The Department of Conservation, Te Urewera / Whirinaki Area requires volunteers to hut warden at the Central Whirinaki Hut in the Whirinaki Forest Park.
Volunteer opportunities available: 1. One week before and after Easter Weekend. 2. One week before and after Labour weekend. 3. Early December to End of February annually (not including the Christmas and New Year week).
Accomodation provided: Yes. There is a volunteer house (adjacent to the DO"C office in Murupara) available for hut wardens to use before and after their hut warden duty if booked in advance. The volunteer house is comfortable with laundry and kitchen facilities and fireplace. The Central Whirinaki Hut sleeps 25, the hut warden quarters (recently extended)sleeps 4. These quarters contain a gas cooker and cooking utensils. The Whirinaki River is nearby, the hut has a water tank and a composting toilet.
What to bring: FOOD - Hut wardens need to provide their own food. Please refer to the Hut Warden info sheet (upon application) for more details regarding gear etc. Must have good tramping boots and waterproof wet weather gear.
TRANSPORT - Hut Wardens need to find their own way to and from the Murupara Visitor Centre on SH 38 in Murupara, but DOC staff will pick up and drop off volunteers to the Central Whirinaki Track.