South Island
If you would like to volunteer on the South Island of New Zealand, please see the list below for up and comming projects, if you would like further detail on any of these projects please contact the Punakaiki office. Volunteer teams depart Christchurch at 8am.
Phone: 03 731 1808
Email: info@conservationvolunteers.co.nz
Phone: 021 686 292
Email: christchurch@conservationvolunteers.co.nz
Every Monday - Planting Day at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Join us at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve to help create a natural environment for rare and endangered New Zealand bird species such as the Kiwi, Takahe, blue duck, brown teal, white heron and weka. Volunteers will be weeding and planting natives to help create a natural habitat for these bird species. Bring your camera because you will see many more NZ animal species up close.
19 September - Cleanup Day along the Heathcote River
Join us in the Keep NZ Beautiful campaign as we clean up this amazing river. This is a great site to clean as there is lots of litter that is trapped in the rushes and salt marsh as it travels downstream. Its a beautiful section of the river with walking and riding tracks and plenty of bird life to see.
4th - 8th October - Waihola Wetland Habitat Restoration
Contribute to the restoration of the beautiful Lake Waihola and Lake Waipori wetlands. This large wetland complex is nationally significant with high ecological, cultural and historical values. The Lakes are very shallow and surrounded by wetlands, including the internationally renowned and protected Sinclair Wetlands which are the home to many species of wading birds, 55 species have been counted, and 12 species of native fish live in the waters as well! The project tasks will include removal of pest plants and and planting of native species. This is another Catchment Care project.
11th - 15th October - Awarua Wetland Restoration Project
Transform fascinating Waituna Lagoon and wetlands This area was one of the first sites in the world to be named "a wetland of international significance" under the RAMSAR Convention and is an important habitat for birds, fish and eels. It is also home to some very unusual plants, such as the cushion plant Donatia which normally grows in sub-alpine areas. Seventy six species of birds have been recorded at the lagoon, including international migratory waders and the waters are a significant trout fishery. Restore this important area by helping with riparian planting and pest plant removal. This is another Catchment Care Project.
18th – 22nd October - Punakaiki Coastal Restoration Project
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.
Contact Marnie on 021 686 292 to register your interest for the above projects.
For more projects, search for volunteer opportunities that best suit your interests and availability using Conservation Connect.