Ready to learn something new or just plain ol’ keen to do your part to help this special part of the world thrive?
Volunteering with one of Wānaka’s local environmental groups ticks all the boxes, with a range of hands-on opportunities throughout summer and beyond. Whether you’re passionate about keeping Wānaka’s lakes and rivers clean, planting native trees, growing kai for the community, or simply giving your time to an organisation in need, there’s something for every age, ability and interest.
Read on to see what’s on, how to go about volunteering solo, as a whānau | family or business, and get a few tips from the people that have been there, done that.
“I loved my time volunteering in Wānaka. I was passing through for a season and wanted to get to know the community better and see a side of Wānaka not many get to see. It turned out to be one of the most special parts of my time here. I’ve made life-long friends and got to have a more authentic experience”
– Grow Wānaka volunteer
What: Support native habitat restoration by propagating native plants, nurturing seedlings at the nursery, and preparing for community planting sessions. Everyone’s welcome, from budding conservationists to experienced green thumbs.
When: 5.30pm-7.30pm Tuesdays and 9am-12pm Wednesdays through summer
Where: Access to the nursery is through the QEII Reserve along the Millennium Track, either through the gate or over the nursery stile. You will find some directions here.
Insiders tip: Enjoy the 15 minute stroll along the lakefront from Roys Bay to the nursery – you’ll get to check off the Wānaka tree and experience some of the best lakeside views on the way.
What: Grow Wānaka is a community garden, composting centre, and education hub. You’ll be hands-on in the garden, helping grow nutritious kai for yourself and the community, harvesting produce, composting, pruning, or building out the garden beds. Sessions wrap with morning tea and a cuppa, or an evening brew for those closing out the day.
When: Wednesday evenings, 4.30-6pm ‘Bee and Brew’ or Saturday mornings, 9.30-11.30am ‘Bee and Tea’ through the summer
Where: Grow Wānaka Community Garden, 197 Outlet Road (directions here).
Insiders tip: Keep an eye out for upcoming workshops (think foraging, natural remedy and tea-making), or if you’re travelling and need a better option for disposing organic food waste, hit up their drop off station.
What: Join Friends of Bullock Creek every Thursday for a planting and restoration session at the Stone Street wetlands. Over the years Otago Fish and Game and FOBC have returned this once-neglected taoka (treasure) into a stunning natural wetland. Volunteers support native planting, exotics removal, and general maintenance and upkeep. BYO gloves if you have them. All other equipment provided.
When: 2pm-4pm, every Thursday (check out the FOBC Facebook page for additional pop-up summer sessions).
Where: Bullock Creek Wetlands, 107 Stone Street.
Insiders tip: Can’t make a volunteer session? Take the kids to the wetland for a stroll along the charming boardwalk. It’s accessible to people of all ages and walking abilities – prams and wheelchairs included. You will see native plants and birds right in the heart of Wānaka, and there’s plenty of on-site information for the curious.
Waterway Cleanups with WAI Wānaka
What: Join WAI Wānaka for a river clean-up at Ōrau | Cardrona or a beach clean-up event along the Outlet (Lake Wānaka / Mata-au). Help take care of our waterways and collect valuable data on the pollutants that persist throughout our community. These events are perfect for anyone with a budding interest in freshwater ecosystems, with plenty of experts on hand to feed curious minds (big and small).
When and where:
9am – 11am, Thursday 19 December – Cardrona River Bridge (off Ballantyne Road)
9.30am, Tuesday 14 January – Wānaka Outlet (look for the WAI flags along the lakefront)
Insiders tip: Passionate about water quality? Get out on the lake with WAI Wānaka (or under your own steam!) and help gather valuable water clarity data. You can grab a secchi disk from the Wānaka iSite and download all the information you need here.
Whether you’re a temporary local, new local, or long-term local, volunteering is the perfect way to connect with the community, meet like-minded people and join a social event with purpose.
Events are attended by a broad range of people, but we can safely say that they are all friendly, keen for a chinwag, and might just turn into lifelong friends. But don’t take our word for it – here’s a volunteer we prepared earlier:
“Every volunteering experience with WAI is a blast! The team puts so much love into their projects and brings such precious information about the environment we are living in. Taking care of that beautiful place is very rewarding” – WAI Wānaka volunteer
Looking for free, fun activities for the kids this summer? Volunteering at one of our community events is the perfect way to entertain, inspire and educate the next generation, while burning off some steam out in the big wide world.
Kids will have the opportunity to learn about our unique environment, the challenges we face and what we can all do to play our part, seeding skills and passion in our little explorers.
All events are open to the public and are welcoming of all skill levels, but if you’re bringing the kids, Grow Wānaka Community Garden, Te Kākano nursery sessions or any of the WAI Wānaka clean-ups are a great option. Be sure to slip, slop and slap, bring lots of water and probably a few carrots (aka chocolate) to keep them spritely.
“Over the years our family have joined in on a number of community planting days and they’re always a hit. My five and eight year olds love getting their hands dirty and it’s provided an opportunity for us to have a conversation with them about what it means to look after our environment, and how we can all play a part in protecting the places we love. Snacks are key, and don’t get too caught up on the “work” – it’s all about having fun and getting out there” – family volunteer crew.
Local business on the hunt for a team building activity, changing up the monthly mixer or wanting to give back to our epic little community? Sign up your crew to any of the above events, or keep an eye out for Love Wānaka’s industry volunteer days held in Spring and Autumn each year.
Volunteering as a team is a great way to build bonds, network with other members of the community and show your customers and clients that you care. Chuck on a branded tee, bring the BBQ and chilly bin, and don’t forget your camera for those on-point Instys.
“We’re regulars at Love Wānaka’s industry planting days and will absolutely be back for more. We’re always stoked to lend a hand – it’s awesome for teamwork, boosts everyone’s spirits, and helps us connect with others in the industry. Plus, it’s a great way to show our customers and clients that we care about this place.” – corporate volunteer.
Solo explorer, keen crew, whānau or business, there is a volunteering opportunity for you this summer. Sign up to the Love Wānaka newsletter to get updates direct to your inbox, or keep an eye on our Instagram page for ongoing events and even more ways to support our local organisations. It’s all about getting out there, giving back, and helping to protect Wānaka’s worthy environment.
Our wonderful town is so lucky to be the home of a multitude of community-led organisations, doing their part (and some!) to protect this special part of the world. Check out Love Wānaka’s community directory to learn all about these amazing organisations and consider donating to Love Wānaka to support their mission, and ours, of a thriving future for this place.
