Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
9 Apr 2024
Reply rate
96.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
36
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Kia Ora, Gidday, Hola, Bonjour , Salut ,
We are self building on a beautiful rural block of land . We started 9 years ago! It is a labour of love.
We have two friendly furbabies , seven human babies (all grown up and left home). The house build was featured on the first season of NZ's Grand Designs. Yes we were the ones that didn't finish and ran out of money ,haha. The project is more like an Art sculpture than a traditional build .
We need a hand in the next couple.of weeks , really need skilled people please as don't have time to 'teach'
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Alternative building techniques
You would be working on a unique house design which has been described as funky , contemporay . We are 15/20 minutes from three lakes (Wanaka , Dunstan, Hawea) Central Otago is scenic country with many gorgeous walks , tramps , cycle trails and river opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast .
We are also happy to take people on a trial basis , ie come spend a day with us and if you hate the location or the work or us then we will take you back into town no worries. Also if you do want to spend some time and we also want you to spend longer then we are happy to take you into town to a backpackers(or hotel , you would be paying so your choice) for weekends so you can "party' and meet other young people . :-)
Help
Looking for strong fit people with practical skills .the plasterer is due before Easter so in the next two weeks we need to fit skirting etc
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
'BedShed' - cute room with queen bed, insulated and heated . Tea and coffee and microwave.
Caravan - double bed , kitchenette , shower
Also the house has a shower and flush toilet.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We are on a lifestyle block of land so plenty of space
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours per day x 5 days
Host ref number: 622536341937
Feedback (15)
18 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Amparo & Víctor)
Amparo and Victor were so lovely to host. With Mike away their company was lovely even though our eating timetables were rather mismatched! Haha , they went with the flow though and were so nice and easy going. Both hard workers with pretty good DIY skills and.basic common sense. Oh and Victor makes the MOST AMAZEBALLS Flatbread!!
(Excellent
)
18 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Amparo & Víctor) for host
We stayed a few days with Catherin, Berny and Morty helping in the house and enjoying delicious meals that she made for us.
We helped painting the ceilings and sanding the timber for the new house but we also organised timber piles from the shed, cleaned the motorhome or helped Cathy cooking and with office tasks.
She was very generous and nice… read more
We helped painting the ceilings and sanding the timber for the new house but we also organised timber piles from the shed, cleaned the motorhome or helped Cathy cooking and with office tasks.
She was very generous and nice… read more
27 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Tess)
What can I say , Tess and Elea were SO lovely to host. For their ages they have such great attitudes , initiative, maturity but mostly such sweet humans! I'd have loved to have had them longer, their aura was a pure delight.
(Excellent
)
1 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Hana & Scott) for host
Catherine and Mike are great hosts; a caring and welcoming couple who made Hana and I feel very at home.
We planned on staying only a few days but ended up staying closer to a few weeks. Varied jobs, tasty food, and chill/friendly hosts (and their two lil furry beasts that like to show their affection). Would recommend to anyone who is in the… read more
We planned on staying only a few days but ended up staying closer to a few weeks. Varied jobs, tasty food, and chill/friendly hosts (and their two lil furry beasts that like to show their affection). Would recommend to anyone who is in the… read more
26 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Hana & Scott)
Hana and Scott were great to host. They helped with painting , plastering ,cleaning up and always worked hard . Highly recommend these guys .
(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:
(4.8)
Communication:
(5.0)
18 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Amparo & Víctor)
Amparo and Victor were so lovely to host. With Mike away their company was lovely even though our eating timetables were rather mismatched! Haha , they went with the flow though and were so nice and easy going. Both hard workers with pretty good DIY skills and.basic common sense. Oh and Victor makes the MOST AMAZEBALLS Flatbread!!
(Excellent
)
18 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Amparo & Víctor) for host
We stayed a few days with Catherin, Berny and Morty helping in the house and enjoying delicious meals that she made for us.
We helped painting the ceilings and sanding the timber for the new house but we also organised timber piles from the shed, cleaned the motorhome or helped Cathy cooking and with office tasks.
She was very generous and nice… read more
We helped painting the ceilings and sanding the timber for the new house but we also organised timber piles from the shed, cleaned the motorhome or helped Cathy cooking and with office tasks.
She was very generous and nice… read more
27 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Tess)
What can I say , Tess and Elea were SO lovely to host. For their ages they have such great attitudes , initiative, maturity but mostly such sweet humans! I'd have loved to have had them longer, their aura was a pure delight.
(Excellent
)
1 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Hana & Scott) for host
Catherine and Mike are great hosts; a caring and welcoming couple who made Hana and I feel very at home.
We planned on staying only a few days but ended up staying closer to a few weeks. Varied jobs, tasty food, and chill/friendly hosts (and their two lil furry beasts that like to show their affection). Would recommend to anyone who is in the… read more
We planned on staying only a few days but ended up staying closer to a few weeks. Varied jobs, tasty food, and chill/friendly hosts (and their two lil furry beasts that like to show their affection). Would recommend to anyone who is in the… read more
26 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Hana & Scott)
Hana and Scott were great to host. They helped with painting , plastering ,cleaning up and always worked hard . Highly recommend these guys .
(Excellent
)
26 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Alfonso)
Alfonso spent a month with us doing various jobs. He is an incredibly hard worker and such a easy relaxed respectful person to host . Highly recommend him to anyone
(Excellent
)
19 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Amélie)
From the moment I picked up Amelie her vivacious and friendly personality made for a happy trip back to camp. She then worked so hard , above and beyond every day. Her cooking was also appreciated and devoured with delight , great wraps!!! Highly recommended.
(Excellent
)
2 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Amélie) for host
Catherine and Mike are a lovely couple that have an amazing building project going on.
I'm very happy they trusted me enough to let me be a part of it. I helped out wherever I could on their absolutely gorgeous property near to Wanaka.
On my free time I got to explore the surroundings and I loved the many talks during our lunches and dinners… read more
I'm very happy they trusted me enough to let me be a part of it. I helped out wherever I could on their absolutely gorgeous property near to Wanaka.
On my free time I got to explore the surroundings and I loved the many talks during our lunches and dinners… read more
15 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Francesca & Christoph) for host
Catherine & Mike have a wonderfull project ging on at their property in the countryside. What an awesome house! We're very impressed by how the make their dream becoming reality and we're thankfull that we've been a little part of it. These two people are really doing a lot for this project ging to work and they're nice to talk to :).
So the… read more
So the… read more
28 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Laureline)
Laureline spent a week with us and made such a difference in that time. Aside from her hard work ethic ,attention to detail and fabulous initiative her attitude and personality was such a pleasure . Her cooking skill is amazing, and I really appreciated the way she helped with meals. She also generously gave daily yoga lessons. Her energy at our… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Laureline) for host
I spent one week with Catherine and Mike and had an great time. They are hard workers, keen on sharing the amazing adventure of that building project. I did a lot of different things like painting, preparing the job for the plasterer (ie installing little windows and fixing them), moving furniture to clear space for builders. Mike and Catherine… read more
28 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (BellaTerra)
Such a lovely time.hosting Dane and Cole , relaxed ,friendly people . Loved Danes work on our.house and his music . Cole was a pleasure and hardworking. So excited to have her introduce me to herbalism ! With my first brew already underway , thanks Cole ,you have set me on a journey
(Excellent
)
11 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Neo & Rouven)
Neo and Rouven were fantastic help , respectful, hardworking and for young people, showed great initiative. I totally recommend these guys !
(Excellent
)
10 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Neo & Rouven) for host
We had an incredibly positive experience with Catherine and Mike. The week was a great success, both were welcoming and treated us like family. The work was always enjoyable, and every other day, we had the opportunity to explore the surroundings, whether it was using their e-bikes, van, or kayaks to discover Lake Wanaka.
Also Bernie, the little… read more
Also Bernie, the little… read more
9 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (fildefer007) for host
Cathy and Mike are very kind, lovely, funny, interesting...
We had were happy to meet them.
We made coating plastering with lime and clay on the straw bale.We built "lego house" ( said Mike ! ) with straw bales also. (We already knew building with straw bales ! ) it was easy for us !
Cathy prepared very good meals and she's also very good… read more
We had were happy to meet them.
We made coating plastering with lime and clay on the straw bale.We built "lego house" ( said Mike ! ) with straw bales also. (We already knew building with straw bales ! ) it was easy for us !
Cathy prepared very good meals and she's also very good… read more
9 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Marina) for host
It was just so nice staying with you guys!:)
We not only enjoyed the company of mike and cathy and the other workawayers louise and valentine who were amazing, but also the work itself. You learn a lot about different ways to build a house and the effort they put in it. They have so much plans which is truely inspiring. Wish we stayed longer, one… read more
We not only enjoyed the company of mike and cathy and the other workawayers louise and valentine who were amazing, but also the work itself. You learn a lot about different ways to build a house and the effort they put in it. They have so much plans which is truely inspiring. Wish we stayed longer, one… read more
22 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Marina)
Marina was a pleasure to host , for one so young she has an amazingly strong work ethic and also has great initiative , she only needed telling once about jobs . She fitted in very quickly , we only hosted Marina and Jana 3-4 days but still miss them , HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!
(Excellent
)
4 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Claudia & Stijn) for host
Cathy and Mike are awesome hosts! Their strawbale home project is beautiful, the location is great and the work is very diverse: we got to learn how to make concrete, worked with clay and Cathy and Mike are always there to help you out. They’re experienced workaway hosts, very easy to talk to, interested in what you do and where you’re from and… read more
3 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Claudia & Stijn)
Claudia and Stijn styaed with us nearly a week and were capable hardworkers who were so easy to get along with , due to health issues they had to leave for the city and we had no hesitation or reservations about letti g them use our house in the city. A lovely young couple , HIGHLY recommend ( Lisa's words "the Dutchies are SO lovely " xx).
(Excellent
)
3 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Etienne & Nathalie)
Etienne and Nathalie stayed with us a week and despite the fact we never supplied them carrot or Limon cake they exceeded our expectations with their fabulous work ethic ! The excellent scribing of decking around the pole will be forever remembered as their 'pièce de résistance' !! Singing , guitar playing and their hardcase sense of humour were… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Etienne & Nathalie) for host
We spent one week with Cathy and Mike. It was a really great moment. We mostly help them to build a deck.
We learnt a lot about building. Despite the fact that we don't know a lot, they were very patient to explain us how to do.
It's a very pleasant place to stay because Cathy and Mike are welcoming and, don't forget, funny!
There were other… read more
We learnt a lot about building. Despite the fact that we don't know a lot, they were very patient to explain us how to do.
It's a very pleasant place to stay because Cathy and Mike are welcoming and, don't forget, funny!
There were other… read more
3 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Valentin & Louise)
Valentine and Louise styed with us over a week and were fantastic to host !! Extremely hardworking , skilled, capable and with a great sense of humour we wished we could have hosted them longer and hope they will return in winter !
(Excellent
)
3 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jonáš & Šárka)
Jonas and Sarka stayed with us 3-4 days and helped us with our straw-cob 'bed-shed' and deck for our main house. They were a pleasure to host , very hardworking , quick to understand and complete jobs and had happy and humorous personalities .
(Excellent
)
22 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jana)
Jana was with us 3-4 days and was very helpful , she has a beautiful warm positive energy and really throws herself into work 110 percent! I would highly recommend her to hosts for example when she arrived i was extremely busy but she introduced herself and was helping make dinner within 5 minutes !!
(Excellent
)
21 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jana) for host
we spent 4 days with cathy, mike, mac & morty and we loved it!! it was such amazing to be a part of this project and to have the chance to see the progress after a day of work! we have learned so much and we are so thankful they hosted us. Cathy is an awesome cook and it was always a good atmosphere at working on the house with her and mike :)… read more
9 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Kirsten)
Kirsten was with us a week and right from the start her pleasant manner meant she fitted in and was extremely helpful . Great tractor driving skills too !
Highly recommend her .
Highly recommend her .
(Excellent
)
9 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Deirdre)
Dee was so lovely to host , she worked 110% and her pleasant manner was lovely . Highly recommend her .
(Excellent
)
9 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Rosalyn & Jacomo)
Jac and Rosie and their friend Sinead were a lot of fun to have around , great workers and an extra thanks to Jac who not only worked hard but had great initiative and practical skills . Hope the rest of your travels are going well!
(Excellent
)
1 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (Rosalyn & Jacomo) for host
We loved our stay with Catherine and Mike! The house is an amazing build and fantastic project to have been able to help out on. We camped on the land which is surrounded by stunning views and loved using the spa pool in the evenings. The work was really interesting and we learnt a lot about building and design from two very knowledgable people!… read more
9 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Sinead)
Absolutely fabulous fun , fit and fruitful workers!
(Excellent
)
13 Sep 2015
Left by Workawayer (Christopher) for host
Catherine and Mike were more than accommodating and had lots of knowledge to share about building. The home they are constructing is gorgeous, full of curves and beautifully designed. I had the pleasure of staying with them for four days and helping them build their breath taking house!
If the awesome construction project they are working on… read more
If the awesome construction project they are working on… read more
4 Feb 2015
Left by Workawayer (Frederic & Caroline) for host
we spend nearly 2 weeks with Mickael and Catherine, it was really nice. It's a fabulous couple with a beautifull project. Great experience spending in a wondefull place. Thank you very much Catherine and Mickael, we'll never forget yo. we look forward to see this house finished. Hope to see you one day maybe in Guadeloupe? Keep going you're doing… read more
12 Jan 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Wim)
Wim was with us approx two weeks , He is a really hard and capable worker and we really appreciated his help with our house build. He was a pleasure to host :-) Highly recommend Wim .
(Excellent
)
12 Jan 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Darren & Brett)
Darren and Brett were with us approx one week and in that time helped with various tasks on our house build . Some jobs were tedious but they always had a smile and enthusiasm , very easy and interesting to chat to , high integrity also , we really enjoyed having them , highly recommend this couple .
(Excellent
)
17 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Alex & Amanda)
Alex and Amanda were great! really relaxed and easy to ge on with and very capable and hardworking around the build site . Alex has great initiative and very handy with his tools and building skills . Amanda you totally impressed us the way you got on the end of that big heavy grinder!! Also loved the creativity shown hanging our fairy… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Alex & Amanda) for host
We only stayed with Cathy and Mike for 3 days, maybe even less than that, but in such a short space of time, they made us feel so welcome and cared for. It was so nice to meet such down to earth people.
We're both big, big fans of Grand Designs, as well having interests to build our own place one day, so this was an amazing experience for us.… read more
We're both big, big fans of Grand Designs, as well having interests to build our own place one day, so this was an amazing experience for us.… read more
