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4 Mar 2025
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Description
Kia ora! We are a family of three—two humans and a dog—living on the edge of Rotoma, a pristine, clear-water lake, accessible only by boat. We've been fortunate to call this sacred spot our home for the past four years, during which time we've been deeply listening to what the land and waters want from us, and how we can be in greatest service to life as it exists here. Slowly, slowly, we've seen the seasons through growing food, building, renovating our 60-year-old bach home, and undertaking a variety of other projects.
Currently, we are focused on expanding our syntropic food forests and homesteading for the months ahead. Our lifestyle is in direct relationship with the nature that surrounds us.
We live by the principle that everything is interconnected: how we care for ourselves is mirrored in how we care for others and the environment around us.
We enjoy preparing and nourishing meals to share around the table, are curious and open to all walks of life, and would love to open our home to you. Join us as we continue on this beautiful journey of connection and growth.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Sustainability
Self development
Plant care
Gardening
Astronomy
Cooking & food
Books
Cycling
Yoga / Wellness
Water sports
Nature
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This is a unique location by a clear-water lake with boat access only, where you’ll experience a true connection with nature. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities on the land, such as gardening, building, cleaning, and general maintenance, helping us as we continue to grow and develop our homestead.
As keen homesteaders, we bake our own bread, brew kombucha, conduct fermentation experiments, and grow a medicinal garden. You’ll have the chance to get involved in these practices, learning alongside us and contributing to our self-sufficient lifestyle.
We also catch trout from the lake, and we’re grateful to have access to this nourishing food directly from the waters. In your free time, you’ll be able to explore the beauty of the lake by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, connecting with the environment in a way that only this pristine location can offer.
This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in sustainable living, learn new skills, and experience the rewarding work of homesteading. You’ll be part of a meaningful cultural exchange, where sharing knowledge, traditions, and experiences is at the heart of everything we do.
Help
We are looking for individuals who are physically capable, eager to learn, or have experience in gardening and/or building. We would particularly appreciate strong individuals who enjoy working on the land—tasks like chopping wood and preparing firewood for the winter ahead. Additionally, we value those with experience in syntropic gardening who can work independently. We’re excited about the opportunity to learn from each other and share skills and knowledge in all aspects of life.
Current projects include:
Early stage agroforestry food forest based on syntropic principals
Preparing growing areas for winter
General care for the land
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We offer a very comfortable, newly renovated caravan with a king bed or a cozy cabin with a double bed, both located by the lake. Each option includes power, wood fire heating, and can accommodate 2-4 people. During the warmer months, you're also welcome to set up your own tent if you prefer.
Guests have access to a shared kitchen, shower, composting toilet, and living space inside our bach, as well as a yurt dedicated to quiet space, meditation, yoga, and contemplation. We are completely off-grid, relying on solar power for our energy needs. While there is mobile phone reception, we do not have Wi-Fi.
What else ...
We live in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Plenty, where you’ll have an abundance of places to explore during your time off—whether it’s the nearby lakes, beaches, hot springs, forests, or mountains. The natural beauty here is vast and diverse, offering something for every kind of adventurer.
Ideally, you would have your own transport, as there is no public transport in our area. However, if timing and interests align, we’d love to take you on some outings to explore the local sights together.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
