What Happens When -
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How to Get Here -
What to Do in Auckland and Northland -
Volunteers' Comments -
Long-Term Volunteers
We are restoring kauri forest and protecting the North Island brown kiwi’s habitat. We also have a new project to hatch and rear North Island brown kiwi.
If you are keen and committed, you are welcome to join us.
Minimum volunteer stay: 1 week (or otherwise by prior arrangement)
If you're interested in volunteering, please click here to send us your details.
Activities in progress right now…
Skills sought:
Additional volunteer work could include:
Volunteers hanging out after a good day's work
Volunteer Crystal Jung On Ju propagating zillions of manuka
While helping us you will learn about restoration ecology, take trips into the bush with experienced naturalists and rejuvenate yourself by contributing to a conservation project that will really make a difference. The 850 hectares being regenerated are adjacent to the Waipoua Forest Sanctuary, and are restoring its natural boundaries. This year, we planted 3000 young kauri trees - progeny of ancient giants within the sanctuary - and ten times as many manuka onto the land that is fast becoming the 'Millennium Kauri Forest'. This is the largest kauri restoration project in New Zealand. Come and see areas that have already been regenerating for fourteen years, and others that are taking off after last year's plantings.
We operate 365 days a year. To save our kiwi and the forests, control of pest plants and animals takes place year-round. The planting season is the Southern Hemisphere winter, i.e. April-September. There's always work to be done in the plant nursery. There's always something that needs maintenance. And everyone is always hungry!
Volunteers stay at Whare Kauri (Kauri House), pictured, a comfortable and relaxed 5-bedroom farmhouse owned by the Waipoua Forest Trust, or at other similar properties owned by the Trust.
Essential items:
Optional items:
Volunteers can expect to be in one of the most beautiful places they have ever been in their lives… Most volunteers enjoy a variety of activities in and around the Millennium Kauri Forest including: Bush walks, Bike rides, Rest, meditation on our wonderful deck facing the restoration project with the mature kauri forest behind.
Nearby attractions include:
Note: You may have to rely on a ride to get to these places.
Because volunteers are helping our forest, they also have the privilege of visiting places that are not available to tourists.
For information on how to find us, please click here.
During your visit to New Zealand, you'll certainly want to explore other parts of the country. Almost all visitors arrive and leave through Auckland; and at Waipoua, you're close to the historic and scenic attractions of Northland.
At Auckland International Airport, take the Airbus downtown. Auckland has three Youth Hostels and tens of backpackers' lodges - ask the bus driver for a good place to get off.
We haven't the space to give a full guide here, but some ideas for visitors to Auckland are:
And for Northland:
Auckland tourism website - Northland tourism website
New Zealand/Aotearoa is blessed with an amazing natural heritage. Having travelled throughout the country, I was touched over and over by its beauty and serenity. Yet, being merely a spectator, I felt that something was missing. The time I spent with Stephen, Jenny, Guy and other fellow volunteers at the Waipoua Forest Trust made it clear to me what was missing: personal involvement. The joy of planting young kauri trees, descendants of existing ancient giant trees, knowing that some of them will make it and live for thousands of years...it's a wonderful feeling...it is putting your own roots in the land. I guess I'll have to return in 600 years or so to check how these trees are doing...
As I stayed longer, heaps more opportunities unfolded: interesting and vital nursery work, learning from Stephen more and more about the forest and its conservation, bush walking and even watching the sunset from the top of a tree...
I feel so blessed to have known so many beautiful people from the local Maori community. Working, laughing and eating together while sharing the same love to the land is such a lovely way to form friendships regardless of where you come from. Thank you Davey, Awhi, Gary and many others.
Come and volunteer here at the Waipoua Forest Trust! This is your opportunity to give, not only to receive. And, when you give you always receive. Isn't that what life is about?
If I could sum the last couple of weeks I've spent at Waipoua Forest Trust I'd have to say "flash!". It's a beautiful place, surrounded by beautiful people, food and music.
I've gained an insight into cultural and other issues that I could only have gained through an opportunity like volunteer work here! I've had a ball and would recommend volunteer work to anyone who is passionate about nature and living!
I came to New Zealand with a great interest in trees especially. I thought I would backpack around from place to place in this beautiful country, but from a tourist's point of view.
When I was travelling down the West Coast of the North Island I came across the Waipoua Forest Trust who offered me a place to stay for worthwhile work. So I gave it a go expecting to stay for a couple of weeks. Ended up staying for nearly two months!
During my stay here I met and worked alongside fantastic people and the work we did was the most worthwhile and enjoyable I've done with trees because we were contributing to the country's heritage.
And back at the ranch! In the evenings I had a great social life, while also having time to draw some of my thoughts and experiences.
I would like to say thankyou to everyone here for teaching me about the NZ bush and being brilliant hosts.
I came to the Waipoua Forest Trust with no experience of conservation work whatsoever but with a strong conviction that I wanted to see the beautiful NZ countryside and somehow contribute to its future. I chose to come here because I wanted to see the legendary kauri trees and, rather haphazardly I am ashamed to admit, because Waipoua Forest is described in the Lonely Planet as 'the highlight of the west coast'! Luckily for me it turned out to be the best decision I could have made. I have been here for only just over a week and already I have learned so much and made such good friends.
So far I have spent most of my time in the nursery helping to re-pot kauri seedlings, digging the new vegetable patch and attacking the ever-present weeds. There are also plenty of other one-off jobs on the go so there is never a chance to get bored! Aside from work, there are heaps of opportunities to explore the countryside and get lost in the bush…
Volunteering at the Waipoua Forest Trust has been a fantastic experience and one I will never forget. It's fun, it's friendly, it's informative, and sometimes it can even be a little whacky! If you're looking for good times and great trees, I highly recommend it.
Does this sound like you?
If you think you'd like to be a volunteer, please click here to send us your details.
If you would like to work with us for a period of three months or more, there are opportunities to be involved in special projects, e.g. management, research, construction. Please e-mail us. If you want to use or develop specific skills, please include a note of that in your e-mail.