Conservation Volunteer Bookings

Located on the rugged and wild West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Punakaiki is the gateway to the dramatic limestone country of the Paparoa National Park and the famous Pancake Rocks and blow holes. Volunteers willcontribute tothe Punakaiki Coastal Restoration Project which aims to restore native forest habitat for the vulnerable seabird, the Westland Petrel. The Westland Petrel is one of New Zealand’s unique bird species with its only breeding location confined to a 5km area in the foothills of the Paparoa Range. Westland petrelsreturn to their colonies to breed from Aprilto October and can be viewed at dusk and dawn from the project site.This volunteer and travel program enables you to explore some of the most incredible scenery on offer in New Zealand, taking you along the Arthur’s Pass alpine highway and the Coastal Road of the West Coast. You’ll experiencetwo of the best short hikes inside National Parks in the country,visit a furseal colony,explore the famous limestone formations of the Pancake Rocks and blow holes, and best of all, help to create and protect habitat for a vulnerable and incredible seabird species. 

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Right on our doorstep is the Halswell Quarry. Stone was first taken from the Quarry in the 1860s and it was a working quarry for 130 years up until 1990, when Christchurch City Council made the decision to turn it into a recreation reserve. Since then more than 250, 000 trees and shrubs have been planted, and a wetland has been developed in the lower quarry.  The quarry is popular for mountain biking, walking and running.

CVNZ assist with releasing plantings during the warmer months and then planting in the winter. The area we work on is a 5-minute walk from Paterson House. Plantings in the wetland area include cabbage trees (ti kouka), flax (harakeke) and carex.

No experience is necessary as training is provided. We also provide gloves, tools as well as free transport to and from the project if needed.

What to bring/wear: sturdy boots, long sleeves and pants, waterproof jacket and a hat. Bring a water bottle and some food.

What we provide: all tools and gloves provided as well as training and an experienced team leader. Free transport options available (seats are limited!) - get in touch to book a seat.

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Managed by a volunteer Advisory Group since 2006, the Silverstream Reserve features a beautiful clear stream, home to native invertebrates and eel/tuna.  The stream is spring fed and is popular for trout and salmon fishing. It is significant to local Maori for mahinga kai (food gathering). Silver Stream is the South Branch of the Upper Kaiapoi River that runs through Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend and is a tributary of the Waimakariri River. The 52-hectare reserve has been replanted with more than 9000 native plants, along the stream and under larger trees. In this project we help with weeding and mulching.  

No experience is necessary as training is provided. We also provide gloves, tools as well as free transport to and from the project if needed. 

What to bring/wear: sturdy boots, long sleeves and pants, waterproof jacket and a hat. Bring a water bottle and some food. 

What we provide: all tools and gloves provided as well as training and an experienced team leader. Free transport options available (seats are limited!) - get in touch to book a seat. 

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Sheppard’s Stream is a remnant wetland in WaitÄkiri/Bottle Lake Forest on Christchurch’s eastern coast. WaitÄkiri/Bottle Lake Forest is an extensive pine plantation that was once an important food-gathering area (mahinga kai) for the people of NgÄi Tahu (local iwi/tribe) and their ancestors; they would gather eels (tuna) and other fish, and used native coastal plants for medicine, building materials, weaving, footwear and weapons.

Unsuccessful attempts at farming were made in the area by Europeans in the late 1850s and by the 1870s, pine plantations were being established to prevent the sand dunes from encroaching on nearby market gardens. The forest is now managed by the Christchurch City Council and is still a working forest, and is also a popular destination for mountain bikers, runners, walkers and horse riders.

We’ll be helping Christchurch City Council Ranger Warren Hunt with the removal of grey and crack willow in the Sheppard’s Stream wetland. These are two highly invasive species present in this area. If time allows, Warren may take us on a tour of the forest.

No experience is necessary as training is provided. We also provide gloves, tools as well as free transport to and from the project if needed.

What to bring/wear: sturdy boots, long sleeves and pants, waterproof jacket and a hat. Bring a water bottle and some food.

What we provide: all tools and gloves provided as well as training and an experienced team leader. Free transport options available (seats are limited!) - get in touch to book a seat.

More information »