Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
20 Nov 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
18
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
We are a retired couple living on the Kaipara Harbour in Northland. We have a 6 acre lifestyle property with three cows, 8 sheep, 8 chickens, two dogs and three turtles. We have been living here 9 years since returning from France where we worked for several years. We have built a new home on this site and enjoy projects: we grow our own grapes to make wine, we have just completed a greenhouse made from old windows and are currently building chicken runs and planting on our land. We maintain and plant our gardens including a vegetable garden and undertake general maintenance on the property. Our home looks onto the Kaipara Harbour, we are close to the Kauri Museum. Pahi is a great fishing spot. Paparoa village is nearby. We are 40 minutes to Dargaville, 35 to Mangawhai Village and 50 mins to Whangarei. Accommodation comprises your own room, ensuite, internet access (desk). We do require that you have a drivers licence / your own vehicle would be preferred. We like to host two people at a time if at all possible.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House and pet sitting
Interests
Events & social
Sustainability
Pets
Farming
Charity work
Plant care
DIY & crafts
Books
Art & design
Cooking & food
Gardening
Carpentry
Animals
Sailing / Boating
Yoga / Wellness
Fitness
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I speak French and would be willing to help with English. This area is rich in history. We both volunteer at the local Kauri Museum - there is a lot to learn about this area. We are most happy to show our visitors around and host them in exchange for light work though we would prefer travellers who have their own transport as there is no public transport available in the area. We are located in a rural/farming area.
Help
We require help with gardening and general maintenance i.e. waterblasting decks and apply stain, general gardening, help around the farm. Painting of gates and fences. Help in cutting and stacking firewood.
Feeding of animals, cows, chickens, etc. There is always something to do on our small farm and we enjoy the company.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
Speak French and happy to help with English.
Accommodation
Own rooms, ensuite in both bedrooms, separate access but accommodation is provided in our home. Wifi provided. Happy to cook for visitors.
What else ...
Local sights, Kauri Museum, fishing, Mangawhai markets and beach, Waipu Beach, Dargaville and Baylys Beach, Whangarei. Lots of walking and cycling. Surfing at Waipu Cove.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Own desk in room. Wifi access provided.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Bentley and Bisou (2 dogs)
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (9)
They're both very generous and attentive hosts, who made us feel at home since day one. Their house is beautiful and our room was very comfortable.
We helped them with varied tasks, including painting, gardening and animals feeding, and they always showed… read more
It was my first Workaway experience and I'm not about to forget. A cocktail of conviviality, laughter, sharing, cultural discovery and where we eat so well thanks to the succulent dishes Joanne prepares!
Joanne and Reed really take… read more
Their hospitality was outstanding, and we felt so welcomed and comfortable during our stay. We mainly helped with weeding and painting the inside of the recently built glasshouse, which was not too hard but very rewarding. They were easygoing and flexible, and… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
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)
They're both very generous and attentive hosts, who made us feel at home since day one. Their house is beautiful and our room was very comfortable.
We helped them with varied tasks, including painting, gardening and animals feeding, and they always showed… read more
It was my first Workaway experience and I'm not about to forget. A cocktail of conviviality, laughter, sharing, cultural discovery and where we eat so well thanks to the succulent dishes Joanne prepares!
Joanne and Reed really take… read more
Their hospitality was outstanding, and we felt so welcomed and comfortable during our stay. We mainly helped with weeding and painting the inside of the recently built glasshouse, which was not too hard but very rewarding. They were easygoing and flexible, and… read more
And also, best bread (homemade of course) of New Zealand!
Our work was weeding and gardening in beautiful landscape 4 hours per day 5 days/week.
Thank you for your wonderful meals (and bread :)), your gererosity and taking time to show us your… read more
Their house is incredible and Johanne went out of her way to make sure we never got bored.
Our job was to repaint the front of the house and it was really fun to do that with Read!
We had a great time with them, thanks… read more
Joanne and Reed impressed us… read more
