Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
24 Feb 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
46
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We’re fully booked this summer.
——
We are a family of four living in an ex-guesthouse (closed due to Covid-19) on the beautiful wild West Coast of New Zealand. We are located an hour south of Hokitika, and 30 minutes north of Franz Josef Glacier. If you love nature, hiking, fishing, hunting, exploring.. you’ll love it here!
Even though the business is closed, it’s a large building on a large property, and it’s very hard to keep up with it on our own, especially as we have “real” jobs now too.
The help is pretty straightforward like cleaning, gardening, painting, fencing, firewood etc but if there is something in particular you'd like to learn while you’re here (anything from practical/outdoor skills to cooking and crafting), please ask and we'll see what we can come up with to fit you! We want you to enjoy your time here so we are very flexible about the kind of work, and the hours/days of work.
The children are aged 13 and 14 and will respect your space but are also great fun. There is also a very energetic young Labrador, an elderly but very cuddly Manx cat and a cockatiel who acts friendly but it’s a trap.
We do recommend having your own car to make the most of the area - we’re some kilometres from the nearest town (though right on the main highway) and our place can feel quite isolated if you can’t go anywhere - though we’re happy to drop you off or pick you up if your destination aligns with our plans for the day.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
If you want to experience life with a very relaxed rural kiwi family, we fit that bill! We’d like to take you hunting or fishing if time or weather allows. If you're not into that, we can lend you kayaks, give you advice on local attractions, hikes, or you can just simply relax or read a book.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We ask for about 4 hours help per day, five days per week, as well as participating in our family's normal daily housework. I’m not the time police, we work around your plans so you can make the most of your time here. It may be that you work a full day, then have a full day off if the weather is good for a hike, for example. We’ll discuss this with you. Weekends are our busiest time though so please expect to work those days and go easy during the week.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We provide a private room and your own bathroom, wifi, and most of your food if you do not have any special dietary requirements. If you do have a specific diet (vegan/veg/allergies) you'll need to provide your own proteins and specialty foods to hold you over for a few days, until we know more about you and can order what you need. There are no grocery stores here.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
15-20 hours per week
Host ref number: 327299697264
Feedback (21)
14 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Luregn) for host
It was very difficult to leave such a hospitable family after these two weeks. Very comfortable place to retreat and the lodge definitely has charm for me. I would like to thank all of you again for everything i was able to learn from you. You have my greatest respect for your way of life and i am greatful for having been a part of it during my… read more
5 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Kristen & Loren) for host
This workaway has been the absolute best experience! Angela and family were beyond welcoming and included us in every possible thing. We were able to experience the outdoorsy life, watch chicks hatch from eggs, participate in a local slice competition... it was a true kiwi experience. it was also great to share our hobbies and culture as well--… read more
1 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Kristen & Loren)
It’s difficult to whittle our time with Loren and Retta into a words in a review. Our whole family have had the most wonderful few weeks with them. We’ve had beautiful conversations, meals and so much fun and laughter. They worked so hard and completed most of the exterior painting of the (large) house and it looks amazing. They dedicated every… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Caden) for host
Angela, Campbell, and the kids were excellent hosts, and I enjoyed every day of my 2+ week stay with them! They treated me like family and were a wonderful introduction to NZ and authentic Kiwi living. Angela is an excellent host and cook; the meals never disappointed. Cam was super fun to work and adventure with. The work was relaxed and clearly… read more
29 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Caden)
It was a privilege to be Caden’s host “family” for a few weeks before he began his studies in New Zealand. Caden is so easy-going and relaxed, he went along with whatever shenanigans were happening in our house, he carried out some marvellous work with the boat, house and garden which we appreciated. He has a NZ home and family here now, and is… read more
(Excellent
)
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)
14 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Luregn) for host
It was very difficult to leave such a hospitable family after these two weeks. Very comfortable place to retreat and the lodge definitely has charm for me. I would like to thank all of you again for everything i was able to learn from you. You have my greatest respect for your way of life and i am greatful for having been a part of it during my… read more
5 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Kristen & Loren) for host
This workaway has been the absolute best experience! Angela and family were beyond welcoming and included us in every possible thing. We were able to experience the outdoorsy life, watch chicks hatch from eggs, participate in a local slice competition... it was a true kiwi experience. it was also great to share our hobbies and culture as well--… read more
1 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Kristen & Loren)
It’s difficult to whittle our time with Loren and Retta into a words in a review. Our whole family have had the most wonderful few weeks with them. We’ve had beautiful conversations, meals and so much fun and laughter. They worked so hard and completed most of the exterior painting of the (large) house and it looks amazing. They dedicated every… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Caden) for host
Angela, Campbell, and the kids were excellent hosts, and I enjoyed every day of my 2+ week stay with them! They treated me like family and were a wonderful introduction to NZ and authentic Kiwi living. Angela is an excellent host and cook; the meals never disappointed. Cam was super fun to work and adventure with. The work was relaxed and clearly… read more
29 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Caden)
It was a privilege to be Caden’s host “family” for a few weeks before he began his studies in New Zealand. Caden is so easy-going and relaxed, he went along with whatever shenanigans were happening in our house, he carried out some marvellous work with the boat, house and garden which we appreciated. He has a NZ home and family here now, and is… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
We would have loved for Anna and Luke to stay longer. Both are such interesting and insightful people, open-minded, motivated and responsible. They helped us complete projects that felt too big for us to finish by ourselves, and were such wonderful company. Thanks guys! I hope your final month in NZ is amazing.
(Excellent
)
25 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
This place is a Workaway-paradise and deserves a 6 star review.
Angela, Campbell and the kids (I almost forgot Ash and the ducklings!) are the best hosts you could imagine. We felt welcome from the beginning and work was really fair. We were treated and valued as family members and were included in everything (!).
They really care about you as… read more
Angela, Campbell and the kids (I almost forgot Ash and the ducklings!) are the best hosts you could imagine. We felt welcome from the beginning and work was really fair. We were treated and valued as family members and were included in everything (!).
They really care about you as… read more
17 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Leonie & Paul )
Every day is a good day when Leonie and Paul are staying. We loved their good humour and warm personalities, they are relaxed and easy to share space with, and quickly became part of our family. I was especially impressed how quickly they became friends with the kids as well! They carried out a range of tasks such as firewood, gardening,… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Zara)
Zara and Belle arrived in great spirits, bringing wonderful conversation and attitudes with them. We had a wonderfully social week, they were up for anything and carried out a number of tasks from housekeeping to repairing a building (Zara was up on the roof at one point) to organising my huge stack of paperwork. Campbell thoroughly enjoyed taking… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Florian & Mathilde) for host
It was a really good journey here !!
All the family is very nice, we learned so many new skills by working outside with Campbell.
The place is so peaceful, all around, the landscape is impressive.
Unfortunately, Angela was sick but we appreciated to share moments with everyone.
Thank you to all the family !!
All the family is very nice, we learned so many new skills by working outside with Campbell.
The place is so peaceful, all around, the landscape is impressive.
Unfortunately, Angela was sick but we appreciated to share moments with everyone.
Thank you to all the family !!
8 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Florian & Mathilde)
Florian and Mathilde were such a pleasure to host. Positive and cheerful, they were motivated, keen to try new things and fitted in so well with our family and routines. I’m so disappointed that I was sick and spent most of of my time upstairs during their stay, but Campbell greatly appreciated their help and company. Thank you both!
(Excellent
)
9 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Murray)
Murray was a friendly and fun addition to our household. He’s hardworking and easy-going, great to chat to and fitted right in with us and another workawayer staying at the same time. I especially appreciated his positivity during a long power outage where he entertained the kids and was so kind about my “camp” style cooking. Thanks Murray!
(Excellent
)
2 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Murray) for host
Had a fantastic time over the 1.5 weeks I stayed at the place lodge. The location is fantastic with gorgeous views of the mountains and glorious sunsets. Accommodation is in hotel-style rooms with en-suite and very comfortable, private and spacious. Communal lounge, living area and kitchen etc all also well equipped, and Angela's cooking is top… read more
9 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Gina)
Gina is a sweet and courageous young lady, quiet at first but great to spend time with once we felt comfortable with each other. I loved hearing about her unique culture and experiences and point of view on life. She was hardworking, very efficient and flexible. I would recommend her to any other host.
(Excellent
)
24 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gina) for host
I stayed in with Angela and family for three weeks. I loved it. Angela is a grate mother and host. Ava is a talented girl and Ethan is a funny little man. I've learned loads, such as the way of living and eating the own hunted deer, also thank to Cambell. Everything I needed I had it and the work was fun and really flexible.
Thank you all.
Thank you all.
22 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rosa & Johannes)
We so enjoyed our time hosting Rosa and Johannes. They are genuine, warm and wonderful people, who quickly became a part of our family. I really appreciated their hard work both inside and outside of the house, their great company, the interesting conversations and all the laughs. Thank you both so much for everything, I hope we meet again one day!
(Excellent
)
19 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Rosa & Johannes) for host
We spent ten days with Angela, Cam, the kids and doggo Ashley and it was clearly a 5-Star-Workaway!✨
They are amazing people, super friendly and lovely to chat with. They shared our love for good food and we've been spoiled with it. We had our own bedroom with en suite and the work was not too hard and always diverse. We did some gardening,… read more
They are amazing people, super friendly and lovely to chat with. They shared our love for good food and we've been spoiled with it. We had our own bedroom with en suite and the work was not too hard and always diverse. We did some gardening,… read more
20 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Amelia) for host
We absolutely loved our stay with Angela and family! After doing a few jobs around the house we loved exploring the beautiful local area (Angela offered lots of good recommendations). We felt so at home in the lodge and all loved ash the playful pup, he is so sweet. All our rooms were clean and we appreciated how the family opened up their home to… read more
18 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Amelia)
We had such a fun and uplifting week hosting Amelia, Annie and Ruth. They are down-to-earth, practical young ladies, so entertaining, interesting and wonderful company. They are very motivated and independent, putting everything into order and carrying out all the necessary jobs with barely any direction needed. It was a very happy week for our… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Kateřina & Jiří) for host
I stayed with Angela and Campbell only a few days, but it was such a lovely experience. They treat me as a part of the family. We had a great time together, food was always delicious and work was very fair. I had my own room with private bathroom and an amazing view. Highlight was when Campbell took me out for salmon fishing on his boat. I would… read more
17 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Kateřina & Jiří)
Hosting Kateřina was a delight. She is such a positive and happy person, we really enjoyed her company. It was a short stay but she accomplished a lot! She did a wonderful job with some deep cleaning inside the house, and was a great help with some building and fencing work outside. I would highly recommend her to any other host!
(Excellent
)
7 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lilly Marie)
Lilly was a pleasure to host, quiet and courteous but with a wonderfully dry sense of humour which I thoroughly enjoyed. She was motivated and efficient and used her own initiative to carry out a wide variety of house and garden work that I appreciated very much. Thank you Lilly, we hope everything is going well for you.
(Excellent
)
30 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lilly Marie) for host
I was with Angela and her family for 10 days. It was the best workaway experience i have had so far. I immediately felt at home. I had my own room with a bathroom. The house is in a very nice area with a view of the mountains. The work was never too difficult and always very flexible. The food was always delicious (even if Angela sometimes… read more
26 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Vivian05) for host
Words can’t describe how great my time with Angela and her family was. It felt like coming home and Angela was very motherly whenever she could be, like when she treated my sunburn. She didn’t expect much work and was extremely appreciative of the things I did. There was a variety of jobs to do and she always told me to pick the ones I like, so it… read more
24 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Vivian05)
Vivian is a star. This excellent lady joined our family on a wet and miserable day, rolled up her sleeves, put her work gear on and got straight into the thick of things. She is amazing. She cleaned, she dug holes, she pulled old iron off the side of the building, she organised multiple rooms, she trained my dog, she buried an octopus.. all the… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Claudia) for host
Angela and her whole family are wonderful hosts! My stay was so nice that it's hard to put into words. I was fishing with Campell and Angela showed me how to act and we made sausages ourselves. Although it is relatively far away from everything (a car is recommended) and I didn't have a car, I experienced and learned a lot. Angela takes care of… read more
6 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Claudia)
It was very hard to say goodbye to Claudia today. She is a remarkable young woman, wise and capable beyond her years. She is practical and straightforward with a great sense of fun. As far as work was concerned, she self-managed her time and tasks to a the highest standard, we were impressed and thankful for her hard work. Claudia was a joy to… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Gisele) for host
I spent one week at Angela and Campbell's place and it was a wonderful time and one of my best woofing experience. They are really welcolming, kind and funny and it was a pleasure to spend time with this family.
Despite the rainy wheather, I help them for different works (gardening and housework) and I really enjoy my stay.
The location it's also… read more
Despite the rainy wheather, I help them for different works (gardening and housework) and I really enjoy my stay.
The location it's also… read more
5 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Gisele)
We loved hosting Gisele and Marie and appreciated their work so much. They were easy-going, conscientious and positive and really fun. They both worked so hard and efficiently, nothing was a problem for them. I loved hearing the music from the guitar and beautiful singing and their quick sense of humour. Go well ladies, we are so grateful to have… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Tin)
Poor Tin, he was unwell almost the entire time he was here so we didn’t get the opportunity to really get to know him - but when he was feeling well enough to join us, he was lovely, friendly, easy-going and had a great sense of humour. When he could work, he was enthusiastic and willing to help as much as he could. We were grateful for his help… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Tin) for host
I want to say big thank you to Angela and Cam. I had a bit different story since I got sick the very first day of my stay and wasn’t really able to work almost at all. But they been more than understandable about everything, tried to help me as much as they could and I really appreciate it. Aside that the room was very nice same as the whole… read more
3 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Doron)
Wow! What can I say about Doron? Such a warm, friendly, engaging and interesting person. We loved hosting her, she shared so much of herself, her culture, her worldview and cooked some beautiful food. I learned so much and enjoyed every moment. She was conscientious, hard working, and trustworthy. It was a wonderful experience having Doron join… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Hayley & Felix)
Hayley and Felix brought so much positive energy to our household. They won’t know (until they see this) just how much they’ve lifted us all up.
They have a zest for life which flows into all of their conversation and interests and passions, which they seem to balance perfectly with life’s practicalities and common sense. They were wonderful… read more
They have a zest for life which flows into all of their conversation and interests and passions, which they seem to balance perfectly with life’s practicalities and common sense. They were wonderful… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Apr 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniella & David)
Danni and Dave are fun, engaging, friendly and very capable. We only got to host them for a couple of days but from the moment they landed at our place (just two hours before a small event we were hosting!), they fitted right in and basically carried the whole evening. I was so impressed and so enjoyed their company the next day when there was… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Feb 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Nadine & Thomas)
Nadine and Tom are absolutely outstanding helpers and I would recommend them without hesitation to any other host. Tom is outgoing and confident, and Nadine is warm and kind and just generally a beautiful human being. They are both mature, capable and trustworthy and needed no supervision whatsoever.
They carried out some exterior painting of our… read more
They carried out some exterior painting of our… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Feb 2021
Left by Workawayer (Nadine & Thomas) for host
Our week with Ange and Cam was amazing. From the moment we arrived Nadine and I felt so welcome and relaxed as Ange and Cam are such kind and warm-hearted people. They did everything to make us feel at home and part of their family. The room with ensuite was so clean and spacious. The highlights of our stay include the hunting and fishing trips,… read more
15 Feb 2021
Left by Workawayer (Alexa) for host
Was a joy to spend a week with Angela and her family. Lots of great conversations. The whole family was a joy to be around and they taught us so much about kiwi culture. Working the event with Angela was a breeze, she’s the calmest person under pressure we have ever met and put on a beautiful event! Would absolutely recommend taking them up on… read more
25 Jan 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexa)
Alexa and Harold are such cool people, and we were so lucky that they contacted us right when we needed them. As a team, they worked really hard, they are organised, efficient and flexible; separately they both shine in their own way with good humour, competence and maturity. They fitted in perfectly with our family and friends in a variety of… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Mariana) for host
I stayed for a week together with a friend at Angela's place and we felt so welcoming and blessed to have found them! Angela, Cam, Ethan and Ava are just the most lovely and funny family to be around! We had such a good time! Their place is stunning, the work was super easy going and we felt like in a castle with such good conditions! We also had… read more
29 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (giaada)
Giada and Mary are all-round awesome people and we so enjoyed having them stay with us. Conversation is easy and interesting, they’re conscientious and genuine and hardworking. They also baked the most amazing bread and treated our family to a fabulous pizza night (made from scratch!!). What a treat. Thanks so much for all of your help, it’s been… read more
(Excellent
)
20 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Ninon) for host
I was very lucky to arrive in the Lovett family before quarantine, finally two weeks who became two months. But I could not imagine better for a confinement. This family is incredibly generous, they integreted me quickly and help me a lot throughout this period. I discovered the West Coast in Mount Eden Lodge who was a splendid, wild and natural… read more
16 May 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Ninon)
Ninon’s planned two-week stay ended up being nearly nine weeks due to the COVID-19 lockdown. There were good days and bad days for everyone in the family as we adjusted to the new rules and restrictions (and the end of our accommodation business). Her good humour, optimism and character shone throughout and she kept us smiling. Ninon fitted in so… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Gabriela) for host
Angela and her family immediately welcomed me and made me feel comfortable in their home. The work was light and I had lots of time to relax or go on walks in the afternoons. Angela is such a warm and genuine person and I really enjoyed getting to know her through our many chats in the kitchen and during cleaning rooms. Angela and Campbell were… read more
9 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Gabriela)
Gabi is the sweetest, loveliest young woman and it was a pleasure having her stay with us. She is very self-contained and has a quiet strength of character that I found both inspiring and humbling. I learned a lot from her. She carried out her work here efficiently and faultlessly. I would not hesitate to recommend her to any other host. Go well… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Aisling & Alice) for host
To the Lovett family,
We both want to give thanks for having us in your home for two weeks. You invited us into your home with open arms and were really wonderful hosts. We both felt part of your family, learning so much from each of ye. Angela, Campbell, Ava and Ethan were unique in their own way. We got to experience fishing and hunting for the… read more
We both want to give thanks for having us in your home for two weeks. You invited us into your home with open arms and were really wonderful hosts. We both felt part of your family, learning so much from each of ye. Angela, Campbell, Ava and Ethan were unique in their own way. We got to experience fishing and hunting for the… read more
22 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Aisling & Alice)
Aisling and Alice spent two weeks with our family, helping us run our bed and breakfast. There are not enough positive words to describe how wonderful it was having them stay. They were great! So cheerful, friendly and funny, hardworking, trustworthy and helpful. They quickly became part of our family and we all miss them very much. We wish them… read more
(Excellent
)
