Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
23 Apr 2024
Reply rate
93.8 %
Usually responds within 7 days
Feedback
34
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
We operate a small lodge (accommodation and small venue hire) in a lovely historic places villa with expansive gardens. Bulls is a small town centrally located within 30 minutes of both Palmerston North and Whanganui. The small township forms the junction of two major North Island Highways (SH 1 and 3).
The Rangitikei and Manawatu Districts offer great walking tracks and adventure tours, with the Whanganui, Rangitikei and Manawatu Rivers all within a half hour drive. The Te Araroa Walk (NZ walk from Bluff to Cape Reinga) takes travelers straight past our property (or they can choose to stay with us in the Lodge for a night or two to break their journey).
Jo and Rhys Emerson (Mother and Son hosts).
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
My son (25yrs of age) and I reside at the property but I work as a School Principal at a primary school. Lots of opportunity to learn and experience Kiwi culture, including that of our indigenous people (Maori).
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Great if you are a keen gardener and/or handyperson with basic maintenance and building projects, including painting. If you can speak german and prepared to help me (Rhys) learn this language then that's a bonus.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Private room. Shared bathroom. Full board (food, power, internet) in return for help.
What else ...
Sightseeing locally- Rangitikei and Manawatu. Our property is on the New Zealand Walk Trail - Te Araroa
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
high speed internet, many places to work
Space for parking camper vans
power for camper by workshop
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day.
Host ref number: 291681255227
Feedback (15)
1 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Clement)
Clement was great.
Very easy to have around, he fit right in and felt like he was a part of the family from the start.
We had him working on general weeding in the garden which he did well. He had no hesitation asking about plants he was unsure of and made quick work pulling everything else.
Easy and appreciative to feed.
Welcome back any time.
Very easy to have around, he fit right in and felt like he was a part of the family from the start.
We had him working on general weeding in the garden which he did well. He had no hesitation asking about plants he was unsure of and made quick work pulling everything else.
Easy and appreciative to feed.
Welcome back any time.
(Excellent
)
1 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Clement) for host
I had a nice week with the Jo family ! They have been kind with me, the food was good and I have feel in part of the family. My job was to help in the garden with weeding.
Congratulation again big boy ! All the best with your wife and to the family🙂
Ps: Isaac be ready next time I will win
Congratulation again big boy ! All the best with your wife and to the family🙂
Ps: Isaac be ready next time I will win
3 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Simona) for host
Even more great.
Rhys and Jo accepted me and my friend quite last minute and for short period of time. The family is lovely, pets are characters (in a good way). The place is unique and stylish. We stayed separate from the family in a nice room.
It was a pleasure to chat with all of them. I feel very much grateful for this experience. The only… read more
Rhys and Jo accepted me and my friend quite last minute and for short period of time. The family is lovely, pets are characters (in a good way). The place is unique and stylish. We stayed separate from the family in a nice room.
It was a pleasure to chat with all of them. I feel very much grateful for this experience. The only… read more
1 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Simona)
Great, would happily have back again
(Excellent
)
17 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Niklas)
Nice was amazing. He is very skilled in the garden, efficient and effective.
Would have him back any time.
While he was with us we only had garden work to be done but wouldn't hesitate asking him to do any other chores around the place.
Would have him back any time.
While he was with us we only had garden work to be done but wouldn't hesitate asking him to do any other chores around the place.
(Excellent
)
31 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Niklas) for host
I stayed with Rhys and Jo for 2 weeks.
The garden is beautiful and big. So there is plenty to do. The atmosphere and the exchange were really great. Rhys and Jo are really easy going.
The food was very tasty.
I found it especially helpful that I could expand my camper, because Rhys could lend me all the tools (large workshop).
Many thanks for… read more
The garden is beautiful and big. So there is plenty to do. The atmosphere and the exchange were really great. Rhys and Jo are really easy going.
The food was very tasty.
I found it especially helpful that I could expand my camper, because Rhys could lend me all the tools (large workshop).
Many thanks for… read more
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)
1 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Clement)
Clement was great.
Very easy to have around, he fit right in and felt like he was a part of the family from the start.
We had him working on general weeding in the garden which he did well. He had no hesitation asking about plants he was unsure of and made quick work pulling everything else.
Easy and appreciative to feed.
Welcome back any time.
Very easy to have around, he fit right in and felt like he was a part of the family from the start.
We had him working on general weeding in the garden which he did well. He had no hesitation asking about plants he was unsure of and made quick work pulling everything else.
Easy and appreciative to feed.
Welcome back any time.
(Excellent
)
1 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Clement) for host
I had a nice week with the Jo family ! They have been kind with me, the food was good and I have feel in part of the family. My job was to help in the garden with weeding.
Congratulation again big boy ! All the best with your wife and to the family🙂
Ps: Isaac be ready next time I will win
Congratulation again big boy ! All the best with your wife and to the family🙂
Ps: Isaac be ready next time I will win
3 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Simona) for host
Even more great.
Rhys and Jo accepted me and my friend quite last minute and for short period of time. The family is lovely, pets are characters (in a good way). The place is unique and stylish. We stayed separate from the family in a nice room.
It was a pleasure to chat with all of them. I feel very much grateful for this experience. The only… read more
Rhys and Jo accepted me and my friend quite last minute and for short period of time. The family is lovely, pets are characters (in a good way). The place is unique and stylish. We stayed separate from the family in a nice room.
It was a pleasure to chat with all of them. I feel very much grateful for this experience. The only… read more
1 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Simona)
Great, would happily have back again
(Excellent
)
17 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Niklas)
Nice was amazing. He is very skilled in the garden, efficient and effective.
Would have him back any time.
While he was with us we only had garden work to be done but wouldn't hesitate asking him to do any other chores around the place.
Would have him back any time.
While he was with us we only had garden work to be done but wouldn't hesitate asking him to do any other chores around the place.
(Excellent
)
31 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Niklas) for host
I stayed with Rhys and Jo for 2 weeks.
The garden is beautiful and big. So there is plenty to do. The atmosphere and the exchange were really great. Rhys and Jo are really easy going.
The food was very tasty.
I found it especially helpful that I could expand my camper, because Rhys could lend me all the tools (large workshop).
Many thanks for… read more
The garden is beautiful and big. So there is plenty to do. The atmosphere and the exchange were really great. Rhys and Jo are really easy going.
The food was very tasty.
I found it especially helpful that I could expand my camper, because Rhys could lend me all the tools (large workshop).
Many thanks for… read more
22 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jamie)
Easy to communicate with, has obvious previous experience working in gardens.
Jamie stayed with us for a week and was very easy to have around
Jamie stayed with us for a week and was very easy to have around
(Excellent
)
13 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Else (Elsemiek))
Else has been fantastic to have around.
She has been weeding in our garden and has done an absolute stunning job. I wouldn't hesitate asking her to help with any reasonable task and would happily have her stay again.
Else has obviously had many life experiences, shown by her confident initiative. She has also been amazing with my 11 year old… read more
She has been weeding in our garden and has done an absolute stunning job. I wouldn't hesitate asking her to help with any reasonable task and would happily have her stay again.
Else has obviously had many life experiences, shown by her confident initiative. She has also been amazing with my 11 year old… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Philine & Ulrike ) for host
We spent two weeks with Jo, Rhys and his son Isaac (11) and had a great time there.
Bulls is a small town with some shops and the environment is amazing! They took us to different botanical gardens (we especially loved the Paloma gardens!!!), showed us the bigger cities nearby, went on a bush walk together and got to see the school Jo works in.… read more
Bulls is a small town with some shops and the environment is amazing! They took us to different botanical gardens (we especially loved the Paloma gardens!!!), showed us the bigger cities nearby, went on a bush walk together and got to see the school Jo works in.… read more
19 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Philine & Ulrike )
Philine & Ulrike stayed with us for two weeks mostly in the garden.
They both did an amazing job of weeding. Very clean, tidy and responsible people.
I highly recommend these two ladies.
They both did an amazing job of weeding. Very clean, tidy and responsible people.
I highly recommend these two ladies.
(Excellent
)
22 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Martín) for host
I had the most amazing time in the lodge and I ended up staying much longer than expected. Rhys, Jo and Isaac have two lovely dogs and the most beautiful family, they made me feel part of it for the time I was there. The job was quite simple and relax but always changing so you don't get bored, totally recommended to Workaway with them. I had to… read more
22 Jun 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Martín)
Martin was amazing. Was planning on staying for a week or two but ended up staying for a couple months doing all sorts of random jobs - gardening, shoveling, painting, roof repair, exterior cleaning of the house, etc.
He is easy going & comfortable to talk with. He was good with my son and my mother, a nice mix of polite and cheeky.
I'd have him… read more
He is easy going & comfortable to talk with. He was good with my son and my mother, a nice mix of polite and cheeky.
I'd have him… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Domagoj)
Great worker!
Only thing I didn't like was how much Dom wanted to work, I felt bad with how many hours he wanted to put in! But I guess this is hardly a complaint
Only thing I didn't like was how much Dom wanted to work, I felt bad with how many hours he wanted to put in! But I guess this is hardly a complaint
(Excellent
)
5 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Domagoj) for host
Staying with Rhys, Jo and Isaac was a great experience. They are a warm-hearted, welcoming, kind and generous family. Rhys is a smart and funny guy with a great sense of humor, had a lot of good laughs and talks with him, also an excellent cook. Jo is a very nice and communicative Lady. Learned a lot about New Zealand from them, things you don't… read more
18 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Ramona)
Great little worker,
No hassles & very easy to talk & work with
No hassles & very easy to talk & work with
(Excellent
)
18 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Ramona) for host
I am very happy to have met Rhys, Jo and Isaac. I felt very welcomed and comfortable with them from the start. The work was not hard there. The most time gardening or cleaning (especially the kitchen ;P) and it was very relaxing with a lot of tee/coffee breaks :D. Rhys take me with him to make a hike or a walk on the beach. I enjoyed the time… read more
4 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
Hannah was fantastic! Friendly, self motivated & almost always carrying a smile.
Easy to explain things to & jobs done swiftly & properly.
Welcome back anytime!
Easy to explain things to & jobs done swiftly & properly.
Welcome back anytime!
(Excellent
)
4 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
My time in Bulls was great :)
It was so nice to get to know Rhys, Jo and Isaac. They did everything to make me feel welcome. They took me to different events, like a river festival in Palmerston North or their day in Masterton. Whenever they planned a trip or just went out for a while they asked me if I wanna join them. It was really easy to feel… read more
It was so nice to get to know Rhys, Jo and Isaac. They did everything to make me feel welcome. They took me to different events, like a river festival in Palmerston North or their day in Masterton. Whenever they planned a trip or just went out for a while they asked me if I wanna join them. It was really easy to feel… read more
24 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ole)
Wonderful. Would recommend!
(Excellent
)
23 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ole) for host
My stay in Bulls was very spontaneous but I didn’t regret it a single time. Rhys, Jo and Isaac are awesome. I happily remember the garden work and the funny conversations with Rhys, Jo’s generosity and Isaac’s way of playing chess. Thanks guys for the great time!
30 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Wulf)
Wonderful. Would recommend!
(Excellent
)
18 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Wulf) for host
I had a great time with Rhys and Jo. They are very friendly and welcoming hosts. I mainly worked in the garden and it was nice to see what you have done. There are four cute cats and dogs that always like to be petted. Over time I got to know family, friends and neighbors. In addition, you can sometimes talk to hikers and other travelers, who stay… read more
30 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Clara)
Wonderful. Would recommend!
(Excellent
)
18 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Annika) for host
Jo and Rhys are absolut lovely people with great sense of humor:yum: You get lots of good food and coffee!
The kittens and the dogs are great and I would love to come back any time :blush:
The kittens and the dogs are great and I would love to come back any time :blush:
17 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Annika)
Great with animals and children. Great in the garden, weeding and tidying quite efficiently and very thoroughly. Annika picks up new things with ease and we had not a single problem with her working on her own, and with others, after being given instruction. Not fussy with food and always a pleasure to have a cup of tea with.
(Excellent
)
17 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael_01)
Nice guy, doesn't eat too much. Good worker, good humor. Has a good brain in his head and isn't afraid to share his knowledge.
Would recommend, has great initiative and works hard - would recommend for any project.
Would recommend, has great initiative and works hard - would recommend for any project.
(Excellent
)
7 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Michael_01) for host
Rhys and Jo are welcoming and relaxed Hosts.
My job was mainly gardening which I really like, and they don’t expect too much from you so don’t worry about it :blush:
I got plenty of yummy food what’s not surprisingly because Rhys is a gifted Chef :wink:. And a big thanks for baking a Birthday cake for me.
It was Amazing!
I have had a nice… read more
My job was mainly gardening which I really like, and they don’t expect too much from you so don’t worry about it :blush:
I got plenty of yummy food what’s not surprisingly because Rhys is a gifted Chef :wink:. And a big thanks for baking a Birthday cake for me.
It was Amazing!
I have had a nice… read more
31 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Adam) for host
Brilliant host, nice big clean room, lovley food that caters for all tasts and easy reasonable work. Brilliant first workaway experience no complaints at all
3 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Adam)
Nice guy. Not afraid to work and doesn't eat much. Would recommend 10/10
(Excellent
)
3 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Regina)
Absolutely lovely. My garden has never looked better since Regina spent time in it. Good banter and always a smile. Great with kids and animals, would have her back to help on any project in the house or garden.
10/10!
10/10!
(Excellent
)
3 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Einar)
Lovely guy who can make amazing bread!
Very handy guy to have around, doesn't mind working and cleans up after himself. Stayed with us over a month with no troubles, no problem with my children and big dogs. Would have him back anytime.
Very handy guy to have around, doesn't mind working and cleans up after himself. Stayed with us over a month with no troubles, no problem with my children and big dogs. Would have him back anytime.
(Excellent
)
21 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Einar) for host
Good solid hosts whom I can recommend warmly. Work was reasonable and easy. The accommodation excellent, good bed and all clean and nice. We usually all ate dinner together and the food was great and nourishing. For lunch and breakfast I did my own prep. No stinginess or complaints of any kind. Rhys took us (we were two Workawayers the first week)… read more
2 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Evelien)
What an amazing first hosting experience with Workaway through Evelien. She was a pleasure to host, fitting in easily with our lifestyle, friends, pets and family. Evelien uses her initiative, seeing things that she can do to be helpful even when not set any tasks. She carried out all jobs given with a smile on her dial and to a very good… read more
(Excellent
)
31 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Evelien) for host
Just left after a fantastic two week stay with Jo and Rhys.
This is a true kiwi experience and exactly what I was looking for when traveling with WorkAway.
Jo and Rhys are interesting, funny, warm, loving, relaxed and appreciative hosts. The room was very very comfortable and food plenty and yummie.
They are truly welcoming you in a home away… read more
This is a true kiwi experience and exactly what I was looking for when traveling with WorkAway.
Jo and Rhys are interesting, funny, warm, loving, relaxed and appreciative hosts. The room was very very comfortable and food plenty and yummie.
They are truly welcoming you in a home away… read more
