Frequently Asked Questions — Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary, New Zealand

We offer three programs: the Volunteer program (hands-on conservation work, minimum two weeks), the Internship (deeper commitment with personal mentoring, minimum 10 weeks), and the Explorer experience (a one-week nature immersion with an introduction to conservation work).

None at all. We train you in everything: how to read a topo map, use a compass and radio, set traps, operate telemetry equipment, and identify native species. Within a week you will be contributing at a professional level. All we ask is that you are keen to learn and remember what you are taught.

The program is popular with travellers wanting to give something back, students looking for practical experience or university credit, and anyone curious about nature, sustainability, or off-grid living. If you are physically active, open to challenge, and happy being away from city distractions for a few weeks, you will love it. Read the full list of who fits in best on the Volunteer page.

The sanctuary is open every year from the first Monday in November until the end of March. This is the New Zealand summer.

You will set and monitor predator traps, monitor introduced pests, monitor kiwi using trail cameras, perform kiwi listening activities, monitor bats using recorders, monitor giant snails (pupurangi), cut tracks, and collect and analyse biodiversity data. The full task list is on the Volunteer page.

The sanctuary is located in an area with a resident kiwi population. Kiwi live in close proximity (they have been spotted during night time toilet trips) but they are wild animals and effort is required to look for them. Like everything with the program, the more effort one puts in, the greater the reward.

Both. Conservation work is real and physical, but the program also includes swimming at the lakes, beach walks, visiting Tane Mahuta (a 2,000-year-old kauri tree), glowworm watching by a waterfall, game nights, and sunsets. Read about the full mix on the Volunteer page.

Volunteers join the program and participate in all conservation activities. Interns do the same but also receive personalised mentoring, follow a structured development plan, and take on leadership responsibilities. The internship is a minimum of 10 weeks and is comparable to a real job. See the Internship page for details.

Female participants must be at least 18 years old. Male participants must be at least 20 years old, before the start date of the program.

Pricing is available on request. Email us with a self-introduction and an explanation on why you would like to join the program.The fee covers accommodation, three meals a day, training, and all equipment. It is less than what a budget traveller would spend in New Zealand for the same period. The sanctuary receives no external funding — fees go directly back into conservation.

Three meals a day are included. Expect homemade falafel, stir-fries, organic free range burgers, rösti, dahl, chili, pancakes, and anything else that you can cook or follow instructions for. The cooking is done by the participants themselves. We cater for vegetarian and gluten-free diets if told in advance. We cannot accommodate vegan diets due to the remote location and high energy demands. Alcohol is not allowed. See the full details on the Volunteer page.

Insulated cabins with bunk beds, sleeping four per cabin. There are separate cabins for males, females, and couples. Facilities (kitchen, showers, dining room) are housed in recycled shipping containers. It is basic but functional — the focus is on the forest, not the furniture. Full details on the Volunteer page.

Mobile signal (Telecom, Vodafone, Skinny, 2degrees) is available in the common area for internet and calls. There is no signal in the forest. There is no free wifi — bring your own mobile broadband plan (Skinny is recommended). Plan to charge your phone about once a week. Phone use is not allowed during working hours (8am–4pm) or at meals.

Yes, two types are required: medical travel insurance, and liability insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 5,000. You will be working with expensive equipment and are responsible for any damage.

You need enough English to understand instructions and communicate by radio with your team or emergency services. You do not need to be fluent — most participants have English as a second language. If you are unsure, contact us for a quick WhatsApp call to check.

You should be able to walk comfortably for up to 10 kilometres a day on uneven forest terrain. The work is physical and done mostly outdoors. There is no upper age limit — if you are fit and keen, you are welcome - however please be realistic about your capabilities, this is not an easy program.

No. The sanctuary is completely alcohol and drug free. Smoking is not allowed due to fire risk to the forest.

Fly into Auckland. Take an Intercity bus to Whangarei, then a connecting bus to Dargaville. We pick you up in Dargaville on Monday at 4:30pm. We drop you off on Monday morning at 7am for your return journey. Full details are provided after you make a reservation.

The essentials: rain jacket and pants, solid hiking boots and rubber boots, warm clothes for cool nights, a warm sleeping bag (not just a summer one), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a notebook. Optional but useful: insect repellent, swimwear, snacks, and old clothes you do not mind getting muddy. Full packing list on the Volunteer page.