Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
6 Jul 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
55
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Email verified
Badges (4)
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Details
Description
after a post-covid break for a few years, I'm back on Workaway and keen to connect again with people who can help me maintain and improve a modest suburban home that is now on the market for sale in the tourist mecca of Rotorua...
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House sitting
Interests
Books
Technology
Politics / Social justice
Events & social
Sustainability
Van life
Self development
Movies & TV
Charity work
Nature
Camping
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Rotorua is a world-renowned tourist mecca famous for Maori cultural experiences, geothermal attractions, spas, hot pools, nature & wildlife parks, biking, marathons & outdoor adventures. I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and providing guests with an opportunity to recharge, relax, and get out and about enjoying Rotorua in exchange for low-stress, easy tasks.
Help
This modest self-contained accommodation is available in exchange for an equally modest amount of time - 2 hours per person per night, buy and prepare your own meals.
Flexible start/finish times to have full days free to enjoy being a tourist. There is a to-do list to maintain and present the property as well as possible in anticipation of a sale - housekeeping, lawn mowing, weeding, cleaning, repairs and maintenance. Select tasks that suit the weather and your interests and - the important part! - your abilities :) Suggestions welcomed also to make use of any specific skills or work experience you have if you see something you think needs doing that is not already on my to-do list.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Self-contained exterior sleepout - small very basic kitchenette, king size bed, your own toilet and shower.
What else ...
Please note I am quite introverted plus very busy with work commitments. If it is essential for you to spend lots of time being entertained by a chatty host family in an upmarket situation, this is definitely NOT the place for you. This homestay is ideal for self-reliant, independent travellers who value privacy and their own space for a good night's sleep.
In addition to the nearby Countdown supermarket, there are several takeaway food outlets plus a bus stop on Fairy Springs Road (SH5) a few minutes' walk away. Skyline Luge Gondola is visible from the driveway. I am on the north side of town, 3.5 kms from the Rotorua iSite bus depot.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
There is a 240V mains hook-up outlet on the exterior of the sleepout if you have an NZ Electrical Standards compliant power cable for your own vehicle. I now use Wireless Nation to have mobile internet data in my motorhome so this change means I no longer provide unlimited fibre wifi - sorry, BYO data.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 361981886242
Feedback (27)
2 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Santiago & Victoria)
It was a total pleasure to have Victoria and Santiago stay! They are so energetic and it was particularly helpful for me that they were happy to be self-directed and self-reliant in relation to the work they did. Both by assistant Jill and I are both so grateful for their fabulous contributions in the brief time they were here... the impact is so… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Santiago & Victoria) for host
We had a great experience at Caro's place. We stayed for 8 days and it was a wonderfull experience for us! She was really kind and clear with us :) We helped her in the house (cleaning the gutters, some weeding and washing the cars) and we had plenty of time to discover and explore Rotorua. The sleepout was super comfy and provided us with… read more
15 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Theresa & Felix) for host
We had a great experience at Caro's place. Everything was just as she describes it in her profile. She was very kind and caring and gave us great recommendations.
We did some gardening and jobs like weeding, cleaning the gutters and mowing the lawn. The sleepout in her backyard was super clean and provided us with everything that we needed. Thank… read more
We did some gardening and jobs like weeding, cleaning the gutters and mowing the lawn. The sleepout in her backyard was super clean and provided us with everything that we needed. Thank… read more
5 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura & Tom)
Lara and Tom are super obliging, friendly and courteous! They completed a range of tasks while they here including installing shelves in a campervan, repairs to damaged drywall in the sleepout, tree trimming, installing an indoor clothesline and repairing a wooden coffee table... a total pleasure to host their stay here in Rotorua. 100%… read more
(Excellent
)
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:
(5.0)
2 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Santiago & Victoria)
It was a total pleasure to have Victoria and Santiago stay! They are so energetic and it was particularly helpful for me that they were happy to be self-directed and self-reliant in relation to the work they did. Both by assistant Jill and I are both so grateful for their fabulous contributions in the brief time they were here... the impact is so… read more
(Excellent)
2 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Santiago & Victoria) for host
We had a great experience at Caro's place. We stayed for 8 days and it was a wonderfull experience for us! She was really kind and clear with us :) We helped her in the house (cleaning the gutters, some weeding and washing the cars) and we had plenty of time to discover and explore Rotorua. The sleepout was super comfy and provided us with… read more
15 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Theresa & Felix) for host
We had a great experience at Caro's place. Everything was just as she describes it in her profile. She was very kind and caring and gave us great recommendations.
We did some gardening and jobs like weeding, cleaning the gutters and mowing the lawn. The sleepout in her backyard was super clean and provided us with everything that we needed. Thank… read more
We did some gardening and jobs like weeding, cleaning the gutters and mowing the lawn. The sleepout in her backyard was super clean and provided us with everything that we needed. Thank… read more
5 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura & Tom)
Lara and Tom are super obliging, friendly and courteous! They completed a range of tasks while they here including installing shelves in a campervan, repairs to damaged drywall in the sleepout, tree trimming, installing an indoor clothesline and repairing a wooden coffee table... a total pleasure to host their stay here in Rotorua. 100%… read more
(Excellent)
23 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Clarice & Tom)
I am so grateful for the opportunity to host these two incredibly charming souls... their wairua and energy has made a lasting and hugely positive uplifting contribution to my own personal quality of life :) it was an absolute pleasure to have the company of these two loving people who demonstrate so much care, concern and respect not just for… read more
(Excellent)
18 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Clarice & Tom) for host
We had a wonderful 5 day stay with Caro! We helped her get her home back in order following her kitchen remodel, modified furniture and cooked a few dinners. She was very clear and reasonable with her requests, and very appreciative of the projects completed.
Her home is located a little outside of the downtown core, but easily walkable if you… read more
Her home is located a little outside of the downtown core, but easily walkable if you… read more
2 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mitja & Lara) for host
We only saw Caro for a little more than an hour, but she was immediately open and friendly, so we felt like home right now. We looked after her house for a few days and did some small jobs for her.
Thank you for your trust and cordiality, we have been very lucky to work for you! :)
Thank you for your trust and cordiality, we have been very lucky to work for you! :)
27 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mitja & Lara)
Lara and Mitja were fabulous housesitters who seem to have done far too much work while I was away!! 100% unreservedly recommended to anyone who is fortunate enough to hear from them :)
(Excellent)
13 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Balázs Bálint & Henrietta) for host
Caro is a kind and intelligent woman, with whom we were able to discuss responsibilites with ease and with whom we could be independent. If you are into DIY stuff you can find plenty to do around her house, but she doesn't ask for much, plenty of freetime to explore Rotorua and the vicinity. We particularly enjoyed the fast internet and well… read more
1 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Balázs Bálint & Henrietta)
Henrietta and Balázs were a total pleasure to have stay! They are an extremely courteous, considerate and energetic couple. 100% unreservedly recommended to anyone fortunate to hear from them :)
(Excellent)
13 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Julia & Sascha) for host
It was our first workaway experience and it was great!
Everything was well organized and the communication was very good!
Carolyn gave us all the freedom to explore the area of Rotorua!
we highly recommend this place
Everything was well organized and the communication was very good!
Carolyn gave us all the freedom to explore the area of Rotorua!
we highly recommend this place
19 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia & Sascha)
It was a pleasure to host Sascha and Julia's visit to Rotorua. These guys are cheerful, obliging and ultra-considerate. 100% unreservedly recommended to anyone fortunate enough to hear from them.
(Excellent)
13 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Emily & Emily) for host
Caros profile was very honest. She works very hard and left us too our own devices. We got left a list of jobs to pick and choose what we can do and want to do. The house was clean, tidy and we were able to help ourselves to any food. Recommend to anyone that wants to live independently
12 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Emily & Emily)
Emily & Emily were courteous, considerate and conscientious houseguests, energetic workers and - most importantly for enjoying a stay here - were both well equipped to live life independently and self-reliantly. Highly recommended to anyone who hears from them :)
(Excellent)
26 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Carolyn)
first workawayer in two long years since the arrival of covid... Carolyn is an amazingly cheerful person and I really enjoyed her company and her outlook on life - she's a magnet for positive energy :) 100% unreservedly recommended to all !!
(Excellent)
18 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Carolyn) for host
This was my very first workaway, and it was awesome! Caro was so welcoming and nice. We had some interesting conversations and I left with a new friend. Her dog, Bailey, is adorable, and her assistant, Jill, was very nice, too. Caro wants to make sure her guests are doing what they want, as far as work goes. I picked up dog poop (HA!), raked, and… read more
13 Apr 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah & Jack)
Hannah & Jack were super guests! self-motivated, energetic and thoughtful... thank you so much for all the work you did while here. I hope you are hunkering down avoiding covid19 somewhere pleasant & safe! 100% unreservedly recommended to all :)
(Excellent)
6 Apr 2020
Left by Workawayer (Hannah & Jack) for host
We had a lovely week at Caro's house. Caro provided a detailed list of jobs that we could choose from, which enabled us to pick what we could do each day and also liaise with Caro about what were priority jobs. We helped out around the house, gardening, cleaning, moving heavy objects... and giving Bailey a brush! ;)
We had a great week - the… read more
We had a great week - the… read more
7 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Pavel)
a conscientious worker, and a charming and considerate houseguest! 100% unreservedly recommended :)
(Excellent)
9 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Pavel) for host
Carol is a friendly and hospitable woman. Her extraordinary life and love for computer automation are close to me and admirable how Carol takes efficiency seriously. I'm glad I could help make her home cosier, and I wish Carol much to fulfil her dreams.
7 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Agnieszka)
thanks for staying Agnieszka! 100% unreservedly recommended as a super earnest and conscientious worker, and a considerate houseguest :)
(Excellent)
25 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Agnieszka) for host
Carolyn is a perfect host! She’s very warm and welcoming and at the same time very organized. You will be given a list of tasks divided into priorities, routine tasks, good and bad weather tasks. Everyone can pick something that suits their abilities, from household chores to gardening to tech tasks.
You are allowed to work at your own pace and… read more
You are allowed to work at your own pace and… read more
7 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Cathy)
it was a real pleasure having Cathy stay... I enjoyed her company and the knowledge she shared so much and I cannot recall ever being so talkative! workwise, she is incredibly energetic, pragmatic, resourceful and self-reliant... 100% unreservedly recommended :)
(Excellent)
16 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Cathy) for host
Caro welcomed me into her modest home in suburban Rotorua for my first workaway, and I stayed for a wonderful week. Like others have written, one of the pluses is the efficient way she organizes things, specifically, choosing tasks from a list Caro prints off, and working on those that hold interest/ one has the skills to perform.
The house is… read more
The house is… read more
10 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (William)
holy smoke! William sub-par was only here a few days but made quick work of installing a new TV aerial in galeforce winds, fixed a sliding door that had been dodgy for a decade or so, along with some ace housekeeping and clearing oodles of other small jobs... welcome back anytime and 100% unreservedly recommended to anyone fortunate enough to hear… read more
(Excellent)
10 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (William) for host
At short notice Caro took me in and allowed me to stay despite me having a significant head cold. I felt very welcomed and comfortably independant, was able to potter around and do some of the tasks on her superb list. I had a really good time despite my illness, and will maybe come back and do some real work! Bailey is a gorgeous dog who likes a… read more
26 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Morgan)
Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
23 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexandria & Joel)
Alex and Joel were a joy to host! they are energetic, pragmatic, resourceful and extremely self-reliant - exactly what is needed here. 100% unreservedly recommended to all :)
(Excellent)
22 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Alexandria & Joel) for host
We had a lovely week with Caro and Bailey! We immediately felt welcomed and comfortable in Caro's home. We had a lot of freedom in terms of planning our days, and choosing what type of work we wanted to complete (having to choose from a long list provided by Caro). It was a treat to be able to choose tasks that we felt we could excel at, and we… read more
24 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (SaraDom)
Sara and Dom were really lovely houseguests... it was so reassuring for me to know my treasured dog was in safe hands while I was out of town with these two energetic, intelligent, resourceful and thoughtful people at the helm taking care of things in my absence... I feel so fortunate to have met you both! unreservedly recommended to all...
(Excellent)
23 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (SaraDom) for host
We house-sat for a week.
As described by others, Caro is a wonderful host, and person.
Her work is very organized, so you can choose from a list of indoor, outdoor, or priority tasks that suit your skills, and do the work at your pace. This is a great place for people who thrive in self-directed work.
Bailey is a very well trained dog, and you… read more
As described by others, Caro is a wonderful host, and person.
Her work is very organized, so you can choose from a list of indoor, outdoor, or priority tasks that suit your skills, and do the work at your pace. This is a great place for people who thrive in self-directed work.
Bailey is a very well trained dog, and you… read more
17 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jolana & Martin)
Jola and Martin are both really pleasant to have around, considerate and highly self-motivated... they tackled my to-do list with fabulous energy. One of the many tasks they ticked off was particularly tedious and time-consuming. They ploughed through that work cheerfully and in the methodical, systematic way necessary to do the job well. And to… read more
(Excellent)
17 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jolana & Martin) for host
It was super nice to stay with Caro, we felt very welcome and it felt like being home for a while. Caro has the kindest doggo Bailey he is very sweet and he is enjoying to have a new guests around. The work is well organised and we always found it easy to find work that suit it us well. We had only good times here and we were really happy to have… read more
22 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Javiera & Álvaro Ignacio)
Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
18 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (AnnaNoha)
It was a real pleasure having Anna-Noha stay... she has a very calm and friendly demeanor and just quietly plows thru chores with a smile. Thanks again for everything you did while here, much appreciated!
(Excellent)
18 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (AnnaNoha) for host
Caro is just wonderful, so warmhearted and she made me feel home from the very first moment. The home is lovely with lots of personality, a comfortable bed and a very cute dog. Caro is always interested in your comfort and lets you choose from different types of light work, so you can have plenty of time to explore Rotorua and the surrounding.… read more
13 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Camille & Hadrien)
a total pleasure to host your stay Hadrien & Camille! you are both so energetic and cheerful and obliging... I am still smiling at Hadrien's relentlessly cheerful - masochistic!? delight in what could only appear to be ultramarathon torture! the wonderful upbeat vibe you shared here lingers still... and the very first person for me to share my… read more
(Excellent)
13 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Camille & Hadrien) for host
We came for a stay and found a family!
From the very first moment we met Caro we felt at home, she's sooo nice and friendly. We've come to Rotorua to run the Tarawera trail and couldn't hope for a best home to prepare: amazing room, nice atmosphere, structured to-do list (she has a list of task, so helpful!), and cheering (are you crazy? why run… read more
From the very first moment we met Caro we felt at home, she's sooo nice and friendly. We've come to Rotorua to run the Tarawera trail and couldn't hope for a best home to prepare: amazing room, nice atmosphere, structured to-do list (she has a list of task, so helpful!), and cheering (are you crazy? why run… read more
10 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Camille & Anaïs) for host
Caro welcomed us for few days in her house with her beautiful dog Bailey.
Her house is very well located to visit the nice cit of Rotorua. Caro is very kind person and she is a very nice host.
Thank you for having us with you ! We recommed her :)
Her house is very well located to visit the nice cit of Rotorua. Caro is very kind person and she is a very nice host.
Thank you for having us with you ! We recommed her :)
6 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlene)
Charlene is so charming & so energetic! you will be pleased to know the dreaded evil plant you started to decimate is now officially chopped... leaves all gone but not so sure about those resiliant roots! thanks again for your wonderful efforts... much appreciated :)
(Excellent)
6 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Charlene) for host
I had a super stay in Caroline's house. Caroline warmly welcomed me at 8.00 am as I left my couchsurfing. She is super organized for the main tasks and very flexible so that you can easily plan your trip on your free time. The bedroom is comfortable and Caroline's house is well located. Besides she has such a lovely Cavalier King Charles ! I… read more
18 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (FEDERICO)
Federico is charming and obliging... he started work within minutes of arrival!! firstly chopping down trees and mowing the lawn on a really hot sunny day... and on subsequent days he helped by moving furniture, water-blasting, weeding, cooking, cleaning a bbq, and general tidying and reorganising... he is a really hard-working person willing to… read more
(Excellent)
15 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (FEDERICO) for host
I spent a very nice week at Caro's place. She is so kind and took care of me in a lovely way. She let me choose between several tasks and I was very independent and flexible. The work was more than fair and never hard. I enjoyed a lot sightseeing the Rotorua area, so many beautiful spots to discover. She was so kind to bring me at lake Tarawera… read more
3 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Philippa & Allan)
it was a pleasure to host travellers who are nearer to my own age for a change... my only grumble is that Philippa spent way too much time working instead of getting out and enjoying the sights... errr even tho it was raining and pretty dreary weather for almost all of your visit unfortunately :( But thanks for the damage control remedies and… read more
(Excellent)
2 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Philippa & Allan) for host
We spent a fab few days at Caro's place and felt very much 'at home'. Caro is a very welcoming and friendly host and accommodation in the 'sleep out' was just as described and we were very comfortable during our stay. In all we had a very sociable and enjoyable time and was sorry it wasn't for longer. Bailey the dog is lovely too! Thank you very… read more
29 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea & Marketa)
Marky & Andrea were pure joy to have around! they are just so cheerful and obliging... aside from the big jobs on the to-do list that they tackled with relentless energy, there were gazillions of little things that they saw needed doing without me even asking and blitzed them too in a way that seemed almost effortless! I suspect Bails misses them… read more
(Excellent)
26 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Andrea & Marketa) for host
It was a great pleasure to stay at Caros place. We were feeling very welcome, actually as at home :) it was just perfect we got the list of very wide range of tasks we could choose from and do it whenever suits us, so we vere very flexible to go out anytime we wanted. Also you are free to do the tasks your way, which is great :) Caro is great… read more
29 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Justin)
charming, pragmatic and energetic - efficiency on wheels! Justin is well-organised in himself and he demonstrated the ability to exercise good judgment, work independently and sensibly... BTW he also bakes a mean cake and crêpes!
unreservedly recommended :)
unreservedly recommended :)
(Excellent)
26 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Justin) for host
Caro was the perfect host I was hoping for when looking for my first workaway experience.
She made my time in Rotorua terrific! Caro is more than awesome, really flexible and enthusiastic to help you whenever she can.
I was really glad to have been her guest and I definitely enjoyed my time in here and the tasks she gave me.
The description in her… read more
She made my time in Rotorua terrific! Caro is more than awesome, really flexible and enthusiastic to help you whenever she can.
I was really glad to have been her guest and I definitely enjoyed my time in here and the tasks she gave me.
The description in her… read more
27 Jun 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
fabulous young couple! very upbeat and lots of youthful energy... a joy to host!
(Excellent)
22 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Caro was a wonderful host, we're really glad to have met her! We stayed one week and we loved the sleepout, it has everything you might need and we both appreciated having our own space so close to a good bus link and shops. The list of tasks Caro gave us was very manageable and she was very clear about what we should prioritize. We had a… read more
2 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Fabien & Lauren)
wow - I am so glad to have met Fabien & Lauren and so grateful for everything they achieved! Fabien is not just who he says he is, he's actually a magician... give him insufficient materials, inadequate tools, vague instructions plus add some bad weather to the mix and he still delivers :) between the two of them, they blitzed oodles, indoors and… read more
(Excellent)
23 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Fabien & Lauren) for host
Caro was a great host and wonderful to get to know. We stayed a week in her very comfortable sleep out. The tasks were organized and enjoyable as there was freedom to pick from various tasks. There was no specific times so we had a lot of flexibility in deciding when to do the hours. The place was conveniently located to a lot of rotorua’s… read more
10 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Juan Ignacio) for host
I stayed for one week at Caro's place. The sleep out is very comfortable and has everything you can need. The house is located a short bus ride from Rotorua center and walking distance from the shops and supermarket. Caro is a really kind host and always willing to help, she is very organized with the tasks to be done, so you can pick whatever… read more
6 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Juan Ignacio)
Juan stayed a week and was a fabulous guest! He is charming and relaxed. He tackled lots of tasks with enthusiasm - painting and various other repairs & maintenance. Thank you so much for everything you did and best wishes for your travels. I can 100% unreservedly recommend to prospective future hosts.
(Excellent)
