Rainforest, Rivers & Real Vet Work – Small Animal or Mixed Vet. West Coast NZ. From $145k DOE.
What if your veterinary career came with empty beaches, rainforest trails and a community that actually knows your name?
Welcome to the Buller region on New Zealand’s wild West Coast, a place where life moves at a gentler pace. No traffic jams. No crowded commutes. Just lush rainforest, wild coastlines, clear rivers and scenic drives that make you pull over just to take it in.
Fishing before work. Surfing after. Mountain biking, kayaking, white-water rafting, hiking, or simply walking an empty beach at sunset.
At the centre of it all is Buller Vets, an employee-owned mixed practice with two clinics and a team that genuinely supports one another.
They are looking for 2–3 veterinarians to join them in Westport and Murchison, and they are flexible in shaping the right role around the right person.
The roles at a glance.
Westport – Small Animal / Mixed Vet
Enjoy the best of both worlds: a progressive small animal practice with the equipment, standards and support of a modern city clinic, set within a relaxed rural environment. You’ll also have the opportunity to take on more surgery and follow cases through yourself, rather than routinely referring them to specialist centres.
* 3-vet small animal team with 4 qualified vet nurses
* Well equipped: digital x-ray (incl. dental), dental suite, in-house bloods, microscope
* Clinic hours 8am–5pm Monday–Friday
* Usually finished by 5:15pm
* No evening or Saturday clinics
* Afterhours shared and far quieter than typical UK work
This role would suit someone who wants to lead and develop the companion animal side of the practice while enjoying the benefits of rural practice hours.
Murchison – Production Animal Vet
75 minutes from Westport, this role suits someone with a strong dairy interest.
* Predominantly dairy work (herds 100–1200, avg ~400 cows)
* Some sheep, beef and deer
* Flexible for individuals or couples
* Afterhours spring only
* Ability to organise your schedule and manage your own time
* Support from the Westport clinic when needed
Why Buller Vets?
* Employee-owned practice with future shareholding potential
* 19 staff across two clinics
* Flexible working arrangements (full-time, part-time, school hours)
* Furnished accommodation available on arrival
* Supportive team culture where vets help each other out
Most importantly, you’ll be part of a welcoming rural community where relationships matter and clients truly value their vets.
So, what's next?
If you want challenging medicine, supportive colleagues, real balance, and a lifestyle that actually delivers, this could be your next long-term home.
Forget the polished application; just reach out with whatever version of your CV you have on hand. We want to know the person, not just the paperwork.
Work with purpose, reawaken your passion, and join a supportive team here at Buller Vets