washing machine.

What to bring

Food: Volunteers need to provide their own food. No food supplies are available on the island. Pack all food in rodent and insect-proof sealed containers.

Gear: Find out what to bring. A full gear list will be provided when your volunteering opportunity is confirmed. Any safety gear and all tools will be supplied.

Note: Due to biosecurity rules you must check and clean all gear vigilantly before packing. Do not bring any gaiters or tents with you. Pack all your gear in sealed containers or a backpack. No loose items or open food bags are permitted to land on Kapiti Island.

How to apply

Complete the online application form, and you will be contacted if more information is required. 

What happens next

Our volunteer programme often has many more applicants than positions available. You will be contacted within three weeks of your application if there is a position available for you. If you have not had a reply by then, unfortunately this means your application has not been successful.

Contact