Graeme Boyes has been part of the programme for about 12 years, keeping an eye on the resident sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins and other wildlife.
The programme, which runs from October to April each year, mainly involves volunteers advising visitors about appropriate wildlife viewing - keeping a good distance away and not disturbing animals with noise or a lot of movement, he said.
He estimated between 80 and 100 people visited the beach daily during summer, most arriving in the evening to watch the penguins come ashore.
Even during winter there could be 30-50 visitors a day to the bay, and many international tourists were willing to make the trip in all sorts of weather, he said.
Mr Boyes said volunteers had seen an increase in visitor numbers over the years, attributing tourism guidebook company Lonely Planet and referrals from family and friends to the rise in popularity of the bay.
``Word of mouth plays a big part.''
He emphasised that the wildlife viewing ranger role did not take the place of a wildlife guide, as volunteers were solely there to educate visitors on how to behave around wildlife to get the best chance to watch without disturbing them.
He said volunteers would refer visitors to the city's commercial wildlife operators if they were interested.
Mr Boyes was ``forever thankful'' for the visitors, most of whom were avid wildlife lovers who just really wanted to see penguins and sea lions.
``[I have] loved every minute of it.''
In addition to being a wildlife viewing ranger, Mr Boyes has also visited the bay ``once a week for 12 years'' to check the 32 traps on-site, even in the off-season.
His latest six-month tally (from January to June this year) found the traps had caught three ferrets, 10 stoats, 28 hedgehogs, one feral cat and five rats.
There had been an increase in stoats, but he thought the ferret numbers were dropping.
Department of Conservation visitor centre ranger Karen Connor said Doc had seen a definite increase in penguin numbers after the volunteers started at Sandfly Bay 12 years ago.
Mr Boyes said there would be at least 12 penguins spotted daily across the beach and while sea lion numbers had remained steady since the programme began, he had seen 38 sea lions on one day last week.
To sign up to become a wildlife viewing ranger or to get more information, visit www.doc.govt.nz/otagovolunteers or phone Karen Connor on 474-6961.
- by Greta Yeoman
