Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
19 Mar 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
52
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We live on a small lifestyle block of 2 acres about 16km from Hamilton city outskirts with our school aged children. We are a retired couple and have hosted travelers for 16 years. We have had wonderful experiences with the many different people from varied cultures who have stayed and helped us during their travels.
We have two sheep, some hens and chickens and are growing a selection of vegetables and fruit. Our pets are one dog and a cat.
HEALTH PRECAUTION:
We are unable to have anyone stay who is a smoker or Vaper.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
There are hiking trails in the Hakarimata Ranges (part of the Te Araroa Trail), where you can see glow worms at night or climb the steps (1349 of them) to the summit during the day, as well as cycling/hiking trails along the Waikato River (Te Awa River Ride), both just a few kilometres from our home and the smaller Paa site on Pukeahua hill provides an easier climb with great views too.
Bicycles are normally available to help you explore locally.
If you have your own transport the World Famous surf beach at Raglan is a 40 minute car ride, Hamilton city is 20 minutes from the local town of Ngaruawahia and the Waitomo caves and Hobbiton are an hour away. We are 5 kilometres from town where the number 21 bus travels regularly to and from Hamilton. We can collect bus travelers from the local bus stop in Ngaruawahia.
And if you need help with New Zealand Slang you could cut and paste the following link into your browser:
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We always have ongoing tasks which, depending on the seasons, can include help in the gardens (weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, grass cutting, harvesting, preserving), cutting/pruning trees, chopping firewood, painting/renovating, building projects, as well as the always present household chores.
We do expect that those who eat meals assist with the preparation and cleanup as appropriate each day.
We appreciate people staying who are self motivated, have initiative, able to work with minimum supervision and who take pride in a job well done.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We have a separate basic cabin near the house with a double and a single bed. The cabin is off limits to the children so you can have some quiet time. The living areas and the shared bathroom facilities are in the house.
When the cabin is unavailable we may use a spare room in the main house.
We do have cellphone and Wifi. We can collect you from the Ngaruawahia bus stop.
What else ...
If unable to get a national ticket (If bussing many use Intercity.co.nz ) direct to Ngaruawahia then at the Hamilton bus depot people can catch the local No 21 bus to Ngaruawahia. From there we can collect you.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Up to 9 meters in length. Plenty of room to turn. Power available
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
4 hours per day or 20 hours per week,
Host ref number: 414275797386
Feedback (26)
6 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jade & Emma)
Jade and Emma stayed with us almost 3 weeks. They were happy to undertake a variety of tasks ranging from Gardening and weeding to indoor help and child minding. They were a pleasure to have about and we enjoyed their company and appreciated the work they did.
(Excellent
)
5 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jade & Emma) for host
We stayed at Don and Davina’s for two and a half weeks. We mostly weeded outside and during our last few days we cleaned inside.
We had a great experience staying with Don and Davina and their family. They are a very laid back couple who give a lot of freedom to the workawayers staying with them. The cabin was private and gave us space to relax… read more
We had a great experience staying with Don and Davina and their family. They are a very laid back couple who give a lot of freedom to the workawayers staying with them. The cabin was private and gave us space to relax… read more
3 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Antoine)
Antoine stayed with us during October. He was a pleasure to host and a willing worker. We would recommend Antoine to other hosts.
(Excellent
)
9 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Anouk) for host
I spend 2 wunderful weeks with Don, Davina and the kids. They are so nice, helpful and there is always something to laugh about. I really enjoyed the time in Ngaruawahia and had a lot of fun. I played with the kids and helped Don in the garden and around the house. Those were great tasks. In my free time a could explore the region with the bike… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
6 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jade & Emma)
Jade and Emma stayed with us almost 3 weeks. They were happy to undertake a variety of tasks ranging from Gardening and weeding to indoor help and child minding. They were a pleasure to have about and we enjoyed their company and appreciated the work they did.
(Excellent
)
5 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jade & Emma) for host
We stayed at Don and Davina’s for two and a half weeks. We mostly weeded outside and during our last few days we cleaned inside.
We had a great experience staying with Don and Davina and their family. They are a very laid back couple who give a lot of freedom to the workawayers staying with them. The cabin was private and gave us space to relax… read more
We had a great experience staying with Don and Davina and their family. They are a very laid back couple who give a lot of freedom to the workawayers staying with them. The cabin was private and gave us space to relax… read more
3 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Antoine)
Antoine stayed with us during October. He was a pleasure to host and a willing worker. We would recommend Antoine to other hosts.
(Excellent
)
9 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Anouk) for host
I spend 2 wunderful weeks with Don, Davina and the kids. They are so nice, helpful and there is always something to laugh about. I really enjoyed the time in Ngaruawahia and had a lot of fun. I played with the kids and helped Don in the garden and around the house. Those were great tasks. In my free time a could explore the region with the bike… read more
11 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Selina)
Selina was with us for approx 4 weeks. She is a happy person who is willing to try a range of tasks.These tasks ranged from weeding, paddock cleanup, general tidying cobweb duty through to assisting with the assembly of a new modular kitchen. We wish her well in all her adventures.
(Very good
)
30 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Carolina)
Carolina stayed with us for a week. She is a hard and willing worker and willing to tackle any job she was asked to do.
Our kids really liked playing board games with her when they could and she was a thoroughly lovely person to have in our home.
We would recommend her to any host she asks to work with.
Our kids really liked playing board games with her when they could and she was a thoroughly lovely person to have in our home.
We would recommend her to any host she asks to work with.
(Excellent
)
30 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Victorine & Laura)
Victorine and Laura stayed with us for almost 3 weeks. They were lovely to have in our family and got along well with everyone.
Tasks were tackled with enthusiasm and they had to be reminded to take time for themselves.
We wish them well in their travels.
Tasks were tackled with enthusiasm and they had to be reminded to take time for themselves.
We wish them well in their travels.
(Excellent
)
1 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (MIHO) for host
I had a wonderful about 2 weeks with Don, Davina and their families! I did gardening, weeding, gathering branches, and chopping wood. They were precise in their instructions and let us do different things. They were very kind to me and taught me many things. I'm grateful to them! I would visit again. Thank you so much!!
17 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma and her partner Theo stayed with us and were a pleasure to share time with. They worked well and got on well with the family. We would recommend them to other hosts should either ask to stay with you.
Regards
Don and Davina
Regards
Don and Davina
(Excellent
)
30 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
It was a wonderful days spent with Don, Davina and all the family. They know how to put confortable. Very kind and very funny, very flexible with the hours of work. Their advices for activities in the region are very good ! Despite the weather, we spent a very good moment. Thank you very much for opening your heart and your house :)
17 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Amelie)
We would recommend Amy to any host. She was a great worker and got on well with the family.
(Excellent
)
16 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Caelyn & Anna)
The profile is for both Caelyn and Anna but only Caelyn stayed with us. She was a pleasure to have stay with us. She worked willingly and very easy to talk with. She also got on really well with the children and excelled at board games with them. We would recommend Caelyn to other hosts if she contacts you.
(Excellent
)
22 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Caelyn & Anna) for host
Don and Davina were extremely welcoming for my first Workaway! They picked me up from the bus stop and immediately made me feel at home. The housing was nice, separate for some alone time but still close to the house.
For work, I did 4 hours a day, although some really hot days they let me rest some more. I weeded in the garden and in their farm… read more
For work, I did 4 hours a day, although some really hot days they let me rest some more. I weeded in the garden and in their farm… read more
28 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Amadeus Balthasar) for host
it was my first host in New zealand and what should I say? it was wonderful.
Don gave me a little introduction in the construction Terms before I started my job in Hamilton. we built a Deck and a Pergola together and it was so fun.
The dinners were awesome and pretty delicious. It seems like here is everybody welcome and it doesn't matter how… read more
Don gave me a little introduction in the construction Terms before I started my job in Hamilton. we built a Deck and a Pergola together and it was so fun.
The dinners were awesome and pretty delicious. It seems like here is everybody welcome and it doesn't matter how… read more
13 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Amadeus Balthasar)
Amadeus stayed with us about 2 weeks. We worked together on 2 building projects being a deck and a pergola. He also chipped branches, split firewood and used the chainsaw to cut tree branches. Some workers go well beyond your expectations and Amadeus was in this catagory. A pleasure to have with us and we were sad to see him move on. We would… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (JENNIFER) for host
had an incredible time staying with Don and Davina, and working for them. I enjoyed doing pretty simple, and not too hard of tasks, primarily in the garden, weeding, planting so on. It was very enjoyable, lovely animals, family and hosts.
28 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
It was a pleasure to stay at Dons and Davinas. I felt welcome since the beginning and really enjoyed to work in the garden and to sleep in the cabin, which was beautiful and super comfortable. They always made sure I see what’s there to see in town. Highly recommended!
14 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host
I had a great few weeks with Don and Davina - they were very welcoming and made me feel like part of the family.
The work was varied, not too strenuous, and I was able to have lots of free time to explore the area as well as hanging out with the children!
Recommended. Thanks!
(Sorry for the late feedback!)
The work was varied, not too strenuous, and I was able to have lots of free time to explore the area as well as hanging out with the children!
Recommended. Thanks!
(Sorry for the late feedback!)
8 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Tom & Rosie)
Sorry for the extremely late feedback. We thought we had already posted. Tom and Rosie were a wonderful help, especially as they landed with us in the school. holidays. They were wonderful with the children, great company and a great help with all the jobs that needed attending to. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your travels and you are welcome… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Peter)
Sorry for the extremely late posting of feedback. We thought we had already done so. We thoroughly enjoyed having Peter, Yana and the girls to stay. They were a wonderful help and great company, for the adults and children alike. Our children have fond memories of the card games and have purchased several of the same packs to continue the… read more
(Excellent
)
27 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host
This was our longest workaway stay (almost 3 weeks) and it still felt short. We enjoyed the company of Don and Davina and their big family. Our daughters loved playing with their children. Don & Davina gave us interesting insights into Kiwi lifestyle and provided us with great travel tips, it’s amazing how many interesting places are around.… read more
7 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Peter)
Peter quickly fitted in and became like one of the family. He is easy to get along with and has a conscientious work ethic often extending beyond what we asked to ensure tasks were completed. Some folks are average and some just make that extra effort to be part of the culture. Peter definitely is rated in the top level by us. We would absolutely… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host
I stayed with Don, Davina & kids for more than 2 weeks on the very beginning of my New Zealand quest. It was my first workaway experience and i could not wish for better start. I felt very welcomed from the very first minute, guys accepted me and treated me like a family member and i really felt that way. Don and Davina are very kind people, i… read more
19 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Rowan)
Rowan helped us clearing overgrown areas on the cobbles and weeding the gardens, trying to find the vegetables in the overgrown jungle. The children enjoyed interacting with him, discussing their likes and dislikes of different movies and taking him on a bike ride. Thanks for your help Rowan.
(Very good
)
14 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Rowan) for host
i stayed for abou 10 days and had a great time. the family was very welcoming and i felt like part of the family. the work was fair and it was fun to help out with such a lovely garden. the kids are great and we had a lovely time wathing movies, swimming, going on walks and going on bikerides. the food was also very good.
thanks for a great time.
thanks for a great time.
5 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Lennart & Jannik) for host
We stayed one week with Don & Davina and really enjoyed our time in their family. It was always great fun to hang out with the kids and we immediately felt like a part of their family! Working in the garden was fair and never boring!
17 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole)
Nicole was a great help keeping up with all the daily chores as well as helping in the garden, especially as Davina had injured her back and was unable to do any physical tasks. The children enjoyed her company as well, chatting with her about her travels and interests. Thank you Nicole and we wish you well with the rest of your travels through… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (Nicole) for host
I enjoyed staying with Don, Davina and all the kids for 2 1/2 weeks. I learned so many new things and I fell in love with your family. Everyone was so nice and helpful. I hope your little garden will grow up nicely! I have to say that I love helping you, as you are such a wonderful family. BEST FIRST WORKAWAY EXPERIENCE. :)
PS. I hope Davina will… read more
PS. I hope Davina will… read more
17 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Thibault)
Thibault was a great help, working tirelessly pruning the felled trees and moving the branches. He was happy to help with any of the chores indoors and out in the gardens and got along great with the children as well. Thank you for all your wonderful help and enjoy the rest of your travels.
(Excellent
)
9 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (Thibault) for host
This past week in your family was perfect ! I loved the area that you live and the moments spent in your circles large and wonderful family ! Thank you for being understanding and listening to my poor English !
My advice to anyone wishing to have a good time , recover a home to thousands of kilometers and living with caring people nice, and… read more
My advice to anyone wishing to have a good time , recover a home to thousands of kilometers and living with caring people nice, and… read more
23 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Berenike)
Marie and Berenike were a great help when they stayed with us. They were willing to step up to any task asked of them and regularly asked if there was anything else they could help with. They were easy to get along with and the children enjoyed their company as well. We wish them well with the rest of their travels.
(Excellent
)
18 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Berenike) for host
The time with Don&Davina was great.
We spend a week there and we felt like home. The whole family was very lovely and everytime in a good mood. The work was esay and very flexible. Hope we see us again. Thanks for everything :).
Marie&Berenike
We spend a week there and we felt like home. The whole family was very lovely and everytime in a good mood. The work was esay and very flexible. Hope we see us again. Thanks for everything :).
Marie&Berenike
11 Apr 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Immanuel)
Immanuel worked hard chopping his way through our very large pile of firewood. He made a large dent in the pile and the woodshed is looking wonderfully full for the winter. He is a polite and pleasant young man to have around. He got along well with all the children and they enjoyed learning some gymnastic and parkour moves from him. Enjoy the… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (Immanuel) for host
My first workaway experience was wonderful, I'm glad that I stayed here for two weeks!
The whole family is just really friendly, always in a good mood, funny and enthusiastic! I had great days chopping wood, playing with the awesome energetic kids, swimming and in the river, going hiking etc.. if you enjoy being with many people, like children,… read more
The whole family is just really friendly, always in a good mood, funny and enthusiastic! I had great days chopping wood, playing with the awesome energetic kids, swimming and in the river, going hiking etc.. if you enjoy being with many people, like children,… read more
11 Apr 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Maura)
Maura is a very friendly, outgoing, interesting person who loves to help with anything that is happening. We do hope you are having a great time with the rest of your travels. Thank you very much for all your help and you are welcome back any time you are passing this way.
(Excellent
)
3 Mar 2015
Left by Workawayer (Maura) for host
Don & Davina are two amazing people. Very friendly and with a good sense of humour. The kids are lovely and good-mannered. I've always felt at home and the jobs I did were easy and pleasant to do. The hours are flexible so you can enjoy your spare time at the best.
This was my first experience as a workawayer and it was just perfect.
thank… read more
This was my first experience as a workawayer and it was just perfect.
thank… read more
5 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Jason)
Thanks for all your help with the maintenance around the property. We hope you enjoy the rest of your travels.
(Excellent
)
26 Dec 2014
Left by Workawayer (Jason) for host
I spent two weeks with the Don and Davina and I had a great time. Spacious accommodations, good food, great company. There are some interesting sites for your down time as well. Thanks for everything!
5 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Paulina)
Paulina was a wonderful worker and a pleasure to have stay. She was here at the same time as another workawayer and they fitted in with the family and just got on with what needed to be done. It was great to have you stay Paulina, many thanks for all your help and we wish you well in the rest of your travels.
(Excellent
)
19 Jan 2015
Left by Workawayer (Paulina) for host
Davina, Don and the children form a wonderful family full of respect, joy and understanding. They're very easy-going and generous, which made me instantly feel like I was home. The working hours were flexible, so there was no pressure or calculation around it and that was a great motivation to do things well and at my own pace. Another traveller… read more
10 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte)
Charlotte is a very charming and helpful young woman whom we would love to have visit again when she travels back to this end of the country. Sadly she did have to leave to attend to an unexpected matter but we enjoyed the time she was with us and the children were happy to spend time with her as well. Have a great time during your travels and we… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte) for host
Due to circumstances unrelated to the family I was only able to stay with the Devincourts for 2 nights, but I just wanted to write and say how nice those 2 nights were! They're an extremely generous and fun family, the kids so sweet and social. The animals are precious, the cabin they provide cozy with heaps of blankets. The work is flexible and… read more
13 Oct 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
Laura and her friend Isabella were a great help and great company as well when they stayed to help our busy household. The children also enjoyed their company as well as their game playing and drawing skills. Thanks for your help and we wish you a great time during the rest of your travels.
(Excellent
)
14 Sep 2014
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
This was me and my friends first workaway-experience and it was truly great!
Don and Davina, and every child in their home are great, funny, and relaxed. It is a great family!
We stayed for 1½ week, and we felt very welcome all the time. They helped us out a lot with various things, and we were always welcome to join the family for a nice cup… read more
Don and Davina, and every child in their home are great, funny, and relaxed. It is a great family!
We stayed for 1½ week, and we felt very welcome all the time. They helped us out a lot with various things, and we were always welcome to join the family for a nice cup… read more
28 Aug 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Carlos & Denise)
Carlos and Denise are hard workers and great company. They did a great job clearing away blackberry and tidying the winter mess in the gardens, and Denise makes yummy cakes. The children also enjoyed spending time with them. Enjoy the rest of your travels. Thanks for all your help and we would love to see you again on your return north.
(Excellent
)
18 Aug 2014
Left by Workawayer (Carlos & Denise) for host
It was so lovely! We had a very good time and we never felt uncomfortable. Also the kids are very polite and wonderful, we had a lot of fun with them. They made us smiling every day. This family is very likable and we will never forget this time. We hope we will see us again!
22 Jun 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Kirran Sean)
Kirran helped us out with clearing away the fallen branches and leaves on the driveway and under the trees. It all looks very tidy now.
He also planted out some of the winter vegetables in the garden. Sorry about the rainy weather, at least the sun shone occassionly.
Thanks for your help Kirran and enjoy the rest of your travels.
He also planted out some of the winter vegetables in the garden. Sorry about the rainy weather, at least the sun shone occassionly.
Thanks for your help Kirran and enjoy the rest of your travels.
(Excellent
)
22 Jun 2014
Left by Workawayer (Kirran Sean) for host
I had a wonderful time here in Ngaruawahia, after you are able to pronounce this name correctly you feel to speek some Maori. :)
Don and Davina are great hosts, we always had lovely conversations together, the food was good, the internet connection is a way better than I thought and my little cabin was clean and nice to stay in despite it was… read more
Don and Davina are great hosts, we always had lovely conversations together, the food was good, the internet connection is a way better than I thought and my little cabin was clean and nice to stay in despite it was… read more
21 Jan 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Tiphaine)
Tiphaine arrived here straight off the plane from France and despite her jetlag she set right to work. She busied herself in the gardens, cleared out some overgrown areas and helped out in the house with laundry and kitchen duties. Thanks for your help and enjoy the rest of your travels.
(Excellent
)
21 Jan 2014
Left by Workawayer (Tiphaine) for host
Great first week in new Zealand with the Devincourt's Family. They want to be sure you haver everything you need and feel like at home. Lovely family with big hearts. Nice place to see. They show me also others nice places. They help you as it's possible. Thank you so much
21 Dec 2013
Left by Workawayer (Joe & Oriana) for host
Twas great to stay with Don, Davina, and family. Very generous and welcoming hosts. Showed us nice local places to trek and swim. Had fun sprucing up the gardens and trimming trees. Thanks
20 Dec 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Joe & Oriana)
Joe and Oriana are fantastic workers, they don't know the meaning of downtime, they just keep on going. They have worked miracles on our property, weeding, mulching, pruning, planting, cleaning spouting, the place looks wonderful. The children were thrilled with Joe's vortex throwing and catching expertise as well as his tree climbing skills. They… read more
(Excellent
)
