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Host rating
80 %
Last replied
7 Feb 2026
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72.7 %
Usually responds within 3 days
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Details
Description
We are Patrick (56) and Bernice (58) - (Both English). Very friendly and down to earth people.
Bernice's has devoted all her time to horses all the time I have known her. She breeds horses but this is not a business.
We both enjoy the rural life, but do like a few drinks down the pub to unwind ! (Typical English !)
We live in an old farm house. Apart from horses we have two dogs.
Our dwelling with 10acres is in Otago near a village called Middlemarch. Very long cycle track here if you are interested ( have to bring your own bike or hire one locally).
Lovely views everywhere. Summer is very hot. Winter can snow and road closes if bad enough. The house isn't well heated so bear that in mind if coming in the winter.
Nearest shopping centre is 45min drive. The local pub is full of friendly people (mostly farmers) and the can also get pizzas there.
We find after working 40+hrs a week away from the property, we lack the motivation and sometimes don't have the time to get everything done at home, so could do with the help. We are not that house proud but try to keep the place as tidy as we can. The outside usually gets more time spent on it.
We would suggest, this is a good place to be if you like tranquillity. Not best suited for those who prefer night life and social events. Most days you will be busy but some days we might not have anything for you to do. So just relax or go for a walk, or listen to some music etc....
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Technology
Nature
Mountain
Beach
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Plant care
Music
History
DIY & crafts
Animals
Events & social
Pets
Farming
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
On a Sunday or Friday you may be able to ride one of the horses locally with Bernice.
Its a "Very" quiet life here. Chill with the odd bbq and music in the spring/summer and autumn.
Our Son lives with us but works away most of the time. He can speak fluent French as we lived there for 13yrs.
You can pick up knowledge around horses, improve your riding, and good equestrian husbandry.
**Note....Only 10% of the help here is with Horses**
Country life in a remote area is some peoples dream, and a nightmare for others.
We can give the option to stay long term if suited. Depending on your needs, but you will need your own transport
If you have transport there are lots of beautiful places to visit. Lakes, bush etc....there is no public transport here.
Help
Help around horses but minimal help needed here - moving paddocks etc.
***Lots of Gardening (cutting grass, weeding) ***
Collecting / stacking wood for fire
General house help (kitchen, lounges and bathrooms only) on a daily basis.
Some painting and decorating of the interior and exterior of the house
Help repairing stock fencing (no exp required) and rare
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Accommodation
We have a spare Bedroom with double bed in our house for you. You would be sharing the rest of the house with us.
Some Friday nights we go down the local pub (welcome to join us)
For the warmer months ; Simple gas bbq outside.
2x Showers / two toilets
Washing machine (we try to keep this weekend use)
Tumble dryer (we try to keep this weekend use) there is an out side washing line.
unlimited Internet (wifi)
Breakfast provided -cereal or toast (for you to prepare)
Lunch provided - usually a sandwhich or two (for you to prepare)
Evening meal provided- whatever we are cooking for ourselves
What else ...
Very long cycle track (Otago Rail Trail) very close to our property. Café and pub in Middlemarch ( an hour walk down a gravel road or a 5 min drive). If you like hiking , there is the "Rock and pillar" (mountain) near us which you can hike up.
If you would like to work more hours one day and have the next off that's fine ( we can be flexible), we can possibly take you into town in the week (at 7am) and bring you back after our work (around 4.30pm) in you time off. We do expect 4 to 5hrs solid work per day (5 days per week)
If you have your own transport you will be much more free to go where you like in your time. You need to be very self motivated as a lot of the time you will be left to carry on working by yourself.
Patrick will be at home recovering from a shoulder operation (17th Feb to end of March) but unable to help much apart from advice.
We have 2 dogs. One Rottweiler and a Border collie, both very friendly.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Red
Border Collie
Reggie
Rottweiller
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (2)
We wish we could have been here the whole time and… read more
Thank you for your hospitality.
Hope you enjoyed your stay Malika ! , and welcome back any time
Photos
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.5)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.5)
We wish we could have been here the whole time and… read more
Thank you for your hospitality.
Hope you enjoyed your stay Malika ! , and welcome back any time
