Help us run our home and property near Hamilton City, New Zealand

New Zealand

updated

Favourited 185 times

Host rating
Feedback
35
Last activity
17/10/2019
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 17 days
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Availability

2019

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What's this?

Details

Description
We live on a small lifestyle block of 2 acres not far from Hamilton city with our school aged and preschool children. Three of our adult children live locally. We have hosted travelers for 10 years and have had wonderful experiences with the many different people from varied cultures who have stayed and helped us during their travels.
We have two friendly sheep, a cow and her calf, hens and chickens and are growing a selection of vegetables and fruit. Our pets are large dog and three cats..
Due to family members suffering from asthma we are unable to have anyone stay who is a smoker.
Type of help
Gardening
Building
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Help in the house
Animal care
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
There are hiking trails in the Hakarimata Ranges (part of the Te Araroa Trail), where you can see glow worms at night, and cycling/hiking trails along the Waikato River (Te Awa River Ride), both just a few kilometres from our home. The World Famous surf beach at Raglan is a 40 minute car ride, Hamilton city is 20 minutes from the local town of Ngaruawahia and the Waitomo caves and Hobbiton are an hour away. We are 5 kilometres from town where buses travel regularly into Hamilton. We can collect bus travelers from the local bus stop in Ngaruawahia.
Help
We always have ongoing projects which, depending on the seasons, can include help in the gardens (weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, grass cutting, harvesting, preserving), cutting/pruning trees, chopping firewood, painting/renovating, building projects, as well as the never ending household chores. While we do not need help with childcare, the children's interests are Rugby, Soccer, lego, banjo, drums and guitar, and they enjoy interacting with travelers. Several of them are budding chefs so anyone who likes to cook or bake is sure of an apprentice or two.
Languages spoken
English
Accommodation
We have a separate basic cabin near the house with a double and a single bed. The cabin is off limits to the children so you can have some quiet time. The living areas and the shared bathroom facilities are in the house. We do have cellphone / data coverage and can offer limited Wifi use. We can collect you from the Ngaruawahia bus stop.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
4 hours per day or 20 hours per week

Photos

Feedback left by and about host (35)

14/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host

I had a great few weeks with Don and Davina - they were very welcoming and made me feel like part of the family.
The work was varied, not too strenuous, and I was able to have lots of free time to explore the area as well as hanging out with the children!

Recommended. Thanks!

(Sorry for the late feedback!)

(Very good )

08/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Tom & Rosie)

Sorry for the extremely late feedback. We thought we had already posted. Tom and Rosie were a wonderful help, especially as they landed with us in the school. holidays. They were wonderful with the children, great company and a great help with all the jobs that needed attending to. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your travels and you are welcome… read more

(Excellent )

08/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Peter)

Sorry for the extremely late posting of feedback. We thought we had already done so. We thoroughly enjoyed having Peter, Yana and the girls to stay. They were a wonderful help and great company, for the adults and children alike. Our children have fond memories of the card games and have purchased several of the same packs to continue the… read more

(Excellent )

27/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host

This was our longest workaway stay (almost 3 weeks) and it still felt short. We enjoyed the company of Don and Davina and their big family. Our daughters loved playing with their children. Don & Davina gave us interesting insights into Kiwi lifestyle and provided us with great travel tips, it’s amazing how many interesting places are around.… read more

(Excellent )

07/04/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Peter)

Peter quickly fitted in and became like one of the family. He is easy to get along with and has a conscientious work ethic often extending beyond what we asked to ensure tasks were completed. Some folks are average and some just make that extra effort to be part of the culture. Peter definitely is rated in the top level by us. We would absolutely… read more

(Excellent )

28/02/2018

Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host

I stayed with Don, Davina & kids for more than 2 weeks on the very beginning of my New Zealand quest. It was my first workaway experience and i could not wish for better start. I felt very welcomed from the very first minute, guys accepted me and treated me like a family member and i really felt that way. Don and Davina are very kind people, i… read more

(Excellent )

19/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Rowan)

Rowan helped us clearing overgrown areas on the cobbles and weeding the gardens, trying to find the vegetables in the overgrown jungle. The children enjoyed interacting with him, discussing their likes and dislikes of different movies and taking him on a bike ride. Thanks for your help Rowan.

(Very good )

14/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Rowan) for host

i stayed for abou 10 days and had a great time. the family was very welcoming and i felt like part of the family. the work was fair and it was fun to help out with such a lovely garden. the kids are great and we had a lovely time wathing movies, swimming, going on walks and going on bikerides. the food was also very good.
thanks for a great time.

(Excellent )

05/10/2016

Left by Workawayer (Lennart & Jannik) for host

We stayed one week with Don & Davina and really enjoyed our time in their family. It was always great fun to hang out with the kids and we immediately felt like a part of their family! Working in the garden was fair and never boring!

(Very good )

17/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole)

Nicole was a great help keeping up with all the daily chores as well as helping in the garden, especially as Davina had injured her back and was unable to do any physical tasks. The children enjoyed her company as well, chatting with her about her travels and interests. Thank you Nicole and we wish you well with the rest of your travels through… read more

(Excellent )

15/11/2015

Left by Workawayer (Nicole) for host

I enjoyed staying with Don, Davina and all the kids for 2 1/2 weeks. I learned so many new things and I fell in love with your family. Everyone was so nice and helpful. I hope your little garden will grow up nicely! I have to say that I love helping you, as you are such a wonderful family. BEST FIRST WORKAWAY EXPERIENCE. :)
PS. I hope Davina will… read more

(Excellent )

17/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Thibault)

Thibault was a great help, working tirelessly pruning the felled trees and moving the branches. He was happy to help with any of the chores indoors and out in the gardens and got along great with the children as well. Thank you for all your wonderful help and enjoy the rest of your travels.

(Excellent )

09/11/2015

Left by Workawayer (Thibault) for host

This past week in your family was perfect ! I loved the area that you live and the moments spent in your circles large and wonderful family ! Thank you for being understanding and listening to my poor English !
My advice to anyone wishing to have a good time , recover a home to thousands of kilometers and living with caring people nice, and… read more

(Excellent )

23/10/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Berenike)

Marie and Berenike were a great help when they stayed with us. They were willing to step up to any task asked of them and regularly asked if there was anything else they could help with. They were easy to get along with and the children enjoyed their company as well. We wish them well with the rest of their travels.

(Excellent )

18/10/2015

Left by Workawayer (Berenike) for host

The time with Don&Davina was great.
We spend a week there and we felt like home. The whole family was very lovely and everytime in a good mood. The work was esay and very flexible. Hope we see us again. Thanks for everything :).
Marie&Berenike

(Excellent )

11/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Immanuel)

Immanuel worked hard chopping his way through our very large pile of firewood. He made a large dent in the pile and the woodshed is looking wonderfully full for the winter. He is a polite and pleasant young man to have around. He got along well with all the children and they enjoyed learning some gymnastic and parkour moves from him. Enjoy the… read more

(Excellent )

10/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Immanuel) for host

My first workaway experience was wonderful, I'm glad that I stayed here for two weeks!
The whole family is just really friendly, always in a good mood, funny and enthusiastic! I had great days chopping wood, playing with the awesome energetic kids, swimming and in the river, going hiking etc.. if you enjoy being with many people, like children,… read more

(Excellent )

11/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (maura)

Maura is a very friendly, outgoing, interesting person who loves to help with anything that is happening. We do hope you are having a great time with the rest of your travels. Thank you very much for all your help and you are welcome back any time you are passing this way.

(Excellent )

03/03/2015

Left by Workawayer (maura) for host

Don & Davina are two amazing people. Very friendly and with a good sense of humour. The kids are lovely and good-mannered. I've always felt at home and the jobs I did were easy and pleasant to do. The hours are flexible so you can enjoy your spare time at the best.
This was my first experience as a workawayer and it was just perfect.

thank… read more

(Excellent )

05/02/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Jason)

Thanks for all your help with the maintenance around the property. We hope you enjoy the rest of your travels.

(Excellent )

26/12/2014

Left by Workawayer (Jason) for host

I spent two weeks with the Don and Davina and I had a great time. Spacious accommodations, good food, great company. There are some interesting sites for your down time as well. Thanks for everything!

(Excellent )

05/02/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Paulina)

Paulina was a wonderful worker and a pleasure to have stay. She was here at the same time as another workawayer and they fitted in with the family and just got on with what needed to be done. It was great to have you stay Paulina, many thanks for all your help and we wish you well in the rest of your travels.

(Excellent )

19/01/2015

Left by Workawayer (Paulina) for host

Davina, Don and the children form a wonderful family full of respect, joy and understanding. They're very easy-going and generous, which made me instantly feel like I was home. The working hours were flexible, so there was no pressure or calculation around it and that was a great motivation to do things well and at my own pace. Another traveller… read more

(Excellent )

10/11/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte)

Charlotte is a very charming and helpful young woman whom we would love to have visit again when she travels back to this end of the country. Sadly she did have to leave to attend to an unexpected matter but we enjoyed the time she was with us and the children were happy to spend time with her as well. Have a great time during your travels and we… read more

(Excellent )

10/11/2014

Left by Workawayer (Charlotte) for host

Due to circumstances unrelated to the family I was only able to stay with the Devincourts for 2 nights, but I just wanted to write and say how nice those 2 nights were! They're an extremely generous and fun family, the kids so sweet and social. The animals are precious, the cabin they provide cozy with heaps of blankets. The work is flexible and… read more

(Excellent )

13/10/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)

Laura and her friend Isabella were a great help and great company as well when they stayed to help our busy household. The children also enjoyed their company as well as their game playing and drawing skills. Thanks for your help and we wish you a great time during the rest of your travels.

(Excellent )

14/09/2014

Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host

This was me and my friends first workaway-experience and it was truly great!
Don and Davina, and every child in their home are great, funny, and relaxed. It is a great family!
We stayed for 1½ week, and we felt very welcome all the time. They helped us out a lot with various things, and we were always welcome to join the family for a nice cup… read more

(Excellent )

28/08/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Carlos & Denise)

Carlos and Denise are hard workers and great company. They did a great job clearing away blackberry and tidying the winter mess in the gardens, and Denise makes yummy cakes. The children also enjoyed spending time with them. Enjoy the rest of your travels. Thanks for all your help and we would love to see you again on your return north.

(Excellent )

18/08/2014

Left by Workawayer (Carlos & Denise) for host

It was so lovely! We had a very good time and we never felt uncomfortable. Also the kids are very polite and wonderful, we had a lot of fun with them. They made us smiling every day. This family is very likable and we will never forget this time. We hope we will see us again!

(Excellent )

22/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Kirran Sean)

Kirran helped us out with clearing away the fallen branches and leaves on the driveway and under the trees. It all looks very tidy now.
He also planted out some of the winter vegetables in the garden. Sorry about the rainy weather, at least the sun shone occassionly.
Thanks for your help Kirran and enjoy the rest of your travels.

(Excellent )

22/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Kirran Sean) for host

I had a wonderful time here in Ngaruawahia, after you are able to pronounce this name correctly you feel to speek some Maori. :)
Don and Davina are great hosts, we always had lovely conversations together, the food was good, the internet connection is a way better than I thought and my little cabin was clean and nice to stay in despite it was… read more

(Excellent )

21/01/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Tiphaine)

Tiphaine arrived here straight off the plane from France and despite her jetlag she set right to work. She busied herself in the gardens, cleared out some overgrown areas and helped out in the house with laundry and kitchen duties. Thanks for your help and enjoy the rest of your travels.

(Excellent )

21/01/2014

Left by Workawayer (Tiphaine) for host

Great first week in new Zealand with the Devincourt's Family. They want to be sure you haver everything you need and feel like at home. Lovely family with big hearts. Nice place to see. They show me also others nice places. They help you as it's possible. Thank you so much

(Excellent )

21/12/2013

Left by Workawayer (Joe & Oriana) for host

Twas great to stay with Don, Davina, and family. Very generous and welcoming hosts. Showed us nice local places to trek and swim. Had fun sprucing up the gardens and trimming trees. Thanks

(Excellent )

20/12/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Joe & Oriana)

Joe and Oriana are fantastic workers, they don't know the meaning of downtime, they just keep on going. They have worked miracles on our property, weeding, mulching, pruning, planting, cleaning spouting, the place looks wonderful. The children were thrilled with Joe's vortex throwing and catching expertise as well as his tree climbing skills. They… read more

(Excellent )

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Host ref number: 414275797386

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