Rainforest Explorer Program
Course Location
NEW ZEALAND
Course Duration
7 Days
Dive into the heart of New Zealand’s lush rainforests on this thrilling 7-day journey! Trek through ancient, moss-covered trails, encounter rare wildlife, and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes teeming with life. From hidden waterfalls and pristine rivers to towering ferns and sacred Māori sites, each day brings a new adventure. Guided by expert conservationists, you'll uncover the secrets of this unique ecosystem, all while supporting sustainable travel and conservation efforts.
Get ready to awaken your inner explorer—New Zealand’s rainforest is calling!
This seven day program is a week-long variant of our Conservation Volunteer program and it allows you the freedom to explore our forest while taking the time to observe, reflect, and learn. You will start by learning about the history that led to the development of the unique New Zealand flora and fauna. Then, you will learn the basic navigation skills required to orient yourself in such a dense jungle-like rain forest. As the week progresses, through the conservation activities that you will participate in, you will build the skills and confidence required to venture into the unknown. Previous explorers have discovered a string of waterfalls, a number of a hundred year old trees, eels, and a magic place lit by countless glow worms. What will you discover?
Here are some of the things that you will learn and do during the program:
earn to find your way in a dense, jungle-like rainforest
go on a night safari spotting kiwi birds, glow worms, and eels
learn about New Zealand trees and birds
learn about nature conservation in New Zealand
participate in conservation activities
venture into the unknown parts of our rainforest
visit the beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes or Tane Mahuta - a two thousand year old tree
While staying with us, you will also have the opportunity to participate in any of the conservation activities listed in the Volunteer section, either in the sanctuary or in the nearby Department of Conservation (DOC) managed forests.
This program is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and explorers eager to dive into New Zealand’s rainforests. Whether you're passionate about wildlife, survival skills, off-grid living, or simply looking for a unique experience, this is your chance to step out of your comfort zone in a safe and thrilling environment. If you dream of spotting a wild kiwi or just feel drawn to this adventure—this journey is for you!
- Accommodation
The accommodation consists 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.
- Meals
Meals will be provided three times a day. After a long day in the forest, there is nothing better than a delicious meal savoured while watching the sunset. The menu includes muesli in the morning, sandwiches/wraps or leftovers for lunch and for dinner: stir-fry, homemade hummus and falafel, organic burgers, rösti, tika masala, dahl, couscous, chili con or sin carne, pancakes, and the occasional blackberry crumble.
If you do not know how to cook, you will learn, everyone contributes to the meal preparation and by the end of your stay you would be able to cook a delicious dinner for ten people.
We cater to most dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten free) if we are told beforehand. Black tea, hot chocolate, and instant coffee are included and available throughout the day. For snaking outside of the scheduled meals, please bring your own snacks, special food, or drinks. We will not be able to keep them in the fridge, but we could store them in the pantry for you.
The cleaning of the kitchen, washing of the dishes, etc... is part of the daily tasks that each participant has to complete.
- Transportation and pick-up
If you do not have your own wheels we will pick you up in the closest town (Dargaville)
- Part of the community
Meet like-minded individuals from around the world and join our community with a huge green beating heart.
Requirements for this program are as followed:
Participants must be over a minimum age of 18 years old.
Good physical fitness and able to walk around 10 kilometers each day.
Medical Travel Insurance
English Language Skills. You will need good English language skills to be able to get the most of this program.
Keep in mind that most of our participants have English as their second language, however if you are unsure of whether your English level is sufficient, we can have a quick WhatsApp call to discuss about the program and at the end of it, we would be able to confirm on whether or not you will be able to join us.
Prices for 2025-2026 are currently being updated. Please contact us HERE for the latest training program cost information. Our team will be happy to provide details and help you plan your perfect trip!
In Partnership with Papu Rangi Nature Sanctuary
Additional Info
What should you expect
Expect your boundaries to be challenged on a daily basis: we live on a philosophy of "we can do with what we have" and that requires patience, adaptability and innovation. It will not be easy but you will learn a lot if you persevere.
Expect to learn a lot and to be ready to apply your learnings.
Expect to be involved; it is participants like you that make this project a reality.
Expect to learn that while individual choices are acknowledged, the well being of the team is more important. When you are out there in the middle of the forest, it is going to be the whole team that has to deal with a problem and find a solution.
Expect to have the type of experiences that others only dream about. The more open to change you are, the more opportunities you have to see things in a different light: kiwi, kokako, snails, ferns, moss, impenetrable rainforest, giant trees, glow worms, waterfalls, there is a whole universe out there!
Electricity and Water
Please note that we 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 we return from the forest.
It is best to work on the assumption that you will be able to charge your phone only once a week.
Phone and Internet
Strong mobile phone signal on the Telecom, Vodafone, Skinny, and 2degrees networks is available in the common area for both Internet and voice. There is no phone signal in the forest. There is no free wifi at the sanctuary, you will have to buy your own mobile broadband plan (we recommend Skinny, good signal and cheaper plans).
Mobile Phone Usage - Digital Detox
To allow you to immerse in the forest experience and to be part of the team, the use of mobile phones (except for taking photos) is not allowed between 8am and 4pm. You can use your mobile phone to check news or contact family before breakfast time and after we return from the forest. Mobile phone usage is not allowed during meals as they distract from the social experience. If you don't think that you can live with these rules, please do not join our program.
Health and Safety
We often work in groups and we do not perform any dangerous activities. Each participant will receive training on how to use the compass/radio thus ensuring continuous contact and positioning. Staff is trained in first aid and a first aid kits are be available.
The New Zealand forest is very safe and it has no animals and no reptiles that can harm you.
The closest medical clinic is in Dargaville, about 50 minutes and 50 km away. The closest hospital with an emergency room is in Whangarei, about 100 minutes and 100km away.
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for New Zealand: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles.
Insurance
You need to have medical travel insurance to be able to work with us. An example of a company that offers affordable travel insurance can be found here.
You will also need to have liability travel insurance (minimum coverage USD 5,000). You will be working with equipment worth thousands of dollars and you will be asked to pay for it if you damage it.
What to Bring
The weather can be quite chilly and wet even in the middle of summer. Here is the minimum that you will need to bring with you:
wet weather gear (rain pants, rain jacket, solid hiking shoes and rubber boots)
warm clothes for the chilly nights
enough socks/underwear to last you for at least two weeks
hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
warm sleeping bag (not just a summer one!)
notebook and pen - there is a lot to learn and remember
You might also consider bringing:
insect repelent for the occasional sandfly
swimming gear
some snacks or drinks
It would be best if you bring some used clothes as not to ruin your best outfit.