Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
1 May 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
122
Email verified
Badges (3)




Find your perfect host
Details
Description
We have several hectares of forest including a large area of regenerating native forest. We started planting trees in 1988 and the increase in biodiversity as the years go by is beautiful to see. We are still planting trees (in winter) but most of the work these days is on dealing with the weeds. The biggest weed we have is old man's beard which is a very rapid climbing plant that smothers trees and kills them. We are very keen for more help to control this pest. We try to ensure that people experience different jobs. You may also help look after the pet dogs, ducks and chickens if you want.
We live in a beautiful place. Good water and air. Swimming pool and river swims. Beautiful local walks. The property has a network of forest trails that pass through a wide variety of habitats and ecosystems laced with gentle streams. The trails vary in difficulty with the top one leading to an outcrop of white quartz on the ridgeline with expansive views over all of Tasman Bay from Abel Tasman National Park to D'Urville Island on the edge of the Marlborough Sounds. To the east is the expanse of the Richmond Range and to the west is the beautiful skyline of Kahurangi National Park.
We are also a handy base for local explorations and we are happy to work in with you if you wish to have breaks of some days but to come back to a home base.
We have space for up to 6 couples or single people in 6 different bedrooms. We do not put different groups into one room without your consent. Each person or couple has their own private space. Home grown seasonal fruit, nuts and vegetables are usually available.
Please note that we usually don't take bookings any more than a month ahead.Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Interests
SustainabilitySelf developmentFarmingGardeningPlant careNatureCyclingHikingOutdoor activitiesMountainCultural exchange and learning opportunities
Happy to share kiwi culture and learn yours. Also happy to teach what I know about forest establishment and ecosystems
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
You don't need any special skills but you do need to be fit and able! We only accept non smokers.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We have a variety of choice from a bedroom in an earth floor room to a independent caravan. Shared cooking and bathroom.
What else ...
There are great local walks and bike rides. Swimming in the beautiful Motueka river.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Unlimited fast wifi (120MB)
Space for parking camper vans
Not possible to fit big rigs here but normal size campers are ok
Can possibly accept pets
Dogs are possibly ok. For details contact us.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (44)
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:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.9)
We spent most of our time in nature and on the hill, where we mainly weeded, but I also had the pleasure of looking after the gigantic vegetable garden at our disposal.
It was a sweet and pleasant experience to stay in this magical place !
We also met some very… read more
Overall, it was an amazing time, meeting… read more
Lovely accomodation and great company.
I still miss the dogs 🐕
thank you Mark and Maz!
The work was mainly weeding in the forest (with beautiful views… read more
Mark and Max are very kind and genuine and I feel very lucky to have met them. The story of the valley is so thoughtprovoking and inspiring and it is amazing to see what they have built over the years. I really enjoyed the accomodation and being there with other workawayers: also because it allows you to do/plan fun… read more
We spend our days with weeding, reading, going on walks and playing and cooking together with the other workawayers. The work… read more
Thank you Mark for everything 🙏
It’s a beautiful place and we are glad we could help to improve a little bit more the fantastic job they are doing with the forest, it’s inspiring.
We loved those dinners, the walks through the autumn… read more
I enjoyed the atmosphere, the property, the weeding and fighting against old man's beard and the company of great people and Eva, the crazy and lovely dog-companion.
Walnut cottage and my little wooden shelter suite… read more
The atmosphere and the place are very very pleasant. I had a great two weeks. Thank you 😄
Mark is a great host, a good communicator, and made me feel welcome in his home.
Highly recommend!
We lived is a separate self contained cottage and we share kitchen… read more
Thanks again for all !
Ben and Marine
- Mark is an incredible host, great humour, shares everything if you ask and he has had many volunteers since 1980's so he knows the process!
- Great food, especially dinnertime (that guac!)
- Beautiful, unique, handmade house with a view to die for
- Lovely dog, charming pigs (come to see Midge the piglet!) and the… read more
I had amazing, calm and funny 2 weeks with you and would be glad
to visit you again one day.
Thanks for all the shared evenings, the delicious dinners and for having me
at your place. It was really nice to get to know your attitude of life & living and share
thoughts about it.
Wishing you all the best and… read more
Mark and Luane have found the perfect balance between inside and outside, hard-work and relax, big laugh and precious silence, amazing food and amazing food. I leave this place with a lot of ideas of how I can improve my life (in a comfort and sustainability way mostly) when I'll go back… read more
Cheers.
Hélène and Nicolas