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Eco Lodge Punakaiki, New Zealand

5.0
(47 reviews)47

New Zealand adventure! Help us with houskeeping and reception.

Top Host
This host receives lots of worldpackers and has a high average rating, being recognized by the community as a Top Host.
Higher chance of approval
This host has recently approved volunteers and is looking for more applications.
Connect with nature
43 travelers recommend this experience for reconnecting with nature
Connect with international travelers
37 travelers recommend this host to meet travelers from all around the world
Accepts couples and pairs of volunteers
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What you offer

10h

Hours per week
Help out and collaborate with your host only a few hours per week.
Cleaning
Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.
Housekeeping
Help with changing the bed linens and general housekeeping.
Reception
Help with check-ins, check-outs and guest assistance.
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What you get

1

Days off per week
Have some time off for yourself, go explore the city or rest for a while.
Private Room
You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Shared Dorm
You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
Fast Internet Access
High-speed internet for you to work remotely
Use our equipped kitchen
Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Free Laundry
You can use our laundry room freely.
Discounts on Tours
Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.
Discounts on Accommodation
Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.
Free Tours
We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!
Pick Up
We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.
Support
Get help from the Worldpackers support team in case you need it, at any point of your trip.
Verified Host
This host has been verified by our team before joining the community.
WP Safeguard
Did something not go as planned? Contact our team.
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Learn more

Availability

Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Stay at least
2 weeks

The Experience

As a volunteer in our project, we need help 1-2 hours a day doing light housekeeping and helping with reception. The wages earned cover your cost of accommodation and the rest of the day is yours to explore! Visit nearby Pancake Rocks and harvest some mussels for dinner. Tramp along the Great Paparoa Walk, kayak the Porarari River, and gaze at glow worms among friends. Make the beautiful west coast of New Zealand your home for a few weeks!

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Requirements

  • Intermediate English
  • Over 18 years old
  • Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

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Talk to those who have lived the experience

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  • a) How was your experience with this host?
  • b) How was your day-to-day routine?
  • c) How much did you spend on this trip?

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47 Reviews

5.0

Host & Team

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Eco Lodge

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

How this experience will transform you

  • 43 Get in touch with nature
  • 37 Meeting international travelers
  • 31 Meeting locals
  • 19 Immersing in the local culture
  • 15 Practicing English
  • 11 Developing social awareness

This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals

  • 21 3. Good health and well-being
  • 14 12. Responsible consumption and production
  • 12 7. Affordable and clean energy

United Kingdom

5

We had the most amazing time at the lodge. Chris is the nicest person ever and his generosity did not go unnoticed!! He would frequently take us to hidden spots and cool locations during his free time. The work is very light and every day we would have the whole afternoon off to do whatever we want eg. Going on a hike or heading to the beach. Would recommend to anyone considering this.

13 days ago

United States

5

This was an amazing experience. Chris was a great host and made me feel welcome and part of the family. I volunteered in the winter and the work load was light and enjoyable. There is volunteer lodging which is comfortable and feels like home. Highlights: team work with the other volunteer during work hours. Making friends. Morning cuddles with Molly (dog), magical adventures with Chris and the other volunteers. Discovering secrets beaches, visiting caves and finding penguins/seals. Just 10 mins to the beach to see the sunset each afternoon was the perfect ending to the day.

about 1 month ago

Australia

5

Most amazing experience!! Chris was a kind, generous and overall incredible host. Taking us for adventures in the area, penguin spotting, glow worm caving and boating trips. I stayed in Punga pad, a house on the property meant for staff, it was cozy, homey and had everything we needed. Work was easy and finished in under 2 hours, leaving you the entire rest of the day for adventures. Marley was a highlight of the trip being the cutest puppy dog you'll ever meet. Overall this was my first experience as a worldpacker and one I'll never forget! I absolutely recommend!!!

about 1 month ago

United Kingdom

5

I enjoyed my stay at the lodge. Chris is an absolutely lovely man who will look after you well and make you feel at home. The work is very minimal which gives you plenty time to explore the area. It's a really gorgeous area, there isn't loads to do but the things you can do are fun and very scenic. It can be very social as you will be with other volunteers which is fun. The living spaces are quite small and cramped but if you're okay with that then you'll have a fab time!

3 months ago

Germany

5

I stayed for 1.5 months – my first volunteering experience – and I honestly can't imagine a better one. The work was easy, the nature around was magical, and the people… unforgettable. We lived together in the Punga Pad (felt like home) shared meals, laughed nonstop, watched way too much trash TV, and became like a family within days. Chris felt like a dad to us – always kind, calm, and caring. I learned so much about New Zealand, other people, and myself. I came as a volunteer and left with a second home in the rainforest. Thank you Chris and James for making this experience unforgettable!

3 months ago

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About the host

Hosted by James

Top Host
This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.
Response Rate
This host usually answers to 0% of the messages
Response Time
This host usually writes back in Less than a day

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