Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
11 Apr 2024
Reply rate
60.0 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
24
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Come spend sometime on the beautiful East Coast of New Zealand
We are a family of 4 my husband (farmer) and I (teacher) and our 2 childten 11 & 13. We live on a sheep and beef farm on the East Coast. Looking for 1 or 2 people.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We live on a large sheep and beef farm, so if you want the opportunity to experience the workings of a real NZ farm. We have lots of pets you can hang out with (sheep, calves, pigs, horses and ponies). You can go on farm walks, ride a horse or just relax in the afternoons taking in the view. Visit one of the local beaches, borrowing a surfboard or fishing rod.
I am also a primary school teacher part-time at the local school so opportunities to attend school activities or even visit are possible.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Most help usually in and around the garden, planting, weeding, cutting back and general garden maintenance. If weather isn't great outside, then help in the house and a bit of painting.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Own bedroom in family house with a queen bed. Three meals a day in return for 4 hours work in the morning, help yourself to breakfast and lunch and then I am happy to cook dinner unless you wish to.
What else ...
Own transport is a must, as we are 45minutes from the main city Gisborne and there is no public transport and this allows you to explore what the area has to offer. The beautiful beaches of the East Coast are only minutes away, take a swim, surf or fish. The famous Tolaga Bay wharf is also only a 5 minute drive where you can take a walk down or if feeling brave jump off. Also, there is the Cooks Cove walk, which takes in a mixture of farmland and native bush not to mention views of the coast and sea.
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
4 hrs a day, (flexible) shorter hours on the weekends
Host ref number: 542385293582
Feedback (12)
6 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ella)
We had Ella stay for about a week. She did 2 mornings in the garden, weeding and cutting back. She did this to a high standard and worked quickly.
Ella then housesat while we were away... feeding our 5 sheep dogs, and our house dog and 2 cats, also watering the garden as needed.
On our return the house was left as we found it. Thank you!
Ella… read more
Ella then housesat while we were away... feeding our 5 sheep dogs, and our house dog and 2 cats, also watering the garden as needed.
On our return the house was left as we found it. Thank you!
Ella… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Devin ) for host
We stayed for 2 weeks and had such a fabulous time! Nicola was so helpful in explaining each task we needed to do everyday and was always around, or a text away when we needed her. Our jobs included cooking, light house cleaning, gardening and painting. We shared dinner with the family every night and always felt welcomed. Their daughters were… read more
15 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Devin )
Devin & Kenna stayed with us for 2 weeks. They were a pleasure to have!
Both did a variety of jobs during their stay; child minding, cooking, painting, hedge trimming and window cleaning. This was all done with a smile and even made the most mundane jobs look fun!
They were very easy to host, with great conversation and lots of laughs. Both… read more
Both did a variety of jobs during their stay; child minding, cooking, painting, hedge trimming and window cleaning. This was all done with a smile and even made the most mundane jobs look fun!
They were very easy to host, with great conversation and lots of laughs. Both… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Camille)
Camille stayed with us for 9 nights. She was very easy to have in the house. A happy and helpful person, where nothing was a problem.
Camille cleaned, sanded and painted 2 doors which were in a terrible state, but looked great when she had finished. She also helped paint the outside of the hut. Trimmed some hedging and cleaned some windows.
I… read more
Camille cleaned, sanded and painted 2 doors which were in a terrible state, but looked great when she had finished. She also helped paint the outside of the hut. Trimmed some hedging and cleaned some windows.
I… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Camille) for host
Where do I start to describe this wonderful family ..?
I stayed for 9 days and they were so fast !
The house is lovely, surrounded by cows and sheeps, and the room was super comfy.
My work here was mainly painting doors and walls for the new hut, also a little bit of cleaning.
Most of all, the family was incredible, kind hearted and with a… read more
I stayed for 9 days and they were so fast !
The house is lovely, surrounded by cows and sheeps, and the room was super comfy.
My work here was mainly painting doors and walls for the new hut, also a little bit of cleaning.
Most of all, the family was incredible, kind hearted and with a… 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 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ella)
We had Ella stay for about a week. She did 2 mornings in the garden, weeding and cutting back. She did this to a high standard and worked quickly.
Ella then housesat while we were away... feeding our 5 sheep dogs, and our house dog and 2 cats, also watering the garden as needed.
On our return the house was left as we found it. Thank you!
Ella… read more
Ella then housesat while we were away... feeding our 5 sheep dogs, and our house dog and 2 cats, also watering the garden as needed.
On our return the house was left as we found it. Thank you!
Ella… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Devin ) for host
We stayed for 2 weeks and had such a fabulous time! Nicola was so helpful in explaining each task we needed to do everyday and was always around, or a text away when we needed her. Our jobs included cooking, light house cleaning, gardening and painting. We shared dinner with the family every night and always felt welcomed. Their daughters were… read more
15 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Devin )
Devin & Kenna stayed with us for 2 weeks. They were a pleasure to have!
Both did a variety of jobs during their stay; child minding, cooking, painting, hedge trimming and window cleaning. This was all done with a smile and even made the most mundane jobs look fun!
They were very easy to host, with great conversation and lots of laughs. Both… read more
Both did a variety of jobs during their stay; child minding, cooking, painting, hedge trimming and window cleaning. This was all done with a smile and even made the most mundane jobs look fun!
They were very easy to host, with great conversation and lots of laughs. Both… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Camille)
Camille stayed with us for 9 nights. She was very easy to have in the house. A happy and helpful person, where nothing was a problem.
Camille cleaned, sanded and painted 2 doors which were in a terrible state, but looked great when she had finished. She also helped paint the outside of the hut. Trimmed some hedging and cleaned some windows.
I… read more
Camille cleaned, sanded and painted 2 doors which were in a terrible state, but looked great when she had finished. She also helped paint the outside of the hut. Trimmed some hedging and cleaned some windows.
I… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Camille) for host
Where do I start to describe this wonderful family ..?
I stayed for 9 days and they were so fast !
The house is lovely, surrounded by cows and sheeps, and the room was super comfy.
My work here was mainly painting doors and walls for the new hut, also a little bit of cleaning.
Most of all, the family was incredible, kind hearted and with a… read more
I stayed for 9 days and they were so fast !
The house is lovely, surrounded by cows and sheeps, and the room was super comfy.
My work here was mainly painting doors and walls for the new hut, also a little bit of cleaning.
Most of all, the family was incredible, kind hearted and with a… read more
26 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Margaret)
Although Riley was only here for 5 days, it was fantastic to have her help! Nothing was a problem and she was very easy going. Riley did a variety of jobs while she was here, weeding, digging and transplanting plants, horse riding and painting.
Thank you so much for your help. You will have to return to NZ when the weather is warmer. All the best… read more
Thank you so much for your help. You will have to return to NZ when the weather is warmer. All the best… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Sep 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Celine)
Celine was a very kind person who not only worked hard while she was here, but easily fitted into family life.
Celine planned on being here 3 days then housesitting for a week while we were away and feeding animals. However, lockdown hit, so she was stuck here for another 3 weeks. During this time she spread a lot of mulch on my garden and on… read more
Celine planned on being here 3 days then housesitting for a week while we were away and feeding animals. However, lockdown hit, so she was stuck here for another 3 weeks. During this time she spread a lot of mulch on my garden and on… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Celine) for host
I had such a nice experience staying with this kindhearted family in a beautiful farm with stunning views. Very pleasant and relaxing time. Did also a week house sitting with their lovely dog and cats but when they came back it turned out it was lockdown so they were very kind to keep me safe and making me part of the family. So all in all I… read more
11 Mar 2021
Left by Workawayer (Coralie & Lee) for host
Nicola accepted our last minute request and we are very thankful.
The whole family is very welcoming and we had an amazing stay. We would work in the mornings, clean windows, cut flowers, a little bit of weeding, easy and enjoyable tasks.
Then we had our afternoon free and we spend quality time with Nicola and her 2 daughters (Patch was away for… read more
The whole family is very welcoming and we had an amazing stay. We would work in the mornings, clean windows, cut flowers, a little bit of weeding, easy and enjoyable tasks.
Then we had our afternoon free and we spend quality time with Nicola and her 2 daughters (Patch was away for… read more
9 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Coralie & Lee)
Coralie & Lee were last minute workaways who stayed with us for 3 nights.
They were efficent in their work cleaning windows and doing some garden maintenance.
They were a pleasure to have stay, even cooking us a delicious dinner, which got the thumbs up from the kids!
You will not be disappointed if you are lucky to have these two stay.
Thanks… read more
They were efficent in their work cleaning windows and doing some garden maintenance.
They were a pleasure to have stay, even cooking us a delicious dinner, which got the thumbs up from the kids!
You will not be disappointed if you are lucky to have these two stay.
Thanks… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Jan 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Velvet & Jack)
Lovely couple!
Jack and Velvet did a a morning weeding and spreading pea hay on a hot summer's day. I was impressed by their upbeat personalities and to the high standard they worked.
They then house-sat for a week and had our house cat and dog to feed and care for. Plus 7 sheep dogs to feed, water and exercise daily. Also, the watering of my… read more
Jack and Velvet did a a morning weeding and spreading pea hay on a hot summer's day. I was impressed by their upbeat personalities and to the high standard they worked.
They then house-sat for a week and had our house cat and dog to feed and care for. Plus 7 sheep dogs to feed, water and exercise daily. Also, the watering of my… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Jan 2021
Left by Workawayer (Velvet & Jack) for host
We had a fantastic experience at this workaway!
For the most part during our time there we were house sitting the family's beautiful home whilst they were away on holiday over Christmas. Looking after Larry the dog and Steven the cat was so much fun, they have great personalities and we will miss them heaps! We also watered the garden and fed the… read more
For the most part during our time there we were house sitting the family's beautiful home whilst they were away on holiday over Christmas. Looking after Larry the dog and Steven the cat was so much fun, they have great personalities and we will miss them heaps! We also watered the garden and fed the… read more
26 Oct 2020
Left by Workawayer (Manuel & Rachelle) for host
beautiful place and family for a stop over.
It was very nice to work for Nicola, jobs were nice and easy, 4 hours a day, gardening or working in side if it was raining.
totally recommend it.
thanks
It was very nice to work for Nicola, jobs were nice and easy, 4 hours a day, gardening or working in side if it was raining.
totally recommend it.
thanks
23 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Andreas)
Ande stayed with us for one week. He was extremely easy to have to stay, being polite, and punctual and happy to do dishes, thank you! He worked independently painting fences for us. We loved how Ande made the most of his time here exploring the area. Best of luck with the rest of your travels, the family
(Excellent
)
23 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Andreas) for host
I've had a wonderful time at Nicola's and Patch's place. I felt very welcome there right from the getgo and I enjoyed their company. The place up there is just absolutely beautiful. Definetly the most stunning place to live I have seen so far. The work was staining some fences which was easy to do. Work hours were flexible which I appreciate. Can… read more
30 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Juha-Matti & Elisa)
Juha and Elise, were happy, polite, punctual and worked to a high standard
Although these two lovely people only stayed with us for 3 nights, they ticked off a few jobs, thank you!
They mainly helped me in the garden and cleaned my windows (never looked cleaner).
They took the opportunity to explore the area in their afternoon's off.
All the… read more
Although these two lovely people only stayed with us for 3 nights, they ticked off a few jobs, thank you!
They mainly helped me in the garden and cleaned my windows (never looked cleaner).
They took the opportunity to explore the area in their afternoon's off.
All the… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Juha-Matti & Elisa) for host
Such a stunningly beautiful home and a wonderful family! We really enjoyed our few days there, time went by really quickly. We wish to have stayed longer time but we had other things already planned...
The chores we did were not too hard; mostly we did gardening and washed windows.
Your daughters are amazing, funny and smart and so talented with… read more
The chores we did were not too hard; mostly we did gardening and washed windows.
Your daughters are amazing, funny and smart and so talented with… read more
10 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Valentine & Laure) for host
After 5 months travelling, I could not have asked for better place to settle down for a while than this family and this amazing place. Work was not hard at all and I had all my afternoons free. It was my first workaway experience, as well as my first surfing experience, thank you for that !! A morning I also had the chance to go with Patch on the… read more
7 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Marlein)
Marlein stayed with us for over 2 weeks after only planning on staying 3 days which was lucky for us! In that time she completed a range of projects, from weeding, water blasting and sanding to painting. She was always happy to give anything a go with a smile. She has a happy easy going nature, with loads of commonsense. She made the most of her… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Marlein) for host
My first workaway experience, and it really couldn't have been better! Thank you so much for an amazing time:)
Nicola accepted our last minute request, and immediately made us feel right at home. She, Patch and the kids make a very kind, fun and outdoorsy family. The farm itself is beautiful, with an even more stunning view on surrounding hills… read more
Nicola accepted our last minute request, and immediately made us feel right at home. She, Patch and the kids make a very kind, fun and outdoorsy family. The farm itself is beautiful, with an even more stunning view on surrounding hills… read more
20 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ivana)
It was lovey having Ivana to stay, even for a short time. She was super cheerful and happy to get stuck into whatever jobs I gave her. From cleaning the outside of the house, to gardening and a bit of sanding, it was no problem. She was very patient with my kids in the afternoon entertaining them with numerous board games. Safe and happy travels.… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ivana) for host
Thank you so much Nicola for taking my friend and me on such a short notice. I wish I could have stayed longer because the farm, your house and family were all beautiful and I had an amazing time. Work was easy and fun, and the rest of the time we spent surfing, playing board games and playing with puppies. Hope to come visit you guys soon!
All… read more
All… read more
7 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Silvan & Melanie) for host
We'll never forget our first "workaway" experience. The family is very kindly and live on a place like in paradise. A very nice house with great view over farmland down to the sea with beautiful sunset. The work was very varied and we could learn some new skills. We enjoyed the good meals and fresh products we could eat always. Also the free… read more
6 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Silvan & Melanie)
I couldnt have asked for better help than Silvan & Melanie. They were hard working, organised and polite. Mostly they worked outside performing garden maintenance, but also painting when it was too wet. They were active in their afternoons off exploring the local area. Anyone who has these 2 to stay would be very lucky. All the best on your… read more
(Excellent
)
