Volunteering Opportunities

Become Part of the Willowbank Family

Looking for a way to make a difference, gain unique experiences, and be part of something truly special? Willowbank Wildlife Reserve offers a chance to join a vibrant team of volunteers dedicated to protecting wildlife and creating memorable experiences for our visitors. Every volunteer here contributes to an environment of learning, conservation, and connection with nature—where you can see the impact of your work every day.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Hands-On Experience: Gain unique, hands-on experience with animals and wildlife habitats, alongside experts who are passionate about New Zealand’s natural heritage.
New Skills and Training: Learn from a diverse range of roles, from preparing diets for our exotic animals to guiding visitors and sharing stories of New Zealand’s unique species.
Flexible Shifts: Whether you have just a few hours a week or more time to give, we have shifts and roles to fit your schedule.
Community and Connection: Meet like-minded people, share knowledge, and be part of a team that cares deeply about conservation and the future of our wildlife.

Role Descriptions

Volunteer Animal Care Job Description

Volunteer Visitor Experience Guides

Volunteer Diet Preparation Exotic Job Description

Kea Research Assistance

What is the Kea research project?

Willowbank’s kea have helped reshape global understanding of bird intelligence. In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers discovered that kea can use statistical reasoning—predicting outcomes based on probability in ways once thought unique to humans. The birds used the ratio of tokens in jars to choose the most likely reward, incorporated physical information such as barriers into their decisions, and even recognised human biases when making predictions. These behaviours were previously seen only in humans and chimpanzees, highlighting kea as one of the world’s most cognitively sophisticated bird species.

Process of Application

1. Choose a Role
Apply by clicking the link next to the volunteer position you’re interested in. If no link appears, that position is currently full.

2. Application Review
All applications are collated and passed on to the relevant section heads for consideration. Due to the high number of applications we receive daily, we are unable to accept everyone.

3. Trial Shift
Successful interviewees will be invited for a half-day trial to get a feel for the role and ensure it’s the right fit.

4. Placement
If the trial goes well, you’ll be welcomed into the Willowbank volunteer team and assigned a start date.

Role Availability: (One year minimum commitment)

Kea Research: Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re passionate about wildlife, eager to learn, and want to make a difference, we’d love to welcome you to Willowbank. Join us in our mission to protect and share the magic of the natural world. Together, we’re creating a place where every visitor—and every volunteer—leaves with a story worth sharing. Volunteers must be over the 16 years of age, and able to commit to regular volunteering while reliably turning up each week.

Ready to get started? Apply now by selecting an available day and section from above and begin your journey with us!

Other Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteers who may require a support person click here to learn more
Vet students.
International interns (must go through www.internships.co.nz to apply)

We also cater for group volunteer days for groups that wish to give back or do some team building in a unique way. We have several areas in the park that always need a little working bee to help with upkeep.

Email Shaun@willowbank.co.nz for more information.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve