Related resources
Regional
Accomodation
- YHA - Youth Hostel Association
- Mount Tutu Eco-Sanctuary - Journey to the Protected Queen Elizabeth II National Trust paradise of Mount Tutu Eco-Sanctuary, a Podocarp Native Rainforest with trees over 500 years old.
- Pounamu Lodge - Nestled in pristine native forest with panoramic views over the lake to sacred Mount Tarawera.
- Lyons Lakestay - Affordable,"boutique style" backpacker,casual accommodation,B&B or Holiday unit.
- Pottsbury Organic Farm - A twelve acre organic orchard with two private and secluded Holiday Homes nestled among the trees and bird song
- Prana Eco Retreat - A unique Eco Retreat Venue, a place to rejuvenate body and soul, to swim, surf, walk and meditate.
- Whirinaki Forest B&B
- Lake Okareka BnB
Transport
- Jayride - Find or share a ride with Jayride, NZ's FREE rideshare community
- Kiwi Experience
- Intercity Coachlines
- Stray Travel
- Newmans Coach Lines
- Thrifty Car Rental
Activities
- Te Puia - NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute
- Driving Creek Railway and Potteries - Coromandel - New Zealand's only narrow-gauge mountain railway along with a working pottery and wild life sanctuary.
- Eco Tours New Zealand
- Kiwi Eco Tours
- Dolphin Watch Eco tours
- Drift Wood Eco tours
- Matata Eco Tours
Whirinaki Forest Hut Wardens
Provider: Department of Conservation
Region: Bay of Plenty
Duration
Ongoing
Description
The Department of Conservation, Te Urewera / Whirinaki Area requires volunteers to hut warden at the Central Whirinaki Hut in the Whirinaki Forest Park.
Volunteer opportunities available: 1. One week before and after Easter Weekend. 2. One week before and after Labour weekend. 3. Early December to End of February annually (not including the Christmas and New Year week).
Accomodation provided: Yes. There is a volunteer house (adjacent to the DO"C office in Murupara) available for hut wardens to use before and after their hut warden duty if booked in advance. The volunteer house is comfortable with laundry and kitchen facilities and fireplace. The Central Whirinaki Hut sleeps 25, the hut warden quarters (recently extended)sleeps 4. These quarters contain a gas cooker and cooking utensils. The Whirinaki River is nearby, the hut has a water tank and a composting toilet.
What to bring: FOOD - Hut wardens need to provide their own food. Please refer to the Hut Warden info sheet (upon application) for more details regarding gear etc. Must have good tramping boots and waterproof wet weather gear.
TRANSPORT - Hut Wardens need to find their own way to and from the Murupara Visitor Centre on SH 38 in Murupara, but DOC staff will pick up and drop off volunteers to the Central Whirinaki Track.
Skills required
a love of the great outdoors and be reasonably fit
