Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
5 Apr 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 41 days
Feedback
40
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
A cowshed and a cottage- without the milking.....We are a busy Christian family of 6 (4 under 9 years of age) living on a small cosy farm with a big attitude. We share this with a friendly horse, golden retriever, 3 chickens, 11 sheep plus lambs and 5 cows. Lots of birdlife and a few trains!!!
We find it hard to have hobbies and are asking for a hand as the farm does take up a lot of our time. Can you help us? Childcare, gardening, wood , DIY ,home brewing or helping us finish the separate cottage you would be staying in.
Mum Emma and Dad Ryan have travelled a lot and would love to open up our farm and Otaki to those who can work honestly and rest quietly.
The partly renovated shearers cottage needs some finishing work but everything works and it is away from our noisy cheeky children. We are in the process of furnishing the cottage so please enjoy the process as we are. We now have unlimited Internet to the cottage!!
We are meat eaters and would find it hard to provide for other tastes. Cooking could be done separately with a different arrangement so please ask .If you provide your own food we usually ask for four hours work a day. We can provide food in return for 5 hours a day of work which sometimes includes your own cooking. This is just because we are a busy family and are unable to have you over for a meal every night. Please read our reviews as this seems to work for all and is fair and reasonable.
We are also need those staying to be able to conserve water during summer as our supply is rain water. This is filtered and UV cleaned.
While we would love a bit of work done to help us our aim is to give you a truly family kiwi experience. Our farm is 5 minutes' drive from Otaki centre and 10 minutes to the beach. Close to rail and the bus stop. We could even pick you up if this helps. God bless.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Politics / Social justice
Culture
Pets
Self development
Farming
Plant care
History
Books
DIY & crafts
Gardening
Animals
Nature
Fitness
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Honest hardworking safe kiwi family.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
DIY, painting, wood, gardening,composting and general outside tasks. Piano players and Irish dancers welcome.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Cottage which needs finishing. Gas and a heat pump. Large rumpus room. Cottage is away from the main house so very private. No parties or too many comings and goings as we have young children.
What else ...
Otaki is all you need.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Heaps of space and outside plugs
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 393754153529
Feedback (18)
20 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Tomas)
Tomas is still worth us. Over two months and we would love him to stay. He has managed to turn a old Milking shed into potentially excellent accommodation. He dismantled the old shed a started again and is really a master craftsman in the making .His attention to detail is admirable even though he does not like to be thanked for it!! He has… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Twogingers) for host
Highly recommend staying at this great place with these great people. We were originally staying for 10 days but ended up staying for a full 2 weeks to help look after the animals while the family was away for a couple of days. Ryan and Emma are both wonderful hosts that made us feel very welcome and well looked after and the kids will definitely… read more
24 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Twogingers)
Lucy and Ron were fantastic. Really highly recommended. Great fit for us and both just got stuck in and helped in so many ways. We had a family bereavement and they farm sat for us as well and stayed on to help. Ron helped with really physical work and just could see what we were trying to achieve in turning a old water trough full of dirt into a… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Pennieyoga)
Penny and Robin where lovely people who just fitted right into your schedule and lifestyle from the get go. Penny was a wonderful help in all areas and was fantastic with the children who loved spending time with her. Easily saw what needed doing and a great "pair of extra hands". We enjoyed their company and chats and they left everything… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Pennieyoga) for host
We were privileged to be invited, as workaways, to stay with Ryan and his family, spending just under a week with them, due to our previous commitments. From the outset we were made to feel very welcome by all the family, and our accommodation was clean, spacious and away from their home offering privacy for both parties. Over the week we spent… read more
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
20 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Tomas)
Tomas is still worth us. Over two months and we would love him to stay. He has managed to turn a old Milking shed into potentially excellent accommodation. He dismantled the old shed a started again and is really a master craftsman in the making .His attention to detail is admirable even though he does not like to be thanked for it!! He has… read more
(Excellent)
4 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Twogingers) for host
Highly recommend staying at this great place with these great people. We were originally staying for 10 days but ended up staying for a full 2 weeks to help look after the animals while the family was away for a couple of days. Ryan and Emma are both wonderful hosts that made us feel very welcome and well looked after and the kids will definitely… read more
24 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Twogingers)
Lucy and Ron were fantastic. Really highly recommended. Great fit for us and both just got stuck in and helped in so many ways. We had a family bereavement and they farm sat for us as well and stayed on to help. Ron helped with really physical work and just could see what we were trying to achieve in turning a old water trough full of dirt into a… read more
(Excellent)
12 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Pennieyoga)
Penny and Robin where lovely people who just fitted right into your schedule and lifestyle from the get go. Penny was a wonderful help in all areas and was fantastic with the children who loved spending time with her. Easily saw what needed doing and a great "pair of extra hands". We enjoyed their company and chats and they left everything… read more
(Excellent)
7 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Pennieyoga) for host
We were privileged to be invited, as workaways, to stay with Ryan and his family, spending just under a week with them, due to our previous commitments. From the outset we were made to feel very welcome by all the family, and our accommodation was clean, spacious and away from their home offering privacy for both parties. Over the week we spent… read more
9 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Robin) for host
Our stay with Ryan, Emma and family was all too short and we would have loved to stay longer, however the South island ferry was prebooked. We were made to feel very welcome and happily mixed with all four lovely kids and Ella the dog. In return Ryan set me some interesting and practical tasks, trusted me with his tools and time flew by all too… read more
5 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Robin)
Another fantastic experience for us with Robin and Pennie. Really nice and understanding couple who stayed with us for nearly a week. They were happy to provide their own food and work less . We managed to share a couple of meals which was easy company and we highly recommend this couple. Both are solid workers who helped us with building and… read more
(Excellent)
29 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Clara) for host
It was a short, but amazing and inspiring time with Emma, Ryan and the kids. Thank you so much for the warm-hearted and lovely welcome in your wonderful home. I really enjoyed the family life, especially entertaining the kids ;), our evening-chat, cooking, and doing some weeding. Whether it was handcrafting, baking cookies or jumping on the… read more
26 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Clara)
Clara was a great help to us during her stay, saw things that needed doing and got onto it! Very adaptable and willing to do any job. We really enjoyed her company and cooking. Highly recommend this lovely kind young lady. :-)
(Excellent)
20 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
Many thanks to Emma, Ryan and the kids for their warm welcome, kindness and generosity.
I loved spending these two weeks with their family, I felt totally integrated and for a first Workaway it was perfect. They were great hosts, and I can't recommend them highly enough. This experience will remain a very nice memory.
I loved spending these two weeks with their family, I felt totally integrated and for a first Workaway it was perfect. They were great hosts, and I can't recommend them highly enough. This experience will remain a very nice memory.
20 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma stayed with us for nearly two weeks during school holidays. Really positive experience for us all hopefully. Kids loved her and she was always a part of our family as well as having her own time. She just fitted in! Hard worker and had a go at anything we asked. Highly recommended as Nurses just seem to know how families work ...... All the… read more
(Excellent)
17 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Sinead & Harry) for host
We had a short but sweet stay with Emma, Ryan and the kids. We stayed in the extremely large, cosy and comfy cottage for a week and got stuck into various bits of gardening with Emma when she had the time, and worked independently at other points and on other jobs like clearing the greenhouse and the water troughs in the field.
We were given a… read more
We were given a… read more
15 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Sinead & Harry)
Great couple. Really good work ethic and highly recommended. They got stuck in to anything we asked them to and even worked in the rain! The kids highly rated them as well. All the best on your adventures and you are welcome back anytime!!!
(Excellent)
31 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Frances & Molly)
Frances and Molly were just amazing from the word go... We had the pleasure for 10 days and during this time they just got stuck in.. We even trusted them with our farm . Even though a chicken did die it was expected !! Our kids had a great laugh and we were hoping they could of stayed longer... From gardening ,babysitting horse poo collection and… read more
(Excellent)
12 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Franco Mauricio)
Sorry about Delay Franco.... Really solid young fit young man who stayed with us for three months over winter!! Really no issues. Worked hard at anything we needed and has such a rare work ethic. His cooking is exceptional and we had many shared meals and treats provided. Our children (four under 10) loved him and he was another family member in… read more
(Excellent)
29 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Franco Mauricio) for host
first of all thank you very much for choosing me and welcoming me in your home, it was an incredible experience, it fit me like a glove in my stress and that things were not going as I expected, you appeared as a light to calm my mind. although you say it was a lonely place, I really enjoyed the time to be with you, beautiful people, I just hope… read more
18 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Blathain)
Lovely young Irish lady... Our first!!! Really helped us and was just so positive. Fitted in and help us even go on a date!! Trustworthy and hard working. Understood and would highly recommend.. Welcome back anytime!! Thanks again
(Excellent)
14 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Matthew) for host
I had a wonderful time working with Ryan, Emma and the family! The work was interesting and varied, and the cottage was a welcome break from hostels and camping. I would highly recommend working here!
14 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew)
Mathew was a hard worker and really helped us for the 8 days he stayed... Hay gathering, trench digging, painting and having a go and getting internet to the cottage (nearly a success). He understood and fitted in. Really recommend his can do attitude and you are lucky if he chooses to stay!!
(Excellent)
29 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Britt & Lorenzo) for host
Our workaway at Ryan and Emma's place was fantastic! We spent a week at their beautiful farm and we loved our time here. Just an hour north of Wellington, they live in a laidback location with plenty of land and lovely animals. Though the work was sometimes physical, all the tasks were fairly easy and manageable. The communication before and… read more
23 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Britt & Lorenzo)
Britt and Lorenzo were awesome! Hard working and just up for anything we needed from the word go. Our children adored them both and they are welcome back anytime... Jobs were gardening, collecting animal poo, babysitting and building a rock garden. Thanks and would recommend this genuine couple!!
(Excellent)
19 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Albertus (Benjamin) & Talina (Talien))
We had the best start to the new year having this amazing family stay with us. Having a family of 8 stay in our cottage was a record and yet it was left cleaner than before. Great kids who really got stuck in and were so helpful. Hopefully we will keep a lifelong connection going. Ben and Talien lead the troops and really enjoyed the farm. Ben had… read more
(Excellent)
1 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Rodrigo & Ana Paula) for host
My family (my wife, 6-year old daughter and I) stayed at Emma and Ryan's farm for about 10 days. Emma, who is an excellent communicator, always responded to our messages promptly, even though she was occupied with her children and other commitments. Ryan, on the other hand, was mostly working outside the home, but he is a kind and devoted father.… read more
12 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rodrigo & Ana Paula)
Really supreme family right from the word go.. Helped out on the farm with a can do attitude. Welcome back anytime! Our girls loved playing with Sara and enjoyed beating up Rodrigo. .... Really recommend this family.Very trustworthy and left the place very clean.. Thanks heaps
(Excellent)
30 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (DARRYL)
Another great experience for us. Darryl just slotted right in and understood our needs. Helped with many jobs from gardening,composting and grinding. Even enjoyed the picking up horse poo job..Kids had a great time bouncing him and he was just great to have around for 20 days! All the best and thanks workaway and Darryl.
(Excellent)
23 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Robin) for host
Great family and nice dog! Got to work a few weeks at Ryan's house while setting up my van. Thank you very much for the beers and the hospitality!
17 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Robin)
Robin is just a solid nice guy. Hard working and easy as to give jobs too. Maybe our best so far so thanks and all the best for your trip.. He helped us with gardening and is very talented at making things such as a chook feeder that doesn't let birds in!!
He understood us and just fitted in. Really highly recommended!! Very child friendly and is… read more
He understood us and just fitted in. Really highly recommended!! Very child friendly and is… read more
(Excellent)
16 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Alberto)
Really solid nice guy. Hard working and keen to learn. Left the place clean and just fitted in well.. Welcome back anytime!!. Thanks Alberto. Dio te armo?
(Excellent)
14 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alberto) for host
What a nice family! I had the opportunity to stay for a week in this beautiful family and their animals and it was a really nice and positive experience. it's hard to find such kind and helpful people and I'm grateful to have been able to get to know Ryan, Emma and their children.
The work is not heavy and the hospitality is exceptional.
I loved… read more
The work is not heavy and the hospitality is exceptional.
I loved… read more
1 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Heidi) for host
Very cool to get a glimpse into the lives of this family of 6, I had a great time on their beautiful farm. Private accommodation and food to cook for yourself (or invited to join for family meals which I personally really enjoyed to get to know everyone better). Emma and Ryan were very easy-going and fair with the amount of work given. Super nice… read more
22 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Heidi)
Heidi just clicked from the word go. Great energy and just became a part of the family. As a teacher she mainly just helped my wife have a mini break and was well enjoyed. Would totally recommend her have a go attitude and she is welcome back anytime.. Thanks again.
(Excellent)
7 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Leif)
Solid young man with a excellent work ethic. He was keen to help out and did a very good job of sanding and prepping the windows for painting. Just left him to it! Also very keen to get his hands dirty with composting and garden work. Thanks and hopefully he will pop back sometime!!
(Excellent)
3 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mathilde) for host
Amazing family ! I really loved my stay in this peaceful farm. The work is not hard, I mostly did cleaning and gardening during the mornings. I had my afternoons free but Emma and Ryan are flexible.
I lived in a self-contained cottage near the house, so I had my independence but I was invited to share dinners with the family. We had some great… read more
I lived in a self-contained cottage near the house, so I had my independence but I was invited to share dinners with the family. We had some great… read more
2 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mathilde)
Thanks for contacting us and helping us for a week. Well recommend Mathilde and her work ethic. She just understood us from the work go and fitted in. Our kids really enjoyed her positive attitude and can do approach. Would love to have her back anytime and guests should welcome her in as she was excellent from the word go.It is just her though!!… read more
(Excellent)
4 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Düzgün ) for host
dear Emma and Ryan, It was nice time with you. You are a great family with great children. I really enjoyed being with you. You are a great family. Thanks for the nice time. I liked it so much that I stayed with you guys for a month.
17 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Düzgün )
Duzgun is just such a nice guy. We were blessed to have him stay for over a month. He is welcome back anytime. Our kids enjoyed him immensely and he is very safe and trustworthy at all times. He has a solid worth ethic as he has worked hard his whole life. He is always on time and keen to try new jobs. We appreciated his ideas and solutions as… read more
(Excellent)
6 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Tobias) for host
It was so nice to work and share life with the fam. Those 2,5 weeks just happend. Located at the countryside outside of Wellington, I had the honor to meet these guys in their home - It's a big place with chicken, rabbits, sheep, a horse, 3 cows and a dog, now with 9 puppies. I lived in a separate cottage on the property, which had a lot of space,… read more
25 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sarah & Steven) for host
This place was just wonderful - the family are great, the work is good, and the situation is lovely too 😊
We - myself, husband and our two boys (10 and 7) - spent a few weeks here over Christmas and New Year. Ryan and Emma were warm and friendly as were their kids, who got on well with ours and pretty much babysat each other!
The work was fine… read more
We - myself, husband and our two boys (10 and 7) - spent a few weeks here over Christmas and New Year. Ryan and Emma were warm and friendly as were their kids, who got on well with ours and pretty much babysat each other!
The work was fine… read more
4 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah & Steven)
We were unsure about a family but hopefully we both had a great experience. Still waiting on feedback though??? Steve and Sarah are just solid caring peeps. We clicked and our kids clicked. Joseph and Luca are always welcome here and our three girls spent 2 weeks without any issues. We tried to keep them as we had some really great projects done… read more
(Excellent)
9 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Maike ) for host
it was amazing. even tho I had to cancel them first and thought I could not come, when plans changed and I needed a place to stay, Emma and Ryan welcomed me with a warm heart. their children are absolutely lovely and very easy to get along with. their golden retriever is one of the sweetest dog I've ever seen and always up for a cuddle :)… read more
