Welcome Flat Hut volunteer warden

Introduction

Spend two weeks or more volunteering at Welcome Flat Hut in Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

There is availability in May 2025 and then from mid-October 2025.

Description

Welcome Flat Hut is located on the Copland Track in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. This hut is reached via an 18 km hiking track that begins 26 km south of Fox Glacier Weheka on the West Coast of the South Island.

The hut receives 7 m of rain per year and the hiking track winds through lush rainforest.

Prolific birdlife and towering mountains surround the hut and along with the nearby hot springs have helped to make this the most popular overnight hike in the park.

Volunteers must be able to spend at least two weeks at Welcome Flat – one month is usually the maximum for first time volunteers.

You must be at least 20 years old.

Tasks

Volunteer hut wardens greet visitors, check visitor numbers against booking waybills and provide information including the daily weather forecast.

Volunteers are also responsible for cleaning and tidying the hut and toilets and some light track maintenance. These duties will take about 4 hours per day.

What to expect

Fitness required: Good fitness level – you must be able to carry a heavy pack for at least 6 hours over uneven ground.

Skills and experience required:

  • Able to communicate well in English
  • Enjoy interacting with people from all over the world
  • Experience in the New Zealand outdoors
  • First aid training essential

Accommodation: Welcome Flat Hut has its own wardens’ quarters – including 4 beds, wet-back stove, hot shower and kitchen facility. These will be shared on occasion with the hut warden coordinator and other DOC staff carrying out work in the valley.

Free shared accommodation provided in Fox Glacier for days off.

Food: You need to bring your own food.

What to bring

  • Good quality hiking pack
  • Strong hiking boots
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Warm clothing
  • Warm sleeping bag
  • Sunscreen and sunhat
  • Food

How to apply

An online application form will be available once open.

The roster will be filled as suitable applications are processed.

Safety checks

Everyone who applies for this position is subject to a DOC safety check and Ministry of Justice criminal record check. Information about these checks will be provided after you apply.

What happens after you apply

  1. All applications will be shortlisted by matching to role availability.
  2. We’ll send the shortlisted applicants the safety check form for you to complete.
  3. We’ll contact you about an interview time – the interview will be with a DOC staff member and it’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the role.
  4. We’ll talk to your referees.
  5. We’ll request a Ministry of Justice criminal record check – this takes around three days.
  6. DOC staff will assess all the material provided and decide on suitability.
  7. Once approved we will work with you to find dates that suit you and complete your induction.

Contact

Phone: +64 3 751 0807
Email: welcomeflat@doc.govt.nz