Volunteer

1. I love to talk and enjoy engaging in conversations
2. I have a great sense of direction and would enjoy assisting visitors with directions and orientation
3. A bit of rain doesn't worry me because I have a can-do attitude and enjoy the fun you get when you muck in and get things done.
4. I get inspired working with others but equally can be relied on to work independently. 
5. I am physically able to move around the zoo safely
6. I would be able to learn and follow zoo protocols and respond accordingly
7. I will happily be available each volunteer day from 9.30am - 3pm. I am over 18 years old and would definitely be able to commit to volunteering for at least the next 12 months.

If this sounds like you – you would be best suited to our Visitor Assistant role. For more information, click here.

If you would like to apply for this role, please click here.

1. I love to talk and enjoy engaging in conversations.
2. I have a passion for learning new things, especially about animals and wildlife conservation - and would love to complete a 12 month training programme and  share my knowledge with visitors. 
3. A bit of rain doesn't worry me because I have a can-do attitude and enjoy the fun you get when you muck in and get things done.
4. I get inspired working with others but equally can be relied on to work independently. 
5. I am fit enough to spend a whole day walking around the Zoo.
6. I will happily be available each volunteer day from 9.30am - 3pm. I am over 18 years old and would definitely be able to commit to volunteering for at least the next 12 months.

If this sounds like you - you would be best suited to our Zoo Guide role. For more information, click here.

If you would like to apply for this role, please click here.

1. I don't mind getting my hands dirty.
2. Although I will be working alongside the zookeepers, I will happily spend more time working in kitchen areas and cleaning empty enclosures than around the animals.
3. I am very reliable and available to work the same long days that keepers do (a regular commitment of either weekly or fortnightly for up to eight hours each day, with some sections starting at 7am!).
4. I am proactive, love being part of a team and can be relied on to follow Health and Safety guidelines while working behind the scenes.
5. I am physically fit and able to undertake roles than involve bending, lifting, hosing and cleaning enclosures.
6. As Keeper Assistant roles are limited and there is often a waiting list, I would be happy to initially look at another volunteer role, while I wait for a suitable role to become available
7. I am available to work between the hours of 7am - 5pm and can commit to regular days either weekly or fortnightly. I am over 18 years old and would definitely be able to commit to volunteering for at least the next 12 months.

If this sounds like you - you would be suited to our Keeper Assistant role.

Keeper Assistant volunteer positions are occasionally available. They assist with the cleaning of animal enclosures and food preparation for the animals. Volunteers work in one animal section e.g. Birds, Primates and specific duties vary from section to section.

There is often a waiting list for places and vacant positions are notified to existing volunteers as they arise. If you are interested in this role you will need to start volunteering with us as a Visitor Assistant. To do this you will need to complete the Visitor Assistant Application Form and the Expression of Interest - Keeper Assistant,

Once you have successfully completed your Visitor Assistant training (this normally takes about 3-4 months) you could apply for a Keeper Assistant role if there are any vacancies. Please be aware that acceptance as a Keeper Assistant is not guaranteed as we will be looking for specific skills relating to each individual Keeper Assistant role.

If you are currently enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management – Zookeeping, please contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteer.coordinator@aucklandzoo.co.nz as you may qualify for direct application for the Keeper Assistant role.

1. I'd prefer jobs that are a bit more physically demanding.
2. I am fit enough to cut and collect grass, clean, sweep, lift and deliver items around the Zoo.
3. I have a flexible, can-do attitude and will be happy to pick up all those odd jobs that need doing.
4. I enjoy talking with people and will be happy to help visitors if they approach me while I am working around the Zoo.
5. I'm an all-weather type person and am not fazed by a set routine each day I come in.
6. I can be relied on to work independently and am known for my reliability and common sense.
7. I will happily be available each volunteer day from 9.30am - 3pm. I am over 18 years old and would definitely be able to commit to volunteering for at least the next 12 months.

If this sounds like you, you would be best suited to our Zoo Crew role. For more information, click here.

If you would like to apply for this role, please click here.

1. I would gain some volunteer experience. 
2. I would love to be part of a team.
3. I am confident and enjoy talking to people and will also be happy to undertake some practical tasks around the Zoo.
4. I understand that the role would not involve work experience or direct animal contact.
5. I am keen to study and learn new things and develop my visitor engagement skills.
6. A bit of rain doesn't worry me because I have a can-do attitude and enjoy the fun you get when you muck in to get things done.
7. I am fit enough to spend the whole day walking around the Zoo, and comfortable working independently alongside another team member.
8. I would definitely be able to come in weekly on either a Saturday or Sunday for the entire programme.

If this sounds like you - you would be best suited to our Tuatara Club Volunteer role.

Applications for the 2026 Tuatara Club Volunteer Programme open on 13 February 2026 and close on 27 March 2026.

Programme Information

There is one intake of volunteers each year and two options regarding days, either the Saturday Programme or the Sunday Programme.
You will need to be confident that you can attend every week for a 13-week period, the hours each volunteer day are from 9.30am – 3.00pm.

Application Process

To be considered, all applicants must submit an Expression of Interest Form which will be available from 13 February and must be returned to us by 19 March.

Expression of Interest Form

You will then receive more information and a link to the Application Form and a Conservation Quiz. Please note: It is important that you complete and return both by the 27 March 2026 to ensure your application is considered.

Volunteering after the completion of the programme?
On the completion of the Tuatara Club Programme, provided you meet the entry criteria, there may be an opportunity for you to apply for another Zoo volunteer role. If accepted the requirement to be over 17 years will be waived. Please note, that acceptance for on-going volunteer roles is not guaranteed.

More information? Contact us on volunteer.coordinator@aucklandzoo.co.nz or Ph: 353 2090