Food, Lodging and Travel
Accommodation will vary due to the wide variation in the volunteer projects and locations available:
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland – A farm cottage either in Ātiu Creek Regional Park or at our Titirani base, with bunk beds, a full bathroom, laundry and kitchen facilities.
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington – Truby King House in Truby King Park, with bunk beds, full bathroom, laundry and kitchen facilities.
Ōtautahi Christchurch – Paterson House, in Halswell Quarry Park, Halswell. It has bunk beds, a full bathroom, laundry and kitchen facilities. The house is cose to public bus routes.
Volunteers should bring a sleeping bag, and be prepared to share bedrooms and bathrooms.
All meals are provided. For breakfast, we supply cereals, bread or toast, tea and coffee. Lunch is normally a self-made sandwich and fruit; in the evening we enjoy a meal prepared by the group, typically something like pasta, roast or a vegetarian option.
Volunteers help with the preparation of meals and cleaning up of dishes, plus some domestic duties as required. We rely on every volunteer to participate fully, and the evening meal is a popular part of the day. Don’t worry if you’re not a great cook as everyone can do something to help, even if it’s just chopping vegetables.
Fresh (seasonal) produce, meat and vegetables are used as often as possible although this cannot be guaranteed every day, particularly on remote projects far from shops, so please make allowances.
Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan or food allergies), can be catered for – please remember to let us know when you submit your application. If you have very specific dietary requirements, then you may need to provide your own food.
Volunteer requirements
All volunteers should:
- be aged 18 or over
- know at least basic English to understanding instructions and traning provided
- be comfortable living and working as a team
- be in good health and reasonably fit
- be comfortable being active outdoors (eg. planting trees, mulching and weeding) for five to six hours a day
- be flexible, self-motivated and prepared to take part to the best of your ability.
No prior skills or experience is required. The team will provide all the training required to complete the conservation activites. You should be aware that projects are usually labour-intensive, and take place in both urban and rural areas. Be prepared to participate in all weather conditions. You will need to bring appropriate clothing for the weather.
All volunteers should share any medical conditions, allergies, dietary requirements, disabilities or existing injuries that may affect participation. Staff will discuss these with volunteers in a sensitive and confidential manner.
Travel to your project location.
You can select the location where you would like to start your volunteer project from, and we will provide details on getting to your specific meeting point to start your project.
You will need to arrive at the location you have chosen by 11 am on a Friday. From here you will travel to different conservation projects throughout the state, region or territory that you have chosen.
