Volunteering with one of Wānaka’s local environmental groups ticks all the boxes, with a range of hands-on opportunities all year round. 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 family, or as a business, and get a few tips from the people that have been there, done that.
“Volunteering was honestly the best thing I did during my time in Wānaka. I moved to Wānaka for a season and didn’t know anyone, but lending a hand with the locals gave me a proper sense of belonging” – Grow Wānaka volunteer
Support native habitat restoration at a Te Kākano nursery session. You’ll be 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: Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the year; check out our volunteer calendar as session times change with the seasons.
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.
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: Saturday mornings year-round, with evening sessions held throughout the summer months.
Where: Grow Wānaka Community Garden, 197 Outlet Road (directions here).
Insiders tip: Keep an eye out for upcoming workshops (think foraging, natural remedies and tea-making), or if you’re travelling and need a better option for disposing organic food waste, hit up their drop off station.
Join Friends of Bullock Creek (FOBC) 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 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.
Accelerate action for our fresh waterways with WAI Wānaka
Passionate about looking after our fresh lakes, rivers and streams? Join WAI for a beach or river clean-up, roll up your sleeves and test water quality data, or support their citizen science initiatives. WAI’s 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: WAI hold regular events throughout the year. Check out our volunteer calendar for current dates and locations.
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 this beautiful place is so rewarding” – WAI Wānaka volunteer
Looking for free, fun activities for the kids? 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 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’s working bees, Te Kākano’s nursery sessions and the WAI Wānaka clean-ups are a great option. Be sure to slip, slop and slap, dress appropriately for the conditions on the day, and bring lots of water and probably a few carrots (aka treats) to keep them spritely.
“We’re regulars at our local planting days and love that they provide an opportunity for us to have a conversation with our kids about what it means to look after our environment and be active and engaged in the local community. Snacks are key, and don’t get too caught up on the “work” – it’s all about being together and having fun” – 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.” – business volunteer.
Solo explorer, keen crew, whānau or business, there is always an opportunity for willing hands. 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.
