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Experience rural life in Historic Matakanui, Omakau, New Zealand

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We welcome volunteers travelling through Central Otago who want a genuine rural stay far away from the tourist towns. Our property sits on the 45th Parallel at the base of the Dunstan Mountains, in what remains of a tiny gold‑rush settlement. Only a handful of homes are still here, and we’re working on a range of restoration projects — mainly painting, mud‑brick repair, and general upkeep of historic structures.

    There are also many tasks involved in running a rural property: animal care, seasonal outdoor jobs, and of course plenty of opportunities to walk our dogs through spectacular countryside.

    Pippa is your primary host. Having welcomed hundreds of volunteers over the years through various platforms at our previous property, I’m confident in matching people to tasks they enjoy and that suit the level of challenge they’re looking for. I love meeting travellers, sharing our projects, and appreciating the skills and enthusiasm you bring.

    We moved here for a simple life — big skies, high country, fresh air, and access to remote walking areas. Accommodation is a sleepout or a simple cottage, ideal for those travelling in a van who want extra space for a while. As the project evolves, other options will become available, including a full house and pet‑sit over Christmas.

    If you’re interested in the history of Central Otago, there are many places to explore nearby: Ophir, St Bathans, Naseby, and several DOC conservation areas within an easy drive.

    Above all, you need to be willing to try your hand at practical outdoor tasks and have a genuine interest in animals. You’ll meet dogs, sheep, deer, goats, horses, and even a hand‑reared possum and rabbit. This is a true country experience — simple, memorable, and a refreshing reset from the modern world. We provide Wi‑Fi, meals for all dietary needs (including vegan), and there’s a café, Four Square, and hotel within 15 minutes.

    Please let us know what you’re interested in, your skills, and how you’re travelling. There is no public transport here.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Light gardening
    Creative DIY projects
    Animal Care
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Light maintenance
    House & pet sitting
  • Interests

    Interests

    Movies & TV
    Self development
    Van life
    Vegetarian or vegan
    Technology
    Sustainability
    Pets
    Farming
    History
    Cooking & food
    Architecture
    Animals
    Camping
    Nature
    Mountain
    Outdoor activities
    Hiking
    Cycling
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    This is a village with some New Zealanders who prefer to live close to the land and animals. We all have different backgrounds from farming, trades , nursing to science. We expect to help alongside volunteers on tasks and share our skills so you learn a new skill - from animal care, painting, mud brick repair, paddock care, firewood, dog walking.

    We enjoy sharing the heritage here and can direct you to many walks and attractions in the area for days off.

    You can expect a lot of discussion about our lifestyles and projects and we have an interest in your goals for your travel experience. Also very comfortable if you want to have space and solitary activities. Its peaceful and suits independent people who appreciate the NZ back country life.

  • Help

    Help

    Need help with animals, gardens and household chores. Sometimes outdoors projects on the property or DIY projects inside. Please say if you have some specific practical skills.

    Nothing too difficult but need people with initiative, maturity and who like being outdoors.
    You will be doing tasks independently most of the time while we are at work so you need to be able to self-manage and be happy in own company and with other volunteers.

    We like people to be here only if they understand that our project is mainly about giving these animals a good life and also fixing up and maintaining this very old home and large garden.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    There is a range of options - sleepout with bunks, cottages and rooms in houses. Depends who else is staying, whether its a housesit or outside work.

    Some fun outside facilities for those in Vans who want to park up and have more of a camp type experience.

    3 Meals a day provided

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    Starlink Wi-Fi available

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Yes, plenty of space for all size campervans

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Possibly dogs

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 311878955134

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