Rotorua Trails Trust Working Bees: Join Our Trail Building Community

Rotorua Trails Trust First Sunday Working Bees.

What Are Working Bees?

Working bees are community volunteer events where people come together to build and maintain the beloved trail network. The Rotorua Trails Trust organizes these events regularly throughout the year, offering everyone a chance to contribute to our world-class trail system.

When We Hold Working Bees

We typically host working bees on the first Sunday of the month, with specific dates announced through our website and social media channels. These events are held in the mornings and last approximately 3-4 hours, 9am - 12pm.

No Experience Necessary

You don't need any prior trail building experience to participate! Our experienced trail builders provide guidance, tools, and instruction for volunteers of all skill levels. Working bees are an excellent opportunity to learn practical trail building skills while contributing to our community.

Types of Trail Work

Our working bees cover a wide range of trail building and maintenance activities:

Trail Construction: Building new sections of trail, including berms, jumps, and features
Feature Restoration: Repairing and enhancing existing trail features
Vegetation Management: Clearing overgrowth to maintain sight lines and trail width
Drainage Work: Creating and cleaning water diversion features to prevent erosion
Surface Repairs: Filling holes, removing roots, and leveling the trail tread
Signage Installation: Placing and maintaining trail markers and information signs

The specific focus of each working bee varies based on seasonal needs and current projects. Some events focus on building exciting new features, while others concentrate on essential maintenance that keeps our trails safe and sustainable.

What to Bring

You are most welcome to bring along your favorite trail tool, shovel or rake, but no power tools. Of course, you can borrow our tools too, we have a good stash!

For all working bees, we recommend:

Water bottle
Closed-toe shoes with good grip (essential)
Weather-appropriate clothing (you'll get both hot and cold and dirty, so this is essential)
Work gloves (if you like)
Sunscreen and insect repellent

Some good Dad jokes, and a tolerance to hear some.

Safety Info

All volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Safety briefing is provided before work begins

Tools in good and safe working order

Appropriate footware and clothing

No power tools or machetes

How To Join

Working bee announcements are posted on:

Our website

Social media channels

Email newsletter

Simply show up at the designated meeting point at the start time.

No registration is required, though larger groups planning to attend together are encouraged to let us know in advance.