Wanted: Island caretakers for world's second-best job

Aroha Island, near the Kerikeri Inlet. Photo / Northern Advocate

A Bay of Islands trust is providing its own slant on The Best Job in the World, offering a six-month contract on a remote island paradise.

Two caretakers are needed to live on Aroha Island, 12km from Kerikeri, from April to October.

The role does not quite match Tourism Queensland's "Best Job in the World", which offers A$150,000 ($186,000) for a caretaker on Great Barrier Reef's Hamilton Island.

But Aroha Island Charitable Trust member Jill Smith says the caretaker job is a low-stress role in a peaceful location among regenerating indigenous forest.

She says the job would be an ideal place for a redundant couple to contemplate their next move. "It would be far better to do it by becoming productive on a tranquil island, than feeling sorry for themselves in a big city.

"It's a lovely spot and they'll have plenty of support."

She says the trust is looking for a practical couple who have a love for the environment and excellent communication skills.

The pay is minimal, she says, a portion of the booking fees for travellers. But accommodation, power, and a broadband internet connection are provided free. The caretakers will stay in a cottage tucked into native bush.

"Or, if they really impress us, we can offer the lodge which is on the beach."

The workload is light, as a group of trust volunteers take care of weed and pest management and maintain the track and road. The caretakers keep the accommodation tidy, promote the island and meet and greet visitors.

Mrs Smith said that advertising in the local newspaper produced only three applications for the winter contract.

"We're open to anyone and are happy to discuss how we can make the job work for someone."

The island is marked by native and exotic forest, plum trees, kauri, and tamarillo and citrus orchards. A beach on one side, which Mrs Smith says is ideal for swimming, faces the quiet Kerikeri inlet.

Bird-lovers should apply quickly - the island is a 12ha sanctuary which offers rare glimpses of kiwis, usually at night. Its trees are home to grey warblers, shining cuckoos, tuis, fantails, fernbirds, and the shoreline hosts kingfishers and at times white-faced heron.

* For more information go to www.arohaisland.co.nz or call (09) 407 5243.