Southern LakesNZDA · since 1970

Conservation · Volunteering

Lend a hand.

Working bees on the huts, trap-line trips, Wild Meat Donation packing days, and back-country hut rebuilds. Volunteer-run for over 50 years.

Last reviewed 25/05/2026

The huts, the trap line and the gear don't look after themselves — club volunteers do. Our members have put in hundreds of hours on back-country hut rebuilds, including Kay Creek, Upper Spey and Freeman Burn, alongside the regular working bees on our own Greenstone and Caples huts.

You don't need a trade or years of experience — working bees are a good day out and a great way to meet people. If you can carry a pack, check a trap, or swing a hammer, we'd love to hear from you.

Where you can help

  • Hut working bees — usually a weekend or a long day, lunch on the branch. Watch the events page.

  • The trap line — a two-day round trip, a few times a year, with members who know the country.

  • Wild Meat Donation — packing and mincing days, no hunting experience required.

  • Range days — helping the Range Officer set up and pack down.

  • Back-country hut rebuilds — alongside the Back Country Trust, on huts further afield.

Get in touch

Email info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz, or come to a club night at the Arrowtown Bowling Club — last Thursday of the month — and have a yarn.

Upcoming events and working bees · Conservation overview