Volunteering at Cape Sanctuary

Volunteers are the foundation of the Cape Sanctuary project’s success. There’s over two hundred volunteers of a range of skills and backgrounds enrolled at the sanctuary. Volunteers are engaged in every aspect of the operation, from pest-control to weed control, biodiversity monitoring, feeding birds and everything in-between.

Help with planting (winter), native tree nursery (year round). Weekday mornings, all ages/fitness levels.

REVEGETATION TEAM

Forest bird feeders

Daily supplementary feed prep and husbandry for our kākā, kākāriki and forest birds. Flexible feed times, 3hrs approx, great for kids!

Predator Control

Bait stations, trap lines and monitoring. See amazing landscapes and stay fit! Recommended for ages 16 and over (unless supervised).

maintanence crew

Assist with project builds, maintenance of infrastructure including predator-fences.

Ocean beach wildlife

Feed our wild kākāriki, tahakē, seabirds (seasonal), lizards. Own 4wd required, 3hr shift. Spectacular scenery and experiences.

internship

Want to build your conservation CV or further your skill set? Get involved as an intern and take a deep dive into all our opportunities.

volunteer internship

Cape Sanctuary offers volunteer internships to those looking to build their conservation CV, or to further their skills in a specific area. Internships start off with an introduction to all areas of sanctuary operation, and if desired, can be focused around the applicant’s interests. Internships run between 3-6 months and typically occur over the summer months.

Structure

The internship is a full time (40hr per week), volunteer placement (with reasonable flexibility). The internship is designed around what you want to learn and gives you a broad range of experiences and staff shadowing opportunities. The internship usually runs for breeding season (Sept – March) but is flexible.

  • Own work clothes, boots , wet weather gear etc – but we provide any PPE required for specific tasks.

    Own road worthy vehicle.

    Own phone.

    A commitment to clean and tidy accommodation and common areas.

    Professional, friendly attitude and team spirit!

  • Free accommodation, Wi-Fi, power, laundry usage.

    We fill up your vehicle with fuel once per week (or fuel voucher).

    Access to our community vegetable garden, weekly supermarket voucher.

    Full training provided depending on goals of volunteer.

Experience

you will gain

  • Species Management

  • Kiwi Monitoring

  • Maintanence

  • Predator & Pest Control

  • Native Tree Nursery Operations

  • Revegetation

  • Field Work

  • QUAD/LUV Training

  • Data Entry & Record Keeping