Volunteer Hut Warden Prospectus

Summer 2021/2022

We are the Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust (MLBT), the grassroots organisation that created and now operates and maintains The Old Ghost Road.

The beating heart of The Old Ghost Road effort has always been volunteerism, with hundreds of people from all walks of life having rolled up their sleeves and poured effort into the project. Sections of trail and all four of our backcountry huts were built entirely by teams of volunteers.

The popularity of The Old Ghost Road has exceeded our wildest expectations and we are once again looking to make the experience even more enjoyable for trail users by having a warden presence throughout the coming summer months. If this sounds like something you might be up for, please read on and get in touch!

 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

This is an opportunity to volunteer on The Old Ghost Road.  As a volunteer hut warden, you will be an ambassador for trail users and play a key role in managing and maintaining our facilities during your stint.

A number of stints are available from November 2021 to April 2022 and currently available stints are listed on the application page.

As a volunteer hut warden you will be expected to:

  • Assume a welcoming, friendly ambassador role for the trail and hut(s);
  • Undertake minor track and or hut maintenance/repairs;
  • Check hut bookings where required;
  • Gather information on hut use and identify improvement opportunities or enhancements to the facilities or user experience;
  • Provide information to trail users;
  • Clean and maintain the hut, toilet, and hut surroundings; and
  • Maintain daily contact with Westport-based Old Ghost Road staff.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Accommodation: A hut bunk, or wherever possible, private summer sleepout has been reserved for your stay. Some stints will require you to stay in mix of accommodation types (i.e. hut bunk or sleepout) and all stints include nights at both Lyell Saddle and Ghost Lake huts.

Food: We will maintain a supply of non-perishable food (including Go Native ready to eat meals) for your stay. Depending on what you eat, this may not be sufficient as your sole source of food. You will need to provide and transport your own fresh food for your stay.

Experience and fitness levels: Volunteers should be experienced backcountry users with reasonable fitness levels and a good appreciation of backcountry etiquette.

Other skills: You need to be fluent in English, and comfortable relating to a range of people in a constructive and friendly manner.  You will have practical skills and be able to carry out hut warden duties on your own. Preference is given to those with knowledge of The Old Ghost Road. A first aid certificate is helpful.

Age Restrictions: All wardens must be at least 20 years old.

Duration: 6 to 11 night stints. Repeat stays are possible if you desire.

Induction: We will meet with you at our Westport base prior to your stint beginning to provide pre-stint information and a range of instructions to support your stay and set you up for success.  

Transport: You will need to make your own way to the trail (approx 50 minutes drive from Westport) and allocated huts (via foot or bike).

 

COVID-19 VACCINATION

All volunteer hut wardens must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to starting their hut warden stint and must be able to provide evidence of this. If evidence of vaccination is not provided prior to stint start date, the stint will be cancelled.

 

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

You will need to bring your own:

  • Fresh/special food and drink supplies;
  • Sturdy footwear;
  • Warm and waterproof clothing and hat;
  • Sunscreen/sunhat;
  • Warm sleeping bag;
  • Torch, camera, book etc.;
  • Personal toiletries/medication, and
  • A mobile phone which must be carried as a key source of communication. 

 

WHAT WILL BE PROVIDED

We will provide volunteers with:

  • A copy of ‘Spirit to the Stone’- the official book on the conception and creation of The Old Ghost Road (this will be mailed in advance so you can school up on some of the history/background);
  • A supply of non-perishable food for your stint (to be supplemented by your own food supply if desired);
  • Written induction and safety briefing material;
  • Free trail accommodation (including cooking facilities and cutlery, pots/pans, bowls/plates etc.); and
  • A PLB to carry while on the track (if you would prefer to carry your own, you are welcome to).