updated  

Eco-earth house in the bush; protecting endemic fauna and flora in Northland, New Zealand

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Kia ora, travellers!
    Haere mai - welcome - to my whare (home) in beautiful Honeymoon Valley, surrounded by native rainforest, birds and organic gardens. Before settling in the Far North 30 years ago, this whenua (land) was a paddock. Now, there are mature trees, native bush, orchards and gardens. We built this eco-earth house using local clay. Life here is peaceful and quiet, perfect for enjoying nature.

    I am part of the local landcare group, protecting our native forest, birds, lizards and insects. We trap predators and remove invasive weeds. You could help with organic/permaculture gardening: vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit trees, chickens, mowing, brush-cutting, compost-making, maintenance and fixing things (basic carpentry, painting), sewing, cleaning, chopping firewood. I bake bread. I make apple cider vinegar, bottle fruit, jam, chutney, sauerkraut, and collect seeds.

    My place fits independent, mature helpers who have work & life experience. I work at our local kura (school), so some hours of the day you will be home alone (maybe with other helpers, or with family). For 4-5 hours of help per day, I provide full accommodation and meals.

    There are opportunities to go sightseeing and to relax: The famous 'Bush Fairy Dairy' is 7 km from my house, and the beach 20 km. If you have no car, I can take you to and pick you up from Taipa.

    Honeymoon Valley is perfect for exploring bush and bird life. The river is great for swimming. You can borrow my bikes, visit my kura, and learn about Maori culture. You can use my keyboard, guitar, ukulele, and djembe. I do not play music, but love singing and dancing, and fitness. I love nature, films, literature and art.
    nga mihi nui
    Gerlinde

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Sustainability
    Culture
    Plant care
    History
    Books
    Languages
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Performing arts
    Yoga / Wellness
    Nature
    Fitness
    Mountain
    Dancing
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Language, organic and permaculture gardening, sustainability, landcare.

  • Help

    Help

    Gardeners, landscapers, carpenters, painters, outdoor enthusiasts, artists, crafters, dancers, fitness and health workers.
    NOT suitable for digital nomads (No WIFI);
    I cook multicultural-fusion food. If you are vegan/GF, bring some food with you.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    French: Intermediate
    Maori: Beginner

    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

    A bedroom in my house

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    NOT suitable for digital nomads (no WIFI).
    I have bikes you can borrow.
    Visits to my kura (school ) and learn about Maori culture
    Visiting events, beaches, etc

  • 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

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Room for campervans. Not suitable for digital nomads - bad internet!

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 188351881472

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

+72

Feedback (83)



Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

+72

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:
(4.9)

Communication:
(5.0)












































































































Stay in my peaceful home and gardens in beachside Hauraki North Shore Auckland, New Zealand
Learning each others culture and sharing our family life together in Queenstown, New Zealand