Conservation Volunteer Bookings

Join Conservation Volunteers on an adventure along the beautiful west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. This project focuses on habitat restoration of coastal land adjacent to Paparoa National Park. Volunteers will help out with a variety of tasks in a stunning location - including tree planting, seed collection and removal of weeds. Punakaiki is home to the world famous Pancake Rocks, and provides a wonderful opportunity to explore this unique coastal landscape.

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Janet Stewart Reserve 

The Janet Stewart  Reserve, covers an area of 1.9 hectares, is situated on the corner of Marshland Road and Lower Styx Road and runs parallel with Lower Styx Road for approximately a kilometre. 

Historically, this landscape was covered in native vegetation, including ferns, tussock and raupo, and formed part of the Styx River floodplain. Middens on the site indicate that early Maori used this area. As farming in the locality developed, the land was converted into a low-lying grassy paddock, intersected by a channelised boxed waterway known as Gibson’s Drain. 

Today we’ll be planting to enhance the biodiversity of the reserve. Join us for an enjoyable day of planting 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 - please contact us if this is something that you require. 

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

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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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