Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
21 Oct 2025
Reply rate
75.9 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
31
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
Hello, we are looking for people who are very practical and strong, good with a hammer and are thinker workers , not worker who dont think and distroy things, or who are happy to ask for help if they dont quite understand the task.We have farm fence work , a calf /hay barn to build, also a secound cottage being built.
Accommodation is provided along with food, and a working Visa is required.
Please note again,,,, due to younger travelers hurting them self after being warned of dangerous activities buy their choice ,we cannot accept young travelers because of insurance policy for our farm. Please do not reply if you are younger than 25
Your own vehicle would be an advantage but not essential
Please note that due to Work Away and Government rules a business operation has to offer a Money exchange for work related to the business ,
###We have also planted many small trees that will need to be watered twice a week , so thats a no brainer job, great for the un practical person to learn a new skill.####
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Technology
Events & social
Sustainability
Culture
Self development
Farming
Plant care
History
DIY & crafts
Art & design
Gardening
Cooking & food
Architecture
Astronomy
Carpentry
Animals
Cycling
Nature
Camping
Sailing / Boating
Beach
Water sports
Hiking
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Perfect beach weather with a long beautiful beach down the road and also a lake.
Our northland region has many beaches and there may be a chance for some fishing if time allows.Our nearest town is Kaitaia which has a strong multicultural charactor along with strong Maori culture.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
payed work as per the New Zealand Government Visa requirements, Make contact to discuss.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Self Contained Cottage/ or work shop bunk room
What else ...
An invitation to a beautiful 140 h Dairy farm farm.As you travel north to Cape Reinga you'll find us Close to Taipa. The farm has spectacular views overlooking Doubtless bay, Karikari peninsula & stunning beaches only minutes away. I can offer many aspects of farming, gardening & lifestyle activities.In return we offer great accomodation with fantastic farmstyle home cooked meals.The farm specialis in Milking cows, calf rearing in spring & has a large Vegie Garden area.
We have a small boat , kayaks and bikes if you want to get out to the beach or ride some tracks or roads.ALso fishing gear for the boat and beach.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have a farm with beautiful views so plenty of space for vans
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
scout and harty the two little foxies
200 MILKING COWS, 50 ONE YEAR CALVES 50 RISING TWO YEAR HEIFERS.
Host ref number: 313946483952
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+11
Feedback (18)
29 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Mark & Chloe) for host
We had an unforgettable couple of weeks at Stu & Melisa's farm. We were around during the busiest time of the year for them, and it taught us that the daily life of a dairy farmer in New Zealand is no joke; working from early morning to evening, rain or shine, and of course shit everywhere :) This place is probably best suited for people who can… read more
13 Aug 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Mark & Chloe)
Mark and Chloe have survived two weeks on our farm , they worked hard in the garden cutting away old growth , pulling weeds etc, then they planted about 200 native plants ,such as Kanuka, cabbage trees and flax, this is to form a riparian way thus protecting the creeks water quality. I also have a lovely clean work shop, and able to enter the shed… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Joanna) for host
I spent a really enjoyable week with Stu & Melissa on my first work away. They were really easy going and willing for me to get hands on and try new things, I've never worked with cows before so it was really fun to look after all the calves and help with the milking. Stu also took me on a trip through all the local towns while we traveled to pick… read more
4 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Maggie (Magnhild))
Maggie ,to date has been the best Norwegian to stay, i really like her down to earth nature.
While staying she helped milk the cows , spread the urea fertilizer, do some painting.
She would water the garden and sing to the plants she planted and controlled the weeds, thanks to her and the summer rains we have a wonderful garden this year.Maggie… read more
While staying she helped milk the cows , spread the urea fertilizer, do some painting.
She would water the garden and sing to the plants she planted and controlled the weeds, thanks to her and the summer rains we have a wonderful garden this year.Maggie… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Maggie (Magnhild)) for host
This is definetly the place to go if you want the real kiwi experience! I got to be a part of the family and was introduced to so many great people. The family is super easy going and with lots of jokes - all day long. I always felt that they trusted me and did jobs without them looking over my shoulder making sure I did everything perfectly. I'll… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+11
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
29 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Mark & Chloe) for host
We had an unforgettable couple of weeks at Stu & Melisa's farm. We were around during the busiest time of the year for them, and it taught us that the daily life of a dairy farmer in New Zealand is no joke; working from early morning to evening, rain or shine, and of course shit everywhere :) This place is probably best suited for people who can… read more
13 Aug 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Mark & Chloe)
Mark and Chloe have survived two weeks on our farm , they worked hard in the garden cutting away old growth , pulling weeds etc, then they planted about 200 native plants ,such as Kanuka, cabbage trees and flax, this is to form a riparian way thus protecting the creeks water quality. I also have a lovely clean work shop, and able to enter the shed… read more
(Excellent)
22 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Joanna) for host
I spent a really enjoyable week with Stu & Melissa on my first work away. They were really easy going and willing for me to get hands on and try new things, I've never worked with cows before so it was really fun to look after all the calves and help with the milking. Stu also took me on a trip through all the local towns while we traveled to pick… read more
4 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Maggie (Magnhild))
Maggie ,to date has been the best Norwegian to stay, i really like her down to earth nature.
While staying she helped milk the cows , spread the urea fertilizer, do some painting.
She would water the garden and sing to the plants she planted and controlled the weeds, thanks to her and the summer rains we have a wonderful garden this year.Maggie… read more
While staying she helped milk the cows , spread the urea fertilizer, do some painting.
She would water the garden and sing to the plants she planted and controlled the weeds, thanks to her and the summer rains we have a wonderful garden this year.Maggie… read more
(Excellent)
4 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Maggie (Magnhild)) for host
This is definetly the place to go if you want the real kiwi experience! I got to be a part of the family and was introduced to so many great people. The family is super easy going and with lots of jokes - all day long. I always felt that they trusted me and did jobs without them looking over my shoulder making sure I did everything perfectly. I'll… read more
17 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Madeleine)
We have had such a wonderful time with Madeline, she has a beautiful demeanor, friendly and kind. While staying she has helped paint both the inside and outside of our new cottage extension, with skill of a master painter.
With painting as a passion ,Maddy has painted a Christmas gift of a character Cow from our milking herd, hope fully she has… read more
With painting as a passion ,Maddy has painted a Christmas gift of a character Cow from our milking herd, hope fully she has… read more
(Excellent)
16 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sara) for host
What a week we had at Stu and Melissas farm!! Definitely a highlight of our NZ trip! Stu and Melissa are easy going, welcoming, funny and above all, warm - making strangers feel like home and a part of the family. We loved to help out at the farm with everything from gardening to milking the cows. Even to change all the plastic on the milking cups… read more
20 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Alberto & Greta monika) for host
We´ve had such a great time staying at Stu and Melissa´s farm. The views from their house are amazing, Melissa´s cooking delicious and we got to help with different jobs on the farm that went from weeding to planting a pond. Driving an old truck around the farm was definitely full of unexpected outcomes and milking the cows quite an unforgettable… read more
8 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mel) for host
I enjoyed my time with Stu, Melisa and the kids. They were very gracious to me when I got sick and was not able to give 100% on those days. I started helping out with the calves, but spent most of my time there taming the jungle into a manageable garden again. I hope the Winter veges are growing nicely for you all now.
9 Dec 2020
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
Thank you, Family, for your love during the two months that we were with you. It was wonderful to be part of a job that respects animals so much. Wonderful to share beer and wine dinner times with you. Thank you for making us part of your friends and family. An experience that we will remember with a lot of love all our lives.
5 Aug 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Diego & Camila)
B E A YOU TEE FULL. Camila and Diego are a great couple who stayed with us for about three weeks.
During this time they helped prepare some large Flax clumps and replant them in our wet land area.
They cut away wooly nightshade of our farm raceway fences, helped with the calf feeding etc.
We were also treated to some fantastic meals from their… read more
During this time they helped prepare some large Flax clumps and replant them in our wet land area.
They cut away wooly nightshade of our farm raceway fences, helped with the calf feeding etc.
We were also treated to some fantastic meals from their… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Diego & Camila) for host
Our experience with Stu&Melissa was incredible! They are really funny and the little boys (Rusty and Case) are really kind. The accommodation was super comfortable, they provided an awesome cottage were we stayed for 3 weeks! The meals were in the house (every night was different and yummy, thanks for the indian night). They are really easygoing… read more
8 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Anika) for host
I (Anika) spent 3 amazing weeks with Stu and Melisa. It was my first Workaway experience and my first job in New Zealand, and I couldn't have had a better start. I learned how to ride the quad bike and how to milk the beautiful cows which was a great experience! Also, Stu and Melisa showed me a lot of interesting spots in the area, took me on… read more
2 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Anika)
Hello every one, we have had three wonderful weeks with Anika, Every morning we were greated with a lovely hello and smile before we headed off to milk the cows,With this task Anika showed quick confidence , Patience and care towards our 230 cows.Anika also helped us with our garden retaining wall project, Cooked some lovely German dishes, and was… read more
(Excellent)
26 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
Hi , we have had two wonderful weeks with Sarah helping out on the farm, She never missed a milking and made many friends with the cows, Always keen to help and always positive, so nice to have around.
Some tasks she helped with were weeding and turning the ground for the Vegie garden, Grubbing thistles, pulling yellow flower weed, picking up pine… read more
Some tasks she helped with were weeding and turning the ground for the Vegie garden, Grubbing thistles, pulling yellow flower weed, picking up pine… read more
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host
My first farm work experience and I couldn’t have choosen a better farm!! I stayed 2 weeks with Stu Melissa and their kids on their farm and it was
B E A U T I F U L!!
They are such a lovely family and it was great to help them out! Stu has a great humor and he showed us all the beautiful beaches around the area and Melissa’s home cooked meals… read more
B E A U T I F U L!!
They are such a lovely family and it was great to help them out! Stu has a great humor and he showed us all the beautiful beaches around the area and Melissa’s home cooked meals… read more
11 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Remy)
Hi Hosts, i have had Remy stay for nearly a month, he is a very polite ,respectable guy. During his stay he milked every morning in a 26 aside dairy shed, after the third milking he was away and became confident in the task along with wash down etc. Remy also helped clear my driveway that was overgrown with fern and bracken. We both painted my new… read more
(Excellent)
20 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kiss) for host
Melissa & Stuart are amazing persons, they live on a very nice dairy farm with our children, two lovely dogs and one cat. That was my first dairy farm experience, I do many different things, building, help for the milking, spray the gorse. They are friendly and hard-working.
They care about and love the animals, that I really appreciate it. They… read more
They care about and love the animals, that I really appreciate it. They… read more
12 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Jaime) for host
I stayed with Melisa, Stu and their two kids for 10 days and it was a very good experience. They are a cute family and have a pretty big farm. They teached me a lot of things about the farm and help me with my own little projects. The house has an amazing woofers with incredible views. Stu took me fishing with his boat. So cool. I recommend this… read more
29 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jaime)
Jaime stayed with us for ten days, we found very helpful , polite and trustworthy . He helped with moving our cows around, experianced milking cows , helped build a pig cage etc.
Jaime also has a van that gives him a great deal of independance and he loves to get out and about to see the country side.
Jaime is a great guy and certainly happy to… read more
Jaime also has a van that gives him a great deal of independance and he loves to get out and about to see the country side.
Jaime is a great guy and certainly happy to… read more
(Excellent)
29 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
I stayed for a month on this farm. This was my first experience in New Zealand and for sure the best one.
Stu is probably the nicest man I've ever known during my trip. We shared many good times together. We went sailing every wednesday, went to the pub and fixed his red beautiful boat. I learned a lot about plumbing too.
Melissa is a very good… read more
Stu is probably the nicest man I've ever known during my trip. We shared many good times together. We went sailing every wednesday, went to the pub and fixed his red beautiful boat. I learned a lot about plumbing too.
Melissa is a very good… read more
9 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Philippe & Laura) for host
Hi!
we stayed 2 weeks with the family and the experience was amazing.
we learned a lot of about dairy farm and we helped to fix a boat.
Morever we enjoyed all the dinners together with the family and friends and we could visit a lot of beautiful places around. They borrow us all the stuff for the camping and we stayed 2 days in the Karikari… read more
we stayed 2 weeks with the family and the experience was amazing.
we learned a lot of about dairy farm and we helped to fix a boat.
Morever we enjoyed all the dinners together with the family and friends and we could visit a lot of beautiful places around. They borrow us all the stuff for the camping and we stayed 2 days in the Karikari… read more
1 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (BlueWaves)
Hi Everyone , we had Olga and Sara stay with us, as they are only Blue ferry lights they just hung around and twinkiled alot but at night time they were brilliant shiny and bright.
With Christmas coming i would recommend them for your Christmas tree.
With Christmas coming i would recommend them for your Christmas tree.
(Excellent)
9 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Micaël)
Hi , We have had Micael stay for a week, he is very conscientious , polite ,and happy to help out with farm tasks. We have given Micael some milking experience , calf feeding and spot spraying the gorse and thistle grubbing.Feeding pigs and Chickens, helping with the neighbours woolshed timber restrengthing project.
Micael has a strong hold of… read more
Micael has a strong hold of… read more
(Excellent)
8 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Chiaki)
Chiaki stayed with us for 3 weeks. She is of very clean and tidy habits. Chiaki is always smiling and has a great attitude towards everything. Chiaki loves to please people and gives 100% in what ever task she had to do. Chiaki helped us with milking 200 cows , feeding 150 calves ,Gardening cooking and looking after our two ratbag boys who just… read more
(Excellent)
29 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Chiaki) for host
I stayed for 3 weeks with Melisa and Stuart. I could do many awesome experiences. I helped feeding calves, milking, gardening and cooking for them. They cooked lovely food for every dinner, so I was looking forward to cooking and eating! They are so kind and opened. So I appreciate to them very much! And I looked after boys also. They are so… read more
7 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
How can we describe our experience at Melissa's and Stuart's place?? It was just wonderful and we learnt a lot during ten days. We would like to stay more but we couldnt. Melissa and stuart are full of generosity. They are curious and enthusiastic! We didn't know anything about farming but they were very patient. Melissa is the best cooker ever… read more
7 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Mackenzi) for host
I stayed with Melisa & Stuart for 11 days and it was my very first experience with Workaway. The work is definitely challenging and time consuming but the food is great and Melisa & Stuart are great about offering opportunities to get off of the farm in the afternoon between jobs and Melisa took us to the bus place to go to Cape Reigna too!
Just… read more
Just… read more
21 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Mackenzi)
MacKenzi stay with us ten days. She is very polite and of clean and tidy habits. On her stay she her morning work was feeding 150 calves and cleaning all the equipment and making sure they had clean water and dry food.This task required heavy lifting and and working very closely with the animals which Mackenzi was great at. In the afternoons… read more
(Very good)
7 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Aude) for host
Hi everybody,
I stay in this lovely family during one month (I was expected to stay 2weejs at the begining !)
If you want to
-live the real way of live of a busy farm,
-take care of two energic boys,
-learn how to milk pleinty of caws, how to make cheese, gerkins (for exemple...) or delicious recipes from Melisa,
-help à busy… read more
I stay in this lovely family during one month (I was expected to stay 2weejs at the begining !)
If you want to
-live the real way of live of a busy farm,
-take care of two energic boys,
-learn how to milk pleinty of caws, how to make cheese, gerkins (for exemple...) or delicious recipes from Melisa,
-help à busy… read more
10 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Aude)
Hello everyone
We have had the most wonderfull time with Aude, Such a lovely nature and always happy to help,
During her time with us she helped milk the cows, look after our two kids, Make Gerkin pickle, feed the pigs and chickens ,cat and dog and make more pickle Gerkin!!
We made a solar System for the kids to hang on there ceiling, also… read more
We have had the most wonderfull time with Aude, Such a lovely nature and always happy to help,
During her time with us she helped milk the cows, look after our two kids, Make Gerkin pickle, feed the pigs and chickens ,cat and dog and make more pickle Gerkin!!
We made a solar System for the kids to hang on there ceiling, also… read more
(Excellent)
