Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
17 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
33
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Details
Description
WELCOMING HELPERS....
Do you long to step away from the outside world for a while, immerse yourself in nature and learn essential life skills? Then look no further as we are looking for helpers in our wee piece of Paradise at the moment .........
Our farm is 100 acres of deer-fenced land on the Otago Peninsula. The help we require is some basic garden maintenance, wood splitting, weed-eating etc. We are an animal besotted family with 2 horses, 2 cats, an assortment of ducks and 2 dogs (please NOTE they are both retired drugs dogs so if you use even occasionally, whilst we are not judging you, please don't bother offering your services !).
We need helpers who are energetic, honest, fun, caring, conscientious, can get on with jobs without requiring supervision and are not glued to a device!!! Some equestrian knowledge would be good (but not necessary) as you may help with the daily care of the horses. As we are a working farm, no pets thanks. We usually only take couples (but have had single helpers before) as you can help each other out on jobs. If you are able to use a chainsaw and a log splitter then that would be great too as winter is always coming.
As we are not on a main road helpers DO need their own transport. We have a lot of interesting wildlife on the Otago Peninsula including Northern Royal Albatross (the only mainland breeding colony in the world), Hooker sea lions (world's rarest sea lion), fur seals, little blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins (also the world's rarest penguin). but all do require a car to get there.
We will provide you with scrummy food and brand new accommodation with a queen bed and your own private bathroom. You will be living with us in the main house and be part of the family. Non-smokers only and NO special dietary requirements thanks. Please bear in mind that we will all share in the domestics particularly clearing up after meals and ask you keep your room clean and tidy! We usually start with a week's trial to see if we both are a good fit. You need to be comfortable using your initiative as you will mostly be unsupervised and its useful to have your own boots/jackets etc.
We are looking forward to hosting you if like the look of us !!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You can potentially learn new skills such as driving a quad bike and operating a log splitter. Because you will be needed to care for animals, it is an opportunity to gain confidence in taking responsibility for an animal menagerie. You will be close to animals and nature and can practice your English and we'll teach you the kiwi way.
Help
We have several large stands of trees and we need to gather wood from the fallen ones. Also some light garden help such as weed whacking. Being able to use a chainsaw and drive a quad bike would help but if you can't then that's not a show stopper. As the help is mainly outdoor, sturdy boots would be good for you to bring. I'll supply you with wet weather and protective gear.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
You have your own queen sized bedroom with it's own bathroom - part of the main house.
What else ...
As we are not on a main road, any helpers MUST have their own transport. Dunedin is known as the wildlife capital of NZ, we have a lot of interesting wildlife close by including the Northern Royal Albatross, blue penguins, Yellow-eyed penguins, Hooker Sealions to name but a few. NZ's castle, Larnach Castle is only a 5 minute drive away too.
If you love doing stuff you can have the use of mountain bikes and also as we are next to the sea, you can also have use of kayaks to explore the Otago Peninsula at your leisure.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We are able to accommodate pretty much any size of campervan as we have plenty of room.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
20 hours per week
Feedback (12)
After all this time given they were supposed to arrive this week, having reinforced that arrival again and again in messages.
Today I received a message from them saying they had had a change of heart.
Having turned down over a dozen different helpers and having… read more
Fiona was a fantastic host, who is very kind and thoughtful and made us feel at home from the offset. With a similar sense of humour, as well as lots in common we enjoyed good conversations over a glass of… read more
In the meantime I had already turned down two other lots of… read more
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
After all this time given they were supposed to arrive this week, having reinforced that arrival again and again in messages.
Today I received a message from them saying they had had a change of heart.
Having turned down over a dozen different helpers and having… read more
Fiona was a fantastic host, who is very kind and thoughtful and made us feel at home from the offset. With a similar sense of humour, as well as lots in common we enjoyed good conversations over a glass of… read more
In the meantime I had already turned down two other lots of… read more
He fitted in from the moment he arrived and felt part of the family instantly. No matter what the weather or the job he gave 110% without any fuss and was always cheerful. Being a helper here requires common-sense,… read more
They worked extremely hard on… read more
We worked hard for the past month… read more
We did love our stay at Fiona and David’s place! They are very welcoming and caring persons. We enjoyed sharing discussions, music (the six60 song is definitely in our heads now),… read more
The work was great, physically demanding at times but always in a beautiful landscape. Fiona was always very thankful and considerate with giving us indoor jobs when the weather… read more
The accommodation was perfect, stunning location, delicious food and great nights playing cards or watching movies.
The work was fun,fair and we learnt a new skill (using a chainsaw) .
Thanks for having us and we'll hopefully see you again :)
