Volunteer with Us
Animal Care Volunteer
Willowbank offers animal care volunteering, where you'll help care for our animals, learn about their needs, and be part of a passionate team dedicated to conservation and creating memorable experiences for visitors.
Diet Prep Volunteer
Join our diet prep team and help prepare delicious, nutritious meals for Willowbank’s exotic residents. Every dish you make supports their health, happiness, and daily adventures
Visitor Experience Volunteer
Our Visitor Experience Volunteers bring Willowbank to life! By guiding guests, supporting educational programs, and sharing the stories of our Kiwi, native, exotic, and farm animals, volunteers create memorable experiences that connect people with the natural world
Habitat & Conservation Volunteer
Our Habitat & Conservation Volunteers help care for Willowbank’s environments, from native bush to exotic and farm areas. By maintaining habitats, supporting restoration projects, and assisting with conservation initiatives, volunteers make a real difference for the animals, plants, and ecosystems in our care
Supported Volunteer
Our Inclusive Volunteer Programme welcomes people of all abilities to be part of the Willowbank team; connecting with nature, contributing to conservation, and gaining meaningful experience in a supportive environment. Volunteers needing additional support are welcome but must bring their own support person.
Corporate & Community Group Volunteering
Bring your corporate team or community group together for a hands-on volunteering day at Willowbank. Help with habitat restoration, garden projects, and conservation work that directly supports our animals and their environments. It’s a great way to build teamwork, learn new skills, and make a real impact for our native, exotic, and farm animals.
89 Active Volunteers
Caring for wildlife, supporting conservation and creating great visitor experiences at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
Volunteers must be 16 years or older. Younger participants may be eligible to enrol in our junior keeper programme find out more
No — training is provided, and tasks are suited to your skills.
Animal care volunteers commit to the same rostered day each week, helping keep our animals happy and healthy. Shifts run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, with the option to stay until 4:30 pm if you’re keen for extra time with the animals.
Feeding, habitat care, enrichment, and observing animal behaviour — all guided by senior staff.
Yes — all volunteers get role-specific training and ongoing support.
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.
Volunteer Enquiry
Visit Us
We’re open daily from 9.30am to 5pm - rain or shine. The only exception? Christmas Day, when we take a well earned break.
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