Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
9 Feb 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
30
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (4)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
We are an older couple, Ian & Louise, who have travelled extensively and live in a large home in the very attractive Hawkes Bay village of Havelock North. All six adult children have left home, (with our youngest son having now returned), and spread around NZ, UK and Australia.
We are NON-smokers, keen readers (with a reasonable library), chess player, kayaker, hikers, trampers and enjoy the company of young travelers.
This is the heart of the wine and food district, generally sunny and warm climate for most of the year with a very long and interesting coastline.
We have a large 2 Storey house with spare bedrooms and a larger urban garden.
There is always some maintenance/gardening work to do at the property of a more or less light nature so could suit, singles or a couple of young ladies travelling around NZ from overseas, looking for a short stay to discover our region and improve their language skills.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We love sharing the history & culture of Hawkes Bay & NZ, also sharing our memories of our overseas travel, my wife's love of art & my passion for books.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Light maintenance work around the dwellings and garden.
Anyone who can provide art, photography or computer skills welcome.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Beginner
French: Beginner
Chinese (Mandarin): Beginner
Accommodation
A self-contained wing, (shared with our son), in our home, with 1 bedroom and with sep shower, sep bathroom, sep toilet adjacent : or a spare double bedroom as an alternative or if we have guests in the wing.
The house is located 1km walking distance from the centre of the village shops & amenities. Local buses serve the area.
What else ...
Cycling, hiking, swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, wining, dining, cafe culture, Art Deco capital of the world at Napier, local culture, history.
PLEASE NOTE: February 2023, our region suffered incredible widespread flooding with a severe impact on services. The region is still recovering.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 188883285883
Feedback (16)
17 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Cathy)
We welcomed Cathy to our home and hearts and she was such a revelation. Hard working, extremely conscientious and enthusiastic charm. From her, we learnt a little of life in Canada, and about her levels of tolerance & patience. She was part of the first steps in our large garden overhaul & as such she might have felt overwhelmed (living in an… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Cathy) for host
I stayed for a week with Ian and his lovely wife Louise at their home in North Havelock while touring New Zealand. From the moment Ian picked me up at the bus station I felt comfortable. I did most of my work in their large garden, trimming hedges - a great shoulder workout! Ian is very safety-conscious and the level and pace of work were totally… read more
27 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria )
Maria was a delight to host, hardworking with a very cheerful disposition. She was very game to undertake things she had never done before and very quickly fitted into our family life. Always sad to see our Workawayers move on.. enjoy your travel & new experiences Maria, we wish you well for your future.
(Excellent
)
21 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lena & Antonia)
My 2 wonderful young Urchins, (aka, Toni & Lena), it was an absolute pleasure to host you, and very sad to see you depart. We enjoyed your delightful company, watching you have fun dressing the part for Art Deco and helping you enjoy the Hawke’s Bay experience. Your work ethic and enthusiasm was infectious accomplishing so much work willingly and… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lena & Antonia) for host
We stayed with Ian& Louise, their son Adam and the little dog Milly for about two weeks. We felt welcome since the first second and the longer we stayed the more they became like family. We enjoyed working with Ian at his most beautiful holiday lodges and in the garden at their home in Havelock North. They really put so much effort in showing us… read more
Photos
Feedback
17 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Cathy)
We welcomed Cathy to our home and hearts and she was such a revelation. Hard working, extremely conscientious and enthusiastic charm. From her, we learnt a little of life in Canada, and about her levels of tolerance & patience. She was part of the first steps in our large garden overhaul & as such she might have felt overwhelmed (living in an… read more
(Excellent)
9 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Cathy) for host
I stayed for a week with Ian and his lovely wife Louise at their home in North Havelock while touring New Zealand. From the moment Ian picked me up at the bus station I felt comfortable. I did most of my work in their large garden, trimming hedges - a great shoulder workout! Ian is very safety-conscious and the level and pace of work were totally… read more
27 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria )
Maria was a delight to host, hardworking with a very cheerful disposition. She was very game to undertake things she had never done before and very quickly fitted into our family life. Always sad to see our Workawayers move on.. enjoy your travel & new experiences Maria, we wish you well for your future.
(Excellent)
21 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lena & Antonia)
My 2 wonderful young Urchins, (aka, Toni & Lena), it was an absolute pleasure to host you, and very sad to see you depart. We enjoyed your delightful company, watching you have fun dressing the part for Art Deco and helping you enjoy the Hawke’s Bay experience. Your work ethic and enthusiasm was infectious accomplishing so much work willingly and… read more
(Excellent)
19 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lena & Antonia) for host
We stayed with Ian& Louise, their son Adam and the little dog Milly for about two weeks. We felt welcome since the first second and the longer we stayed the more they became like family. We enjoyed working with Ian at his most beautiful holiday lodges and in the garden at their home in Havelock North. They really put so much effort in showing us… read more
9 Jun 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Lilo)
Dear Lilo, I am so glad you enjoyed sharing your time with our small family and for your fantastic help at "Seascape". The improvement there will always be a reminder that you were such a great help, and you have added another skill to your profile!!.
Also, your energy and enthusiasm to get the jobs done around our garden, even in the intense… read more
Also, your energy and enthusiasm to get the jobs done around our garden, even in the intense… read more
(Excellent)
8 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Lilo) for host
This was one of my first workaway experiences and it was wonderfull!
I spend great two weeks with Ian, Louise, their son Adam and Millie their cute dog (or the little princess of the family). A lot of time I spend working together with Ian at their beautiful property called seascape (one of the most beautiful and peaceful places/views of my… read more
I spend great two weeks with Ian, Louise, their son Adam and Millie their cute dog (or the little princess of the family). A lot of time I spend working together with Ian at their beautiful property called seascape (one of the most beautiful and peaceful places/views of my… read more
20 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Nathalie )
Dear Nathalie, You were our first French Workawayer and the memories you have evoked of my time in France all those years ago in my youth will last me a long time. Regretfully your visit was all too short and we wished you could have stayed longer. Your help was invaluable, so reliable and full of energy and the gutters have never looked so clean!… read more
(Excellent)
16 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Nathalie ) for host
I feel pretty lucky meeting this wonderful couple who are, now, an exemple I will try to follow in my life. Isn't it too cute seeing such love and complementarity between each other after almost 42 years married? Ian's knowledge is infinate . We shared a lot of great stories and I learnt so much. I loved hearing him as he kept me captivated.… read more
12 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Mona)
Dear Mona, you were such a breathe of fresh air in our lives but for so short a time unfortunately.
So glad you enjoyed your stay with us as we really appreciated your warm and passionate nature in everything you did. The stacking of the trailer was a 'work of art'. Hope any other hosts are also appreciative of your help as you have our full… read more
So glad you enjoyed your stay with us as we really appreciated your warm and passionate nature in everything you did. The stacking of the trailer was a 'work of art'. Hope any other hosts are also appreciative of your help as you have our full… read more
(Excellent)
8 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Mona) for host
Ian and Louise are lovely hosts, they made me feel so welcome. Helping them in the garden was a pleasure for me because they were so grateful and always open to chat and having little teatime-breaks while working.
They showed me around the area and we enjoyed the best ice-cream ever together at birdwoods :-)
Millie is one of the cutest dogs I ever… read more
They showed me around the area and we enjoyed the best ice-cream ever together at birdwoods :-)
Millie is one of the cutest dogs I ever… read more
25 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Lena & Magdalena)
What a delight it was to host Magdalena and Lena. So respectful and courteous besides being hardworking with a wonderful ethical and practical approach to life. Dare I mention the "Cordon Bleu" cooking as one of their added skills. Scrumptious!! It was sad to see you girls move on so soon, but also happy to see you undertaking the first big travel… read more
(Excellent)
24 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Lena & Magdalena) for host
Couldn't recommend staying with Ian an Louise more! They are lovely, welcoming people who have a lot to tell about their own travels. We really enjoyed working in the garden and painting the holiday lodges alongside them. On the days we didn't spend working they showed us a good deal of the region. We hope to see you again soon, maybe the next… read more
25 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Paula)
Thank you so much Paula, for choosing us as your first Workaway hosts. Your help in the garden and cleaning the lodge was tremendous and we so enjoyed your company.
Sadly you did not actually win any chess games, but definitely improved, and I hope by now you have solved the puzzle?
Millie is ,missing you of course!!
I hope you have taken away… read more
Sadly you did not actually win any chess games, but definitely improved, and I hope by now you have solved the puzzle?
Millie is ,missing you of course!!
I hope you have taken away… read more
(Excellent)
25 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Paula) for host
What an awesome workaway experience!
This was my first Workaway and it was the best start I could have ever imagined.
Ian picked me up from the bus station and Louise made a great dinner for us.
I felt welcome from the first second.
Ian and Louis were such thoughtful and warm hosts.
I enjoyed every minute, be it playing chess with Ian or taking… read more
This was my first Workaway and it was the best start I could have ever imagined.
Ian picked me up from the bus station and Louise made a great dinner for us.
I felt welcome from the first second.
Ian and Louis were such thoughtful and warm hosts.
I enjoyed every minute, be it playing chess with Ian or taking… read more
24 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Gina)
It was a delight to host such a 'bubbly' person like Gina. Full of life and positivity. I can forgive her for the rain and eating all my hot X buns as she was a tremendous help in the garden during the dry spells!
She fitted in our home very comfortably and I get the impression she enjoyed her stay with us and gained some benefit from it too.
Stay… read more
She fitted in our home very comfortably and I get the impression she enjoyed her stay with us and gained some benefit from it too.
Stay… read more
(Excellent)
24 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Gina) for host
Where shall I begin with Ian and Louise! They are two truly kind and wonderful individuals who welcomed me into their home, even though I brought a week of steady rain with me to the normally sunny Havelock North. Ian and Louise are experienced travelers with heaps of life advice and have the MOST exciting collection of books--they can produce a… read more
23 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike)
Mike buzzed into our lives for about a week and helped with the important jobs to be done with the fallen trees and some steps down at the coast.
He is bright and eager and a good personality. Very keen to improve his English.
Good luck with your travels Mike.
Ian
He is bright and eager and a good personality. Very keen to improve his English.
Good luck with your travels Mike.
Ian
(Excellent)
15 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Ramona)
Dear Ramona,
It was our pleasure to host such a warm, spontaneous, genuinely courteous and hard working young lady. To share our lives and stories with you has been a real plus and we're so glad you chose to stay with us, however short.
I am certain everybody you stay with will enjoy your company and assistance with their tasks and I hope your… read more
It was our pleasure to host such a warm, spontaneous, genuinely courteous and hard working young lady. To share our lives and stories with you has been a real plus and we're so glad you chose to stay with us, however short.
I am certain everybody you stay with will enjoy your company and assistance with their tasks and I hope your… read more
(Excellent)
15 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Ramona) for host
Hi everyone,
I only stayed for a short while with Ian and Louise, but I enjoyed every second of my stay. These two are such incredibly nice people. They looked after me more than well and I really enjoyed helping in their beautiful garden. I am so thankful for their hospitality and help. They showed me around the are and brought me to places I… read more
I only stayed for a short while with Ian and Louise, but I enjoyed every second of my stay. These two are such incredibly nice people. They looked after me more than well and I really enjoyed helping in their beautiful garden. I am so thankful for their hospitality and help. They showed me around the are and brought me to places I… read more
20 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Lotte)
Dear Lotte, It was our pleasure to host you and you rewarded us with your delightful personality and fantastic help around home and our coastal lodges. It was a fun time being your 'proxy' Grandparents and I am so pleased you feel you have learnt from your experience here with us and about our beautiful region. Whenever I take the Blokart for a… read more
(Excellent)
20 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Lotte) for host
My stay at Ian and Louise's place was in all amazing. I stayed for over 2 weeks helping cleaning their beautiful lodges in the most breathtaking location and gardening at their house. Ian and Louise were so welcoming and did everything they could to show me around the region, and doing fun activities. They shared their stories and tought me so… read more
5 Apr 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Sunil)
What a delight to have Sunil stay with us for a couple of weeks. Helpful, courteous and ever willing to share his skills and wisdom. Thankfully he warmed to our hospitality very quickly and fitted in easily as 'one of the family'. Enjoying our oblique sense of humour was also a plus and a lot of fun. Thanks Sunil for being part of our lives for a… read more
(Excellent)
5 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (Sunil) for host
Ian and Louise are the most kind and gracious hosts! I stayed at their lovely home in Havelock North for two weeks in March. This is a home that they painstakingly renovated with lots of light and serenity, and it truly reflects their personalities. Ian is full of interesting factoids about the local area, and you can spend hours talking to him!… read more
30 Jan 2015
Left by Workawayer (Roisin & Finlay) for host
I had a wonderful time staying here. The company was fantastic and I felt so welcomed. Even though my time here was short I really felt Ian and Louise went out of their way to make sure I got the best experience possible. You guys were such fantastic hosts and your garden is lovely. Adam is such a great guy too and really looked after me. Thanks… read more
18 Dec 2014
Left by Workawayer (Larissa Selina) for host
This workaway-place is as good as gold. I had a wonderful time and amazing talks with Ian and Louise. They did everything to make me feel comfortable and I felt so welcomed. Moreover they showed me all the beautiful places around Haverlock North and the view of their Holiday Home is just breath-taking. If you get the chance you should definitely… read more
5 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Lisa & Henrik ) for host
We had a great time with Ian and Louise at their holiday home south of Havelock North. We had great conversations with you being really interested in what we do and how we think about various things. It's something you start to miss when travelling; that someone cares about you. Thank you so much for making our stay so lovely and positive. The… read more
2 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Isabella)
Hi Isabella & Laura,
So glad you enjoyed your experience of our region and with our company. I personally loved sharing time with you and thrilled with your work ethics and willingness and I know Louise enjoyed her kayak trip with you too. Missing you guys already.
PS: The invitation to share crepes in Denmark is to good too miss!!
-Ian &… read more
So glad you enjoyed your experience of our region and with our company. I personally loved sharing time with you and thrilled with your work ethics and willingness and I know Louise enjoyed her kayak trip with you too. Missing you guys already.
PS: The invitation to share crepes in Denmark is to good too miss!!
-Ian &… read more
(Excellent)
2 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Isabella) for host
We were the first workawayers to stay with Ian and Louise, and we were SO pleased with the stay. They went out of their skin to make us as comfortable and safe as possible, and helped us to see a great lot of the area - really like our New Zealand grandparents :) You definitely shouldn't miss out on staying with these great people if you get the… read more
