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8 Mar 2024
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Kia Ora! ¡Hola! 你好! Apotu forest is now shutting down workaway for the winter month (limited indoors facilities), starting up again in the spring of 2024. Thank you for taking the time to check out our profile. We are Monica and Kyle, a couple in our mid-thirties, and we are thrilled to welcome people to our own land. Kyle is a skilled carpenter, while Monica dedicates her time to working with disabled children at a respite home. We have a passion for travel and have explored various parts of Asia, South America, North America, and the Pacific islands. Our experiences with woofing have been incredibly rewarding, and now we are eager to create a fulfilling hosting experience for others. We recently bought a 19 acre forest property complete with plantation trees, natives forests, glow worms and a natural fresh water spring.
Being new to this endeavor we could use help with establishing the food forest, mulching, planting, organizing, building, and essentially everything. It's a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in taking the lead and showcasing their creativity. We admittedly have a weakness when it comes to decorating and aesthetically planning, so if you have a talent for creating a boho chic aesthetic, you'll be a godsend!
While we wait for the crops and food forest to grow, we will be harvesting limited produce from our own land, but fear not, Monica sources fresh and healthy produce from the market. There's plenty of work to be done, including cutting down and trimming heaps of pines for firewood. Additionally, we have plans to build a glamping area for future guests, so if you enjoy construction, we'll adore you!
Monica is a talented cook, especially when it comes to making curries! We can accommodate vegetarians as best as possible, but if you prefer milder flavors, you might want to do some of your own cooking. On the menu, you can count on having tacos at least once a week, and we enjoy the fun of making our tortillas and salsas from scratch! Kyle's work schedule usually ends around 4:30 pm (sometimes as early as 2:30 pm), while Monica's hours vary, sometimes being home all day and working at night, but rest assured, she will ensure you are well-fed!
Throughout your stay, you'll have the pleasure of the company of Hudson, our spirited and playful border collie/retriever mix. We'll make sure to take breaks and head to the beach for some refreshing swimming sessions.
Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Whanagrei CBD and 45min to spectacular beaches, it would be perfect if you have your own car to explore the surrounding beauty during your time with us. So, if you're seeking an enriching experience in harmony with nature, come join us on our sustainable farm adventure - it's a journey you won't forget!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
During your stay, you'll have the pleasure of savoring delicious and mouthwatering food, lovingly prepared by Monica. And of course, you'll get to spend quality time with our wonderful and playful pup, Hudson, who will undoubtedly steal your heart with his antics.
Evenings at our place are made magical by gathering around cozy fires, perfect for storytelling and roasting marshmallows. You'll have the unique opportunity to experience our fire bath, a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, but do exercise caution not to burn your bum – it can get pretty toasty!
Our land is adorned with lovely trees, providing the ideal hideaway for moments of tranquility. Bring along a hammock and your favorite book to bask in the peaceful ambiance. One of the highlights of our property is a pristine spring that supplies us with the cleanest and most refreshing water. You can indulge in the pleasure of dipping your feet in the spring while enjoying the company of playful fantails, making it a truly serene experience.
We'll make sure to take some beach trips during your stay, where you can unwind by the shore. Additionally, we have a paddleboard available for your enjoyment – feel free to take it out and explore the nearby waters only 30ish minutes away from NZ's most gorgeous beach.
We are delighted to offer you references after your time with us. These references will serve as a testament to the wonderful experiences we shared and the valuable contributions you made to our land. Your hard work, positive attitude, and engaging presence will undoubtedly be highlighted in these references, providing you with valuable endorsements for your future adventures. Our goal is to create a supportive and trustworthy community, and your role as a guest is an integral part of that. So, rest assured, at the end of your stay, we'll gladly provide you with references that will speak to the fulfilling and rewarding experience you had with us.
Your time with us will be a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and bonding with nature and our lovable companions. We can't wait to share this enriching experience with you!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We're excited to welcome a diverse group of volunteers - from builders and gardeners to artists, painters, arborists, and even engineering enthusiasts. If you're a skilled dog trainer, we'd love your expertise too. Families with kids are more than welcome to join in the fun!
Your help with mulching, weed-clearing, chicken feeding, and planting would be greatly appreciated. Plus, if you've got an eye for aesthetics, we'd love your assistance in that area too!
We will also need help replanting native trees so we can continue to grow a native forest for all the wonderful NZ wildlife.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
We welcome all people with any level of English
Accommodation
We have a brand new 5m canvas tent with a double bed that you will be staying in. You will be able to sleep peacefully listneing to the sound of the creek and the wind in the trees. The tent honestly feels bigger than our tiny house. It's very much lacking any decorations but if you have an eye for decorating I would realllllly appreciate it.
What else ...
While our location may not have access to local transport options, don't worry! We've got you covered. I'll be more than happy to drive you into town whenever I need to do my coordination hours at work. So, you can still explore the nearby town and enjoy some time off when needed. We'll make sure you have everything you need to make the most of your stay with us, including occasional trips to town for your convenience (if you do not have a car). Rest assured, we'll ensure you have a comfortable and fulfilling experience during your time on our land.
At our place, we embrace diversity and inclusivity with open arms. We welcome people of all religions, beliefs, and political views, fostering an environment of respect and understanding. However, we have a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and discrimination, as we strive to maintain a safe and harmonious space for everyone.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have starlink 🙂
Space for parking camper vans
There is lots of space to park a campervan.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (5)
Thanks heaps for helping out at Apotu forest, we loved having you around, I hoped you learnt some new skills, I certainly learnt great tree cutting/ saw maintenance skills from you. Cheers mate!
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Cultural exchange:
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Communication:
(5.0)
Thanks heaps for helping out at Apotu forest, we loved having you around, I hoped you learnt some new skills, I certainly learnt great tree cutting/ saw maintenance skills from you. Cheers mate!
We helped Kyle and Monica in various jobs on the property always enjoying doing it.
Very tasty and healty meals were prepared and and we spent quality time with this beautifull couple.
We slept in high quality tent and took a break in the front deck of their tiny house, from where you can enjoy a peacefull… read more
They live on a large property and have a tinyhouse with a nice deck in front. The food they provide is amazing and they make sure you don't go to bed hungry ;)
I have been mostly doing wood… read more
