Volunteer at our place situated on the waters edge of the Kenepuru Sound in the stunning Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand.

New Zealand

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Favourited 1030 times

Host rating
Feedback
48
Last activity
27/09/2020
Reply rate
95.8 %
Average reply time:
within 7 days
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Availability

2020

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Description
Our place is situated on the waters edge of the Kenepuru Sound in the stunning Marlborough Sounds which is at the top end of the South Island. We provide accommodation for 26 people in a collection of cottages. Our activities include kayaking, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, SUP boards, and fishing. We require people to help us with looking after the place, cleaning, gardening and helping guests. We will provide you with twin room or double room accommodation, you do your own cooking in the wonderful modern guest kitchen and we invite you to have meals with us when we have time. Some basic groceries are provided such as flour, eggs, sugar, tea, coffee, rice, oil, bread, herbs and spices. You can also use of all our guest facilities - wifi, laundry, kayaks, fishing gear and boats, bikes, spa etc.
We have been rated the best backpackers in NZ for the last seventeen years and it is a very friendly and relaxed place to be. You will love our guests from all over the world including many New Zealanders and we get all ages, including families staying here. We can teach you about our amazing natural environment and how to enjoy it. We love to cook and are happy to share all our recipes. Join in with our regular mussel cook ups and I will make bread for you.
Our place is quite remote, you can drive here, otherwise we can pick you up by boat from Picton or Havelock. We prefer that you can stay for at least two weeks or longer, you could even stay for the whole of summer!
We would love to hear from you!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are happy to help you with your English. You will learn NZ recipes and what is NZ cuisine. We can teach you how to fish and kayak and use paddle boards. You can learn about NZ native plants and we have a small vegetable garden. You can learn about how to look after chickens if you like. We can show you how to collect and prepare shellfish and we can teach you about mussel farming too. And you can see what it is like to run an accommodation business.
Help
We need help with looking after the facilities/property and guests. Learn new skills. General cleaning/housekeeping, firewood, gardening, maintenance, painting, taking care of the chickens and helping out our guests. Really - whatever you are good at!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Finnish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
Twin or double room with shared bathroom facilities. Full use of all guest facilities.
What else ...
The Marlborough Sounds is one of the most beautiful areas in New Zealand. Staying with us will give you the opportunity to learn how to kayak and fish. There are some amazing hikes around here too. You can learn about New Zealand flora and fauna, we have large gardens and are surrounded by native bush and forest.
There is plenty of wild shellfish growing on our beaches, so if you like oysters, mussels and cockles you will be spoilt and we can help you with recipes. We are happy to help you with your English if necessary and perhaps you can help us with French or Spanish or Finnish!
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
3 -4 hours a day, 6 days a week (max 20 hours a week)

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Feedback left by and about host (48)

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)

09/08/2020

Left by Workawayer (Nicolas) for host

Sorry for the late feedback, Lynley!
I staid for 3 weeks with Lynley, Mike and their lovely and dynamic dog Tui. I had really an amazing time. Lynley and Mike are just the perfect hosts. They are kind, they always ask you if you need anything, they cook like gods, they take the time if you need help even if they have a lot of work to do with… read more

(Excellent )

26/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Carina & Josephine)

Carina and Josephine were such a pleasure to host, such delightful girls and fun to be around.
They were amazing help with us here, it didn't matter what task they were given, it was always completed to a very high standard. We would highly recommend them to any host.

(Excellent )

27/04/2020

Left by Workawayer (Carina & Josephine) for host

We stayed for two weeks and it was just absolutely amazing. Besides the fact that you are in the middle of the most beautiful place, surrounded by a stunning nature, Lynley and Mike are just the nicest people you could image. Alway happy and kind (towards everyone). We stayed in a cute little room and mostly worked from 9am-12am. Its no hard work… read more

(Excellent )

26/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Orlando & Carly)

We loved everything about Carly and Orlando, what a beautiful, caring and generous couple they are. We had the wonderful pleasure of their company during Covid-19 Lockdown, we seriously could not have been any luckier to have these two with us. I can only praise Carly and Orlando, their work ethic, their friendliness, their initiative and their… read more

(Excellent )

04/06/2020

Left by Workawayer (Orlando & Carly) for host

We stayed at The Lodge for just about three months, and could not have asked for more kind hearted people or a better experience. Mike and Lynley are so gracious and loving and immediately made us feel like part of their family. Their lodge is gorgeous and they are so welcoming to everyone they meet! We feel so blessed to have crossed paths with… read more

(Excellent )

26/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa & Damian)

Lisa and Damian are the most delightful and capable couple who helped us in so many areas. We loved their maturity and their independent nature. Lisa is such a beautiful soul, a very kind and gentle person. Her attention to detail was much appreciated and things have never looked better. Damo has a great sense of humour and is very strong and… read more

(Excellent )

20/06/2020

Left by Workawayer (Lisa & Damian) for host

This place is absolutely incredible and even more incredibly wonderful are the people who are living there! Lynley&Mike made us feel sooo comfortable that we immediately felt to be part of their family. It was hard for us to leave. Everyday we had the chance to wake up to an awesome view to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and then we start the… read more

(Excellent )

26/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Thao Huong)

Huong is an exceptional young lady, very bright, very lovely, quite simply the perfect person to help us. We loved her sense of humour and her positive attitude. Such a pleasure to have around and she would be welcome back anytime.

(Excellent )

09/07/2020

Left by Workawayer (Thao Huong) for host

What an exceptional workaway experience! My time helping Lynley and Mike in their lodge was such fabulously beautiful memory that I will never forget.
The tasks everyday were well assigned with careful instruction. There was even the checklist for you to keep things on track and make everything easy. After working time was over, there were plenty… read more

(Excellent )

09/02/2020

Left by Workawayer (Aislinn) for host

What an amazing experience. I loved every minute of my time here. Lynley and Mike go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. I'm very grateful to them for including me in family dinners and for the lovely Christmas we shared together.

The work is very managable and days off are flexible. I would highly recommend this workaway to anyone… read more

(Excellent )

01/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Verena) for host

I can not describe what an absolute joy it was to spend my time with Lynley and Mike in! Honestly, This is a paradise and it’s the best, first and last place in New Zealand I would go to! Lynley and Mike are so lovely, welcoming, have a sense of humor and have a heart of gold - I felt like they were very much part of my family. I enjoyed to help… read more

(Excellent )

18/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Kelsey & Zachary) for host

If you are looking for the most picturesque Workaway in New Zealand, look no further! Coming here was the best holiday gift anyone could ask for. We spent most of December with Lynley, Mike, and their crew and it was unbelievable. You are given very specific housekeeping or facilities related tasks and given clear instructions for the various… read more

(Excellent )

19/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Agnes & Willy (female))

Very special lovely young ladies. What a wonderful relationship these two sisters have. And such a pleasure to host. Amazing work ethic and great fun to have around. Adored by other staff and guests alike. It was wonderful that they returned to visit at the end of their tours.

(Excellent )

20/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Agnes & Willy (female)) for host

We spend 3.5 week here in October. It was the start of our travels in NZ, and we couldn't have a better start. We've had such a great time here!
Mike and Lynley are great hosts and the work is easy to learn. We loved every minute we spend in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.
Thank you so much Mike and Lynley, we are definately coming back!

(Excellent )

19/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Martin & Alina)

These two lovely people were just a delight to host. Always happy and hard working, and the best wicked sense of humour. Amazing team players, they became great friends with everyone here. It was a sad day to see this very cute couple leave and we only hope they return here one day. We can highly recommend them to anyone, they are the kind of… read more

(Excellent )

07/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Martin & Alina) for host

Thank you very much Mike and Lynley for having us at your Lodge in the Marlborough Sounds. We had a wonderful time and felt like home. It was fun and so interesting for us to meet so many very kind people in your Lodge. The mussel nights were always good to sit together and talk with other guests from all around the world. Joining the mussel tour… read more

(Excellent )

11/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Chris)

Chris is a truly wonderful person. We loved having here stay with us. If you get the opportunity to host Chris, take it! He has oodles of common sense and sees what needs doing and quietly gets on with the job. One of the best people we have ever had help us.

(Excellent )

11/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Chris) for host

I had such an incredible time here helping Lynley and Mike out with the other workawayers. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a break from the city as it is situated in a perfect location to unwind and relax. Can't wait for my next visit :)

(Excellent )

06/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Andre) for host

I loved my stay with Lynley and Mike! They were incredible kind and welcoming, and I honestly was sad to leave at the end of my two weeks. I immediately felt at home amongst them and the other workaways, and I enjoyed the meals and mussel nights we shared. I hope to visit again soon!

(Excellent )

03/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca & Joe)

What a lovely couple of people. We so enjoyed having Joe and Becky stay with us. Amazing help around the place, fantastic common sense and practical skills. When you meet young people like Joe and Becky you really feel there is still hope for this world! Welcome back anytime!!

(Excellent )

02/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Rebecca & Joe) for host

Amazing!
We had such an awesome time with Lynley and Mike, and truly loved our short time there. They were kind, generous and friendly hosts who gave us advice on all the activities we wanted to do - and there are plenty!
The work was around 3 hours a day mostly housekeeping in the rooms at the lodge, or maintenance/gardening depending on the… read more

(Excellent )

02/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Diane) for host

I had such a magical, amazing, memorable two weeks here! Mike and Lynley are lovely, warm, and welcoming, as are the guests and former workers who have come back season after season to be part of the family and keep visiting this beautiful place. Lynley took the time and care to teach me what I needed to know to help garden around the property,… read more

(Excellent )

12/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Diane)

It was such a pleasure having Diane help us here. Our gardens benefitted greatly. But more important was Diane's fantastic social skills bringing our guests and staff together and creating some wonderful memories for all. Please come back anytime!!

(Excellent )

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Martin)

We really enjoyed have Martin help us here. He assisted us with house keeping and gardening and always worked with a smile on his face. He completed every to a high standard. A wonderful member of our team and was so friendly with staff and guests.

(Excellent )

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Iida)

Iida is a lovely person who fitted in well here and was a great team member. Her work was to a very high standard and she was very reliable, positive and trustworthy.

(Excellent )

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Cristina & Federico)

I wish I could give this couple 10 stars! They were the very best help we had all season. The most amazing workers who took any job allocated seriously and completed with such professionalism. And so funny, loved their sense of humour, always had us laughing. The best company! We consider them family now!

(Excellent )

08/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Cristina & Federico) for host

We spent 5 very pleasant weeks with the host a remote slice of Paradise hidden in the Sounds. We got there by car after a long drive on an ungravel and windy road. Lynley received us with a smile and cookies.
The accomodation was a room close to the main house. Toilets and showers were shared with the other workawayers and the guests, few steps… read more away from the room. Same for the kitchen/lounge that were in another building, just few more steps away.
The job was done during the morning and consisted of housekeeping duties, so the rooms were ready for arriving guests during the day. The rest of the day was free for us. There is plenty of fun activities to do while off duty, like kayaks, paddleboards, walks, hikes, swimming, the hot spa, and of course relax in a beautiful enviroment with amazing landscapes. When raining, there are other options, indoor, like playing lots of board/card games, reading by the fire or whatever you are into. Have in mind the WiFi is a bit limited, so if you like to watch movies or shows, it is reccommended that you get those on your laptop somewhere else beforehand. Anyway, they also got a huge library of DVD movies in the place and a portable player.
You have to provide your own food and it's better to do your groceries beforehand and arrive with a good stock of goodies, because there are no shops nearby. Anyway, the basics like coffee, tea, flour, rice, spices are provided and found in the common kitchen. Also, every now and then someone goes to town and can buy for you stuff you need. We ended up having a lot of food, because we are too precautious and because sometimes the guests leaving were giving away some food.
Lynley and Mike are fun, very generous, lovely people. We wish we could have spent a bit more time together. We shared easter with them and their friend Cathy, we had pancakes and great talks. Mike is number one even without trying, he's genuinely good at anything, if you are lucky enough he will teach you one thing or two. We also met Dylan, another family friend, he's a great cook and very cool guy. Lynley is very sweet and the way she speaks makes you feel at ease everytime. She's also a great baker, with a very contagious laugh. Overall we felt at home and was difficult to leave these amazing people behind to continue our adventure. Hopefully we can visit them back sometime.
Thank you for everything and wish you the best end of season. Be safe and good luck with the renovations.

(Excellent )

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Eric)

Wonderful wonderful person. Eric was an amazing team member here. Fantastic help with ground maintenance and house keeping. Always had a smile on his face and was wonderful with guests and staff alike.
We would welcome Eric back anytime!

(Excellent )

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Cécile)

Cecile is a wonderful energetic vibrant young lady, a brilliant asset to our team here. Happy to help with house keeping and so friendly with staff and guests alike. We would welcome her back anytime.

(Excellent )

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)

Marie is a gem! One in a million. She helped us design a fantastic property map for this place and surrounds which we've had printed and give to our guests. Marie had no qualms with any task given and always completed everything with enthusiasm. A delightful person to have around, so positive and bubbly!

(Excellent )

12/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Juliette)

Juilette is a lovely caring person who is very capable and we so appreciate her help here. All her work was completed to a very high standard and she was always happy to help with the tasks required. She was a great team player and so friendly with all our staff and guests. Thank you!

(Excellent )

05/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Juliette) for host

When I arrived Mike told me "welcome to the paradise".... he was right !!
This place is absolutely awesome, beautiful, peace and quite !!!
Lynley, Mike and the whole team are amazing, nice, fun, generous :)
The work is not hard and everytime in good spirits !!!
The commodation provided is really comfortable !
We had a lot of spare time while we… read more

(Excellent )

12/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Etienne)

Etienne is a lovely earnest young man who helped us greatly here with housekeeping and gardening. He worked very hard and completed every task to a very high standard. We were especially impressed with his wonderful outgoing friendly manner with us, our staff and our guests. He would be welcome back anytime.

(Excellent )

12/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Nina)

Nina worked here helping us with house keeping for a few weeks in March and April 2018.
She is a delightful person who took her responsibility seriously which we greatly appreciated. Customer satisfaction is so important to our business. We found Nina very trustworthy and honest, always punctual and always helpful. We wish she could have stayed… read more

(Excellent )

02/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Nina) for host

I had a really wonderful time staying with Mike and Lynley, not only are the Marlborough sounds absolutely stunning and worth checking out on their own but this place also has a very special atmosphere. The tasks are very fair, the property beautiful and I had a lot of fun talking to the other workers and guests. Mike and Lynley are wonderful… read more

(Excellent )

23/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Danielle & Josh) for host

We stayed with Lynley and Mike for a few weeks last year and have only now realised we did not leave feedback!
It was an incredible place to stay, this is a beautiful hidden paradise, we were welcomed so warmly and made to feel so at home.

Lynley and Mike are very generous and genuine hosts, we enjoyed all the work we did here as well as the… read more

(Excellent )

14/10/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Danielle & Josh)

We have these two gorgeous people helping us right now and they are simply wonderful. I can highly recommend them.
Independent, thoughtful, considerate and very willing to help with everything. Thank you Josh and Danielle.

(Excellent )

10/10/2017

Left by Workawayer (Gabija & Mindaugas) for host

Amazing! Everything Lynley and Mike have created in the little paradise of Marlborough sounds is just amazing. Yes, it is a little bit off the way from most tourist routes, but it's definitely worth staying here - our 2 weeks went too fast, like a relaxing dream. Ahh, all the oysters and vast waters to explore!!
Thank you for this experience! Your… read more

(Excellent )

05/10/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Gabija & Mindaugas)

What a lovely couple. We so enjoyed having Min and Gabi stay with us for two weeks and wish they could have stayed longer. We really liked their independence and self motivation. Welcome back anytime.

(Excellent )

21/04/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Manon & Alexis)

What a pleasure having Manon and Alexis help us here. They did a great job in helping us to maintain our high standard and we really appreciated their attention to detail. Such a lovely couple and our guests enjoyed their company too. Welcome back anytime!

(Excellent )

23/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Manon & Alexis) for host

We spend 3 wonderful weeks with Lynley and Mike. And if we could we would have stayed longer because everything was awesome. We worked a few hours in the morning in order to clean the bathrooms, bedrooms and common room and all the rest of the time we enjoyed the beach, the place and all the facilities. There are a lot of stuff to do all around… read more

(Excellent )

21/04/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Matt & Catriona)

Wow is all I can say. This gorgeous young couple have the most amazing positive outlook on life, always smiling and willing to help, what a pleasure to have stay and help us. Fantastic people skills, we reckon they could run this place better than we do. Love Matt's wicked sense of humour and Kat's warm caring personality. Their attention to… read more

(Excellent )

20/04/2017

Left by Workawayer (Matt & Catriona) for host

If you have the chance to go here, take it! It was such an amazing experience in so many ways. Originally we planned to stay for 4 weeks, but as we fell in love with everything in here we extended to 8 weeks! Mike & Lynley are incredible people who made us feel like we were part of their family. The accommodation provided is comfortable, and the… read more

(Excellent )

07/04/2017

Left by Workawayer (John) for host

Lynley and Mike are amazing people. They are incredibly kind and generous, and I immediately felt welcomed into the family. I absolutely loved my time spent here. There is a wonderful sense of community between the staff and the guests, and I had plenty of time to socialize with everyone. The working environment is very enjoyable, and the area is… read more

(Excellent )

09/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (John)

John is quite simply adorable. A wonderful diligent, hardworking young man with amazing manners! We loved having John stay and help us with things here. He was able to do all tasks set to a very high standard. Great to have him as part of our the family.

(Excellent )

24/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (Michel) for host

Staying here was clearly an amazing experience! Such great memories from my stay there. Mike and Lynley are delightful people. Friendly, nice and helpful.
As a workawayer , you have access to kayaks, bikes, fish boats, mussel nights and more. The place itself is a slice of paradise but with the people there it's even better.
I highly recommend… read more

(Excellent )

03/12/2016

Left by Workawayer (Caitlin & Rose) for host

We couldn't have asked for a better WorkAway experience than the one we found in here. Mike and Lynley were amazing hosts and always kept us laughing and well fed. We spent a few hours each morning helping out and then had plenty of time to explore the sounds by kayak, bike and paddle board which Mike and Lynley were generous enough to let us use.… read more

(Excellent )

25/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Andreas & Tabea) for host

We had a great time staying here and working together with Lynley and Mike. The property is just beautiful and tranquil. We found work easy as everything is well maintenanced. The atmosphere was always friendly and relaxed. We especially enjoyed using the amazing guest kitchen and the stand- up- paddleboards. Thank you a lot for the great… read more

(Excellent )

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