Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary The Volunteer Program www.pupurangi.com a member of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) version 1.1
The Pupu Rangi Volunteer Program Information Sheet For those that are interested in learning about what it takes to protect an endangered species, the Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary offers a program that teaches, inspires, and achieves results. We will teach you about the unique ecosystem present in New Zealand and about the challenges that it faces. You will learn and master conservation techniques that you will then apply in the field. Working with us you will understand the significant effort that is involved to be able to maintain a pristine environment and to see in the wild what most people see only in a zoo. You will learn about sustainability and about being kind to the land. We use the sun to generate our power, the rain to collect the water that we need, and we try to grow our own vegetables. More importantly, you will also learn about yourself; challenging your comfort zone, working in a forest that you could not imagine from the comfort of your home, and sharing this fantastic place with your fellow volunteers. The Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary is a place where you will feel close to nature in a way that you have never imagined. This is the place where you will be the first person in a generation to explore, discover, make note of what you see, and above all, learn to be in the middle of the nowhere without feeling lost. The nature sanctuary is not an attraction where tour buses stop every hour. We are located 250km from a crowded city, 50km from the closest supermarket, 2km from the next door neighbor, and at an arm s length from the Milky Way. For us, seeing two cars in a day is a traffic jam, and being able to live in the middle of a forest is the ultimate lifestyle. The Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary is a member of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)
Sample activities over a two week period Day 1 Your host will pick you up in Dargaville at around 17:30 and your two weeks of adventure begin! Once we load up on the week s groceries, we start the climb to the sanctuary where you will be welcomed with a delicious dinner. Day 2 After breakfast, it s time for the introductory overview of the sanctuary and of the environmental conservation work carried out to protect the New Zealand native species. Your leader will explain the safety procedures that need to be followed in the bush and will show you how to use the GPS/compass and the walkietalkies. With the basics covered, it s time to head into the forest for an exploratory walk and to practice the morning s teachings. A couple of navigation activities will give you the confidence required to feel comfortable in the forest. In the evening, continue to explore your environment or help cook for your fellow volunteers. Day 3 Today you will learn how to navigate in a straight line through dense forest and steep terrain. The compass navigation skills that you acquire will be used to create a new trail. You will also learn how to prepare and use the tools (machete, lopper, saw, tape) required to get through the dense bush. In the afternoon, relax in the common area and use the free time to pick some wild blackberries, maybe? In the late evening, we will descent in the Trounson Kauri Park and you will take part in a night safari tracking kiwi and other night birds. Day 4 Today is time to learn more about conservation. After breakfast we will head back to the Trounson Kauri Park. You will have a chance to see the enormous kauri trees and to understand the work required to protect a species from extinction. We will spend the day in forest giving a helping hand to the Department of Conservation staff.
Day 5 Today we will see some scenic sights around the region. First, we will visit the venerable Tane Mahuta (a 2000 year old kauri tree) and the Four Sisters. After lunch we will make our way to the Kai Iwi lakes for a swim, a bit of beach time, and a BBQ. We will spend the day relaxing, enjoying the fresh air, and appreciating the beauty of the Kauri Coast. Day 6 Today you will head in the forest and do some trail maintenance. Our forest is so dense that in three to five years the paths will be covered over and unrecognizable. We take the cutting tools, pack a lunch and head into the deep. In the evening return to a delicious meal and to watch the sun setting into the ocean. Day 7 Today we will go again in the forest. There is so much to do! Either fill the bait stations, check the stoat traps, or GPS the tracks. We return in the afternoon for a well-deserved rest. The day will end with a BBQ under the stars. Day 8 Today is a day of relaxation. Sit in the sun, go for a run, or just admire the vista towards the ocean. Day 9 With the batteries recharged, today you will head in the forest and help with the conservation tasks. Be it trap monitoring, path marking, or track maintenance, the day will be spent in the fresh air with a picnic in a magical spot. Day 10 It is time to visit our friends at the Department of Conservation and lend them a helping hand in their forest. Return in the evening to a hot shower and a well-deserved BBQ.
Day 11 Today we have a full schedule! We pack a small bag and head down the hill to help again our friends at the Department of Conservation. After the work is finished, we head to the beach for a swim and a BBQ. After sunset, we head for a night safari and a chance to see the kiwi. Day 12 After a late start, we will do some work around the living area where we will also have lunch. In the afternoon we do a bit more work around the living area and have some time in the afternoon to try something new. Why not bake a blueberry crumble? Day 13 We will wake up to the bird songs, have breakfast and head back in the forest for some trail cutting. We have a picnic in a sunny spot and keep an eye for the birds that surround us. Day 14 Today is your last day on the sanctuary. It is a good time to head back in the forest to re-visit some of your favourite spots, take pictures, and reflect on your two weeks of living in the middle of nature. We will have dinner watching the sun setting in the ocean. Day 15 If you decide to stay longer, today is a day of relaxation. If you continue your travels, after a super early breakfast, your host will take you to Dargaville and drop you off in time to catch a connecting bus to either Auckland or the Bay of Islands.
Program Details Location: Duration: Number of Participants: Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary, Kaihu, Northland, New Zealand 2 weeks 5 months 1-8 participants Programme Dates: The programme is available from 30 November 2015 to 18 April 2016, inclusive. All programs start on a Monday and finish on a Monday Requirements: Other Information All participants must have full travel insurance. Participants must pay for their own travel to Dargaville The sanctuary is off the grid and has limited access to electricity. Participants will be asked to share the cooking and the cleaning duties while staying at the sanctuary The accommodation is dormitory style with four people sharing a cabin Gear required Day pack Sleeping bag Drink bottle Torch, batteries Hiking boots Gumboots Light footwear Socks Shorts and t-shirts Long trousers Underwear Toilet gear/towel Thermal shirt Thermal jacket Raincoat & trousers Sun-hat Sun-screen Insect repellent Swimsuit Personal first aid kit Camera Books, cards, frisbee, etc for entertainment Other: Journal to write about the Pupu Rangi experiences Medication/contact lens solution sufficient for the stay Favourite snack/food Cash for occasional treats/internet access Ipod/MP3 player for personal music/radio