This is a unique opportunity to visit two of New Zealand’s iconic islands the Snares and Codfish/ Whenua Hou.

The Snares are an incredibly untouched place, pests like cats, pigs and rats never made it here. So birds and seals rule the island. Tourists are not allowed ashore here because the whole island is peppered with bird burrows. So this is a unique opportunity that would allow the lucky winner to go ashore The Snares.

Experience literally millions of seabirds and thousands of penguins as well as a range of birds found no where else in the world.

This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to observe and participate in some important work that DOC do. You will work with a small DOC team to catch and transfer the endangered Snares Island snipe, as well as assist with a range of other tasks.

This trip would take place in early December 2012 – weather dependent. You will need to be a bit flexible. It will be for approximately 8 days.

Moderate standard of fitness and agility required. You’ll need normal tramping gear – a list will be provided and there will be both day and night time work. Transport is by yacht and accommodation in a standard back country hut.

The trip would leave from Bluff, with the successful bidder needing to get to Invercargill and accommodate themselves the night before departure for a team briefing and quarantine check.

All money from this auction will go to the Million Dollar Mouse fund – raising $1 million to eradicate mice off the Antipodes Islands and provide a safe habitat for the many animals and seabirds that rely on these islands. Mice, the last remaining pests, eat the eggs and chicks of the seabirds that breed on these islands. www.milliondollarmouse.org

Thanks to The Department of Conservation for kindly donating this item.