Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
11 Mar 2025
Reply rate
85.0 %
Usually responds within 10 days
Feedback
12
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
This is a permaculture homestead in Little River with aims of being a relatively self sufficient learning environment. Luke Bird is the host who breeds a range of poultry, belongs to the Southern seed exchange- a heritage seed savers group, and works at the Christchurch Botanic gardens. Working to create a like minded community, teach and explore with others who are interested, sharing in the growth and development of the property.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
An opportunity to be involved in a poultry based permaculture property, hosted by a trained horticulturalist with a broad knowledge of plants keen to share the Kiwi "good life".
Help
This is a permaculture homestead in Little River. Life revolves around growing food and raising birds. There is a hillside of regenerating bush and establishing food forest type shelter. There's always plenty to do, I work 4 days a week at the Christchurch Botanic gardens during the week so can always use a hand looking after the homestead!
Food is largely produced on the property and as such we do eat home grown lamb, and poultry weekly.
Jobs:
Mostly i need help around the place looking after Dream the dog, keeping on top of the weeds, growing food, and feeding every body.
Different seasonal jobs come up like feeding and moving animals, fixing and making fences, planting and watering plants, seed collecting and processing.
Work expectations:
3-4 hours of work a day around the property 5 days a week.
Im at home Friday-Sunday so like to work with and teach people on these days around the garden.
Preferred days off are Monday/Tuesday
Please keep the place tidy, dont leave tools lying around. Plz take shoes off at the door.
Food:
We share Dinner the main meal of the day here in the evenings, I would love to share the preparation of meals with you.
I would love to try your favorite meals - let me know what ingredients you will need and i can get them.
I provide bread and cereal for breakfast. There are usually leftovers, eggs and garden greens etc to prepare for lunch.
On your days off if you go exploring around the peninsula it would be good to get your own dinner in Akaroa while you are out. We can discuss
Dream the Dog:
Dream doesnt understand personal space - She loves to sit ON You on the couch.
You have to set your own boundaries with her.
Dream loves the company! she is usually a very good dog, but some times she is sneaky and goes for a walk. If you leave the property she needs to be shut inside the house.
The Bus:
Enjoy the comfort of the King sized bed in the Bus!
The kitchen oven and sink is not currently active in the bus.
Make yourself at home in the house, use the kitchen and bathroom inside.
There is no wifi at the house:
But there is wifi at the library down the road, and i can hotspot you if you need to do small things
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
currently studying Maori
Accommodation
A bus with a king size bed, and an in progress self contained sleepout
What else ...
located in Little River on Banks peninsula there are a range of bays,beaches and forests in the area for helpers to explore.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Feedback (10)
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
He made sure the work was varied and had a relaxed approaches to assigning tasks.
He was kind enough to provide 3 meals a day. The eggs from his chickens are the tastiest you’ll ever eat.
His dog dream is affectionate and fun.
His lodger Nick is also super lovely.… read more
Luke is a genius, he has endless bird facts and knows almost every native plant in New Zealand as he takes care of the native section in the botanical garden in Christchurch. Luke and his fur baby Dream were so warm and welcoming, I was so happy to make such good friends. I learned… read more
