History
Tucked into the lush, green slopes of the Tutamoe peaks in northern New Zealand lies a 150-hectare sanctuary of regenerating rainforest—an area of national ecological significance where logging is strictly prohibited. This protected forest is a haven for native wildlife and a place where passionate conservationists have created a hands-on, off-grid experience for volunteers from around the world.
The organisation behind this sanctuary is deeply committed to preserving New Zealand’s rich biodiversity. Volunteers contribute not only to this forest but to three additional ecosystems in the surrounding area, each with their own conservation needs—whether it’s protecting thousand-year-old trees or monitoring endangered species such as the kiwi or the kokako.
Mission & Vision
The mission is to restore and protect native forest ecosystems while creating a space where people can reconnect with nature and themselves. Through immersive, practical conservation work—cutting tracks, monitoring wildlife, planting native species, and maintaining the land—volunteers become part of a living, breathing effort to regenerate the natural world.
Their vision extends beyond the forest floor. By offering in-depth training and involving volunteers in all stages of the conservation process—from planning and preparation to implementation and monitoring—they aim to spark long-term change. This is a place where learning, contribution, and personal transformation happen hand in hand.
By volunteering on our Nature and Wildlife Conservation Program in New Zealand, you will:
•Help restore native rainforest habitats and protect rare species like kiwi and kokako
•Live off-the-grid in a peaceful, eco-conscious forest sanctuary
•Gain hands-on experience in conservation techniques, track cutting, and wildlife monitoring
•Learn essential outdoor skills—from using GPS in dense bush to sustainable living practices
•Discover New Zealand’s ancient Kauri Coast and explore glow worm caves, waterfalls, and starry skies
•Join an international team and connect deeply with nature, your work, and yourselfPapu 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
Your Forest Home in New Zealand
Volunteers stay in a peaceful, off-grid forest lodge surrounded by native bush—a true escape from the distractions of modern life. Simple, sustainable, and immersed in nature, your accommodation allows you to fully experience what it's like to live in harmony with the environment you’re helping protect.
Sleeping Arrangements
You’ll stay in an insulated shared cabin, with each cabin fitted with two bunk beds (four beds total). There are separate cabins for males and females, and one designated cabin for couples. If you have a specific request or need a special accommodation arrangement, it’s best to let the team know in advance so they can do their best to accommodate you.
What’s Provided
•Mattress and basic bedding
•Solar-powered lighting
•Shared bathroom and composting toilet facilities
•Outdoor forest shower (yes, under the trees!)
•Herb garden and wood chopping areaLiving Off-the-Grid
This is an unplugged experience—there’s no Wi-Fi or mobile reception. Instead, your time is spent connecting with nature, your fellow volunteers, and the present moment. The forest becomes your classroom, your retreat, and your reminder of what really matters.
Meals & Shared Spaces
Meals are prepared together using fresh, mostly plant-based ingredients. Volunteers take turns cooking and cleaning in the communal kitchen, often gathering around the shared dining area for relaxed and meaningful conversations. There’s also a cozy cabin space for reading, journaling, or planning the next day’s activities.
Life at the lodge is about simplicity, sustainability, and shared purpose. From chopping wood to lighting the fire for a warm evening shower, every moment is part of the experience—helping you slow down, reconnect, and feel a little more at home in the wild.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fees
Duration Fee (EUR)
2 weeks €757
3 weeks €1,099
4 weeks €1,372
5 weeks €1,714
6 weeks €2,056
8 weeks €2,740
10 weeks €3,424
12 weeks €4,108
Payment Terms
• Program fees are due 30 days before your start date.
• If applying within 30 days of your intended start, full payment is required within 48 hours of confirmation.What’s Included
Your fee covers everything you need for a safe, supported, and meaningful conservation journey:
✅ Accommodation in off-grid forest lodge cabins
✅ All meals—plant-based and shared communally
✅ Full training in conservation tasks, health and safety, and navigation
✅ Hands-on experience in forest restoration, wildlife monitoring, and sustainability projects
✅ Flexible start dates and free date changes
✅ Welcome pack full of necessary and useful info
✅ Access to glow worm treks, kiwi night walks, and local day trips
✅ Expert guidance from experienced forest leaders
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ So much moreYour Investment in Nature, Conservation and Yourself
This isn’t just a volunteer program—it’s an investment in your growth, your awareness, and your ability to make a difference. Whether you’re here to develop practical conservation skills, reconnect with nature, or simply step away from the fast pace of modern life, your time here will leave a lasting mark.
Every euro you invest helps fund the protection of ancient forests, supports local education, and keeps this sanctuary thriving for generations to come.
Come and immerse yourself in the breathtaking wilderness of New Zealand! Your program fees help sustain forest restoration, support off-grid living, and ensure your experience is as impactful as it is unforgettable.
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.