Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
11 Nov 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
6
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
I am retired and live in the lovely little beachy town of Orewa, 30- 45 minutes north of Auckland. Two sweet kitties live with me in a warm house 5 minutes from the river estuary, 10 minutes walk to our beautiful Orewa beach. There are river walks, bush walks, regional parks, many nice cafes, art gallery, cycle paths, cute shops and little weekend markets all around here. People also swim, windsurf and paddle board in the estuary and the sea.
I live by myself and need help in the garden especially- weeding, turning compost, maintaining the vege garden, creating garden beds, making a path, planting a hedge, organising the garden shed. Also a bit of cleaning - the gutters, driveway, fences.
Bus stop is 5 minutes away and connects to Auckland and even the airport. I go into Auckland regularly so can arrange pickup/drop offs.
I have hosted many helpers over the years here and in my other houses- I really enjoy meeting people and hearing about their travels and home countries.
I offer a comfortable private room and own bathroom, free meals, internet etc
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House sitting
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Pets
Movies & TV
Events & social
Culture
Charity work
Plant care
Photography
Music
History
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Books
Art & design
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The local community is relaxed and sporty, especially anything to do with the sea!
I’m interested in your travel stories and also to learn about your own country, language, culture and family.
I’m happy to speak slowly and carefully so that you can extend your working knowledge of English.
Help
I need help in the garden especially- building up flower beds, creating edging, making a path, planting a hedge and a vege garden, water blasting the fences, paths, patio and driveway, painting a fence.
I’ll be working alongside or doing another task close by.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
I love all languages and am interested in helping out with language exchanges.
Accommodation
You will have your own room with queen bed, clean linen, blankets and a duvet.
You have your own bathroom with lockable door.
The lounge room and kitchen are places where you are welcome to sit, eat and socialise.
Meals and food are provided- we can also take turns to cook!
What else ...
There are lovely walks in the area- along many different beaches, lake, bush walks, regional parks and the river/estuary. Many people wind surf and paddle board here, and swim in summer months. Cycling and running is also popular.
Theirs is a great little theatre which puts on fantastic shows and a lovely art gallery which also runs art/craft classes.
Orewa has nice shops, many cafes and little markets on the weekends.
Buses run to Albany and Auckland several times per hour. There is parking on the street.
No smokers or drugs thank you.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Ruby & Toby (2 years)
Ruby is confident and visits all the neighbours - sometimes I don’t see her all day. Toby is shy and loves to be inside snuggled up beside me on the couch.
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (2)
It was a good cultural exchange - learning each other’s language, stories and culinary… read more
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
It was a good cultural exchange - learning each other’s language, stories and culinary… read more
Communication was excellent and she arrived on time as agreed.
We had some excellent meals and conversations, and lots of laughs. She was very polite and respectful.
I fully recommend Selma as an excellent Workawayer.
