Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
15 Jun 2025
Reply rate
90.5 %
Usually responds within 24 days
Feedback
40
Email verified
Badges (4)
Details
Description
We are currently seeking WorkAwayers. We have a few projects on the go so work will be varied. WorkAwayers with skills in gardening and building always a bonus.
We are developing an ecovillage just south of Oamaru--the coolest, funkiest town in New Zealand! There is a blossoming community of artists, musicians, and people with projects here.
We are almost three years into our dream of establishing an ecovillage! Sophia works from home as a consultant, carver and homesteader. Ra is the manager at our local community gardens, as well as a teacher of African inspired drum and dance classes. They completed a 10 month Permaculture Design Course in 2020 and continue implementing permaculture projects. Daniel is a jack of all trades and talented builder with a knack for repurposing materials and innovative solutions. We have 3 family pets: Figo and Fia are sausage dogs & Poly-tician is a cuddly cat. Sometimes we have flatmates living here too.
We are looking for epic homesteaders to help with renovation projects around the house, gardening, painting, cooking and odd jobs. We are always working on something different, so things never get boring! Building and carpentry skills are always helpful. Creative people and artists are always welcome too-- we can find a project to suit your skill set! Work varies by the day. Work is primarily building, painting, gardening, composting, weeding, harvesting vegetables, beer brewing, cooking, preserving, and odd jobs.
We can promise you enriching conversation, hilarious and playful banter and an engaging experience. We are seeking people who are creative, problem-solvers, and enjoy playful exchange and a bit of hard work.
Accommodation is in a spare room at the ecovillage--11 kms south of Ōamaru. We have animals, so if you are allergic BEWARE! We have unlimited WIFI internet available for you to use.
We usually share mainly vegetarian or keto meals in the evening. We will provide breakfast & lunch also. We adore and appreciate amazing chefs!
We can provide accommodation & meals in exchange for 4-5 hours of work every day.
Languages: English, Maori, Spanish, Italian & basic French
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We can share skills in gardening, permaculture knowledge, Māori language, and the history of our amazing town Ōamaru!
Help
We are looking for epic helpers for renovation projects around the ecovillage including gardening, painting, cooking, renovations, construction and odd jobs. We are always working on something different, so things never get boring! Building skills are a bonus but happy to share what I know if you're keen to learn.
Creative people and artists are always welcome too-- we can find a project to suit your skill set! Daily duties include watering the garden and often cooking. Everything else just varies by the day. Work is primarily building, painting, gardening, composting, weeding, harvesting vegetables, building projects, cooking, and odd jobs.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Maori: Intermediate
French: BeginnerThis 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
The house is well insulated and comfy. You can come and go as you please. We have animals, so if you are allergic BEWARE!
What else ...
We live at an ecovillage just 11kms south of Oamaru--the coolest, funkiest town in New Zealand! There is a blossoming community of artists, musicians, and people with projects here. We are well known for our Victorian architecture and local colonies of penguins.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
we have unlimited wifi with Starlink
Space for parking camper vans
We have a large driveway with plenty of room for off-street parking
Can possibly accept pets
We can host friendly dogs. We have 2 small dogs of our own.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Feedback (16)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
We didn't get to meet all the shareholders of this beautiful project, but struck gold staying with Sophia and her cutie little monsters (noice saussie dogs). Along with the work this is really a space for learning and cultural exchange, plus… read more
We loved how Sophia made us part of the local life in Oamaru, which is a very nice and quite town, but active at the same time.
During our two… read more
I also had the pleasure of meeting 2 other volunteers, Alex and Nau, with whom I created a lovely bond with.
Together we… read more
The residents, Sophia, Ra and Daniel, are more than welcoming. They welcomed me with happiness, fun and love. As they travelled in the past, they listen and understand travellers needs. They helped me for my administration, for meeting interesting people and finding a job as well ! They are also… read more
Exactly what you would look for when it comes to have the perfect combination between work, amazing people, awesome projects full of sense, and culture sharing !
3 weeks that passed too fast, learning a bunch of stuff from all fields, sharing precious moments with Sophia, Ra, and Daniel who were always so… read more
😎 and friendly people !?
this Is THE PLACE TO BE !!
Sophia, Ra and Daniel are Amazing people ! Very friendly, interesting ! We shared some good talk around a fire 🔥, Always smiling ☺️ very easy going people. Besides they have a lot of skills to share !
I will miss this place A LOT !!
I… read more
Thank you for everything, all the best and I'll see you again when I'm next down south!
Much love,
Maya
The place is beautiful, close to the funky town and live in a tiny house was a great experience.
We felt like we were at home and belong to the family.
Sophia gave us her confidence and was so keen to share with us not just work (special mention for Catan evening and Penny Farthing)
Thank you so much, was… read more
