The image depicts a rugged coastline with a large rock formation, a sandy beach, and a mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky.
The image shows a group of people posing for a photo, with a mix of men and women, all dressed in casual attire, standing together in a relaxed and friendly manner.
The image depicts three individuals sitting on a lifeguard stand, gazing at the vibrant orange sunset over the ocean, with the sun\'s rays casting a warm glow.
The image depicts a serene coastal scene, featuring a beach with a cliffed shoreline, a body of water, and a mountainous backdrop, evoking a sense of natural beauty and tranquility.
The image depicts a serene outdoor setting, featuring a patio area with a table and chairs, surrounded by lush greenery, evoking a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
The image depicts a small white dog sitting on a sandy beach, with the sun shining brightly in the background, casting a warm glow.
The image depicts a serene waterfall scene, featuring a tall, cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and a rocky foreground, with a person sitting on a rock in the background.
The image shows a group of chickens in a fenced area, with a few chickens standing in front of the fence and others scattered around the enclosure. The chickens are brown and white.
The image depicts three individuals standing together, with two on the left and one on the right, all wearing matching outfits, posing for a photo. The background is a plain white color.
The image depicts a serene bedroom with a bed, nightstands, and a chair, featuring a painting on the wall and a window with blinds.
The image depicts a room with bunk beds and a single bed, featuring a window with a view of trees outside.
The image depicts a spacious room with a large window offering a scenic view of a mountainous landscape, bathed in natural light.
The image depicts a man leaning over a wooden railing, gazing at two vibrant red and yellow tulips in a planter. The man is dressed in a blue knit hat and black vest.
The image depicts a spacious kitchen with a dining area, featuring a large island, stainless steel appliances, and a range hood, surrounded by windows and a wooden ceiling.
updated  

Help at a Homestay on a surf beach in Piha on the West coast of New Zealand

Profile information

  • rating

    Host rating

    80 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    29 Jun 2025

  • Reply rate

    Reply rate

    65.5 %

    Usually responds within 14 days

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Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks

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  • Description

    Description

    Hi my name is Geoff and we are currently looking for help in our small Homestay on Auckland's West Coast of New Zealand. You will share with my family of 13 year old son, Layla the dog, Chuey the Ocicat and the 10 chickens :)

    Helping here is an opportunity for members of Workaway to have a unique NZ cultural experience in the remote coastal village of Piha Beach in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.

    Preferably you can help for period of 3 weeks or more.

    We can only book a few months ahead for our helpers so when you know your travel plans in our area send us an email and we can figure out the best time for you to come.

    *️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️In the subject line of your email please put the dates you are available to help*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️

    Please also include your:
    -Dates available to help and intended length of stay
    -Gender: male/female (so we can match helpers sharing accommodation)
    -Age
    -Nationality
    -Past experience,
    -Hobbies, interests

    Please note that this is not full-time employment, it is an opportunity to stay by a beautiful beach. to meet other people and experience the remote coastal village and surrounding beaches and forests. Essentially it is work in exchange for accommodation.

    As a Workawayer your intention should be that you genuinely wish to help and learn new things and enjoy a NZ experience with us

    We can provide accommodation which will be deducted from your pay, but not food, other than from the garden and eggs from the chickens =)

    There is no major supermarket at Piha so best to do all your food shopping before you arrive here (although we can give you a ride to the supermarket during your stay) Also no ATM or petrol station.

    Please make sure you have researched the area and that it is a place you would like to stay as it is quite remote from the city/urban life

    *️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️ Please note this account is not checked on a daily basis - usually only when we are looking for helpers- so your email may not be answered right away. Also as we can receive a lot of enquiries sometimes it is not possible to answer every email.

    *️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️In the subject line of your email please put the dates you are available to help*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Babysitting and creative play
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Interests

    Interests

    Events & social
    Videography
    Pets
    Movies & TV
    Self development
    Charity work
    Photography
    Astronomy
    Carpentry
    Fitness
    Nature
    Yoga / Wellness
    Beach
    Water sports
    Outdoor activities
    Hiking
    Adventure sports
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    It is a homely atmosphere here with plenty of social interaction with the guests from around the world and the friendly Piha locals. Also a good opportunity to improve your English language.

    Experience the New Zealand culture and people- We visit local community events for example ANZAC day and visit the local clubs - the Piha RSA, Piha Surf Lifesaving Club, Piha Bowling Club where you can meet local people and experience the real New Zealand culture and not the usual tourist thing. As this is also my home with my family of my 12 year old son and Layla the dog we have birthdays and other holiday celebrations which you can be involved in.

    Learn about gardening and NZ native plants and the removal of invasive weeds with our project restoring the native ecosystem on the property and in the local community.

    Learn and improve your surfing skills. Piha is popular for surfing and a hub for beach culture. I can give you my local knowledge and advice as a Piha Lifeguard and Surfer.

    You will also learn how to run a guesthouse and we can teach you to use the booking management system (several of our helpers have gone on to open their own accommodation businesses after their experience here)

    Learn the guitar - we have two here for you to use and many of our helpers have started playing guitar while staying here.
    There are also many awesome bush and beach walks and waterfalls nearby and you will have plenty of time off to explore the area and its and culture.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

    Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

    This host offers accommodation and payment.

  • Help

    Help

    Housekeeping, helping with guests and general help around the house looking after the vegetable garden and chickens and some dog walking.
    General maintenance eg Mowing the lawns, chopping firewood, painting and other building projects, and help with our never-ending eco project - the removal of invasive weeds and the restoration of the native ecosystem on the property and around the community.
    Work hours are minimal, less than 3 hours per day, so that you have plenty of free time. This is not full-time employment, rather work in exchange for accommodation. It is an opportunity to stay and meet other people and experience the remote coastal village and surrounding beaches and forests.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent

    This host offers a language exchange
    This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
    You can contact them directly for more information.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Accommodation is shared with the guests. All bedding, linen and towels provided. Using the guest house area shared kitchen, lounge, bathrooms and laundry.
    Free WiFi

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    There are a lot of activities you can do in this area, Surfing, swimming, bush walks, beautiful sunsets, native bush, water falls. You will have plenty of time off to explore the area.

    There is no major supermarket at Piha so best to do all your food shopping before you arrive here. Also no ATM or petrol station.

    ! Please make sure you have researched the area and that it is a place you would like to stay as it is quite remote from the city/urban life !

    There is no public transport to Piha, so if you dont have your own vehicle we can possibly meet you at the nearest train station depending on your arrival date, and can also give you a ride to the supermarket and other places during your stay.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have free fibre WiFi and it is fast enough for most internet use. We also have a desk/work area for use.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Yes we have space for a campervan if you would prefer that.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Chuey

    Layla

Host ref number: 13113266224a

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Photos

The image shows a group of people posing for a photo, with a mix of men and women, all dressed in casual attire, standing together in a relaxed and friendly manner.
The image depicts three individuals sitting on a lifeguard stand, gazing at the vibrant orange sunset over the ocean, with the sun\'s rays casting a warm glow.
The image depicts a serene coastal scene, featuring a beach with a cliffed shoreline, a body of water, and a mountainous backdrop, evoking a sense of natural beauty and tranquility.
The image depicts a serene outdoor setting, featuring a patio area with a table and chairs, surrounded by lush greenery, evoking a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
The image depicts a small white dog sitting on a sandy beach, with the sun shining brightly in the background, casting a warm glow.
The image depicts a serene waterfall scene, featuring a tall, cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and a rocky foreground, with a person sitting on a rock in the background.
The image shows a group of chickens in a fenced area, with a few chickens standing in front of the fence and others scattered around the enclosure. The chickens are brown and white.
The image depicts a serene bedroom with a bed, nightstands, and a chair, featuring a painting on the wall and a window with blinds.
The image depicts a room with bunk beds and a single bed, featuring a window with a view of trees outside.
The image depicts a spacious room with a large window offering a scenic view of a mountainous landscape, bathed in natural light.
The image depicts a man leaning over a wooden railing, gazing at two vibrant red and yellow tulips in a planter. The man is dressed in a blue knit hat and black vest.
The image depicts a rugged coastline with a large rock formation, a sandy beach, and a mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky.
The image depicts a spacious kitchen with a dining area, featuring a large island, stainless steel appliances, and a range hood, surrounded by windows and a wooden ceiling.

Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)

Cultural exchange:
(4.9)

Communication:
(4.8)

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