Profile information
Host rating
90 %
Last replied
14 May 2025
Reply rate
85.7 %
Usually responds within 11 days
Feedback
41
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
After spending many years traveling myself and have hosted 1000's travelers over the last 10yrs. I have recently moved to the Ruapehu region and have taken on renovating and building an old hotel for accommodation and tourism hospitality.
Basically lots of things to do and I really like to see travelers enjoying there stay......thus we like to help those explore the area (tramping/cycling/river/skiing etc etc).
So if you're looking for a very relaxed environment and can relate to all warps of life....then come visit us. Cheers
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help with Eco Projects
Help around the house
Animal Care
Charity Work
Language practice
Art Projects
Help with Computers/ Internet
Teaching
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Diversity and having fun.
Basically lots of things to do and I really like to see travelers enjoying there stay......thus we like to help those explore the area (tramping/cycling/river/skiing etc etc). I can also help those that are interested, to find paid work around the area, if not with ourselves, if you have some specific skills.
So if you're looking for a very relaxed environment and can relate to all warps of life....then come visit us. CheersHost offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
The biggest help with helpers is when they have some initiative, as I'm not always available to hold peoples hands.
We have painting, gardening, building (children's play area), some mechanics, house keeping etc. Something for everyone......and I usually like helpers to choose what they would enjoy doing the most. Cheers for now. Damon
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
It's a hotel....plenty of beds.
What else ...
If you're looking to buy or rent a van (be careful what you pay, and for what)....we've helped many that have ended up with lemons, (we have a workshop here)
Most of all....happy travels people. Cheers
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 425879144526
Feedback (27)
2 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Renske) for host
We stayed with Damon for one week. Damon is really flexible and a kind person! A few other workawayers were staying with Damon as well, which was fun.
The motel looks really vintage, and the interior is very unique, but it wasn't very clean.
Damon was really flexible with the workhours, but the communication could be a little bit more… read more
The motel looks really vintage, and the interior is very unique, but it wasn't very clean.
Damon was really flexible with the workhours, but the communication could be a little bit more… read more
2 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Stuart) for host
Although I wasn't there long, I thoroughly enjoyed my time helping around and doing any bits and bobs that needed done, the hotel is an awesome place for retro lovers and you'll be well looked after!
thanks again Damon!
thanks again Damon!
29 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Yaeni Vanesa) for host
I stayed with at Damon's almost 2 weeks and the hotel is very retro and interesting, he's very chill and I enjoyed my time there helping with a few tasks of housekeeping and also some walk covering in his next project, I was lucky since I enjoyed my time with other guests for the Mardi Gra festival, thank you Damon!
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)
Cultural exchange:
(4.5)
Communication:
(4.5)
2 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Renske) for host
We stayed with Damon for one week. Damon is really flexible and a kind person! A few other workawayers were staying with Damon as well, which was fun.
The motel looks really vintage, and the interior is very unique, but it wasn't very clean.
Damon was really flexible with the workhours, but the communication could be a little bit more… read more
The motel looks really vintage, and the interior is very unique, but it wasn't very clean.
Damon was really flexible with the workhours, but the communication could be a little bit more… read more
2 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Stuart) for host
Although I wasn't there long, I thoroughly enjoyed my time helping around and doing any bits and bobs that needed done, the hotel is an awesome place for retro lovers and you'll be well looked after!
thanks again Damon!
thanks again Damon!
29 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Yaeni Vanesa) for host
I stayed with at Damon's almost 2 weeks and the hotel is very retro and interesting, he's very chill and I enjoyed my time there helping with a few tasks of housekeeping and also some walk covering in his next project, I was lucky since I enjoyed my time with other guests for the Mardi Gra festival, thank you Damon!
20 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Michel) for host
24 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Klaudia) for host
Damon is an awesome person and the place is absolutely retro style. If you are retro lover you must stop here. We had a very pleasant stay. We were helping around the hostel: making beds, loundry, cleaning, wallpapering, moving, reparing or decorating stuff. We also had plenty of time to relax and travel. Damon is a very helpful and positive… read more
23 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Klaudia)
These guys are great... you can trust to just leave whatever to them, and they'll do the best that they can... and they have initiative!!! Yah!!!
(Excellent)
31 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Mario)
Mario was an absolute pleasure to host....always keeping himself busy using initiative and positivity..... and when he wasn't working he would entertain us with his talent on the piano. Mario also always made himself available to help other guests and workers we had/have, and in no time at all, felt like part of the family. I highly recommend… read more
(Excellent)
30 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Mario) for host
I had an excellent time at Damon's place. He's very kind and relaxed. I helped with different things so I didn't get bored. Some days I helped tyding up some stuff from the workshop, other days I helped moving stuff, removing rubbish from the place and the activity that I enjoyed the most was helping painting part of a beautiful mural he has on… read more
16 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (FORT & CROUZATIER)
These guys are amazing.....they are enthusiastic, intelligent, social, hard working and overall exceptional human beings. I am very happy and proud, to be able to say, they are like family. I wish them the very best, and I assure any hosts that are reading this....you will not regret having them at your place. Cheers
(Excellent)
6 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (FORT & CROUZATIER) for host
We stayed at Damon's for a while. Damon is a really good guy, generous and helpful! There are so many works to do, you can make everything, just you have to find the tools! :-) The hostel is a great place to chill out, meet good people and there are many spots for hikking... I definitely recommend this place!
Thanks, Damon and maybe see you next… read more
Thanks, Damon and maybe see you next… read more
16 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Fanny & Philippe) for host
We spent few days at Damon's hostel in February with our 2 sons. There are a lot of various works to do so you could easily find something you like. Damon's place is amazing and we wish him to succeed in his wonderful project. Damon is really kind and helpful. @Damon, Thank you very much to accomodate us. It was so nice to meet you.
Cheers,… read more
Cheers,… read more
27 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sue & Adrian) for host
Damon is a truly lovely guy. However, he has taken in an extremely large project and will need all the help he can get (which he deserves).
Our room was warm and comfortable even though it was winter. The common areas would benefit from more though. Meals were plentiful and generous.
Our work was balanced and fair. During our time off, Damon… read more
Our room was warm and comfortable even though it was winter. The common areas would benefit from more though. Meals were plentiful and generous.
Our work was balanced and fair. During our time off, Damon… read more
22 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sue & Adrian)
Adrian and Sue are a lovely couple that show lots of care for everyone. Was a pleasure to have around and despite the weather, we managed to get a few good jobs done. Cheers
(Excellent)
23 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Wonjin)
Wonjin......I imagine is always great to have around....positive, assertive, and a beautiful smile. We look forward very much if/when she decides to visit again. Future hosts are very lucky.
(Excellent)
23 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Wonjin) for host
NOT IN HAMILTON!
This place got unique vibe you might want to check. I stayed at Damon's place for 5 days and I enjoyed a lot. Damon is a super chill host and he had a clear idea about what he wants me to do, which made things easier. Work was enjoyable and chilled. I was really happy with the accomodation(private room with heater and sink!), and… read more
This place got unique vibe you might want to check. I stayed at Damon's place for 5 days and I enjoyed a lot. Damon is a super chill host and he had a clear idea about what he wants me to do, which made things easier. Work was enjoyable and chilled. I was really happy with the accomodation(private room with heater and sink!), and… read more
22 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sydnee)
Sydnee & Oscar were a pleasure to have around, always ready to help and very respectful. I wish them all the best for their future.
(Excellent)
28 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sydnee) for host
We only got to stay at Damon's for a few days, but we really enjoyed it. He's super chill about letting you figure out when you want to work (e.g. doing two day's work one day and then taking the next off). He's also a great cook and we enjoyed having dinner with him and some other workawayers each night we were there.
24 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Timothée ) for host
9 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Marc)
Marc was amazingly adaptable (considering he'd just got off the plane). Very happy to have met Mark and we wish him the best time with his travels. Cheers
(Excellent)
27 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Yordanka & Ivan) for host
We spent 10 days at this place and we had great time! The main task was feeding the animals - a few cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, a dog and a cat. We were cleaning one food van as well and preparing it for an upcoming festival. Other tasks included cleaning the house and around it and helping with some small projects. There are other volunteers and… read more
20 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Pauline) for host
I spent a week at Demon's place and it was good. There is always something to do. The place is very chill, you are quite free to work whenever you want as far as you do your job by the end of the day.
Things have a bit changed (from the description ) so now the volunteers are cooking for dinner. And no worries there are always plenty of food to… read more
Things have a bit changed (from the description ) so now the volunteers are cooking for dinner. And no worries there are always plenty of food to… read more
10 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Frederick)
These guys were great...fitted in real well, and didn't hesitate to help with whatever was needed. Recommended. Cheers
(Excellent)
7 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Frederick) for host
Damons place is great! The people make this place so great. The athmosphere is laid-back and chill and theres always something to do. The occasional bonfire is definitely a plus. We only spent a couple days at the House but we already felt at home. We'll try to visit again on our way back.
22 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Konstantin & Birke) for host
Dear Damon and Rachel, thanks again for our phantastic stay(s)! We hope to be back at some point on our way back up. :-)
Awesome place to stay, all kinds of work to do it never got boring, met a lot of great people here and we miss the big dinners with Rachels excellent cooking. :-D
Awesome place to stay, all kinds of work to do it never got boring, met a lot of great people here and we miss the big dinners with Rachels excellent cooking. :-D
18 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Noé & Naïs) for host
We stayed one week with Rachel, Damon & all of the others; we really enjoyed our staying, it was a real nice experience as our first woofing in NZ. The food was excellent cause Rachel is a very good cook! The job was always nice, we had to paint a food truck and feed all of the animals! Sadly we couldn't say goodbye because of that festival of… read more
5 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Michael ) for host
Damon & Rachel are very kind and caring people that will help you in anyway they can.
There's plenty of people around so you'll never be lonely.
The work can vary from day to day depending on what needs to be done.
I very much enjoyed my stay and of course made new friends.
There's plenty of people around so you'll never be lonely.
The work can vary from day to day depending on what needs to be done.
I very much enjoyed my stay and of course made new friends.
7 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Katrin & Victor) for host
We spent a great few days at Damon's and Rachel's farm! From the first minute they made us feel welcome. Thanks to their passion there is a great spirit of community around the place! Lots of other workaways as well so there is always a lot of action around the dinner table. Thanks again for everything!
4 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Katrin & Victor)
These days, as we're getting older, and travellers are generally getting younger, there are times when one wonders whether they have enough every to remain a host.....Then along come a couple like Victor and Katrin, and make it all worth while....I can not say enough. Thanks guys, and all the best.
(Excellent)
11 Aug 2016
Left by Workawayer (Tuomo) for host
Great hosts and great atmosphere! At Damon's n Rachel's I felt like home. I stayed for about three months and will return sooner or later (probably sooner) Damon was very helpful in finding some work around the area too and Rachel is an amazing chef:) plenty of space for everyone and a real sense of community here. Thx guys and see you soon!
10 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Adam & Jessica) for host
We stayed at Rachel and Damon's place for a week at the end of our travels and the beginning of our new life in Hamilton. We had a blast and it was a very good place to stay while we sorted ourselves out. Rachel and Damon are very kind and welcoming and good to talk to and also very helpful. We really enjoyed dinner times which involved eating… read more
31 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host
Yo,
sorry for my late replay but I didn't have the opportunity to do that before.
This is just an amazing place where you can meet great people, I really enjoyed my time there.
Damon and Rachel are just great and with the others woofers, you have the impression to belong to a community !
Thank you Damon and Rachel, Have a great time !
sorry for my late replay but I didn't have the opportunity to do that before.
This is just an amazing place where you can meet great people, I really enjoyed my time there.
Damon and Rachel are just great and with the others woofers, you have the impression to belong to a community !
Thank you Damon and Rachel, Have a great time !
24 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Mélanie)
Melanie is great....not in size, but definitely huge with energy. She was very committed to helping and finishing what she started, and was a pleasure for us all to have around.
(Excellent)
7 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Lion)
Lion has been excellent value to have around. Don't let his age put you off.....he is very mature, polite, social, and willing to try anything. We have much appreciated the weeks he has given us.
(Excellent)
3 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte) for host
Damon and Rachel's place was genuinely like a second home to us and everyone else who was there with us. Even with people coming and going, the monkey house (working title) really has a family atmosphere, and Damon and Rachel effortlessly make everyone feel comfortable immediately.
The work is quite varied, but we generally helped with feeding… read more
The work is quite varied, but we generally helped with feeding… read more
15 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Stephanie) for host
It was great to stay with Rachel, Damon and all the other people there. There are many Workaway so your never alone and it was one of the best thing for me. It also close to other thing to do (like Hobbiton) if you have a car. Rachel make is own delicious beer and she also a really good cooker. They are very welcome. Thank you!!! :)
4 May 2015
Left by Workawayer (Sofia & Ana) for host
Damon and Rachel are amazing! We spent a very funny time with them and with all the woofers :D Thanks for everything ! Btw how was the festival???
Cheers! Sofy and Ana
PS: Cool bananas ;P
Cheers! Sofy and Ana
PS: Cool bananas ;P
25 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Faith & Carrie)
These girls were awesome.... and we hope they are able to come back and spend more time at the gorilla hut one day. In the meantime, we wish them all the best with there remaining travels. Cheers, Damon and Rachel
(Excellent)
16 Oct 2014
Left by Workawayer (Isabella) for host
We had a great time! Do not miss out on this great opportunity - Damon and Rachel are so nice and open hearted, and you're sure to get or find some great fun/work on the farm. Relaxed, great atmosphere - feels almost like a bachelors place!
7 Mar 2014
Left by Workawayer (Kastenbrot) for host
Thx, it was very nice at your place too!
It is a pretty relaxed livestyle. Awesome people and cuddly dogs, movie nights and selfmade swimmingpools are just a very view of all the great things at this place.
Wish you all the best and lots of good workawayers ;)
Cheers
It is a pretty relaxed livestyle. Awesome people and cuddly dogs, movie nights and selfmade swimmingpools are just a very view of all the great things at this place.
Wish you all the best and lots of good workawayers ;)
Cheers
19 Jan 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Kastenbrot)
Nick name: Wonder Girl. Lisa was fantastic....you needn't ask her to do anything....she will find stuff to do and then do it better than it's ever done before. Lucky you, if Lisa chooses you to visit. We're going to miss her. Cheers
(Excellent)
19 Jan 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Till)
Till was a great worker and enthusiastic. We wish him the very best and he knows he's always welcome back.
(Excellent)
