Rotoroa Island - Track Maintenance Volunteer Day

Calling nature lovers and eager volunteers!

We are offering a fun day on our island sanctuary and the chance to help in our restoration programme.

Our biggest goal for Rotoroa’s restoration programme was to plant nearly 400,000 native trees to attract wildlife back to the island. We are proud to say we were successful!

It has been over 10 years and it’s so exciting to see our planted canopy is starting to connect! Our plants are growing incredibly well, but they still need some pruning to keep the tracks enjoyable. That’s where we hope you come in!

It would mean the world to us if you come and help us keep these tracks in the best condition.

SUITABLE FOR
We are looking for volunteers to clear the tracks at the same time as exploring the island. There will be activities for all ages and skills

Some tasks are light work and can be done with a little instruction.
Other tasks will be led by a ranger and for experienced trampers. These people will be pruning some of our steeper tracks.

Will you please help us ensure this wildlife sanctuary continues to thrive?

DAY PLAN:
8:45am Volunteers depart on Fullers360 ferry from Quay St.
10:00am Arrive on Rotoroa, welcome by Island Ranger and biosecurity briefing;
10:30am Gear distributed and restoration work begins (with a break for lunch)
1:30pm Time to explore the island, followed by sausage sizzle
3:45pm Ferry departs for Auckland

WHAT TO BRING:
Your lunch and plenty of water to drink, sturdy footwear (no open-toed shoes), several layers of clothes and wet weather gear, sunscreen and sun hat, gardening gloves if you have them. If you require any medication, please bring it with you (especially if you are an allergy sufferer), staff will have a basic first aid kit only. The event is free, you just need to pay for your ferry ticket.

WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE:
Gloves (please bring your own if you have them); tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water; supervisors with plenty of interesting stories and good humour! Plus we'll put on a sausage sizzle.

HOW TO BOOK:
Register for the event by emailing milly@rotoroa.org.nz PLUS book your ferry ticket on Fullers360 website.

CANCELLATIONS:
While unlikely to cancel unless terrible weather, here's how you can be sure it's going ahead. Check on our Facebook page where we'll post a cancellation notification. If you are unsure, please call the island's duty phone on the morning of the volunteer day: 09 283 0849.

BIOSECURITY:
Rotoroa Island is a predator-free sanctuary; before you visit please:
- Check your bags thoroughly for rodents, insects (especially ants) and other pests prior to boarding the ferry
- All bags must be SEALED - plastic bags, open-top bags and supermarket bags are easy for pests to access so please leave these at home
- Carry food in sealed, rodent-proof plastic containers and take your rubbish home
- Check your footwear is clean and that there is no soil or seeds in laces or treads
- Leave your bicycle at home and if you're bringing a buggy, make sure your tyre treads aren't packed with dirt or insects.