Mueller volunteer hut wardens
Introduction
Applications are full for the 2024/25 season. We are not accepting new volunteers.Dates
All dates are now full.
Description
You're offered the opportunity to spend a week at Mueller Hut. You'll help others to enjoy their stay whilst gazing out over what is arguably one of the most spectacular alpine vistas in the world.
Mueller Hut is a 28-bunk serviced hut, on the Sealy Range at 1800 m altitude, with stunning views towards Aoraki/Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain). The hut has a booking system during the busy summer season.
Even in the best conditions a climb to Mueller Hut demands a fair degree of fitness and experience, plus good equipment.
Tasks
The primary role of a hut warden is to help visitors enjoy their stay.
Other duties include:
- daily clean and tidy of the hut and toilets
- evening radio schedule
- check the booking receipts of overnight visitors
- provide information to visitors
- weekly reporting such as hazards, incidents, and hut work
- other light duties may be required.
What to expect
This volunteer opportunity is for one or two people.
Accommodation and facilities: Wardens stay in separate quarters within the hut, which has two bunks and its own cooking facilities, but not separate ablutions. There is no cost to wardens at Mueller Hut and accommodation can be provided for the night before and after your stay at Mueller, in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.
Food: A small selection of non-perishable food is provided for hut wardens. A full list of the pantry stock in the staff quarters will be provided before you arrive. This food is in addition to your own food. It is not sufficient as the sole source of food.
Fitness level required: You need a high level of fitness, with the ability to walk for 5 hours over uneven terrain with a heavy pack and cope with the 1000 m of ascent.
Experience required: You need to be a tramper experienced in New Zealand backcountry tramps, fully equipped with your own tramping clothing and equipment. A high level of fitness is required.
Other skills required: You need to be able to relate to a range of people in a friendly, informative manner, be fluent in English, and have practical outdoor skills. A first-aid certificate is helpful.
Winter conditions: It's not unusual to see snow around Mueller Hut in summer. Should winter conditions prevail, experience using ice axe and crampons is essential.
Age restrictions: You must be 18 years old or over.
What to bring
If your application is successful you'll receive a factsheet closer to the time. The information will include what to bring, more detail about your responsibilities, and accommodation at Mount Cook Village.
A DOC ranger will ensure you know your role at an induction session before you leave for your roster on the Monday morning. We'll make sure you have read, understood, and signed the health and safety information and you will be issued with the necessary equipment.
How to apply
Applications are full for the 2022/23 season. We are not accepting new volunteers.
Safety checks
Everyone who applies for this position is subject to a DOC safety check and Ministry of Justice criminal record check. Information about these checks will be provided after you apply.
What happens after you apply
- All applications will be shortlisted by matching to role availability.
- We’ll send the shortlisted applicants the safety check form for you to complete.
- We’ll contact you about an interview time – the interview will be with a DOC staff member and it’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the role.
- We’ll talk to your referees.
- We’ll request a Ministry of Justice criminal record check – this takes around three days.
- DOC staff will assess all the material provided and decide on suitability.
- Once approved we will work with you to find dates that suit you and complete your induction.
| Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 435 1186 |
| mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 1 Larch Grove Aoraki/Mount Cook 7999 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |
