Help with landscaping at my property in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

New Zealand

Favourited 155 times

Host rating
Feedback
58
Last activity
28/07/2020
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 1 day
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Availability

2020

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What's this?

Details

Description
61 yo single male living alone in Kerikeri Bay of Islands. University educated, works from home in the computer industry so able to assist with almost any technological issue.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Help around the house
Help
A steep property of 2000 m going down to the waters edge heavily planted which needs constant weeding/trimming. Additional landscaping desirable but not imperative.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Accommodation
Double room in a modern luxury home overlooking the Kerikeri inlet. No en-suite but separate bathroom. TV, fast wireless internet (unlimited download VDSL) and loads of media. Close to township - 4km. Off street parking.
Smoking permitted in outdoor covered room.
I tend to keep European hours for eating but am a good cook and like doing so for others. I'll make you a nice meal each evening and no cleaning up after me. A range of items is available for you to help yourself for breakfast and lunch. I like to present tasty New Zealand fare so vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free are a bit too much of a challenge for me.
What else ...
Kayaks at the bottom of garden free to use. Life jackets available. Gateway to the Far North and comprehensive knowledge to share. A private, quiet and secure environment.
I have a young Golden Retriever who will be delighted to "help" you.
Ordinarily I prefer a stay of five to seven days and can often assist in finding additional hosts that I know in the area. And if you wish to purchase a cheap car to explore this beautiful part of the world I can often help with that also.
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
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Photos

Feedback left by and about host (58)

02/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Doriane & Loïs) for host

David was a great host! His house is beautiful and his dog is so adorable.
Unfortunately I was sick during my stay at David's home, but he was very understanding and patient with us.
In the evening he will cook delicious little dishes !!! Thank you for everything david
We recommend this host.

(Excellent )

11/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Charlène)

Charlene proved to be a delightful young woman who I would happily recommend to any host. She was polite, tidy, up early and always looking to deliver something extra. A great companion for my dog during the day and engaging company for me in the evening. We would be happy to see her back at any time.
Bon Voyage, Charlene.

(Excellent )

11/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Charlène) for host

David was a perfect host for my first Workaway experience! I stayed 5 days at his beautiful house with a really great view. Each evening, the meal was delicious. David drove me to different places around his home.
If you love dog, this is the best place for you. Hollie is a very very lovelly dog ! I will miss her...
Thank you again for these 5… read more

(Excellent )

01/02/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Célia & Anaelle)

It was a pleasure hosting Celia and Anaelle. And if she could speak, my dog Hollie would endorse that! They were polite and tidy girls who were always up at a respectable hour and always looking for something else to do. And what they did they did quickly and well. And in the evening they were delightful company. I can wholeheartedly endorse them… read more

(Excellent )

28/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (Célia & Anaelle) for host

We spent 5 fabulous days in the beautiful property of David. The job was to do a few hours of gardening or housework, it was not very difficult. David is an amazing host, full of discussion, a great cook and very kind. His dog, Hollie is so cute and very playful. In addition to sumptuous meals, David offers kayaks and offers to show you the… read more

(Excellent )

16/01/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Phil & Emma)

Emma and Phil were the perfect house guests. Clean and tidy, polite, self-starters with a great work ethic. Not only did they work tirelessly in my garden, achieving everything I asked from them with a minimum of supervision, they demonstrated enormous patience with my demanding golden retriever whose mission it was to “help” them all day, every… read more

(Excellent )

15/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (Phil & Emma) for host

David (and Hollie of course!) are great hosts. The accommodation is amazing and the meals David cooked for us were so good we hope he will send us the recipes! Hollie the retriever is so lovely and will play with you all day long. David was very flexible and fair with the way we worked our hours so we had lots of time to explore the local area -… read more

(Excellent )

16/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Gordana)

Gordana was simply special. She comes with an extraordinary set of skills; a search and Rescue Dog Trainer, a Pilot and an Air Traffic Controller/Trainer. So we could converse on almost any subject and learn from each other. And what a lovely attitude. Everything I asked her to do, she did it with relish and competence. She even took my dog to a… read more

(Excellent )

16/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Gordana) for host

I stayed with David and his wonderful golden retriever Hollie for 5 days. My stay was simply amazing! David made me feel as a member of family as soon as I arrived!
The house is very tidy and charmingly decorated!
Helping David with little tasks around the house was not feeling like working at all! I did some cleaning and mostly spent time with… read more

(Excellent )

27/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Maxime & Jonas)

It was a pleasure hosting Maxime and Jonas. Maxime's English is impeccable so there were no communication issues. They did a great job for me both inside (when it was raining) and outside the house. I even had to stop them from working in the garden in the rain - with their raincoats on! They were great company for me in the evening and lovely… read more

(Excellent )

27/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Maxime & Jonas) for host

We stayed with David for 5 nights, and we would definitely recommend it. David is a great person, so so helpful with everything (car trouble, itinerary, so many other things). His meals are delicious and his dog Hollie ist just adorable! You can play with her all day and she'll bring that toy over and over again! So she "helped" us quite a bit… read more

(Excellent )

13/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Nate)

Simply the best - better than all the rest! And I've had lots of good ones.
Nate was tidy, polite, always up early and into a good day's work. Always the extra mile. During the day he was a lovely companion for my golden retriever. And in the evening he was a thoroughly engaging personality with a great deal of knowledge to share from his… read more

(Excellent )

12/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Nate) for host

I had a great time at David’s place. He’s an excellent host and a top notch chef. All the food is seriously delicious and it’s plentiful. David is always fun to hang out with and is a very friendly and knowledgeable person. He took me to the beach with his dog Hollie as well as a trip to the west coast one day. He knows a lot about New Zealand and… read more

(Excellent )

27/07/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Francisca & Raul)

Francisca and Raul were perfect guests. Great company for both Hollie and me.
And everything they did, they did more than expected. They would be welcome back anytime just as guests.
Enjoy your travels and lovely to meet you.
Cheers
David

(Excellent )

27/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Francisca & Raul) for host

we were a few days with Davis and was a really amazing experience, the dog is lovely, the house is great and David is a very nice man. espectacular meals and really confortable space.

(Excellent )

15/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (jackson)

Jackson was a welcome guest. A polite young man with a good work ethic and a lovely disposition toward my demanding Golden Retriever Hollie. A shame he couldn't have stayed a little longer and experienced a little more of what the Far North has to offer.
Go well, Jackson!

(Excellent )

15/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (jackson) for host

If you're looking for a place that has an amazing view, a delightful dog, and a really down to earth guy, then look no further. I stayed with David for about 5 days, and it was among the best Workaway stays I have had by far. David is such an amazing host, and I couldn't ask for a better way to end off my trip in New Zealand. Doing things around… read more

(Excellent )

14/02/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Margaux & Julien )

When it comes to workawayers, I seem to be blessed. It's of course a big ask to welcome strangers from the other side of the world into one's home but yet again, I was not disappointed. Margaux and Julien were delightful guests who willingly did a splendid job for me and were great companions for my golden retriever during the day and for me in… read more

(Excellent )

14/02/2018

Left by Workawayer (Margaux & Julien ) for host

We spend 5 days with David and Hollie and it was awesome. It was our first experience in Workaway and we could not hope better. David is very accomodating for work (housework and gardening) and it's nice to work with Hollie! we were able to visit the area and he gave us many tips. David is also an excellent cook, he made us discover specialties.… read more

(Excellent )

22/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Jenaya) for host

We stayed in Kerikeri for 5 nights and had a lovely stay. He picked us up from our bus and was very accommodating with our work hours and also gave us tips on some local places to see. The work was fair, mostly housework and gardening. David is very friendly and is a great cook as well. His dog Hollie is adorable and we miss her!! Just as a… read more

(Very good )

21/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Aaron)

Aaron was a very nice young man who did a great job for me and later for my friend Helen who often takes workawayers for a few days after they have spent five days with me. He had a great work ethic (as I have found with most Germans) and was a good companion for my dog Hollie who insists on "helping" all workawayers.
He was polite, extremely… read more

(Excellent )

21/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Aaron) for host

I spent 5 amazing days at David’s place. It felt more like being a hotel guest as I had my own flatscreen in a big room with view on the bay and a own big bathroom. David is a friendly and easy-going person and his dog Holly was great company too! I mainly worked in his garden which can be a bit challenging as the terrain is quite steep. Thanks to… read more

(Excellent )

03/12/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Maxime & Camille)

Maxime and Camille were fabulous guests. Quite apart from the great job they did in the garden, they were also great companions in the evening over the dinner table. I helped them with their almost perfect English grammar and they helped me with my rusty French vocabulary. They were simply lovely with my dog Hollie who waited eagerly for their… read more

(Excellent )

03/12/2017

Left by Workawayer (Maxime & Camille) for host

We spent 5 busy days with David and it was great. Everything is exactly as advertised on the page, you won't be disappointed: it's really a 5-star experience. David will provide excellent food, advice and conversation. And the accommodation… I'll just say that it deserves extra stars and may ruin you for the rest of your NZ trip.
Being a dog… read more

(Excellent )

26/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Manon & Cassandra)

Manon and Cassandra stayed with me for six days and another day with a friend of mine Helen. They were delightful guests. They were clean and tidy, polite and tolerant of my late eating habits. They had a great work ethic and output. Additionally they were good company in the evening and kind and lovely companions for my dog during the day, even… read more

(Excellent )

26/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Manon & Cassandra) for host

We had a great time with David, who nicely welcomednus in his beautiful house. David is a very nice man, and an amazing cooker ! The work was fair, mainly gardening and playing with his lovely dog Hollie. Thank you David !

(Excellent )

25/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Guillermo)

It has been a pleasure hosting Guille. He was polite, friendly, extremely tidy and up early each morning and ready to do a good day's work. He was a great companion for my young golden retriever who followed him everywhere. A very mature boy for eighteen years old.
We would be pleased to have Guille back at any time. Enjoy your travels...

(Excellent )

24/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Guillermo) for host

I stayed 5 wonderful days with David and his dog Hollie. The house is really nice and I had all what I needed. David is so flexible whith the work times. He is a really good cooker (I also tried the NZ mussels for the first time!). Hollie is really friendly and she was a really nice "help" during my working time. The house is near to the Kerikeri… read more

(Excellent )

01/10/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Jette)

It was a pleasure hosting Jette. She was tidy and organised in a typical German way. And so was her work which she carried out enthusiastically. She also made a great companion for my dog - someone else to flay fetch with all day for a change!
In the evening she was congenial company for both me and my guests.
Jette would be welcome back anytime.… read more

(Excellent )

01/10/2017

Left by Workawayer (Jette) for host

i had the chance to spend 5 days with david at his lovely house in kerikeri. the work was easy and fair. the property is amazing and i will miss that view from my room for sure! not only david was a lovely and caring company, also his dog holly was wunderful! i really enjoyed my kayak trip on kerikeri river and the nice meals david made for me in… read more

(Excellent )

28/09/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Diane )

Diane was the perfect guest. I'm an early starter myself but she was often up in the morning before me. She was enthusiastic about her work, a great companion for my golden retriever and pleasant company in the evening. It was a pleasure hosting her and she would be welcome back anytime. I passed her on to a friend of mine who also hosts locally… read more

(Excellent )

27/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Diane ) for host

I had the opportunity to stay 5 days with David & Hollie.

- Rules are clear about work and stay. The exchange is very very fair.

- David is a caring person and a good cook. You can easily discuss with him about everything. He will be delighted to show you around.

- Hollie is a lovely golden retriever and you will never feel alone.

Would… read more

(Excellent )

15/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Hendrik)

Hendrik was such a polite young man with a great and flexible work ethic and delightful company in the evenings. He was also great company for my little Retriever and we shall both miss him. Hendrik is welcome back here any time and I can confidently recommend him to other hosts. Enjoy the rest of your travels Hendrik!

(Excellent )

15/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Hendrik) for host

David was a great host! He was giving me a map with tips for my roadtrip in the northland.
Easy work, good food, cosy accomodation, etc. Holly is such a lovely and energetic dog- I will miss her. David was so fair to give me a free weekend and was very easy and flexible with the working time. I learned a lot and had no worries at all. Thank you… read more

(Excellent )

09/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Kevin & Annika)

With the greatest respect to all the other wonderful workawayers that I have hosted, Kevin and Annika were simply the best yet. They displayed a great work ethic, were self starters and needed a minimum of supervision. They tirelessly played with my dog who wanted to be a help but of course was more of a hindrance.
And in the evening, they were… read more

(Excellent )

08/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Kevin & Annika) for host

David was a great host. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there! The house is really luxury and open, the food was really good (we ate mussels for the first time) and the work was challenging.
But more importantly: We had great chats with David and he gave us a lot of great tips what to do around the region. Also Hollie is an awesome dog, that kept… read more

(Excellent )

30/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Richelle)

Thank you for your kind words.
Calvin and Richelle were very welcome visitors for both me and my dog who was just so pleased to have them around.
They were a very motivated pair, tidy, up early and into work each day and did a splendid job. Calvin handled the heavier tasks and power tools with aplomb. I'd rather trust him with a chainsaw than… read more

(Excellent )

29/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Richelle) for host

David was an excellent host. My brother and I spent only 3 days with him but we wish it could have been longer. He makes you feel right at home and is a great cook. He made sure to prepare things commonly eaten in New Zealand. We tried mussels for the first time as well. His home is very nice with an amazing view of the inlet. He was kind enough… read more

(Excellent )

12/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Nayeon & Dong Uk)

It was a pleasure hosting Naeyon and Donguk. The only disappointment was that the weather wasn't kinder to them.
They were self-starters, did a great job, were helpful and tidy around the house and kind to my little Retriever.
They would be welcome back anytime and I thoroughly recommend them to other hosts.

(Excellent )

12/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Nayeon & Dong Uk) for host

Me and my boyfriend Donguk had a wonderful time at David's with Holy his dog. David is so kind and made sure to feel ourselves at home. He is also a good cook and we experienced different fine dining with local food every evening. And the house has a fantastic inlet water view! The night sky with so many stars and brilliant moon was amazing. The… read more

(Excellent )

05/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Meghan)

It was a pleasure hosting Meghan. She is a motivated self starter and very versatile.
When the weather was inclement she did ironing and cleaning and when the weather was fine she did a great job in the garden. An added bonus was discovering that she is a skilled dog trainer and she was able to teach my golden retriever puppy a few things that I… read more

(Excellent )

04/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (Meghan) for host

I am finally able to leave my feedback!
What a great experience it was to stay with David and his dog Holy
David is a very nice person while remaining discreet
Even if he was notre able to cook wathever he wanted to make me discover, it was really tasty and i will always remember his wonderful ratatouille !
I was really lucky to stay in a such… read more

(Excellent )

29/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Bea)

Bea was great. Unobtrusive yet engaging when appropriate. A good work ethic, an early starter and flexible enough to fit in with whatever the day would bring. After a little initial apprehension with my little retriever, they became great mates. Bea moved on to a local friend of mine to continue her great work. And we'd both be pleased to see her… read more

(Excellent )

29/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (Bea) for host

David is a helpfull man without more words than needed. I enjoued it in his wonderful house. The view and spot is fantastic. I liked the dog Holly and went for some walks with her and could go on a cajak tour. He recommand me to the next garden and so I enjoued 3 wonderfull magnificent weeks in Kerikeri I will always remember. Thank you so much… read more

(Excellent )

20/12/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Lili & Domenico)

Despite their youth, Lili and Domenico were wonderful guests. They did a great job for me in the garden despite being constantly hampered by my little dog who was eager to help. We'd both be keen to see them again anytime and would recommend them to other hosts for their good work ethic and pleasant company.

(Excellent )

20/12/2016

Left by Workawayer (Lili & Domenico) for host

David you are a fantastic host!! We loved staying with you and your adorable dog Hollie. Thank you so much for everything you've done for us. Your homemade meals were delicious!! We enjoyed staying in your comfy guest room and waking up to this incredible view! Everything was just so beautiful and we're really grateful for that. Also we appreciate… read more

(Excellent )

04/12/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Elena)

It was a pleasure hosting Elena and Raja. They were well motivated self-starters, did a fabulous job in the garden with their own initiative, were kind and affectionate to my little dog and were great company in the evenings.
I'd recommend them to anyone and they'd be welcome back here anytime.

(Excellent )

04/12/2016

Left by Workawayer (Elena) for host

David is a very nice and helpfull host and a very good cook. His house is really luxurious and our bedroom was very comfortable. We enjoyed the work in the garden and to have Holly (his little Dog) around us. :)
Thank you so much to help us to buy a car and for all the good tips.

(Excellent )

21/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)

It was a pleasure hosting Lisa and Moritz. They did a great job for me and were great company for both me and my playful puppy. They were self-starters and showed great initiative in just knowing what to do next. I wish them well in their travels and would be pleased to have them back any time. Thank you both.

(Excellent )

20/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host

The stay at David's was one of the best experiences we had so far here in nz. His house has the perfect location and the bed was so cozy we didn't want to leave it at all. His lovely puppy Holly helped us every day with the work and she was so adorable! David gave us very good tips where to go and probably the best part of our stay was David's… read more

(Excellent )

08/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Celine & Jennifer)

The ads used to say "you meet the nicest people on a Honda." Well I seem to meet them via Workaway! Jenny and Celine were yet another duo that fitted in really well and gave their most in terms of help. They'd be welcome back any time.

(Excellent )

08/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (Celine & Jennifer) for host

David and his lovely puppy holly were very welcoming and friendly. The house and especially bed and bathroom are beautiful. Not to forget the incredible view from top of the property which you get while gardening. Dinner is always delicious and the house provides everything you need.
Thankyou for having us David!
Cheers Jenny and Celine

(Excellent )

08/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Tamsin)

There's always a little apprehension around inviting a stranger from the other side of the world into one's home. But what a pleasure it was to have Tamsin and her new friend Amelie here. We quickly established a nice rapport and I enjoyed their company as did my little Golden Retriever puppy.
Both girls did a great job in the garden and were… read more

(Excellent )

07/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (Tamsin) for host

What a wonderful few days with David and his gorgeous puppy Holly. David was kind and welcoming, especially as I ended up turning up with 1 days notice (and with a friend). He is a great host... super cook and a beautiful home. The work was fun and very very fair... in fact it felt more like a luxurious holiday!! He also helped us with our car… read more

(Excellent )

02/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Charlie )

Charlie was a delight to have around. That she says she felt like a guest rather than a workawayer is simply because she fitted in like a member of the family. She was tidy, up early, enthusiastic with her work, great company and a sweet companion for my frisky little retriever puppy who was surely more hindrance to her than help. we enjoyed a… read more

(Excellent )

23/10/2016

Left by Workawayer (Charlie ) for host

David was a fantastic host and went above and beyond to help me while I settled into New Zealand. Firstly he helped me to buy and find a car and then ensured it was all above board and road worthy.
As well as that he was very generous to his work away guests. The bedroom and bathroom are really luxurious and more like staying in a hotel and his… read more

(Excellent )

19/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Pascale)

Pascale and Mederic were a delight to have around and did a fantastic job for me. They would be welcome back any time.

(Excellent )

05/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Pascale) for host

We had a lovely time at David's cosy place. It's a really nice spot with a great view.
David is a really good cooker, funny and has a lot of interesting things to talk about. We were very lucky to stay there, I wish we could come back at the end of our trip, to enjoy listenning to "gentle avoustic" on his comfy terrace, watching the sunrise :)

(Excellent )

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