Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
12 Jun 2025
Reply rate
92.3 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
49
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Alpacas on a 15 acre plot in the Bay of Islands need your help! We have 6 alpacas, ducks, a rooster and his chickies, two horses grazing here and our two lovely rescue dogs, Honey and Turi. We're originally from Kenya, used to run a backpackers there, so we love meeting new people and talking about their travels. We constantly need people to help out - whether it's a new project or tweaking an old one!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I always feel that a cultural exchange works both ways - we learn from you and you might learn from us. We love talking about things and love listening to other people's adventures.
Help
We're looking someone who can help out around the property from feeding the alpacas to helping out around the house or using the ride on mower. We're pretty easy going about hours so you would have plenty of time to do your own thing. We've had people come here for a week and stay for seven months so we really are very flexible.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Swahili (Kiswahili): FluentThis host offers a language exchange
Am fluent in Swahili which is kind of fun!!
Accommodation
There are two separate and private cabins in the garden with a shared kitchen/dining area, wifi and bathroom. You'd have your own space and privacy, complete with a small bbq to use. We don't provide food, you would be totally independent but there is a good pantry and a starter pack or welcome meal so you don't starve and if we happen to be baking or making icecream, am sure some will head your way!
What else ...
In the 'Winterless North' ideally situated in between Kerikeri and Waipapa with the famous Rainbow Falls just a stroll away, which is not only beautiful but the ideal place for a swim on a hot day! There's no public transport here, so a car would be handy, but not vital if you dont mind a walk and we have bikes you can borrow. Pahia and Russell are 20 mins away....it's simply a great place to explore the Bay of Islands. If you're into fishing then it's the perfect place if you're not there are stunning beaches to explore and it really is a hikers paradise with the Te Araroa going right by our door!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have given up with NZ wifi and now have Starlink installed so there is fast and unlimited wifi available!
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 819378475471
Feedback (27)
2 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Katrin & Joshua)
We loved having Katrin and Josh here - they were a delight to be with and great workers! Clean, tidy, happy and so easy going! They were super cool about trying everything new and old from sorting out our internet to clearing the ditches after one of our many storms. They were both lovely to socialise with and interesting to talk to....and Josh is… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Katrin & Joshua) for host
We had a lovely time during our two weeks' workaway with Theo and Doug. They are two wonderfully easygoing, friendly, and sociable individuals. Not to forget the most important characters on the property: Honey and Torey (the two dogs)!
Theo and Doug always showed an interest in what we were doing in our free time and were very helpful in… read more
Theo and Doug always showed an interest in what we were doing in our free time and were very helpful in… read more
5 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Tanja)
Tanja was a joy to have stay. She loved being here and it showed with everything she did - her work was great, she took pride in what she was doing and she simply adored the area and exploring which was a pleasure for us to see! We found her to be cheerful, hardworking and took everything in her stride - not fazed when a particularly wet smelly… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Tanja) for host
Theo and Dough are wonderful hosts! After spending some time working in the garden and completing tasks around the house, I had a lot of free time to explore the local area. There are beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails nearby. Their dogs are so cute and always want to play with you or get some cuddles!
5 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara & Júlia)
Such a pleasure to have these two delightful girls to stay. They're work was excellent with no task too big or small, inside or outside. We found them to be fun, interesting...kind and polite and with hidden talents! We were entertaining and asked them to join us and also if they could maybe help with making some sushi. We were blown away when… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Sara & Júlia) for host
Theo and Dougie were amazing hosts. They treated us so well and we learnt so much with them. We learnt about gardening, cooking and the new zealand culture. We had lots of free time which was great to go out and about and see some waterfalls, farmers markets and nearby towns. Thank you so much to these wonderful hosts, for making us feel welcome… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(5.0)
2 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Katrin & Joshua)
We loved having Katrin and Josh here - they were a delight to be with and great workers! Clean, tidy, happy and so easy going! They were super cool about trying everything new and old from sorting out our internet to clearing the ditches after one of our many storms. They were both lovely to socialise with and interesting to talk to....and Josh is… read more
(Excellent)
1 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Katrin & Joshua) for host
We had a lovely time during our two weeks' workaway with Theo and Doug. They are two wonderfully easygoing, friendly, and sociable individuals. Not to forget the most important characters on the property: Honey and Torey (the two dogs)!
Theo and Doug always showed an interest in what we were doing in our free time and were very helpful in… read more
Theo and Doug always showed an interest in what we were doing in our free time and were very helpful in… read more
5 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Tanja)
Tanja was a joy to have stay. She loved being here and it showed with everything she did - her work was great, she took pride in what she was doing and she simply adored the area and exploring which was a pleasure for us to see! We found her to be cheerful, hardworking and took everything in her stride - not fazed when a particularly wet smelly… read more
(Excellent)
30 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Tanja) for host
Theo and Dough are wonderful hosts! After spending some time working in the garden and completing tasks around the house, I had a lot of free time to explore the local area. There are beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails nearby. Their dogs are so cute and always want to play with you or get some cuddles!
5 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara & Júlia)
Such a pleasure to have these two delightful girls to stay. They're work was excellent with no task too big or small, inside or outside. We found them to be fun, interesting...kind and polite and with hidden talents! We were entertaining and asked them to join us and also if they could maybe help with making some sushi. We were blown away when… read more
(Excellent)
12 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Sara & Júlia) for host
Theo and Dougie were amazing hosts. They treated us so well and we learnt so much with them. We learnt about gardening, cooking and the new zealand culture. We had lots of free time which was great to go out and about and see some waterfalls, farmers markets and nearby towns. Thank you so much to these wonderful hosts, for making us feel welcome… read more
25 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Axel & Léa)
Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
3 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Grace)
We loved having Grace and Devan stay with us - such a lovely couple! They loved the area and the beautiful beaches here...as we all do and explored the wonderful hikes and beaches around here. They were great workers - from house work to planting tomatoes - all done with a smile and a laugh so it really didnt feel like work at all but a pleasure.… read more
(Excellent)
2 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Grace) for host
Our two weeks with Theo and Doug was a super chill stay in a beautiful area! They both gave us tasks around their farm and in the house from weeding, pruning, feeding horse's vacuuming etc. Such a Cosy cabin and cute dogs. Best Louisiana plums we've both had and Doug's homemade limoncello was delicious. We both enjoyed helping out with the party… read more
13 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Let me start by saying Theo and Doug are extremely nice! I cannot stress this enough, they were very friendly and easy going people. But unfortunately the reality of this workaway is very different from the photos and other reviews. The accommodation is awful. We were expected to stay in a shed / garage that is cold, damp and drafty. The kitchen /… read more
25 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Arne & Lena)
What a lovely couple! They fitted in so well, were always cheerful and willing and if they werent sure on something, they asked us what to do. Quiet, polite, hardworking and Lena is an excellent cook! Her cakes were a delight. They were very responsible looking after everything when we went away and Arne did his best to tame our neurotic chickens.… read more
(Excellent)
25 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Arne & Lena) for host
If you want to know what easy going means, visit Theo and Doug. They were our first workaway experience and we couldn't have asked for a better host.
We arrived earlier than planned due to a problem with our car, but Theo managed to find us a place to stay even though they were fully booked. Theo is really generous as she invited all her woofers… read more
We arrived earlier than planned due to a problem with our car, but Theo managed to find us a place to stay even though they were fully booked. Theo is really generous as she invited all her woofers… read more
21 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Olivia & Freddy)
Initially Livia and Freddy asked to come as workaways but we asked them instead, to be dog sitters for us while we went away for 12 days. They arrived and were given a huge laborious manual on how to look after our two precious pooches and immediately I knew that everything would be fine by the way they went through all the instructions… read more
(Excellent)
21 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Olivia & Freddy) for host
Theo and Doug were very welcoming and accommodating. We were there to look after their two lovely dogs which we enjoyed. The house, animals, and grounds were lovely. Theo was always great at communicating quickly and was very helpful.
Great waterfalls close by and a nice little town. We didn’t do a lot of farm work itself as we were there mainly… read more
Great waterfalls close by and a nice little town. We didn’t do a lot of farm work itself as we were there mainly… read more
13 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Mirko & Elina)
What pleasure it was to have Mirko and Elena come and stay. They came to help and left as friends, cant really say much more than that! They were here over the festive season and threw themselves into the spirit of things, helping in the kitchen, setting up for our 20 friends and mingling with them. Then it was a significant birthday and they… read more
(Excellent)
1 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Mirko & Elina) for host
This is the perfect place to start a workaway experience. Theo and Doug are super welcoming hosts and helping you in every need. The property is big, beautiful and there is always something to do. The main work is gardening or some little helps in the household. The work is easy to handle and also a bit fun. Theo and Doug are always aware and make… read more
4 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Caitlin & Nathan)
We loved having Caitlin and Nathan stay with us for a month. They were such a lovely couple to have here - considerate, hardworking, conscientious, fun and always happy. They flung themselves with aplomb at all the various jobs we asked them to do from fixing a roof, cutting down trees to playing with the dog and polishing the brass. Nothing… read more
(Excellent)
3 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Caitlin & Nathan) for host
We had a brilliant time staying with Doug and Theo. The help was fair and they were very conscious of us only helping the three hours per day. Our accommodation was a very cosy cabin and we had a chance to meet other workaways in the shared communal area. The tasks was varied and enjoyable. Doug and Theo are brilliant hosts and gave us lots of… read more
1 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Noah & Florian) for host
Theo and Douglas Farm was our first workaway experience and we really enjoyed it.
We had a lovely two weeks at the beautiful Bay of Islands. The sleeping area is private with a pool table and darts board. It is also nice that you can get to know other Workawayers through the two separate sleeping areas but shared kitchen. The work was very fair… read more
We had a lovely two weeks at the beautiful Bay of Islands. The sleeping area is private with a pool table and darts board. It is also nice that you can get to know other Workawayers through the two separate sleeping areas but shared kitchen. The work was very fair… read more
12 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (GosiaTraveler)
Although she was only with us for a few days we thoroughly enjoyed having Gosia stay with us. She was super keen, very conscientious and incredibly cheerful! If our dates had worked better we would have been happy to have her stay longer.
(Excellent)
9 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (GosiaTraveler) for host
Theo and Douglas are super welcoming from the very first moment! :) The space which they offer it's more than enough. I enjoyed staying in my own, little house where and it felt so cosy. The sharing space for work-away's workers which include the kitchen and the bathroom reminds me the hostel's vibes which is awesome! You will find there anything… read more
31 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Isobelle) for host
What a brilliant first workaway experience! Theo and Doug are very generous people and will look after you during your stay. Listen to their local recommendations for where to walk, swim, eat, visit and where to hitchhike from... they've got all the local goss!
The help is not difficult and is honestly very enjoyable, especially if there's… read more
The help is not difficult and is honestly very enjoyable, especially if there's… read more
27 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Kara & Joanna) for host
We were at Theo and Doug's for 3 weeks, but sadly we didn't get to know them very well as we were helping look after the place while they were on holiday. We did some gardening/weeding, feeding the animals, and hanging out with their two dogs, Honey and Turi. Our interactions with them were positive, they were both very nice. Doug even let us use… read more
12 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Natalia Mireya & Nicol)
What a pleasure it was to have them here! Happy, keen, conscientious and thoughtful. They came for 2 weeks and stayed for 2 months! No task was too big or too small - from varnishing, polishing or cleaning out the chicken coop and digging ditches. Their joy in everything was infectious and our dogs simply adored them. We were very happy to go away… read more
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ansgar) for host
It was just beautiful!
Plenty of space for us guests, and a welcoming attitude of the hosts. I enjoyed my stay very much, and highly recommend this host. It was just heartbreaking to see Honey the dog with sad eyes on my last day, when I picked my backpack out of my hosts car.
A loving, caring and healthy place.
Plenty of space for us guests, and a welcoming attitude of the hosts. I enjoyed my stay very much, and highly recommend this host. It was just heartbreaking to see Honey the dog with sad eyes on my last day, when I picked my backpack out of my hosts car.
A loving, caring and healthy place.
15 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host
Stayed with Theo and Doug for 3 weeks and couldn't have asked for a better first workaway experience. Working tasks and hours were totally transparent with generally gardening related tasks and some basic house renovation.
There was also great flexibility offered for hours worked to accommodate an extra day off if you wished which I made use of… read more
There was also great flexibility offered for hours worked to accommodate an extra day off if you wished which I made use of… read more
26 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Johanna) for host
Theo and Doug are amazinggggg people. Both of them welcomed me with open arms on their beautiful farm. They always made sure, that everyone is comfortable. We had our own kitchen and lounge area and everyone had their own room. Their two dogs are such sweethearts, I will miss them a lot. I did a variety of tasks at their place, on sunny days we… read more
11 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gisele) for host
Theo and Douglas were the best first hosts a workawayer could ask for.
Not only is their property absolutely gorgeous, but I enjoyed many of the tasks I did during my stay. I never knew that pressure washing could be so satisfying and I can now check alpaca shearing off my bucket list. Theo's garden so beautiful; it was a delight to help her make… read more
Not only is their property absolutely gorgeous, but I enjoyed many of the tasks I did during my stay. I never knew that pressure washing could be so satisfying and I can now check alpaca shearing off my bucket list. Theo's garden so beautiful; it was a delight to help her make… read more
6 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jonathan)
Jonathan was a joy to host. Very willing and capable, polite and tidy and always cheerful and happy. He stayed with us over the Christmas period and was more than happy to help out organising things and then meeting our friends. Aside from that he was great in the garden with weeding and he was so very keen to learn. Would recommend him to anyone… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jonathan) for host
Thanks Theo and Doug!
I stayed about two weeks over Christmas and New Years and had a great time. I immediately felt welcome, because the two of them ask how things are going practically every day.😊
The work was very relaxed, a bit of gardening/weeding and spontaneous things that came up because of the festivals.
Since I'm traveling without a car,… read more
I stayed about two weeks over Christmas and New Years and had a great time. I immediately felt welcome, because the two of them ask how things are going practically every day.😊
The work was very relaxed, a bit of gardening/weeding and spontaneous things that came up because of the festivals.
Since I'm traveling without a car,… read more
5 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna-Lena & Mara)
Anna Lena and Mara were a delight to host. They stayed with us over the Christmas period and were incredible - helping us get ready for 24 people coming for lunch on the day - to the point that they worked Christmas eve and on Christmas day itself, when they met all our friends who found them to be totally charming. Other than that they were great… read more
(Excellent)
4 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Anna-Lena & Mara) for host
We stayed with Theo, Doug, Turi and Honey over Christmas and it was absolutely amazing!
Theo and Doug were always friendly , welcomed us with open arms, gave us a lot of recommendations on what to explore and were always up for a nice chat.
Work was always easy, it contained weeding and mostly preparing the property for Christmas.
We are so… read more
Theo and Doug were always friendly , welcomed us with open arms, gave us a lot of recommendations on what to explore and were always up for a nice chat.
Work was always easy, it contained weeding and mostly preparing the property for Christmas.
We are so… read more
30 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Tristan & Karli)
Tristan and Kali were a joy! We absolutely loved having them here. We were lucky enough to have them them here for nearly a month and it was just great! No job was too big, too small or too difficult, they were always happy to give it a go - whether it was restoring an old brass chest to shinning up a tree with a chainsaw. They were hardworking,… read more
(Excellent)
29 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Tristan & Karli) for host
Theo, Doug, and of course Turi and Honey were all wonderful to stay with. Wake up in your private cabin to the sound of Tuis and other native birds, enjoy time with a fresh clutch of ducklings while you make breakfast in your own kitchen space! The work included landscaping, tidying, trimming of bushes, gardening, and was easy and enjoyable.… read more
3 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Celine)
Celine was a treasure and a delight! She arrived just as we were having some messy renovations done to our house and she was a marvel. Cleaning all the unbelievable amounts of dirt and dust with a smile. When the house was back to relative normal she leapt into action in the garden. She was a joy to have here, always smiling, quiet, polite and we… read more
(Excellent)
22 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Celine) for host
I really enjoyed this wonderful 2-week stay at Theo and Doug's. They are such lovely hosts, easy going, funny, and caring, always making sure I don't miss anything and that I make the most of my time. Also they were very thankful of any jobs and reminded me not to do over time!
"Work" consisted in cleaning up and restoring order after the chaos… read more
"Work" consisted in cleaning up and restoring order after the chaos… read more
13 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Ernest)
We loved having Ernest here! We found him to be hardworking, conscientious and very willing to give anything a go. We not only enjoyed his company, we loved chatting to him and sharing experiences, but found him to be very knowledgeable about everything - whether it was in the garden or fixing a beloved antique chest for me. Would highly recommend… read more
(Excellent)
12 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Ernest) for host
Spending time with Theo, Doug and pets, in their charming environment, was delightful. They are very relaxed, friendly and generous folk. Learning about their time in Africa and comparing notes was interesting, as was learning about their region, getting to explore it and meeting their local friends and neighbours. The tasks were very enjoyable… read more
1 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Eelke & Jimmy)
Eelke and Jimmy came to help out for a few weeks and left as friends. A joy to have staying here - conscientious, hardworking, cheerful and enthusiastic. We were so sad to see them go but happy as we know they will be back! Thank you for everything....the ducks are still waiting for their next Zoom call :)
(Excellent)
31 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Eelke & Jimmy) for host
We stayed 3 weeks with Theo and Douglas and absolutely loved it. They made us feel at home and where very generous sharing their place and property with us. We helped out with lots of different things, inside and outside, with the (veggie)garden and lovely animals. They gave us tips of things to do in the area, which is really beautiful.
Thanks… read more
Thanks… read more
13 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah-Isabella & Carolin Miriam)
Carolin and Sara were an absolute delight!! Hard working, conscientious, sunny and funny.....No job was too big or too small and even collecting alpaca pooh became fun! Their knowledge has become their legacy and we are reaping the rewards from the now blossoming veggie patch! We were so lucky to have them here and only wish they could have stayed… read more
(Excellent)
5 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Sarah-Isabella & Carolin Miriam) for host
It was great staying with Theo, Doug, Honey, Tori and all the alpacas, cows and ducks etc. for three amazing weeks. If we hadn't had a tight travel schedule, we would have definitely extended our stay. We mainly helped them gardening and create their new vegetable patches. It was a pleasure to support them in every possible way we could. Theo and… read more
4 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Naomi & Gianpiero)
Naomi and JP came and stayed with us for a month and were such an asset to have here. Cheerful, hardworking, conscientious and very house proud - our house was gleaming by the time they left! No job was too hard or too difficult and we really appreciated learning from their experiences and knowledge. We wish them all the best in the future and… read more
(Very good)
29 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Naomi & Gianpiero) for host
Staying and working with Theo, Douglas and their multitude of furry friends, chickens include has been a delight! The accommodation was comfortable and had everything that we needed and more. We were greeted warmly and continued to feel welcome and appreciated for the entire month that we stayed. The work was varied and matched our skills and… read more
7 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
They arrived promptly...looked around and left. Three hours later I received a text saying that the accommodation was not up to standard???!! We have had countless people coming here thanks to workaway - some have extended their stay and lived here for months. This couple asked us to bend our rules - we normally only have long stays and they… read more
(Negative)
23 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Tiffany)
John and Tiffany came and worked our farm for two weeks in September and we thoroughly enjoyed having them. They were hard working, conscientious, quiet and cheerful. John was wonderful working on our new veggie garden, building the structure and was more than capable to work away by himself. Tiffany had the arduous task of thinning out flax and… read more
(Very good)
5 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Gaia)
Gaia was great! Very easy going, hard working and generally got stuck in and fitted in. Most importantly, Honey, our very discerning dog adored her! Would recommend her to anyone and would welcome her back anytime. Thanks!
(Excellent)
5 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Gaia) for host
Theo and Douglas were very kind and helpful guests! The place is very quiet, close to the Bay of Islands and to many waterfalls. The work mostly was cleaning the garden, a few hours in the morning. Thank you for this experience!
21 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ulrike) for host
Theo and Douglas are great workaway hosts. They are absolute caring when it comes to the working hours. 2 hours a day in exchange for accommodation.
I followed their suggestion to work 4 hours on Monday Tuesday and take Wednesday, Thursday of, worked Friday 4 hours and had the full weekend off. It turns out to be just awesome. There are such a… read more
I followed their suggestion to work 4 hours on Monday Tuesday and take Wednesday, Thursday of, worked Friday 4 hours and had the full weekend off. It turns out to be just awesome. There are such a… read more
