Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
8 May 2025
Reply rate
71.4 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
28
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
After a 4 year break from being a host we are looking forward to getting back into hosting and enjoying the different nationalities and meeting interesting people .
We are looking for fit and active helpers to help us with community projects as well as helping around our property. We have a large vegetable garden and flower garden. We also need some help with painting a fence and other smaller outdoor projects.
We prefer hosting from a few days to 2 weeks maximum which makes us ideal if you are just looking for an ‘in between’ host or a break from travelling and want some nice rural downtime helping in a small rural town.
We have a small team that helps look after a local wetland and a hill trail and we are looking for some help here.
Our small town is called Kurow. (North Otago) We live very close to rivers and mountains.
We are friendly people and want to share our lovely rural property in the country.
We are a middle aged couple with children now grown up and left home.
You will have your own bedroom and bathroom . Join us for mealtimes
Karen is involved in a local wetland project and maintenance on a nearby walking trail that she needs help with sometimes. There are also other community projects like weeding, firewood stacking etc.
We are 45 minutes drive from Oamaru and the sea. and 1 hr 30 drive from Mt Cook.
We have free unlimited wifi that is available throughout the whole property, a large vegetable garden and a small orchard. Our animals are 1 cat.
There are lots of lakes close by rivers that are great for trout and salmon.
We are happy to answer any questions.
cheers Karen
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Interests
Charity work
Gardening
Cooking & food
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Cycling
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We live in a very typical small NZ rural town where you will meet the locals .
By staying with us you will get to see genuine nz life and hospitality.
Help
Karen and a small team look after the local wetlands and trails. In spring these need weeds cleared and plants planted and track maintenance done.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
2 bedrooms with a queen bed in each room.
What else ...
We have bikes that you are welcome to use. We have an easy famous bike trail very close to us called the Alps2Ocean trail. We live 6km away from small town called Kurow and 6km to Duntroon which is part of the UNESCO Geopark . Kurow has a couple of very nice cafes there and a small supermarket and little shops .
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Yes we can handle campervans. There is a toilet in our barn that will be solely for campervaners and also can discuss a power supply to you.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 126555542797
Feedback (15)
5 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Mats-Henry & Alina )
We really enjoyed hosting Alina and Mats. They worked as a team with Murray and i around our lifestyle property and also on some
community projects . They were respectful and hard workers. Some of the tasks were stacking firewood and trimming hedges ; painting fence posts ; weeding including using powered weed trimmer . Spreading compost on our… read more
community projects . They were respectful and hard workers. Some of the tasks were stacking firewood and trimming hedges ; painting fence posts ; weeding including using powered weed trimmer . Spreading compost on our… read more
(Excellent
)
30 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Mats-Henry & Alina ) for host
We had such a great stay with Karen and Murray. The two of them are incredibly talented in crafts and gardening - we were really impressed. It was fun to work with Karen in the wetlands or in the garden because we saw ourselves as a team. In addition, they both cook really well and we will especially remember the pizza evening on Friday with… read more
6 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Silvia & Niamh) for host
We had a wonderful week with Karen and Murray! We stayed in there house which had our own bathroom and lounge. Our work was helping with cooking/collecting apples, weeding in the Wetlands and moving some firewood.
They made us feel right at home and so generous! We also did some work with other Workaways which was nice to connect within the Kurow… read more
They made us feel right at home and so generous! We also did some work with other Workaways which was nice to connect within the Kurow… read more
5 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Silvia & Niamh)
After a 4 year gap from hosting it was a pleasure to host Niamh and Silvia . They were a huge help and always obliging for enthusiastic for any tasks that they did. They helped me harvest apples from our home orchard and peel and chop and cook them. They helped me in the local wetland weeding as well as weeding our home garden. They stacked… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Nele & Nicole)
Nicole and Nele were the best workawayers ever. We loved hosting them.
Nicole has amazing cooking skills and we enjoyed her home baking and bread making skills.
Both girls tackled any tasks we set with enthusiasm and understood instructions perfectly.
They were a delight to host.
We would have them back anytime .
All the best for your travels
Nicole has amazing cooking skills and we enjoyed her home baking and bread making skills.
Both girls tackled any tasks we set with enthusiasm and understood instructions perfectly.
They were a delight to host.
We would have them back anytime .
All the best for your travels
(Excellent
)
22 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Nele & Nicole) for host
We stayed with Karen and Murray for two month during the covid-19 lockdown. They are absolutely generous and wonderful people and their home quickly felt like a home away from home. They took such good care of us and working for them was always a pleasure. The property and the surroundings are very beautiful and there is a lot to explore. They… 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:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
5 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Mats-Henry & Alina )
We really enjoyed hosting Alina and Mats. They worked as a team with Murray and i around our lifestyle property and also on some
community projects . They were respectful and hard workers. Some of the tasks were stacking firewood and trimming hedges ; painting fence posts ; weeding including using powered weed trimmer . Spreading compost on our… read more
community projects . They were respectful and hard workers. Some of the tasks were stacking firewood and trimming hedges ; painting fence posts ; weeding including using powered weed trimmer . Spreading compost on our… read more
(Excellent)
30 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Mats-Henry & Alina ) for host
We had such a great stay with Karen and Murray. The two of them are incredibly talented in crafts and gardening - we were really impressed. It was fun to work with Karen in the wetlands or in the garden because we saw ourselves as a team. In addition, they both cook really well and we will especially remember the pizza evening on Friday with… read more
6 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Silvia & Niamh) for host
We had a wonderful week with Karen and Murray! We stayed in there house which had our own bathroom and lounge. Our work was helping with cooking/collecting apples, weeding in the Wetlands and moving some firewood.
They made us feel right at home and so generous! We also did some work with other Workaways which was nice to connect within the Kurow… read more
They made us feel right at home and so generous! We also did some work with other Workaways which was nice to connect within the Kurow… read more
5 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Silvia & Niamh)
After a 4 year gap from hosting it was a pleasure to host Niamh and Silvia . They were a huge help and always obliging for enthusiastic for any tasks that they did. They helped me harvest apples from our home orchard and peel and chop and cook them. They helped me in the local wetland weeding as well as weeding our home garden. They stacked… read more
(Excellent)
10 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Nele & Nicole)
Nicole and Nele were the best workawayers ever. We loved hosting them.
Nicole has amazing cooking skills and we enjoyed her home baking and bread making skills.
Both girls tackled any tasks we set with enthusiasm and understood instructions perfectly.
They were a delight to host.
We would have them back anytime .
All the best for your travels
Nicole has amazing cooking skills and we enjoyed her home baking and bread making skills.
Both girls tackled any tasks we set with enthusiasm and understood instructions perfectly.
They were a delight to host.
We would have them back anytime .
All the best for your travels
(Excellent)
22 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Nele & Nicole) for host
We stayed with Karen and Murray for two month during the covid-19 lockdown. They are absolutely generous and wonderful people and their home quickly felt like a home away from home. They took such good care of us and working for them was always a pleasure. The property and the surroundings are very beautiful and there is a lot to explore. They… read more
24 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (cherryontheworld)
We hosted Renata and Paul for a few weeks.
We were really pleased. They are a great couple and so helpful. They were involved in physical outdoor work for the duration they were with us. They were always cheerful and did a great job no matter what task was set.
They were extremely tidy in the kitchen and very well organised.
We would certainly… read more
We were really pleased. They are a great couple and so helpful. They were involved in physical outdoor work for the duration they were with us. They were always cheerful and did a great job no matter what task was set.
They were extremely tidy in the kitchen and very well organised.
We would certainly… read more
(Excellent)
19 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (cherryontheworld) for host
We stayed for 2 weeks and a half with Karen & Murray and we really enjoyed our time spent here. The vineyard is beautiful, nestled in the Waitaki Valley, with amazing views of the nearby mountains. Our tasks were mainly vineyard related and general gardening.
We stayed near the house in a separate location with other workawayers (the lovely… read more
We stayed near the house in a separate location with other workawayers (the lovely… read more
18 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Olivia & Garrett)
We loved hosting Olivia.
For a young person Olivia shows wisdom and maturity beyond her years. She helped us in our vineyard and general garden help.
She learnt new tasks quickly and fitted in really well with other workawayers staying . Olivia was polite and was very helpful and has a great attitude to life . We would love to host Olivia again if… read more
For a young person Olivia shows wisdom and maturity beyond her years. She helped us in our vineyard and general garden help.
She learnt new tasks quickly and fitted in really well with other workawayers staying . Olivia was polite and was very helpful and has a great attitude to life . We would love to host Olivia again if… read more
(Excellent)
9 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Olivia & Garrett) for host
I had the pleasure of staying with Karen and Murray for about 10 days. This was by far my favorite experience in New Zealand and the best workaway I have done so far. They have been hosting workawayers for a while and it shows; the tasks are organized and clear, the communication is fast and open, and the accommodation is stellar as you will have… read more
18 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Arnono)
We really enjoyed hosting Arnaud.
He was a quick learner and helped
Us in our vineyard and gardens. When Arnaud was shown a task he did it effeciently and didnt need continual supervision. He showed initiative. We had other workawayers staying with us and Arnaud fitted in very well as a team person. He is fit and energetic and we wish him all the… read more
He was a quick learner and helped
Us in our vineyard and gardens. When Arnaud was shown a task he did it effeciently and didnt need continual supervision. He showed initiative. We had other workawayers staying with us and Arnaud fitted in very well as a team person. He is fit and energetic and we wish him all the… read more
(Excellent)
15 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Arnono) for host
Thanks to Karen, Murray and Geoff for this great experience! I learned so many things during my stay on the Vineyard and had a good time!!
The accommodation is very good and very soon the new kitchen for workawayers will be functional. They all like to share their knowledge and are really passionate about wine.
The work is very diverse, from… read more
The accommodation is very good and very soon the new kitchen for workawayers will be functional. They all like to share their knowledge and are really passionate about wine.
The work is very diverse, from… read more
8 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Riley)
We loved hosting Riley.
Riley was thoughtful and considerate and was very quick to learn any new tasks .
She proved very capable helping us in the vineyard but was also very responsive to any cleaning duties.
We would gladly have Riley back . Shes a great worker and a really nice person .
Riley was thoughtful and considerate and was very quick to learn any new tasks .
She proved very capable helping us in the vineyard but was also very responsive to any cleaning duties.
We would gladly have Riley back . Shes a great worker and a really nice person .
(Excellent)
2 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Riley) for host
Karen and Murray & team are the definition of hospitality. They were an absolute dream first workaway experience for me. They bring energy, passion and purpose to all that they do and it's truly a pleasure to have worked with them, learned from them, and befriended them. They are sharp business owners and hard workers and inspire the same in… read more
3 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (GUILLAUME) for host
Karen & Murray are guenuinely nice people very caring and warming
They never stop, always active which is and eager to share their experiences and knowledge.
They have a lot of ongoing projects
What they’ve done with the vineyard and the cellardoor is simply beautiful
They’re on the verge of finishing to build a brand new kitchen and bathroom in… read more
They never stop, always active which is and eager to share their experiences and knowledge.
They have a lot of ongoing projects
What they’ve done with the vineyard and the cellardoor is simply beautiful
They’re on the verge of finishing to build a brand new kitchen and bathroom in… read more
11 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jon & Jana) for host
Best workaway ever! Karen and Murray are great people. They’re kind, flexible and very generous. They care about your experience and want you to be happy. They treat you like people, not just workers. I recommend volunteering on their vineyard - and do good work for them, they deserve it!
6 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Bruna & Andre)
We really enjoyed hosting Andre and Bruna. They were thoughtful and helpful.
They are very easy going couple and nothing was a problem.
They were a huge help to us and we wish them all the best for travels around NZ
They are very easy going couple and nothing was a problem.
They were a huge help to us and we wish them all the best for travels around NZ
(Excellent)
3 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Bruna & Andre) for host
My husband and I had such a great experience with Karen and Murray. We were more than welcomed to their place since the first day and the structure was just awesome! The attention given to us about comfort and food was incredible and we had a great support 24/7. The wine is one of the best we ever had and the work experience was rich even on low… read more
2 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Karen) for host
I stayed with Karen and Murray for about two weeks helping around the gardens and vineyard. They are excellent hosts who make you feel right at home. They have a great set up for workawayers with your own area to hang out with plenty of food to eat. Karen and Murray are both great cooks and you share dinner with them several nights a week.
I… read more
I… read more
6 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Florian & Astrid )
Flo and Astrid, are the best workawayers we have ever had. They are very hard workers and really nice to have around. Always polite and have a good sense of humour. Flo is very handy and can help in so many ways. Astrid is always willing and is very strong and capable.
Would love to have them back should they ever want to come back to Kurow
Would love to have them back should they ever want to come back to Kurow
(Excellent)
4 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Florian & Astrid ) for host
The best workaway experience what we ever had. Originally our plan was to stay for one week and we stayed for three weeks. Karen and Murray are opening a cellar door in a couple of weeks and they make everything on their own. So it’s a lot of work for them, we tried our best to help them finish and we loved the work. Finally it looks amazing. We… read more
19 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Josefina)
We loved having Josefina stay with us. She was energetic and always willing. Her bubbly bright personality made it a joy to have her around. Jose helped us in our vineyard and also gardening work.
She is also a great cook.
We highly recommend Jose to any hosts wanting a pleasant hard worker .
She is also a great cook.
We highly recommend Jose to any hosts wanting a pleasant hard worker .
(Excellent)
27 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Samantha)
We hosted Sam for a week, and we loved having her. Polite and a hard worker. Always did what we asked of her and always helpful.
Sam fitted in with the other workaway people we had, and she was a happy addition to our 'workaway' family.
Sam fitted in with the other workaway people we had, and she was a happy addition to our 'workaway' family.
(Excellent)
26 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Samantha) for host
Karen and Murray were absolutely fantastic Workaway hosts that welcomed me into their home and made it feel like we were all part of a big family. Their vineyard in Kurow is a beautiful place with gorgeous views and the wine is excellent!
I helped with general house work and cleaning while I was staying here and a bit of cooking (still very proud… read more
I helped with general house work and cleaning while I was staying here and a bit of cooking (still very proud… read more
1 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Brendon & Karson)
Brendon and Karson helped us on our vineyard for over a week. We found them very helpful and courteous and would recommend them to other hosts.
Brendon is very clever with his videography and photography and both are easy going and quick learners.
Brendon is very clever with his videography and photography and both are easy going and quick learners.
(Excellent)
28 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Brendon & Karson) for host
Karen and Murray are a very fun, knowledgeable, couple who want to share the wine experience with people from all over the world. They are very passionate about creating a local wine, with a story behind it, that everyone in the community will love. With that being said, they ensure each of the WorkAwayers understands what they are doing and why… read more
1 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Edo & Jolanda)
Edo and Jolanda stayed and helped us on a vineyard and property for 2 weeks. We really enjoyed their company and appreciated their work ethics and willingness to get on with the tasks . Edo and Jolanda are great cooks and helped us out on a few occasions and took over the kitchen to cook for the team .
We would welcome Edo and Jolanda back… read more
We would welcome Edo and Jolanda back… read more
(Excellent)
29 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Edo & Jolanda) for host
We helped at the winery for two weeks and we have had the most amazing time with Karen and Murray.
They both are hard working people, very loving and helpfull, nothing is too much for them.
Their winery is topnotch and we where blown away by the structure and level of hospitality they have on their estate.
We where part of a team of eight Workaway… read more
They both are hard working people, very loving and helpfull, nothing is too much for them.
Their winery is topnotch and we where blown away by the structure and level of hospitality they have on their estate.
We where part of a team of eight Workaway… read more
