Work and Travel in Pitcairn Islands

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN PITCAIRN ISLANDS FOR TRAVELLERS

The Pitcairn Islands are a set of four volcanic islands that are part of the United Kingdom as a British Overseas Territory. Travel on Pitcairn Island and you travel to one of the least populous places in the world.

There are a mere 48 inhabitants living on these islands. They're the descendants of mutineers and the Tahitians who were on-board at the time.

If you want to work and travel on Pitcairn Island you need to come equipped.

Our travel guide to Pitcairn Island is going to show you everything you need to know.

1. Protect Bird Life on Pitcairn Island

Pitcairn Island is known for its bird life. Despite the fact that they're not directly threatened by heavy industry, Pitcairn Island has four different types of bird species that it's famous for.

Scientists continue to study them and much effort is being made to protect the environments where these birds nest in. This could include protecting them from rat infestations and intrusions by tourists.

It's a great way to work on Pitcairn Island because you'll get to explore every inch of it.

2. Enjoy a Homestay on Pitcairn Island

One of the few volunteering opportunities on Pitcairn Island involves sharing your culture with that of the islanders.

Why is this so important?

The inhabitants of Pitcairn Island usually never leave. It's expensive to leave and there's not a huge amount of money in this territory.

Tourists come from all over the world and volunteers are happily welcomed into homes in order to share their culture.

You'll spend your time helping with ordinary family life and learning about their culture. The same goes for them. They'll learn from you.

3. Support the Tourism Industry on Pitcairn Island

At certain times of the year, tourists begin to visit the island. They don't come in large numbers, but with only 48 inhabitants on the island it doesn't take many visitors for the locals to become overwhelmed.

You can help the locals in their efforts. They sell stamps, offer guided tours around the islands, and provide informational lectures on the history of the islands.

Working with local people in this way enables them to earn an income.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR PITCAIRN ISLANDS

Before you travel on Pitcairn Island you need to know that the islands are part of the United Kingdom, with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. For more info click here.

However, the Pitcairn Islands operate its own independent visa policy. They're completely open to every nationality in the world.

All you have to do is arrive and your visa will be assessed then. For stays of two weeks or less, you can stay on the island as you are. But you can also organise longer stays whilst you're there, you don't need to visit a British Embassy before you arrive.

You should be aware that just because you intend to travel on Pitcairn Island doesn't mean you have the right to enter the UK without a visa.

You'll still need to review your visa requirements and may need to go to a British embassy.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN PITCAIRN ISLANDS

SPRING WORK

Spring is the shoulder season on the Pitcairn Islands. Expect reasonably warm temperatures. For this reason, there's no better time than to involve yourself in conservation work.

There are two types of conservation work you can take advantage of. The first is working with birds because these islands are so remote that they offer a unique environment for them to nest.

The other type of conservation work is working with the flora and fauna of the island. These are not conventional islands. They're entirely volcanic. They were formed from now extinct volcanoes, which has given rise to a variety of unique plants.

The islanders are protective about the environment, and volunteers are always welcome to help. There's a reason why when you travel on Pitcairn Island you won't find a runway or a harbour.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer is the winter time here, but winters are extremely mild and would be considered to be summer weather in many parts of the world.

The interesting part of Pitcairn Island is that this is when the few children on the island are away from school.

You'll find limited work in helping out with the kids when they're out of school. The islanders are extremely close and community events are common. Taking up these volunteering opportunities on Pitcairn Island is a fantastic way of involving yourself in the local community.

AUTUMN

The autumn is when the children go back to school. Anyone who has some experience in teaching will be able to find work as a volunteer teacher.

As you would expect when you work and travel on Pitcairn Island, there are not a huge number of teachers available. That's why education is more informal and volunteers are widely welcomed to teach the children about the wider world.

You'll be an object of great curiosity and you can guarantee that your work will be remembered.

WINTER

The winter time is the hottest part of the year here. It's also when the majority of tourists come to the island.

There are not too many seasonal skills available, but if you do want to work on Pitcairn Island in winter you can assist the community in welcoming tourists.

The work is basic, and you may only receive free accommodation and food as part of the deal, but it's a fun way to spend winter.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN PITCAIRN ISLANDS

The islanders of Pitcairn are incredibly interested in outsiders. They have such limited contact with the outside world that anyone from any culture is an object of interest.

They will do their best to welcome you to the island. But be aware that penny pinching is neither seen as moral or ethical here.

The islanders rely on tourism and every dollar goes into allowing them to live and handle the enormous costs of importing food, tools, and anything else they need to have a good quality of life.

So give back as much as you can to the locals.

Do you want to work and travel on Pitcairn Island?