Papu Rangi is an organization dedicated to the protection of the native New Zealand biodiversity on the Kauri Coast in the north of New Zealand.
Nestled on the slopes of the Tutamoe peaks the Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary consists of 150 hectares of regenerating rainforest. This native forest is classified as having national significance and no logging is allowed within the sanctuary. This is a place where you will feel close to nature in a way that you have never imagined. A place where you will explore, discover, make note of what you see, and above all, learn to be in the middle of the nowhere without feeling lost.
You will learn about the conservation challenges that they face and due to the extensive training that they provide, you will be able to start making a difference within a week. You will be contributing to the biodiversity protection of four different forests, each of them having unique properties, be it thousand year old trees or endangered birds such as the kiwi or the kokako.
While with Papu Rangi you will have the opportunity to learn about all the stages involved in the conservation process from planning and preparation to implementation and monitoring. Of course, you will also celebrate our success through the sightings of the rare species that they are trying to protect.
If you want to learn about nature and about yourself, become an explorer! No prior experience is required, just bring your sense of adventure and an open mind.
Volunteer within the lands of the Hobbits, New Zealand.
Work and help protect the unique ecosystems and rainforests of NZ.
Diverse and hands on work with plenty to do and experience.
You will develop new transferable skills and gain industry experience that match your passion and interests.
Learn dense forest navigational skills.
Experience day off adventures and embrace the local culture, sights & attractions.
Papu Rangi’s mission is to safeguard the native biodiversity of New Zealand through active conservation efforts. Volunteers at Papu Rangi will learn about the conservation challenges and contribute directly to biodiversity protection across four distinct forest environments. The sanctuary aims to integrate the teachings about nature with the practical experience of preserving it, providing extensive training to ensure volunteers can make a meaningful impact shortly after starting.
About the program
You are thinking of coming to New Zealand attracted by the amazing landscapes, never-ending beaches, blue skies, soaring mountains, and green forests. You like nature and seek respite from the crowded city. You sometimes wonder what simple life is like, living off-the-grid, maybe? You want to do something meaningful with your hands and see the result of your work.
You should come and join us!
What you can expect
The Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary welcomes you to this place of learning: about the forest and its creatures, about conservation, about what is important in life, and about yourself. You will be challenged on many fronts: living off-the-grid, working in a dense rainforest forest, questioning the need for many of the things that we take for granted. You will meet people from various countries and different backgrounds and together with them you will experience something that is rare these days: the expanse of an uncharted forest which you and your fellow volunteers will help preserve.
While at the sanctuary you will have the opportunity to learn about different aspects of life (living in tune with nature, discovering what is really important to you, what other cultures value most), to get some practical skills (planning, setting priorities, using creativity to find solutions within the available means), to learn about New Zealand native species and the different ways to protect it, to understand what it takes to live in a sustainable way, and to explore the attractions in the surrounding region. Body and mind will both be exercised and enriched.
The program
This program has three components: the conservation work that we do in the forest, the manual work that we do around the sanctuary, and the sightseeing that we do around the region.
The conservation tasks that we perform in our sanctuary and on the behalf of the Department of Conservation are performed at a professional level, and you will receive the training necessary to reach the required high standard.
Throughout your stay you will learn and practice the basic navigational skills and tools required to operate in the dense rainforest. While working with us, you will realize the vast amount of work that happens behind the scenes to ensure that the New Zealand forest stays healthy. You will also learn the meaning of sustainability through observation and practice. The opportunities to learn are endless and we are keen to teach those that show interest.
Volunteer work
Some of the tasks that you will complete are:
cutting and marking tracks
installing, refilling, and monitoring bait stations
installing and monitoring traps
kiwi, kokako, and rodent monitoring
seed collection
weed control and planting of native plants
data entry
The manual work part of the program refers mostly to the activities that we have to perform to maintain and enhance the living area. It is most likely that most of the tasks that you will have to perform will be new to you. We will train you and you will use your creativity and previous skills to find ways of completing the tasks.
Tasks include:
weeding and maintaining the herb garden
building maintenance tasks (i.e. painting walls, setting up walls)
landscaping
chopping wood
general help around the place
Previous volunteers helped us paint the accommodation buildings, start a herb garden, paved a patio area, built sheds, erected fences, and built an outdoor bath.
Every month, week, and day has its own target tasks to complete be it monitoring, track cutting, or some facility improvement. In general, we aim to find a balance between the conservation and maintenance tasks.
The third component of the program consists of the relaxation activities that are so important to recharge one's batteries. We believe that it is important for each volunteer to see the extent of their contribution in the wider context of the Kauri Coast region. We are also proud of the beauty of this land and it will be our pleasure to share it with you.
At night we might go on a safari looking for kiwi, these three hour night walks are an amazing opportunity to hear the sounds of the forest and let the stars guide us. Sometimes we also go deep in our forest to visit the glowworms that live near one of the waterfalls. There is nothing as magic as sitting in the dark by the creek and watch the tiny blue lights of these amazing creatures. One day a week we head to the lakes for some swimming or SUP practice, or we head for a long beach walk (or mountain climb), or we visit the amazing two thousand year old Tane Mahuta - the oldest and biggest tree in New Zealand.
Rainforest Conservation
Conservation Planning
Dense Forest Navigational Skills
Outdoor Health & Safety
Sustainability Projects
Track Maintenance
Wildlife Monitoring
Invasive Species Control
Data Entry
Wood Chopping
Seed Collecting & Planting
Fundraising
Nature Therapy
So Much More
Consisting of insulated cabins fitted with two bunk beds (four beds per cabin). There is a cabin for males, one for females, and another one reserved for couples.
Should you require a special accommodation arrangement, please get in touch before making a reservation.
Come and immerse yourself in the breathtaking wilderness of New Zealand!
- 2 weeks for €757
- 4 weeks for €1372
- Additional weeks for €342 each
Apply today!
Additional Info
Facilities, electricity and water.
Facilities
Papu Rangi's facilities are basic but functional. One of the principles behind their sanctuary is to be as kind to the environment as possible. They are off the grid and try to use as few resources as possible. The main facilities (kitchen, showers, dinning room) are housed in recycled shipping containers. They reuse as much second hand material or furniture as they can find. Small items can be washed in the sinks and they do a load of washing once a week.
The cleaning of the facilities is part of the daily tasks that each participant has to complete.
Electricity And Water
Please note that Papu Rangi are off the grid and do not have electricity or running water. Depending on the rainfall, hot showers are available daily or every other day when returning from the forest.
It is best to work on the assumption that you will be able to charge your phone only once a week.