updated   Last minute

Eco-earth house in the bush; protecting endemic fauna and flora in Northland, New Zealand

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Kia ora, travellers!
    My whare (home) is in beautiful Honeymoon Valley, surrounded by native rainforest, birds and organic gardens. We built an eco-earth house using local clay, with green roofs and help from volunteers. I did a lot of 'woofing' with my family before settling in the Far North 30 years ago. My land used to be a paddock. Now there are mature trees, native bush, orchards and gardens. This is an isolated, quiet area, perfect for enjoying nature and remote living.

    The nearest shop, the famous "Bush Fairy Dairy", is 7 km away from my house. Taipa Beach is 20 km away, and Auckland is 350 km away. If you have no car, I can pick you up from the bus station in Taipa.

    I am part of the local landcare group. We protect native forest, birds, lizards and insects. We trap predators and pull out invasive weeds. I need help with organic/permaculture gardening: vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit trees, chickens, mowing, brush-cutting, compost-making, maintenance and fixing things (basic carpentry, painting), sewing, cleaning, chopping firewood. I bake bread. I make apple cider vinegar, bottle fruit, jam, chutney, sauerkraut, and collect seeds.

    My place suits independent, mature helpers who have work & life experience. While I work at our local kura (school), you will be home alone (maybe with other helpers, or with family). Afternoons and weekends I spend with you. You help 4-5 hours per day, and I provide full accommodation and 3 meals per day.

    Honeymoon Valley is perfect for exploring bush and bird life. The river is great for swimming. You can borrow my bikes, visit Taipa Beach, visit my kura, and learn about Maori culture. You can use my keyboard, guitar, ukulele, and djembe. I do not play music, but love singing and dancing, and fitness. I love nature, films, literature and art.
    nga mihi nui
    Gerlinde

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Sustainability
    Culture
    Plant care
    History
    Books
    Languages
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Performing arts
    Yoga / Wellness
    Nature
    Fitness
    Mountain
    Dancing
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Language, organic and permaculture gardening, sustainability, landcare

  • Help

    Help

    Gardeners, landscapers, carpenters, painters, outdoor people, art and crafts people, dancers, fitness, body work, massage, yoga.
    NOT suitable for digital nomads (limited internet);
    I cook multicultural-fusion food. If you need vegan/GF, bring this food with you.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    French: Intermediate
    Maori: Beginner

    This 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

    Accommodation

    A bedroom in my house

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    NOT suitable for digital nomads (no WIFI, fluctuating reception).
    I have bikes you can borrow.
    Visits to my kura (school ) and learn about Maori culture
    Visiting events, beaches, etc

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Room for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 188351881472

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