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Help with toddler and gardening 15mins from Ohope, New Zealand

New Zealand
Last activity : 14 Feb 2025

Profile information

Host rating
100 %
Last replied
27 Jan 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 13 days
Feedback
3
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Availability

2025

Min stay requested: No minimum

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What's this?

Details

Description
Hey folks! We are a grandmother (Andrea), mother (Niki) and son (Noah) living here in the beautiful Bay of Plenty just a short drive from Ohope Beach.

The lifestyle block we inhabit is truly magic with two horses, chickens, fruit trees and a very special energy to say the least. We are also a short drive to one of NZ's most loved beaches which is perfect for swimming and learning to surf over summer.

My mother Andrea is off most of summer tour guiding Germans all over the country. I would love some extra help with my son and around the garden mostly. Maybe a few beach babysitting sessions so I can fulfill my greatest passion of surfing 😂

All in all, there is never a dull moment around here as we relish in the simple pleasures and enjoy all life has to offer.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This is a pretty Kiwiana kind of place with Taika Waititis “Boy” being filmed just up the coast.

There are loads of opportunities to learn about Māori culture in the area and the general way of life for people living in New Zealand.

We ourselves are pretty diverse having travelled all over the world but living here the past 28 years. Mum speaks German/Iranian as well as English so we aren’t your “average kiwis” but a diverse mix of a few things.

We migrated from the United States almost 30 years ago and have dual citizenship. I plan on doing heaps more travel over there at some point.

We love going to our favourite river spots or camping up the coast where crowds are slim but beauty is abundant.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Watching Noah from time to time so I can do some work/nap/surf
Helping to establish a better garden
Pruning/weeding/digging/harvesting etc
General home upkeep like window washing, lawn mowing, firewood stacking etc.
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
Interested in learning Spanish
Accommodation
Super cute retro caravan with use of the bathroom in main house.

Equipped with its own comfy double bed and kitchenette.
What else ...
Perfect spot for nature lovers.

We are only about 15mins drive to one of NZ’s most loved beaches, Ohope Beach.

Kayak, surf, fishing, river excursions, bush walking etc.

Spend a weekend in nearby Mount Maunganui, Rotorua, Taupo of Gisborne. All within a 2 hour drive.

Transport - Ideally you would want your own vehicle unless you’re happy with hanging around home mostly. There are buses from Ohope to nearby towns that we are happy to give you a lift to if we are headed that way.

Nearest airport is Whakatane which Air Chathams operates out of. Otherwise you can fly with Air New Zealand from Rotorua or Tauranga which are roughly an hour away.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Plenty of room for your own car/camper
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One

Host ref number: 382885163316

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Feedback (2)

20 Jan 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)

I felt like I struck gold when Lilo showed up at our door! There was an instant connection and her communication was always excellent. It felt so natural having her as part of our family for a few weeks and I cant even begin to describe how helpful and wonderful she is.

Lilo baked delicious cakes, cleaned windows, listened to my crazy stories… read more

(Excellent )

19 Jan 2025

Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host

I stayed with Niki and Noah for just over two weeks over the Christmas and New Year’s period. Niki was one of the first Workaway hosts I reached out to as the priorities of surfing and gardening were very much aligned - we had a phone call before I’d even got to Aotearoa and I just knew it was gonna be brilliant. Niki is a super talented and funny… read more human being, an expert surfer and an incredible parent to Noah. Niki was so generous and warm when it comes to sharing her home and her stories and community. She used to be a Workawayer, and so is the perfect host as she knows what it’s like to be on the other side! She made a list of tasks she wanted to be done, but also a list of cool stuff and activities that I’d be interested in doing. We managed to surf everyday for two weeks over the summer. She got me set up with a spare wetsuit and foam board and whilst she surfed I would look after little Noah, then she would insist I get out in the water and thrash around on the amazingly gentle Ōhope waves! Noah is a fun and active toddler, who despite going through the hell of teething, remained super curious about the world around him and eager to clamber over trees in the park, boost down slides in the playground and collect shells on the beach. After some initial hesitancy, he and I were able to go on some beautiful walks along the beach whilst Niki shredded some baby waves on her long board. Niki introduced me to lots of her amazing community, at bbqs and at the beach and invited me along to hang out with her very cool pals and looped me into Christmas and New Year celebrations. On top of taking care of Noah at the beach, I weeded the ragwort across the paddocks and took on the honestly quite satisfying task of cleaning all the windows inside and out at the house. I had a lot of fun cooking for us and Niki was always appreciative of anything I made or extra cleaning and laundry I helped out with. I had an amazing retro caravan sleepout as well as the option to dash inside to a spare room when it got real stormy some nights. It seems strange to write Workaway feedback for someone who I now consider a friend - I’m just honestly so blessed to have met Niki, Noah and Niki’s mum and sister too. They are all such open people and made me feel part of the family. Niki also connected me up with my next Workaway host, which is a whole other magical journey. I can’t thank Niki enough for everything and looking forward to seeing all of you again in the near future.

(Excellent )

15 Jan 2025

Left by Workawayer (Naomi) for host

I stayed with Niki, Andrea, and Noah for about a week and had the best time! The work mainly consisted of gardening and helping around the house and always followed by delicious meals and nice refreshing fizzy drinks :) Noah is the sweetest little boy and I truly only have good things to say about my time in this special home :)

(Excellent )

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