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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
24 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
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Details
Description
Kia ora!
We are seeking help at our property which is set in a tranquil valley in the Far North of New Zealand.
We are a young family of 5 who has ventured into owning our own lifestyle property. We have 3 children aged under 6 years. My husband is a chef and is now self-employed running a property maintenance business and I am working part time with an Environmental Trust.
We have 5 acres of beautiful native bush, numerous fruit trees, and lots of peaceful places to relax and enjoy the bush. We have extensive vegetable gardens and are trying to create a property that is self-sufficient. We have 2 dogs and 16 chickens which give us plenty of eggs and joy.
Even though we're busy, we like to spend our spare time at the beach, fishing or going to the local markets and would welcome you along too. We also have invested in a small pool to cool off in the hotter months!
We eat meat, but also plenty of vegetable friendly meals too. If you enjoy young children then this is a bonus too! But not necessary, as long as you don't mind a bit of noise and mess :-)
We enjoy cooking together, preserving, experimenting with new recipes and trying new things.
If you're outgoing, have initiative and are willing to try new things, and share your skills then please contact us.
We can take 1 person or a couple, around a weeks stay is fine.Types of help and learning opportunities
GardeningDIY and building projectsAnimal CareFarmstay helpBabysitting and creative playCreating/ Cooking family mealsHelp around the houseGeneral MaintenanceCultural exchange and learning opportunities
We go fishing/diving/beach exploring on our free time and you're welcome to join us. My husband is Maori and we try to use te reo maori in the household as much as possible. Visitors can expect typical Kiwi culture,
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
There's always something to do on the property, a project that needs starting/finishing and general maintenance.
We have large raised garden beds that need fixing, a chicken pen to fix, a glass house to fix, lawns to mow, and many more projects! We have pet chickens who lay daily. We'd like to get the property ready to own some pigs, and eventually cattle so there is building and fencing to be done.
Tasks would include: anything from household cleaning, help with the children, harvesting, weeding and watering gardens, lawn-mowing, farm chores like collecting firewood and clearing land from noxious weeds. We will be mulching, composting, pruning, general tidying and wood chopping. We may need help with building projects so any carpentry skills would be very useful as well as tree work skills and chainsaw experience.
Tasks are best done in the morning or afternoon so you can choose how you want to spend the day. Inside the house there is help needed with cleaning and meal preparation. Also childminding from time to time if you wish, but not required.
There is no public transport available from our property so having your own vehicle would be ideal. I can also collect you from the town bus station.
Please bring wet weather gear, outdoor shoes and sunblock so all weather conditions are covered.Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: FluentThis 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 will have a private bedroom with a Queen bed, drawers and a wardrobe. Bathroom and kitchen are shared spaces. We have a living room, two conservatories and a spacious deck which are nice and sunny to relax in. The house is an old country villa and very warm and dry. We have two fireplaces and even a hot outdoor shower which is amazing to shower amongst the trees and birds!
Breakfast is toast, fruits, cereal and yoghurt. Pancakes and eggs on the weekends :-) Lunch is sandwiches/salad or dinner leftovers. Dinner is typically meat and vegetables, but we eat a lot of vegetarian food too. Visitors are encouraged to join in with cooking or cook a meal. Washing and drying of the dishes after dinner is appreciated. If you'd like specific ingredients for a particular meal you'd like to cook, let me know! We love new and interesting foods!
If you have specific dietary requirements please let us know in advance.What else ...
We are 13 kilometers from Kaitaia and have amazing beaches on both the west and east coast, about 25 minutes by car, so surfing, fishing or just relaxing at the beach are close by. There are nice bush walks close by and a trip to Cape Reinga is a worthwhile visit on your day off
Tourist attractions are easily reached and visitors can plan on visiting attractions in the Bay of Islands (east coast, approx 1 hour away) and Hokianga (west coast) as well as travelling to the northern most point in NZ- Cape Reinga.A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (12)
The conversations were always flowing, the food was delicious and the work was satisfying.
During the week that I stayed with them I mostly did weeding, but there were also some household… read more
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.8)
The conversations were always flowing, the food was delicious and the work was satisfying.
During the week that I stayed with them I mostly did weeding, but there were also some household… read more
We even extended our stay after a 10-day… read more
We were welcomed into their home and Caryl and Sam were really flexible on when we could work… read more
I stayed with Caryl and Sam in Dec 2020. I had a really amazing experience. Such a beautiful family and I just love their lifestyle. It was very inspiring to see how sustainable they live. I loved sitting on the balcony during the evenings at sunset. The work was varied from helping in the veg garden, stacking log… read more