Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand Visa Requirements
Do I need a visa if I’m coming from abroad?
What kind of visa will I need?
My Contribution
If I am accepted to volunteer in Tararu Valley and then cancel will I get my money back?
Can I fund-raise towards the donation?
What is included in my contribution?
What additional costs should I expect?
Do you accept WWOOFers?
Valley Life
What is the weather like?
When can I volunteer?
When is the best time to come?
How long can I volunteer for?
Can I extend or reduce my stay once I am at TVS?
Will I gain University Credit?
Can I work on my own project?
What is the age range of participants?
What is the typical team structure?
During my stay in TVS, can I take time off to visit friends or relatives in other parts of NZ?
Can I still volunteer even if I don't have existing conservation skills?
Where do I sleep?
What are the facilities like?
What is the food like?
Who does the cooking?
Do I get free time?
What can I do in my free time?
What must I pack and what should stay at home? What clothing and equipment should I bring?
What should I wear if I’m staying during winter?
Can I bring music/instruments/music players?
Can I bring my mobile phone?
Can I use a landline phone?
Will I be able to recharge my phone/mp3 player?
Are there books to read at the Sanctuary?
Is there anything I am not allowed to use?
What toiletries should I bring?
Can I have visitors/guests?
What if my question isn’t answered here?
New Zealand Visa Requirements
Do I need a visa if I’m coming from abroad?
Most volunteers will require a visa, however it is just a formality and doesn't normally create any problem. To volunteer at TVS you will only need a ‘visitors visa’, not a working visa, since you will not be earning any money. It is best to check with the NZ embassy in your country because regulations do change and we are unable to provide the most up-to-date information. Check out the NZ immigration website at www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit to get up to date information.
If you wish to volunteer for Tararu and you hold a passport from a non-partner country, then you will definitely need to check the immigration website mentioned above. You will probably need us to provide a letter to NZ Immigration stating that the Sanctuary will host you (i.e. that your accommodation and food is taken care of for a certain period of time) which we are quite happy to provide - but ONLY after you have paid our required deposit on your stay. This is necessary because we have had many people approach us for supporting letters and believe some people wish to abuse this process merely to gain a NZ Visa. We will therefore only assist people who demonstrate their genuine commitment to volunteering for the Sanctuary. Fill out the application form as normal and then get in touch with us.
What kind of visa will I need?
You will need a ‘visitor’s visa’, since you will not be employed.
My Contribution
If I am accepted to volunteer in Tararu Valley and then cancel will I get my money back?
The Sanctuary’s main financial concern is the hosting and entertaining of residential volunteers. We can fundraise for a big portion of the required conservation resources, but the costs of hosting people in a remote location like this have to be covered by the volunteers' contribution. We simply have no other funding for this, and make no money out of our conservation work that could in return fund the volunteers' costs. Once you have accepted our offer of a residential placement and paid your contribution, this money is treated as a donation, and has become part of the budget for the period. This budget is a tight balancing act between the amount of contributions and the number of volunteers we can host at any given time. Consequently, your contribution cannot be refunded.
Can I fund-raise towards the donation?
Yes! Some volunteers are able to fundraise for all or part of their contribution. This is legitimate since you are carrying out conservation work that would not be completed without your assistance.
What is included in my contribution?
Food, accommodation, recreation trips (apart from optional high end activities that are listed under the "your contribution" section on the "volunteering" page), and transport from Auckland Airport.
What additional costs should I expect?
Most volunteers choose to use a bit of extra spending money per week on things like laundry, internet cafés, the occasional takeaway, alcohol, and phoning home. It’s up to you to set your own budget for this.
Do you accept WWOOFers?
We do, although nearly all of our volunteers make a financial contribution when they participate in our programme, simply because – unlike most other organic farms who sell some form of produce – the Sanctuary doesn't make a dime out of the land it owns. We don't grow any cash crops, don't log the forest, don't graze cattle and don't dig the ground up for gold to make a living, in fact quite to the contrary, we have to serve a mortgage in order to protect this Valley from being abused.
However, we will sometimes accept WWOOF-volunteers on an unpaid basis when this meets the needs of Tararu Valley Sanctuary. Acceptance as WWOOFers on a non-paying basis represents a scholarship. Scholarship volunteers are expected to bring good work spirit and strong existing skills to the Valley. We typically accept 10-15 WWOOFers a year: usually those with exceptional experience in organic gardening or a key skill in building, renewable energies, or similar.
Please answer the following questions when you enquire to us about volunteering at TVS:
How long would you like to stay at TVS (min. 3 week commitment) and when would you arrive?
What work are you interested in?
Are you interested in conservation work?
Are you interested in pest control/trapping possums?
Are you willing to meet some expenses (typically food & supplies run at NZ$140 a week per person) while here?
Are you comfortable with vegetarian cooking? Flexible with your food tastes?
Are you happy to share cooking and cleaning duties?
Can you sleep in a tent if necessary?
Are you willing to work 7-8 hour workdays, 4 days a week?
Please also explain any experience you have in rainforest conservation, green building, and gardening.
So if you wish to participate in our programme (and we hope you do!) then we need you to apply and tell us something about yourself. The best way to get in touch is to drop us an email.
Valley Life
What is the weather like?
| Spring (Sept-Nov/Dec) |
changeable - clear crisp days, with sudden storms, fresh flowers & grateful wildlife | 0-25 degrees celcius/ 50 to 77 fahrenheit |
| Summer (Dec/Jan-Mar) |
sun can be baking hot, river swimming is great, forest dry underfoot | 15-30 degrees celcius/ 59 to 86 fahrenheit |
| Autumn (Mar/Apr-May) |
wonderful stable periods of continuous sunshine, ground softening, forest glistening with dew | 5-25 degrees celcius/ 41 to 77 fahrenheit |
| Winter (June-Aug/Sept) |
rainy & misty, raging river, pounding waterfalls, cold nights and some cold days, too; cozy wood fires, and hot soup often | 0-18 degrees celcius/ 32 to 64 fahrenheit |
Take this with a pinch of salt: like any island climate, New Zealand is hugely affected by the ocean - we can have 'shirt-off' hot days, or damn cold weather any day of the year.
When can I volunteer?
Our residential volunteer programme runs all year round. We have a rolling calendar that is divided into seasons.
- Spring - September until November
- Summer - from December to end of March
- Autumn - from April to the end of May/June
- Winter -June/July to end of August
When is the best time to come?
ANYTIME! We love all the seasons - they each have their charms (a rainforest without rain is an oxymoron!) and the wild wind, misty mornings, crisp nights and baking hot days are all part of the richness of the four seasons. Our peak season is NZ spring and summer, and places are highly sought, so apply right away if you are looking for a place during these seasons.
How long can I volunteer for?
Your programme can last as little as 6 weeks and up to 3 months or more. When you complete your application form you will need to be flexible with your dates and duration so we can easily fit you in to our programme. Please be aware that all placements will commence on a Saturday. You may wish to arrive in New Zealand a few days prior to the start of your programme so you are well rested. We can send you information on hostels or hotels in Auckland.
We are also looking for longer-term skilled volunteers that can commit to a longer placement from 3 months up to one year.
Can I extend or reduce my stay once I am at TVS?
You may be able to stay longer, subject to availability. You will have to negotiate the conditions for your stay as early as possible. If you decide to leave the Sanctuary early, no part of your contribution can be refunded, as explained above.
Will I gain University Credit?
For those students who are able to negotiate with your college for credit for your residential volunteer placement, we are very willing to act as field supervisors and support you with your negotiation.
Can I work on my own project?
There are opportunities for volunteers to carry out individual projects, or collect data towards a thesis. Our main requirement is that your project fits easily into our normal working schedules. Please consult with the project coordinator well in advance of your project phase to discuss your ideas.
What is the age range of participants?
TVS accepts volunteers over 18 and there is no upper age limit. The majority of residential volunteers are 18-25, but age is not as important as tolerance and a willingness to cooperate with others.
What is the typical team structure?
There will be 1-4 managing volunteers in the group, who lead and instruct the other volunteers (1-20). Group size varies a lot over the year, our busiest time being from November to March.
During my stay in TVS, can I take time off to visit friends or relatives in other parts of NZ?
Generally speaking, yes. However, we prefer volunteers to minimise their outward travel, since we work as a team and play as a team - so if you miss one of our recreation trips, we will be sad for you to miss out on it, and if you go away while the team works on a project, we will miss your good energy and it might not seem fair to the other team members. It might be better to organise those visits for the time before or after your stay in the TVS, if possible.
However, we do understand the need to have a break, especially for long-term volunteers (>10 weeks), and will try to accommodate your needs. We need at least 2 weeks notice if you wish to go away for a week, and at least 4 days notice if you plan to go for a couple of days. Please understand that we can't refund parts of your contribution for time that you spent outside of the Sanctuary.
Can I still volunteer even if I don't have existing conservation skills?
Definitely! All you need is a genuine desire to help the environment (even if it is non-glamorous work!), good spirit, enthusiasm and the willingness to laugh about yourself. We will teach you all you need to know - there is very broad range of activities at TVS, so be assured that you will find a niche that fits you!
Where do I sleep?
We have many rooms for volunteers at both the top house and the "base
camp", as well as a couple of seperate cabins. You will generally be
sharing a room with one or two other people.
What are the facilities like?
Our
facilities are simple. At the 'Top House' we have two showers, a bath and
two flush toilets. At ‘Base Camp’ we have a waterless "long
drop" loo (the loo with a view) outdoors, a short walk from the old volunteer
cottage, and a cob-earth composting toilet a similar distance away. We have
running hot and cold water, but some taps have cold water only. Please don't
expect more than one short hot shower a day, because supply is limited (we
are still using LPG gas bottles). Some of our cooking is done on a wood fired
stove, the gas hobs, or outdoors in our cob oven. You can wash and dry your
clothes at the laundrette in Thames or you may wash them (by hand) at the
main house, with drying usually done outdoors on a line or in front of the
stove. In general, it's still early days for the Sanctuary, and every volunteer
will need some pioneering spirit and the desire to make things work.
What is the food like?
Food at the Sanctuary is biased towards good health. We encourage fresh, raw and organic veggies, and an increasing amount of our food is grown in our own gardens. There are no strict dietary requirements here, though the valley is strictly a meat free zone (Takeaways from Thames seem to assuage the occasional carnivorous urge for some of our volunteers).
Some typical meals include: veggie stir fry, roasted potatoes and baked vegetables, home baked bread, veggie stew, pizzas, lasagnes, lentil- and bean-dishes, big fresh salads, avocado sandwiches, home made tortillas and chapattis, pasta, brown rice or quinoa, veggie curry, pancakes, tofu...and lots and lots of apples, kiwis, feijoas, and oranges, sometimes even passionfruit:)
We're always friendly towards vegans, keeping eggs and dairy out of our main dishes when requested.
Who does the cooking?
Residential volunteers in “food teams” do all the cooking. This means everyone cooks lunch and dinner plus washes up with 2-3 others every third day. This gives everybody two out of three days free of chores and keeps everybody inspired to create yummy food when it’s their turn. Each volunteer is responsible for making their own breakfast and cleaning up after themselves.
Do I get free time?
Yes! One day a week is allocated as a free day. Also, if you do not wish to participate in a recreational day trip you may choose to have free time instead. If you are not cooking, there will also be a little bit of free time before dinner and after lunch.
What can I do in my free time?
'Re-creating
self' and relaxing are an important part of the Tararu Valley experience.
Whether getting outdoors: walking, swimming, photography, cycling, climbing
trees, or staying indoors: reading, writing, meditation, yoga, board games,
art, trying out a new wholesome recipe- we encourage people to pursue personal
growth. On organised recreation days, we will offer certain activities to
the volunteers.
For a change of scene, our nearest town, Thames (pop. 7,000 people), has a cinema, a few pubs & restaurants, a library, a swimming pool and a gym, an internet café and various shops, including pharmacies and photo shops. We drive the 10km to Thames every 2-3 days for supplies, and we have bicycles available too. It takes about 1.5 hours to walk one way, and it's a beautiful walk!
What must I pack and what should stay at home? What clothing and equipment should I bring?
For equipment and clothing check out the equipment list.
What should I wear if I’m staying during winter?
If your placement is during the NZ winter (June – August) then you will need to bring thermals or polypropylene tops and bottoms. These are also useful for kayaking anytime of the year. In winter cotton should be avoided or minimised. Living in a rainforest means that the air is very humid and therefore in winter it may feel colder than it actually is.
Can I bring music/instruments/music players?
Yes! Instruments are always welcomed, and we have a stereo in the lounge so feel free to bring along CD’s or any MP3 players/ipods. Make sure you have the necessary adapters for your chargers and any cables you may need to hook it up to the stereo. The Sanctuary currently has a piano and a guitar which can be used by responsible volunteers (expect to maybe chip in a few dollars if you want new strings or the piano tuned!)
Can I bring my mobile phone?
Yes. However we ask you to have your phone switched off during project and meal times. You may or may not get network coverage while you are in TVS, depending on your service provider – we get coverage with Vodafone. You may purchase a New Zealand SIM card if you wish. Make sure you have the necessary adapters, else you will have to buy them in town.
Can I use a landline phone?
Yes. There is a telephone phone in the lounge at the 'Top House'. It is available to use outside of office hours (before 8.30am and after 5.30pm). You may be able to use the telephone during the lunch break as well. International telephone cards are available in Thames or through the Internet. Your friends or relatives can call (00 64 7 868 8988) and leave a message.
Will I be able to recharge my phone/mp3 player?
We ask you not to charge phones/MP3 players in your bedrooms, as these may be accidentally left on and can drain the power, which of course we are trying to conserve. You can charge items in the lounge, preferably after checking how much electricity is available at the time.
Are there books to read at the Sanctuary?
We do have a library that you can borrow from. We would also encourage you to bring your own books, and we do appreciate your kind donations of second hand books. We are however unable to ‘swap books’ like backpackers/hostels often do as we are trying to grow our library.
Is there anything I am not allowed to use?
We minimise the use of anything with a heating element as these items tend to use a great deal of power. Therefore we ask you not to use a hairdryer or iron, and we don't have hot water jugs.
What toiletries should I bring?
Please be aware that any toiletry products you use will end up in the Tararu River or the grey water system. Therefore we ask you to bring and use only biodegradable soaps, shampoos, detergents and toiletries. You can buy your toiletries in Thames in the Organic Co-op.
Can I have visitors/guests?
Generally yes, but do check with us first.
What if my question isn’t answered here?
If there is something else you want to know, you can get in touch with us by using the details on our contact page.
