One lucky bidder will win the opportunity to assist a DOC Kiwi Ranger in their daily work on the Paparoa Range. There will be many interesting experiences involved, but in summary some of the tasks that you are likely to participate in include:

• Clear predator traps in kiwi project area.
• Assist with radio telemetry equipment to locate Kiwi.
• Camp overnight in mountain hut/s
• Listen for and record kiwi calls at night.
• Undertake egg lift, helicopter rendezvous, fly out (weather permitting etc).
• Transport eggs to and chicks back from Wildlife Reserve near Christchurch.
• Assist in kiwi chick release into crèche forest, Atarau.
• Travel over rough terrain - a good level of fitness is required.

Any surplus over the costs of this work will go directly into assisting the Paparoa Great Spotted Kiwi Recovery program.

Specifically what you should expect:

• Monday 21st of January – Meet at the DOC Greymouth Area Office at 8am to receive a briefing. Tramp for 3 1/2 hours in to a DOC hut on a well benched track, clearing predator traps along the way.
• Tuesday 22nd of January - Up early for the big day! Today you will use radio telemetry equipment to locate and gather information about wild kiwi pairs along the way.
• Wednesday 23rd of January - Enjoy your last morning on the Paparoa tops before you can relish a home cooked meal, shower and bed at Kiwi Wild B&B. Walk through the Bois Gentil Kiwi Crèche and with a bit of luck see kiwi at night!
• Thursday 24th of January - Help the Kiwi Ranger locate and assess kiwi chicks in the Bois Gentil Kiwi Crèche.

Be aware this itinerary is indicative of a few days work for the Kiwi Ranger, but other important tasks or weather conditions may mean alternatives, however all work will be based on the Paparoa Kiwi or Blue Duck programmes.

This auction is for a single person; however a couple can be accommodated at twice the auction amount.

For more info: mailto:westcoastcontact@doc.govt.nz