Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
22 Jun 2025
Reply rate
75.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
51
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Our names are Cindy and Steve MacGregor. We live on a 6 acre lifestyle block with a few different types of animals. We have 6 children, 2 of whom are still living at home aged 24 and 14. We are a Christian family that homeschools and we are located 20 mins from Rotorua which is a tourist hotspot.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will be treated as part of our family. We love to learn about different cultures, customs and languages and we love to have conversations about different ways of life.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We need help mostly around the farm and house. Nothing difficult, just odds and ends that have gotten away from us. We don't provide paid work as nothing we will ask you to do involves any businesses.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We offer comfortable rooms in our home with easy access to everything.
We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. We would prefer it if you didn't have any special food requirements as it makes cooking for the family quite complicated. We all eat together and enjoy conversation.
What else ...
Unfortunately we can’t accept couples.
During days off there is lots to do in and around Rotorua. We can offer transportation as we go to town several times a week.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 266369431229
Feedback (29)
22 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Roberto) for host
Lovely experience with this amazing family.
From the first moment, I felt welcomed and helped to be part of their family routine.
I did different tasks in their garden, mostly helping to start the construction of a bathroom for future woofers.
The place and the house are wonderful, surrounded by beautiful countryside, about 20 minutes by car from… read more
From the first moment, I felt welcomed and helped to be part of their family routine.
I did different tasks in their garden, mostly helping to start the construction of a bathroom for future woofers.
The place and the house are wonderful, surrounded by beautiful countryside, about 20 minutes by car from… read more
23 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Océane) for host
I spent two weeks with Cindy and her family, and from the very first day, I was welcomed with open arms. Time flew by so quickly because the atmosphere was so warm and pleasant. This stay was truly a peaceful and refreshing break for me.
I felt like part of the family, surrounded by kindness, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Cindy and her… read more
I felt like part of the family, surrounded by kindness, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Cindy and her… read more
8 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Michaela & Rhianydd ) for host
The whole family are so kind and inviting making us feel so comfortable, part of the family and was a home away from home! Helped with the patio and really enjoyed the evenings filled with lush food, good chat and competitive card games♠️ No two days were the same and will definitely be a Workaway to remember🥰
8 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Michaela & Rhianydd )
The girls were so lovely to have in our home . They were such fun with great senses of humour. They had stories to share of their lives in Wales which was so interesting . The girls worked so hard in the laying of a brick patio which was challenging as we used old mis matched bricks .
They were a really good fit into our family . All the best… read more
They were a really good fit into our family . All the best… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
22 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Roberto) for host
Lovely experience with this amazing family.
From the first moment, I felt welcomed and helped to be part of their family routine.
I did different tasks in their garden, mostly helping to start the construction of a bathroom for future woofers.
The place and the house are wonderful, surrounded by beautiful countryside, about 20 minutes by car from… read more
From the first moment, I felt welcomed and helped to be part of their family routine.
I did different tasks in their garden, mostly helping to start the construction of a bathroom for future woofers.
The place and the house are wonderful, surrounded by beautiful countryside, about 20 minutes by car from… read more
23 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Océane) for host
I spent two weeks with Cindy and her family, and from the very first day, I was welcomed with open arms. Time flew by so quickly because the atmosphere was so warm and pleasant. This stay was truly a peaceful and refreshing break for me.
I felt like part of the family, surrounded by kindness, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Cindy and her… read more
I felt like part of the family, surrounded by kindness, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Cindy and her… read more
8 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Michaela & Rhianydd ) for host
The whole family are so kind and inviting making us feel so comfortable, part of the family and was a home away from home! Helped with the patio and really enjoyed the evenings filled with lush food, good chat and competitive card games♠️ No two days were the same and will definitely be a Workaway to remember🥰
8 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Michaela & Rhianydd )
The girls were so lovely to have in our home . They were such fun with great senses of humour. They had stories to share of their lives in Wales which was so interesting . The girls worked so hard in the laying of a brick patio which was challenging as we used old mis matched bricks .
They were a really good fit into our family . All the best… read more
They were a really good fit into our family . All the best… read more
(Excellent)
8 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Joseph)
Joe was such fun to have in our home . He was so capable and took the lead in laying a beautiful brick patio for us which was tricky as we used very old mismatched bricks .
He was so patient with our son and a great conversationalist in general .
Joe is witty , capable, intelligent and has many interesting tales to tell from all his travels .… read more
He was so patient with our son and a great conversationalist in general .
Joe is witty , capable, intelligent and has many interesting tales to tell from all his travels .… read more
(Excellent)
26 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Anne & Maja) for host
We had an amazing time staying with Cindy and her family!
The room is beautiful, the work not to hard and the food absolutely delicious.
But more importantly they made us fell very welcomed at their home.
We enjoyed good conversations and multiple rounds of playing president.
Thank you!
The room is beautiful, the work not to hard and the food absolutely delicious.
But more importantly they made us fell very welcomed at their home.
We enjoyed good conversations and multiple rounds of playing president.
Thank you!
28 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Audrey)
Audrey was a joy to have in our home. She was a hard worker and we loved the conversations and laughter we shared. Her English was very good and it was so easy to get along with her. We were sad to see her go.
We would highly recommend Audrey to any host.
We would highly recommend Audrey to any host.
(Excellent)
16 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Audrey) for host
I’m struggling to find the words to express just how amazing this family is.
Cindy, Tilly, Ali, and Steve are incredible people. You'll be included in their family activities, share laughs with them, and have engaging conversations.
You can truly feel how much they love hosting and how dedicated they are to making sure you have the best… read more
Cindy, Tilly, Ali, and Steve are incredible people. You'll be included in their family activities, share laughs with them, and have engaging conversations.
You can truly feel how much they love hosting and how dedicated they are to making sure you have the best… read more
28 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexandre)
Alex was such a pleasure to have in our home. Even with beginner English we were able to communicate and have a great time together.
Alex worked so hard on splitting firewood for us and laying in wait for possums. He fit right into the family and was quick to help with things even after finishing his set work for the day.
We highly recommend… read more
Alex worked so hard on splitting firewood for us and laying in wait for possums. He fit right into the family and was quick to help with things even after finishing his set work for the day.
We highly recommend… read more
(Excellent)
26 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Alexandre) for host
My first woofing in New Zealand, two challenging weeks learning the language, but an enriching experience full of heart ❤️.
Thank you, Cindy 🧑🍳, Steve💪, Tilly🫐, and Ali🕹️, for welcoming me, and thank you for your kindness and patience.
I already miss you, especially Mango 🥭
If I have the opportunity to come back at the end of my trip, I won’t… read more
Thank you, Cindy 🧑🍳, Steve💪, Tilly🫐, and Ali🕹️, for welcoming me, and thank you for your kindness and patience.
I already miss you, especially Mango 🥭
If I have the opportunity to come back at the end of my trip, I won’t… read more
14 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Franco Mauricio) for host
First of all thank you for having me in your family for almost two weeks and something more, I had a great time with Cindy, Steve, tilly and ali. they were very kind and nice people in my stay!!!! They are very attentive people, a bear hug from a distance :D
I could write many things , but I will focus on some , it was a pleasure to talk with… read more
I could write many things , but I will focus on some , it was a pleasure to talk with… read more
20 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Lucas) for host
One of my best experiences as woofer. The different tasks to be carried out were very well explained and not difficult.
Cindy, Steven, Tilly and Ali integrated me very well into their family. It was a real exchange, rich in emotions.
This family is adorable and helped me a lot with the construction of my van and "saved" me during Christmas and New… read more
Cindy, Steven, Tilly and Ali integrated me very well into their family. It was a real exchange, rich in emotions.
This family is adorable and helped me a lot with the construction of my van and "saved" me during Christmas and New… read more
23 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Héloïse & Laurine) for host
What a first nz experience (January 2024) !
We immediately felt part of the family as we cooked together, played games with Ali and Tilly's friends, had a lots of interesting conversations with Cindy, tried to understand Steve's jokes ... 😃
I totally recommend to stay here to everyone who wants to spend time with kind and openminded people.… read more
We immediately felt part of the family as we cooked together, played games with Ali and Tilly's friends, had a lots of interesting conversations with Cindy, tried to understand Steve's jokes ... 😃
I totally recommend to stay here to everyone who wants to spend time with kind and openminded people.… read more
30 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Héloïse & Laurine)
The girls were an absolute pleasure to have in our home . They quickly fitted in to our family and routines . They used their initiative and achieved all the tasks we set them . Both the girls were great with our animals and did a fabulous job of watching them for us when we attended a wedding .
They cooked us a beautiful meal one evening so we… read more
They cooked us a beautiful meal one evening so we… read more
(Excellent)
18 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Clement) for host
Thank you for the week, it was nice to be with Cindy and the family. They are very kind and they included me in their family activities. It was good to be also with others workaways at the same time.
Oh yes and Steven here the crepes recipie for 6 : 6 eggs, 0.8l of milk, 400g flower, 3 spoon of sugar, a bit salt, 75g of butter.
All the best
Oh yes and Steven here the crepes recipie for 6 : 6 eggs, 0.8l of milk, 400g flower, 3 spoon of sugar, a bit salt, 75g of butter.
All the best
30 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Giacomo )
Jack is the loveliest guy . He was such a pleasure to have in our home . He is very funny , so lots of laughs and interesting conversations . Jack had no problem achieving every job we asked of him . He cooked us a beautiful risotto for dinner so other hosts may want to get him to cook .
We miss Jack being in our home .
We miss Jack being in our home .
(Excellent)
30 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Giacomo ) for host
I've been with MacGregor family for 1 week, it was amazing! They treated me as a part of their family, we had so much fun together, Cindy Steve Tilly and Ali are absolutely wonderful people! I really appreciate their kindness with me and I hope to see them again in my NZ experience.
highly recommended
highly recommended
7 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin)
Ben is such a lovely guy . He’s a quiet young man . We had many very interesting conversations with Ben . He set about his tasks very enthusiastically and completed them very well . We wish you all the best for your future Ben .
(Excellent)
24 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Benjamin) for host
During my stay with Cindy and Steven, I was warmly welcomed and felt fully embraced as a member of their family. The tasks assigned were more than reasonable, exchanged for meals and a rewarding experience. A memorable week combining warmth and meaningful connections.
7 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lea Stefanie)
Lea was such a happy , friendly person to have in our home . We had a lot of conversations and enjoyed hearing of her future plans .
Lea had such an enthusiastic work ethic . We wish you all the best for your future Lea .
Lea had such an enthusiastic work ethic . We wish you all the best for your future Lea .
(Excellent)
4 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lea Stefanie) for host
I stayed 2 weeks with them and couldn't have imagined a better first workaway experience. I was very warmly welcomed in their family and really felt like a part of the family. The work was clear at all times and not too difficult. Can only recommend this experience to anyone. Thanks for this wonderful time with you!
10 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Felizia & Luc) for host
I stayed one week with Cindy and her family and would definitely like to come back! They are a really open minded family with a great sense of humour. I learnt a lot during my stay, not only how to ride a quadbike but also about myself and faith. The food was also always more than enough and delicious. The tasks and job i have done were never too… read more
9 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Naohiro) for host
I stayed in Cindy and Steve's house for a week. They let me experience several works related to their daily farm life. But it wasn't too hard work to me. I was glad to be able to use my lazy body instead! Also, I had free time enough to feel peaceful atmosphere including their garden, pastures and house, and enough to visit the city center of… read more
8 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Luis) for host
The MacGregors were our first workaway hosts and when I now look back it was a great time with a lot experience's. Me and my mate stayed for 2 weeks at the Applefarm house. We really loved the beautiful environment and the animal's on the farm. We especially liked their handling of the work days. Furthermore we had the chance to experience a lot… read more
29 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ito) for host
For 1week I spent lovely house. Actually my first experience of Workaway was so good thank to Kindly families. There were some pretty animals there. They love to exchange different cultures and languages. They understood my English level though They talked more slowly and politely than usual. In addition, I cooked Japanese dishes was Karaage and… read more
12 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Clément)
Clément has a quiet and very kind nature. His initiative is fantastic and he was always super helpful. He worked really hard and efficiently and we were never disappointed with the results. He became a part of our family during his stay and was greatly missed when he left. We hope to see him again!
(Excellent)
12 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Martin)
Martin stayed with us for just over a month. He was very committed to helping get the gardens back into shape and had such a great work ethic. He achieved so much work for us during his stay. He always insisted on completing his tasks and was very thorough with everything he did. Martin is easy to communicate with, he has very good English. He has… read more
(Excellent)
12 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Clément Florent E.)
Clément was a joy to have in our home. He has a great sense of humour, is open to conversation and very interested in discussing different lifestyles and various topics. When Clément came to us, he had a broken arm, but that didn’t stop him from building the most beautiful garden bench seat out of Totara posts, restored an old dressing table and… read more
(Excellent)
2 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Matteo)
Matt was a such a lovely young man He was very easy to have in our home . He did a great job of redecorating a room for us , along with other tasks .
Matt also cooked crepes for us .
All the best Matt for your future.
Matt also cooked crepes for us .
All the best Matt for your future.
(Excellent)
25 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Matteo) for host
It was my first experience and it was fantastic. They are a Good family, you are integrate in the family like his son.
Thanks you for all !!!
Thanks you for all !!!
2 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Damien)
Damien just fitted in as part of our family. We had many conversations and lots of laughter . Damien wallpapered a room for us and although it was his first time he did a fantastic job .
Our son is missing him very much as Damien was so patient and made so many memories with him .
We even got a beautiful dinner cooked for us one night .
We wish… read more
Our son is missing him very much as Damien was so patient and made so many memories with him .
We even got a beautiful dinner cooked for us one night .
We wish… read more
(Excellent)
2 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Damien) for host
I was in this family for two weeks, with Cindy, Steve, Tilly and Ali. They were so friendly and generously with me and they have lots of hospitality ! They welcomed and accepted me as a member of their family, and just for that THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!!!!
So, I can only recommend this extraordinary family, I assure you that you will not be… read more
So, I can only recommend this extraordinary family, I assure you that you will not be… read more
26 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Tommaso)
Tommaso was a delight to have in our home . He fitted in beautifully and was such a thorough worker . Tom cooked us a beautiful meal and we had many interesting conversations .
(Excellent)
29 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Takehiro)
Taki was so lovely to have in our home . His English is very good so communication was easy . He is such a kind and polite young man . Taki was very helpful with a gardening project and also clearing away some branches in the paddock . He had so much time for our son who has some extra needs . We do hope you come back in summer Taki .
(Excellent)
29 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Takehiro) for host
I stayed for a week and really enjoyed spending some time with Cindy's lovely family. They all are such a kind and friendly people that I can recommend to everyone to stay. In term of my work here, I did some gardening for strawberry, burning some brunches for fireplace and cooking Japanese curry for them, and were just precious experience to me.… read more
28 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)
What a treasure Maria was to have in our home . We were so sad to see her go . Maria really got stuck in and worked hard , she has great initiative and would be on to tasks that she saw needed doing .
Maria cooked for us , baked , gardened and generally helped wherever she was needed .
We had wonderful conversations and lots of laughter .
We… read more
Maria cooked for us , baked , gardened and generally helped wherever she was needed .
We had wonderful conversations and lots of laughter .
We… read more
(Excellent)
27 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maria) for host
This was my first workaway and it was the best experience! the MacGregor's are all such kind, loving, welcoming people and they really make you feel like a part of the family. The work was very clear and not too hard, they are also pretty laid back which is nice! We had great conversations, ate amazing food, watched movies, and played video games.… read more
2 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Anais)
Anais was just lovely . Such a gentle , friendly soul . She got all my windows sparkling clean and spent a lot of time with my young son playing cards and chatting with him . Unfortunately she could only stay a few short days before she had to go on to her next hosts .
Anais fits into the family so well .
Anais fits into the family so well .
(Excellent)
2 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Anais) for host
I really enjoyed spending time with Cindy and her family. I felt like part of the family, it was really pleasured. The house and the room are really comfortable. I felt like at home, it was sad to leave them, I hope to come back again!
Thank you Cindy :)
Thank you Cindy :)
26 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mathilde) for host
Cindy and her family are amazing ! I really loved to stay with them during 10 days. They are open-minded about new cultures and very friendly, we had a lot of discussions together.
It was my first workaway experience, the work wasn't difficult. They gave me clear instructions.
The food is very good ! And the bed comfortable.
Thanks again for… read more
It was my first workaway experience, the work wasn't difficult. They gave me clear instructions.
The food is very good ! And the bed comfortable.
Thanks again for… read more
22 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mathilde)
Mathilda was so lovely . Her English is excellent which made communication so easy . She was so good with our son who has some extra needs .
Mathilda was a hard worker and really got stuck in to any tasks I asked of her . She has a high standard so her was work ethic was excellent .
She is a very independent young woman and when not working she… read more
Mathilda was a hard worker and really got stuck in to any tasks I asked of her . She has a high standard so her was work ethic was excellent .
She is a very independent young woman and when not working she… read more
(Excellent)
17 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Luisa & Johanna) for host
It was so nice to meet Cindy with her lovely big family. From the beginning we we were treated like part of the family and felt very comfortable and welcome. We had clear rules or rather said requests but there really weren't many. The work was in a very family-like relationship and it was fun to help. We had a lot of great conversations that… read more
11 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (MIHO) for host
It was my first great workaway experience for 10days.
Cindy's family treated me like I was part of the family.
The food was always very good and I always ate too much.
The work was always easy to do with clear instructions.
Thank you very much for everything! I want to go back when the hydrangeas are in beautiful bloom.
Cindy's family treated me like I was part of the family.
The food was always very good and I always ate too much.
The work was always easy to do with clear instructions.
Thank you very much for everything! I want to go back when the hydrangeas are in beautiful bloom.
4 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sophia) for host
I have spent one week with this wonderful family, they made me feel at home and a part of their family from the second I arrived. I really enjoyed all the funny, interesting and moving conversations we shared, I feel like I have learnt and grown a lot during this time. What needs to be pointed out as well is the delicious food prepared and the… read more
24 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (AnneWedege)
Anne fitted into the family beautifully. She was such a hard worker and had great initiative. She was so interesting to talk to and just a really nice person overall. We were sad to see her go, thanks Anne!
(Excellent)
24 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauris Merlin)
Merlin was an absolute pleasure to have in the house. He fit right into the family and was very helpful with anything we asked of him. He even did some demolition and wallpapering for us which were new experiences for him and he did a fabulous job of both. We had many interesting conversations, lots of laughs and some lovely memories were made.… read more
(Excellent)
21 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lauris Merlin) for host
Cindy and her family are an amazing bunch of people living on a small farm outside Rotorua. Not only were they duper friendly and welcoming while I stayed with them they helped me with going to and from town and even showed me a bit of the area. The amount of work for me was more than reasonable and easy to complete.
Even when I had to stay li… read more
Even when I had to stay li… read more
13 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Amélie )
Amelie was such a lovely girl . Unfortunately she doesn’t have great English however we used an app to communicate and that worked really well . Amelie worked very well and was a real pleasure to have in our home .
(Excellent)
13 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Amélie ) for host
I spent 2 great weeks with Cindy and her family. Everyone is very welcoming and you really are part of the family. My trip to New Zealand had started badly and I'm happy to have finally enjoyed part of my adventure. It is a very pleasant and relaxing space.
Thank you for everything
Thank you for everything
2 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Emily & Emily)
Emily and Emily were fabulous. They just became part of our family while they stayed with us . Both girls pitched in with work that was set for them and generally just so helpful .Great senses of humour , really good communication and just so easy to have around . Sadly missed when they left us .
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Emily & Emily) for host
We thouroughly enjoyed our time here! We were treated like part of the family, a polite young boy met us at the car and by the end of our stay Ali was teaching us lots of card games and kept us entertained. The food was amazing, and Cindy even cooked us a roast dinner which was amazing! We learnt about New Zealand whilst we were there, the house… read more
