Profile information
Host rating
Not yet rated
Last replied
30 Apr 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
-
Email verified
Badges (1)


Find your perfect host
Details
Description
We are an older couple who are struggling to maintain our landscaped property. We live with our two English Collies at Rings Beach, a most beautiful part of the Coromandel and want to be able to stay here, (as you would understand once you have seen it) so need help with gardening. Our home is virtually on the beach, and has a separate and fully independent living accommodation of 3 bedrooms , (1xking, 1xdouble, 1x2bunks), plus fully equipped kitchen, shower, toilet etc plus comfortable lounge and dining area. Basically that building is completely self-contained.. We also have a thriving beehive, and good Internet connectivity. There is no public transport so you would need your own transport. We are about 20 minutes drive to Whitianga or Coromandel town. We are happy to provide meals, but also fine with self-catering. We would provide the necessities for self-organised breakfasts, and provide lunches and dinners if required. We just need to know if there are any dietary restrictions to be considered.
Are interests are mostly in the craft areas -making model ships, knitting for children in a Women's Refuge, greeting card making, plus keeping bees. Gillian is also involved with the Order of St John, as Area Chaplain. Our Rings Beach community is small, and we do environmental work of dune restoration together, plus quite a lot of informal socialising.Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are both New Zealanders, and have quite a bit of international travel experience. I lived in England for 9.5years, and have some very rusty French, but am willing to polish that up. We are both retired academics - engineering and IT, with good familiarity with world affairs, and social issues. Thus we love exploring ideas and views that come with people from other countries than ours. The permanent residents community here is very small, but swells a lot at holiday times, with quite a busy social scene among us all. The rest of the year is quiet, but the beach offers good surfing at times, and is always a drawcard for visitors.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
While we love our gardens, we need help with weeding, cutting back branches, clearing leaves off paths etc. Nothing major really, but always ongoing.
Languages
Languages spoken
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
We are always interested in learning bits of other languages, and can help with an introduction to basic Maori phrases.Accommodation
The three bedroom building mentioned earlier has bedding supplied, and heaters. While the kitchen is fully equipped we are happy to provide main meals if that is desired. That building has its own dining area and lounge space, and is lockable.
What else ...
There is good, interesting walking around our area, (to other beaches and on tracks in the bush). Fishing options are either off the local rocks or with the use of our torpedo. There are good surfing opportunities both at our beach and the ones close by.
Both Coromandel and Whitianga are lovely heritage country towns , with shops, cafes, museum, and local tourism activities including sea trips. All well promoted on tourism sites.
We have good Sky TV coverage and Netflix.
We both attend church in Whitianga, plus I am quite involved with social groups in Whitianga, and am the St John Chaplain for this area.A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Our help needs are all daytime, but not full-time, so digital work outside days committed to that is fine. There is space to work independently of us in the accommodation building.
Space for parking camper vans
There is good space available to park motorhomes and easy access to power.
Can possibly accept pets
We have two elderly and very sociable dogs, and are happy for people to come with their dogs, if hey are also well-socialised and good with other dogs.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two