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Learn about Maori history, come meet the locals and experience our paradise in Motueka, Aotearoa, New Zealand

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We live 2kms from central Motueka township. We are a semi-retired couple with two adult sons living close by with their amazingly talented wives and our seven beautiful grandchildren who visit regularly.

    The property consists of muddled cottage gardens, a home vege patch and a large vegetable garden out the back, which includes a 1/2 acre mixture of fruit trees. Besides that we have a large native garden on the property.

    Husband loves the great outdoors, is a hunter gatherer who always makes sure the freezer is stocked with wild game and we have at least two years of firewood ahead of us every year.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    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
  • Interests

    Interests

    Carpentry
    Astronomy
    Animals
    Beach
    Nature
    Outdoor activities
    Hiking
    Plant care
    Gardening
    Farming
    Pets
    Culture
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    You will also learn the rich history of place, visit our Marae (cultural place of standing) join us and our (whanau) family for pōwhiri(cultural welcome) blessings and ceremonies when/if these happen during your stay with us. Visit sites of significant and understand why they are so special to Māori. Sample our traditional foods and how it is prepared cooked and eaten. Learn basic (te reo māori) language.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    The work is manual labour so it requires people who are physically fit and use to lifting heavy objects and working in the outdoors. Lifting, cutting, stacking firewood. Digging, ground work, prunning, planting & general gardening maintenance, lawn mowing, fencing, animal health & care, housework, cleaning and ongoing home maintenance.
    Our expectations is that you share your talents and work experience in return for food, accommodation and good company.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Maori: Intermediate

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    We have a rustic bach which we use to accommodate our workaway helpers which has two beds, fridge for yoghurt, milk, bread, breakfast and lunch spreads, electric Jug, fresh drinking water, tea, coffee and a small fireplace in the corner with plenty of wood stacked for heating in the winter. The beds when you arrive will have clean linen and fresh towels. Toilet, Shower and bathroom are in the main house. which is shared by all of us.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Our unique difference is that we can teach you local Māori history, visit our marae, experience the culture, traditions and food in our (rohe) area.

    You would be treated with respect, kindness and honesty but this would need to be reciprocal. We enjoy hosting and are happy to share this with you.

    We would prefer non fussy eaters unless you are happy to prepare all your own food. Part of our normal diet consists of meat and dairy products which we all enjoy along with seafood.
    From our home:
    Having a vehicle is a bonus as you can explore our landmarks in Motueka and surrounding locations like( 1 hour Mt Arthur Car Park Kahurangi National Park, 15 minute drive Kaiteretere, 20mins Marahau Abel Tasman. National Park, 20 mins Riwaka Resurgence, 1 hour drive over Takaka Hill to Golden Bay, Waikoropupu, Wainui Falls, 2hours Farewell Spit) Just name a few of our sights of significance? This is without adding Nelson Lakes National Park which is less than 2 hours away by car.

  • 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

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Smoky (5 years)

    Tabby, a little wild and aloof. She only comes in at night to sleep and graze through the night.

Host ref number: 3899184134d6

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Photos

The image depicts two women standing under a wooden archway, with a path leading to a bridge in the background, surrounded by trees and a blue sky.
The image depicts a family of five posing for a photo, with the father standing behind the mother and three children, all gathered around a table with various items.
The image depicts a group of approximately 30 children, dressed in traditional Maori attire, posing for a photo in a grassy area with trees and a playground in the background.
The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a body of water, mountains, and a town, with a prominent watermark reading "workaway.info" in the center.
The image depicts a group of approximately 20 people posing for a photo in front of two totem poles, surrounded by trees and a park-like setting on a sunny day.
The image depicts a group of people posing in front of a building with Maori-style carvings, showcasing a cultural gathering or event.
The image depicts a white building with red trim and a red door, featuring the words "TE AWHINA" in red letters above the door.
The image depicts a charming red house with a gray roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a vibrant garden, set against a serene blue sky.
The image depicts a group of people practicing tai chi in a courtyard, with trees and a building visible in the background. The group is dressed in casual attire.
The image depicts a black pegboard with a yellow cross-stitch pattern, featuring a basket and stars, mounted on a white wall. The board has a black frame.

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