Enjoy this paradise off-grid lifestyle farm, in a remote and magical scenic area of Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
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: 30 Apr. 2025
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Feedback (13)
Paul stayed with us here for quite a number of days and throughout his stay we accomplished a good amount of progress on a number of our projects. It was also an enjoyable and interesting exchange of ideas and lifestyles. Paul was reliable and prompt and great to work with on several projects. If you need some help we have no hesitation in
… read more recommending Paul and he is welcome back here at anytime.
My stay at this place was my first Workaway experience and very nice. I enjoyed the remoteness in the Marlborough Sounds and the simple lifestyle. There are always many projects, so that I could only help a little bit. I learned many useful skills and gained important knowledge if I ever decide to live an offgrid life. Thank you for this time on
… read more this farm!
Vom Workawayer (Jette) für Host
Dear Clarrie and Syth,
thank you again for this lovely week, which went by far too quickly. Thank you for your loving nature, the wonderful food and the work that didn't feel like work at all. Thanks to you, I had a wonderful 21st birthday and I can count myself very lucky that I was able to spend it with you, in your little paradise! It was a
… read more real pleasure for me!
I wish you all the best♥️
Cheers, JetteDu kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Markus & Theresa)
Markus and Theresa came at very short notice to stay with me at the Farm. Syth was away visiting family. The caravan was the only accommodation available at the time as the other option was already taken by another helper.
At such short notice and the kitchen facilities were undergoing a major revamp I could only offer the caravan as accommodation
… read more and all the usual facilities would be available to use including the log fire oven etc for cooking, but they would need to bring their own supplies and manage their own cooking. This they immediately accepted and offered 12 hours a week in exchange.
Well… Theresa and Markus were such an amazing help, great company, extremely good at understanding very detailed instructions and always liked to see the best of results achieved.
We had awesome communication and enjoyed some great relaxing social times. These times were always informative and fulfilling.
Hours worked for exchange… well I just lost count as we were all in it as a team for the enjoyment, the progress and the achievement goals of some major project challenges.
Markus was a very careful and responsible learner on using farm equipment the likes of the chainsaw. Health and safety always adhered to and he was very productive.
Markus and Theresa I am sure will be an asset to anyone willing to host them and I am sure will continue to exceed expectations in employment when the time comes as they pursue there adventures, dreams and goals of life. Best always to you both.
Vom Workawayer (Markus & Theresa) für Host
We stayed with Clarrie (Syth wasn't home) for almost three weeks in July and August of 2023. He couldn't provide food for us, as we contacted him only a few days before arrival. So we stayed as his first "backpackers", as Clarrie calls it, which means that we had to provide and cook our own food. In exchange, we enjoyed a reduced workload of 12
… read more hours a week.
Electricity and hot water are limited, but sufficient for charging electronics and (daily) hot showers. The house is mainly heated by the fireplace, which creates a warm and cosy atmosphere. It was quite chilly on some mornings, however, as the embers do not always last the whole night. We chose to sleep in the caravan, which contains a nice and comfy bed. It is detached from the house and not yet heated, but hot water bottles provide enough warmth during the night :).
Clarrie has a fascinating lifestyle and is in sync with nature. He gets up with the sun and goes to bed early during winter. It took us a while to get used to this unusual rhythm, but it was a very rewarding experience in the end.
The whole farm is made from second-hand parts and is constantly evolving, as Clarrie finds new building materials. There is no shortage of fascinating projects and Clarrie seldomly takes breaks as a result. During our stay, Theresa helped on painting projects inside the house. Markus fell in love with the chainsaw and processed a lot of firewood. We were so excited about our jobs that we ended up with more than 12 hours per week. What makes this place special is that helpers are involved in developing the farm and taking over responsibility. Working here is so much more fun than sitting around!
Overall we had a lot of fun and can only recommend staying with Syth and Clarrie. It is a truly wonderful place.
Theresa and MarkusDu kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Feedback
Dies sind zusätzliche optionale Bewertungen, wenn Mitglieder Feedback hinterlassen. Es wird die im Schnitt hinterlassene Bewertung für jede Option angezeigt.
Korrekte Angaben im Profil:
(4.3)
Kultureller Austausch:
(4.6)
Paul stayed with us here for quite a number of days and throughout his stay we accomplished a good amount of progress on a number of our projects. It was also an enjoyable and interesting exchange of ideas and lifestyles. Paul was reliable and prompt and great to work with on several projects. If you need some help we have no hesitation in
… read more recommending Paul and he is welcome back here at anytime.
My stay at this place was my first Workaway experience and very nice. I enjoyed the remoteness in the Marlborough Sounds and the simple lifestyle. There are always many projects, so that I could only help a little bit. I learned many useful skills and gained important knowledge if I ever decide to live an offgrid life. Thank you for this time on
… read more this farm!
Vom Workawayer (Jette) für Host
Dear Clarrie and Syth,
thank you again for this lovely week, which went by far too quickly. Thank you for your loving nature, the wonderful food and the work that didn't feel like work at all. Thanks to you, I had a wonderful 21st birthday and I can count myself very lucky that I was able to spend it with you, in your little paradise! It was a
… read more real pleasure for me!
I wish you all the best♥️
Cheers, JetteDu kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Markus & Theresa)
Markus and Theresa came at very short notice to stay with me at the Farm. Syth was away visiting family. The caravan was the only accommodation available at the time as the other option was already taken by another helper.
At such short notice and the kitchen facilities were undergoing a major revamp I could only offer the caravan as accommodation
… read more and all the usual facilities would be available to use including the log fire oven etc for cooking, but they would need to bring their own supplies and manage their own cooking. This they immediately accepted and offered 12 hours a week in exchange.
Well… Theresa and Markus were such an amazing help, great company, extremely good at understanding very detailed instructions and always liked to see the best of results achieved.
We had awesome communication and enjoyed some great relaxing social times. These times were always informative and fulfilling.
Hours worked for exchange… well I just lost count as we were all in it as a team for the enjoyment, the progress and the achievement goals of some major project challenges.
Markus was a very careful and responsible learner on using farm equipment the likes of the chainsaw. Health and safety always adhered to and he was very productive.
Markus and Theresa I am sure will be an asset to anyone willing to host them and I am sure will continue to exceed expectations in employment when the time comes as they pursue there adventures, dreams and goals of life. Best always to you both.
Vom Workawayer (Markus & Theresa) für Host
We stayed with Clarrie (Syth wasn't home) for almost three weeks in July and August of 2023. He couldn't provide food for us, as we contacted him only a few days before arrival. So we stayed as his first "backpackers", as Clarrie calls it, which means that we had to provide and cook our own food. In exchange, we enjoyed a reduced workload of 12
… read more hours a week.
Electricity and hot water are limited, but sufficient for charging electronics and (daily) hot showers. The house is mainly heated by the fireplace, which creates a warm and cosy atmosphere. It was quite chilly on some mornings, however, as the embers do not always last the whole night. We chose to sleep in the caravan, which contains a nice and comfy bed. It is detached from the house and not yet heated, but hot water bottles provide enough warmth during the night :).
Clarrie has a fascinating lifestyle and is in sync with nature. He gets up with the sun and goes to bed early during winter. It took us a while to get used to this unusual rhythm, but it was a very rewarding experience in the end.
The whole farm is made from second-hand parts and is constantly evolving, as Clarrie finds new building materials. There is no shortage of fascinating projects and Clarrie seldomly takes breaks as a result. During our stay, Theresa helped on painting projects inside the house. Markus fell in love with the chainsaw and processed a lot of firewood. We were so excited about our jobs that we ended up with more than 12 hours per week. What makes this place special is that helpers are involved in developing the farm and taking over responsibility. Working here is so much more fun than sitting around!
Overall we had a lot of fun and can only recommend staying with Syth and Clarrie. It is a truly wonderful place.
Theresa and MarkusDu kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Martin)
Martin spent 2 weeks with us here on our off grid lifestyle farm. He was a willing and adaptable worker. Getting involved with many farmlike projects. Adjusting to off grid may of had its challenges but he was willing to learn the constraints of natural resources and the limits of nature. Martin was very punctual and available to pitch in and
… read more assist on a wide range of our current projects. Wishing him a bright and interesting adventure as he continues to travel and explore new horizons.
Vom Workawayer (Martin) für Host
I spent 2 weeks with Clarrie and Syth, it was an amazing experience in the best landcape of NZ ! The work could be a little tough sometimes but varied (never the same) and I learned a lot of different things about working on the farm. No wifi (good cellphone connexion) but you can use the familial laptop sometimes. Clarrie and Syth are really
… read more friendly, nice and help me a lot with my english (and my test). Thanks Syth for the food, it was really tasty all the time with a lot of delicious vegetables !
I hope i helped you as you wanted and I am going to miss you a lot ;)
Take care of you et keep going with this beautiful farm in the wild!
Cordially.
Martin ;)Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Louise)
Louise came and stayed with us for nearly 2 weeks. What an amazing helper she proved to be. She has such a pleasant personality. And combined with an inexhaustible willingness to learn and be involved in every project we worked on. She Is a real asset to have around and great to share experiences with and the dreams for her future. Wishing Louise
… read more the best always and do hope there is an opportunity for her to visit again for a longer period or even call by to say hello.
Vom Workawayer (Louise) für Host
I stayed 10 days at Clarrie and Syth house. It was an amazing stay in a beautiful place with really nice people. They are funny and capable (since they built everything that is on their property which I truly admire) I learn a lot of things I didn't know I needed and it was a pleasure to help them in return by chopping wood, painting, building a
… read more roof and walls and so much more. It was a nice stay I'd totally recommend to stay a couple of weeks at their place.
Maybe for my next trip I could stay a bit more longer who knows :)Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Lukas & Bettina)
What awesome helpers. Lukas & Bettina were excellent and willing workers. Always giving that extra that makes such an amazing difference and enjoyable experience for us all as a team. Very good communicators and could follow instructions very clearly. Several projects were advanced so much with their assistance. We had many enjoyable moments
… read more socialising, exchanging and learning from our different cultures and from our many experiences of life.
These 2 were fun to host, willing and trustworthy helpers and great company.
Welcome back anytime and make it your NZ Home, away from home.
May all your dreams come true and we would love to see you again.
Vom Workawayer (Lukas & Bettina) für Host
Thanks Clarrie and Syth for the great time We enjoyed helping you out with the construction of the greenhouse, gardening and to keep you warm in the winter ;). The food was always brilliant, amazing that you served something vegan friendly as well. Even with the cold weather, it was still beautiful there. Great views into the sound and views from
… read more the hill. The approach was no big deal at all, despite having a non 4x4 Van. All in all it was a great week for us, we really enjoyed your company! Hopefully you fetched a good price for that cows in the end! 😀 If possible, we would come again.
Bettina & LukasDu kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Olivia & Stacey)
Vom Workawayer (Olivia & Stacey) für Host
Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Workawayer (David) für Host
Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (so9820)
Solene was an awesome volunteer and helper. Always willing and so adaptable and quick to learn new skills in a safe and and helpful manner. Solene was great company and a good communicator. Easy to teach and demonstrated responsible and safe practice into every day farm life. We would welcome Solene back and would love to have her spend more time
… read more at the place.
Vom Workawayer (so9820) für Host
I stayed with Syth and Clarrie in the beginning of december for a week. (better than ever for the feedback...)
I've learned many things in such a short time.
Amazing views everywhere you walk around.
They are always smiley and nice. And you will be well feed with delicious meal that Syth cooking.
Thanks for everything. Hopefully I'll see you
… read more again sometimes.Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Nicole)
I couldn’t have asked for better help last week when Clarrie was ill. Nothing was too much trouble for Nicole. She is a cheerful, happy person and was a delight to have here. I had been asked to look after 2 orphan lambs for a few days and Nicole was super helpful with them even when it was raining. We made a great team electrifying an existing
… read more fence, even though she had never done anything like that before. She gladly helped with any given task. Have a safe trip back to Mexico. We really hope you will come back to NZ some day and come and see us again.
Vom Workawayer (Nicole) für Host
I stayed a week with Syth and Clarrie and it was a wonderful experience. Sadly Clarrie wasn’t feeling so good but he still made me laugh with his jokes. Syth surprised me everyday with delicious food!
I did a lot of small works around the farm, feeding the funny chickens that always think is eating time haha, a bit of gardening, collecting
… read more kindling, chopping wood, improving the fence... we also took care of two adorable baby lambs.
I definitely learned a lot and it inspired me to someday have a home powered by the sun/wind and be as natural as possible.
Thank you Syth and Clarrie for this amazing experience I’ll remember forever!
NicoleDu kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
The feedback by Bill requires a balanced and honest reply. First we are sorry Bill did not enjoy his stay here or the places he visited with us as they are not mentioned. We totally accept people and their various diets as their absolute right and enjoy and learn from the many variations and ideas we have encountered.
On arrival as with ALL
… read more volunteers he was shown both the caravan and the spare room. Nearly all choose the caravan to start with for privacy and space and are told explicitly that the spare room is there to use anytime if they so desire as the caravan is not yet independently heated. It will be soon as explained to Bill. It is their choice to change anytime if they wish.
We have 2 identical flush toilets. One in the main dwelling and 1 in the recreation area and nearer the caravan. They both have hot and cold running water, hand basin, sanitiser, towels and rolls. Both are comfortable and as clean as each other.
Bill mentioned Syth’s hearty meals. Meals include breakfast. A great variety of hand made bread, jams, marmalades and other spreads all home made on the farm. Bill had a special dietary need for breakfast and he had brought it with him. Raw Oats. He had no need to provide his own breakfast except as a special dietary need as our website clearly states. Syth bakes amazing carrot cake, banana cake and a great variety of biscuits offered at every morning and afternoon tea. Bill’s dietary habits precluded him from partaking.
During the month Bill and I did fencing, water trough and reticulation work, an amazing amount of native tree regenerating and planting, firewood cutting/splitting and other farm work activities. I thought we were a great team Bill and I and we achieved an awesome satisfying result. Even though I am 20 yrs older than Bill I am still keen to learn and form new ideas, “Quote… leave your brains behind.. Unquote” I don’t recall even one better way of achieving the outcome we hope for offered by Bill. Never a day or project was completed that I did not be sure to thank Bill on a satisfying and awesome result and tell him so. And I over heard Syth often thank him as well.
Off grid we have all the power that anyone needs. We follow the sun to produce it and have a generator anytime for as long as it is needed. Fossil fuels, we use as little as possible. TV. we watch very little of it. Radio and TV It is not a priority in our lifestyle. Birdsong, night sky, mountains, the sea, distant hills and natural beauty is. Lights. Bill was usually the first one to turn them off because he liked the softness of candle light. So do we. But there are plenty of lights and power for them when needed.
Every evening ended with typical and cordial “Good Night and is everything OK. BILL. “Yes thanks. Good Night.”
Every morning at breakfast. Good morning Bill. Did you have a good night. BILL “yes thanks very comfortable”
Phone reception and data works for most helpers inside our house but if you read our website and bring a phone that you know won’t work then you can get reception just 5 minutes from the house. Bill used our wifi several times and was offered all the time and data online he needed for email, social media, research etc. He would often decline but it was available via our computers. Syth also offered him the use of her phone but he declined.
While we are shocked that Bill has denigrated our place in his feedback experience I would would still attribute 5 stars to the team work Bill and I progressed and achieved.
Be assured after hosting 100,s of volunteers from every corner and many cultures of the world, diets and special needs included, for approx 15 years. Our place is not the no frills minimalistic existance Bill has portrayed it to be. But rather a paradise of abundance, where many have come and opened their minds to a beautiful way to live and discover their own hidden creative and natural abilities. We have several colourful hand written books in our library to verify some awesome experiences for both helpers and us.
We love our lifestyle. We love hosting our volunteers. We would love you to come any time or season and share your life with us.
I spent a month in the middle of winter with Clarrie and Syth (and animals) in this very beautiful part of NZ. They clearly love where they are and how they are living, and are a gentle, cheerful and likeable couple. Sadly, for me this wasn't an enjoyable experience. I was repeatedly reminded of their indifference to my wellbeing, and generally
… read more found the standard of hosting well below that I have experienced from all previous hosts. For example, it was immediately apparent that, despite what is in the profile, I wasn't going to be welcome in the spare room of the house but would be sleeping in the caravan. At other times of the year this would be fine, indeed very comfortable, but in mid-winter it was miserably cold (several nights down to 1C in the van) and a little damp accordingly. The only concession was a hot-water bottle. I was also assigned the outside toilet. Not once was I asked if I was comfortable.
On a more positive note, Syth produced some excellent hearty meals and baking (how she does it just using the wood fired oven/stove top I do not know). But I did need to provide my own breakfast and additional food to sustain me. In reality I probably supplied about quarter of my food.
The work was mostly labouring, which was done in the way Clarrie had decided to do it. Leave your brains and experience behind because your insights or suggestions will not be received with any interest. But it is good, physical work on difficult terrain, and at this time of year in difficult weather. A lot was done, much to their delight, I think. I received one "thank you", on the day I left.
In terms of an off-grid experience, this is a rather extreme example. They have been unfortunate in that a forestry copse has grown to an extent that it blocks out a large proportion of sun from their solar panels for a number of weeks in winter. As Clarrie only wanted to run the generator for an hour max per day, power was severely limited. No TV except when the generator was running, no radio, no lights (candles for the evenings). As expected I had no phone reception, but I wasn't allowed to use the wifi (security risk) other than on the business laptop to check emails. If you are looking for a place to de-tox from the world, perhaps this is it. Just do it in summer, with a friend.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Ryley)
Anmerkung: Der Workawayer hat den Aufenthalt gecancelt oder ist kurzfristig nicht erschienen.
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Vom Workawayer (Rachel & Joseph) für Host
We spent a week with Clarrie and Syth in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. They were generous with their hospitality and it was a pleasure spending time with them.
We learnt a lot and felt able to contribute to their way of life and the projects they are undertaking. We certainly came away with a greater respect for the work that can be done with
… read more recycled materials.
Thank you for sharing your life with us :-)Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Mary)
Mary spent 3 weeks as a volunteer here. A willing and diligent helper both inside the house and out on the farm. As Syth was away Mary managed the kitchen, cooked the meals and kept the house clean and tidy. Then helped out with a new building project and many other day to day farm cores and animal care. With an eye for detail and one who cares I
… read more can highly recommend Mary as a volunteer and willing helper. Mary is kind, generous, trustworthy and goes that extra mile. Keen to learn and enjoys life and cultural exchange mixed with a good sense of humour and conversation. Welcome back again!
Vom Workawayer (Mary) für Host
Kia Ora Clarrie & Syth
Thank you for having me at this wonderful little Paradise.
As my first Workaway stint, Clarrie has made me feel so welcomed, gently guiding and showing me the ropes, always with a smile. This experience is enriching and certainly amazing!
A lovely host and always ready to impart his knowledge of the work at the farm,
… read more animal care, nature and also life, in general.
He has a great sense of humour and I thoroughly enjoyed our repartee at meal times. Cooking for him has been a great pleasure, me being a novice cook. It was a shame that his wife, Syth was away as I would love to meet her. Judging from Clarrie’s description of her I can tell they are a very loving couple. Clarrie is working on extensions to his house to surprise his wife upon her return. Agile and adept, there is nothing that he can’t build with his hands, even cutting glass the old fashioned way does not faze him. Climbing up and down the ladder dismantling walls, painting, roofing. It was an eye-opener what he does with recycled materials and pieces salvaged was put into new life by his creativity.
This is a place where man lives in harmony with nature, back to basics using solar power for energy and own spring water for sustenance. If you need light at night you just don’t flick a switch- you light a fire and using that same fire you can make toast, boil water and cook at the same time!
In the day we rely on solar power for everything else, run the fridge, washing mashine,charge our phones.
The fire on the oven can be heated up to get hot water for a shower.
Believe me it is not easy to get a fire started but with the right technique as shown by Clarrie it is a breeze.
The faithful dog, Trixie, orphan lamb, Jinx has been my daily dose of fun, feeding and playing with them was the best pleasure I had and also the other animals Ivan and Mavis the sheeps and the chooks.
I now live by the quote less is more, because it doesn’t take much to be happy.
By living simply but consciously life is more meaningful, I left a piece of my heart here. I’ll be back to claim it!
Thank you- Clarrie & Syth!Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Gardening help at our beachfront, organic lifestyle-farm in West Auckland, New Zealand
Animal friendly active fit outdoors volunteer please - West Auckland, New Zealand
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Wenn du nicht australischer oder neuseeländischer Staatsbürger bist und du während deines Besuchs arbeiten, studieren oder als Volunteer tätig sein willst, BRAUCHST DU DAS ENTSPRECHENDE VISUM. Um mehr darüber zu erfahren, solltest du dich VOR DEINER ABREISE von zu Hause an die Botschaft in deinem Land wenden.
Sprachpraxis
Hilfe bei Ökoprojekten
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Betreuung von Tieren
Mithilfe auf einem Bauernhof
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