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Learn about gardening near Milton, New Zealand

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: 1 week or less

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Small Farm Animal Sanctuary, 50 KM South of Dunedin, 6km away from Milton. There are pigs, pony, sheep, chickens, turkey, dogs and cats. Also, a large garden, a few paddocks, all surrounded by farmlands. Very rural NZ. (In addition we have a remote mudbrick cottage in Central Otago. Some painting work needed before winter. Would suit an experienced couple of volunteers who can look after themselves in exchange for accom in an interesting, peaceful old gold mining area. Easy commute through the region to do tourist activities)

    Large original Victorian farmhouse and grounds. I work full time and need people to be here for animals throughout the day. However, animals need someone around at all times so this needs to be considered. Be aware that because this is a Sanctuary for farm animals, only Vegan food here. Most importantly our home and property is a place where the animal's happiness is the priority so, please only apply if this aligns with your values and interests. As we host many people here each year we know how to care for people too but in return we do expect you to be tidy in the house and put in the hours of work that Workaway expects. We do what we do for the animals, not for profit. It's very peaceful here when all are contributing well, but also busy. We need to prioritize the animals' schedules, not volunteers, but once jobs done, we have many lovely spots for relaxing including balcony and TV rooms.

    Need to know your time frame, how you are traveling, and how you see yourself fitting in with our project. If you do not send this information, I will not be spending lots of time on emails asking all the questions. I do not make arrangements with anyone not already in NZ. Preference for people with own transport. Look up Milton on Map to see how it fits with your plans first, please. Suits travel plans through to Catlins, Milford or Central Otago.
    Calendar not relevant as I will always find room for someone with a particular skill set, we need at the time.

    Absolutely must love dogs (and pigs)!!

    (Please note that our availability Calendar is not relevant. At any time, we may take on an extra if we have a project or if someone has particular skills we need at the time)

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    House sitting
  • 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

    Learn a lot about animal care, basic garden maintenance including vegetable gardening. Wholesome cooking and baking lessons if you want to learn. I work for a Science Company and travel for work often, happy to chat about this work if interested. Opportunity to gain confidence in taking responsibility for an animal menagerie and household. Well within all sensible peoples' abilities.

  • Help

    Help

    Need help with animals, gardens and household chores. Sometimes outdoors projects on the property or renovation 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

    Downstairs double bedroom or upstairs double bedroom. Electric blankets on beds and plenty of bedding and extras in room. Unlimited wifi and Netflix. House has 3 bathrooms, one brand new, for volunteers.
    I cook all the meals unless you want to help, which I greatly appreciate. Plenty of food for big appetites! Plant based meals as this is a Animal Sanctuary, not a farm.
    We really try to run a tidy organized home, for the benefit of everyone so appreciate you trying to be tidy here too.
    There are sometimes B&B Guests here too so everyone needs to fit in around this as this helps support the animals.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Good stop between Dunedin and the Catlins, Southland, Fiordland or Queenstown.
    Prefer own transport but sometimes possible to collect you off bus at Milton.
    Time off here spent enjoying the grounds, walking in surrounding farm area and Netflix & WIFI access.

  • 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

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Possibly dogs

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

Host ref number: 311878955134

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Photos

The image depicts a serene grassy field with a diverse group of animals, including horses, sheep, and pigs, grazing peacefully under a clear blue sky.
The image depicts two dogs on leashes standing in a grassy field, with a large black animal grazing nearby, possibly a pig or a bear.

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