Volunteer at Tararu Valley Sanctuary

  New Zealand

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year-round

Description: A typical Valley week has 3-4 project days, 1-2 adventure recreation days, and a 'free-day'. Projects range across habitat building, sustainable production, rainforest restoration and more. These projects include tree-planting, mulching, track-work, wildlife monitoring, carpentry, gardening, cob-earth projects, and so much more.

Our adventure recreation trips run continuously throughout the North Island of New Zealand and take us to some of the best places in the area for a variety of activities like rock climbing and sea kayaking. Every 5-6 weeks we go on a week-long "epic" trip where we explore some great locations elsewhere in New Zealand. Valley recreation also involves gentler activities like reading, board games, flax-weaving, yoga, meditation, art and music.

So you can expect a great mix of activities, plus time to really build new friendships and make a home in a unique place on the Planet. We think Three Months is an ideal length of time to sample what the Valley has to offer! Take a look through the rest of this section of our website to find out what is involved in our residential volunteering scheme, and how to apply.

Highlights: Our staff has a considerable depth of experience in many adventurous and low-key recreation activities. We love the outdoors and we savour the best that NZ has to offer. While you are volunteering with us you will get a 1 or 2 day organised trip every week and a 5-7 day 'Epic trip' every 5 to 6 weeks. All extra equipment and instruction for these activities is provided. As well as that you will get 1 or 2 free days per week for whatever other activities (or relaxation!) you would like to do.

Qualifications: If you can answer 'yes' to most of the following questions, then you are suitable for our volunteer program!

    * Are you interested in learning to live in a way that's sustainable with the Earth's resources?
    * Do you love nature? Rain or shine? Bugs as well as bunnies?
    * "I'd rather want what I have than have what I want"
    * Can you survive and thrive on vegetarian, un-fast food?
    * Would you be comfortable using an outdoor loo? Camping? Sleeping under the stars?
    * Can you handle living with lots of new faces and new personalities?
    * Are you OK being away from friends and family for several weeks or months?
    * Are you responsible, mature, open minded?
    * Are you fit? Healthy? Happy? Like can you handle a long walk? Chop wood and carry water?
    * Can you work independently sometimes and learn quickly?

Prior conservation, gardening, building etc skills are advantageous but not necessary.

Cost in US$: approx $450 per week

    * all accommodation, in the Valley and on group trips
    * yummy, mostly organic food - often straight from our gardens
    * transport from Auckland City/Airport to the Valley
    * all internal group travel provided free of charge
    * scheduled group activities, including gear hire where necessary (e.g. sea kayaking, multi-day hiking adventures, rock-climbing)
    * educational instruction and tuition

The following is not included in the full programme contribution:

    * personal and luxury food like candy, biscuits, alcohol, dining out
    * personal entertainment during free time (e.g. movies, visiting the local gym or swimming pool, - however, most of these activities are fairly low-cost)
    * in addition to the provided group recreation, other activities can be arranged - such as scuba-diving, surfing, horse-riding, outdoor first-aid and training courses, swimming with dolphins - which are additional to the programme cost and are organised with external professional schools/guides
    * high end recreation activities like skiing/snowboarding (however, if the group decides to go on a snow trip, the group transport to and accommodation at the ski field will be provided by us, you will only need to pay for the lift pass and ski hire)
    * most volunteers spend a few dollars each week on email, photos, laundry and movies in Thames

Any portion of your contribution money not spent on immediate volunteer costs goes towards land-debt repayments, vehicle costs, outreach and communications, pest and weed control, insurance and taxes, equipment, and building maintenance.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: You should be interested in playing a part in the protection and reforestation of a beautiful area of New Zealand's native rainforest, whilst taking part in adventure recreation and sharing your experiences with people from around the world. Typically our volunteers are 18 to 30, very keen on the preservation of the environment, looking to learn new practical skills, and don't mind getting their hands dirty!

Age Range: 16+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to New Zealand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Usually around 15

Scholarships are Available. - At Tararu we understand that some of those who would like to volunteer for us are unable to make the full financial contribution that we request from volunteers to finance our conservation work. For that reason we have a limited amount of scholarship placements where the Valley will subsidise part or all of the contribution costs. We are often happy to help cover living costs for folks who are not able to meet all expenses. However, when we spend the money to cover your costs, that means the rainforest and valley are getting less of what they need. What does this mean? BE HONEST, with yourself and with us, about what expenses you can cover during your trip. Some folks are unable to meet the full cost but still cover expenses for food and special trips. Other folks cover 75% or 50% of the weekly donation, or make a one time lump payment of whatever they feel they can afford. Please let us know.

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Tararu Valley Sanctuary's Mission Statement: Tararu Valley Sanctuary is a New Zealand based, volunteer-run environmental reserve. We take direct action to protect and restore the native forest ecosystem of Tararu Valley. This includes revitalising degraded farmland, legally protecting land, growing and planting trees, controlling animal pests and weeds, fencing to exclude pest animals, and forest research. Our volunteer programme suits people interested in learning about conservation, enjoying the outdoors, and living a saner, richer and simpler life.

Year Founded: 2000