Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
13 Jan 2026
Reply rate
76.9 %
Usually responds within 7 days
Feedback
3
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Badges (2)
Details
Description
My name is Lyn and I am in my mid-sixties. I am recently retired from full time work but am so busy doing things I love. I have four grandchildren who I absolutely adore. I am still very active with horse-riding, e-biking, walking my dogs, and going to the gym.
IMPORTANT. I am heading off on a horse trek from 27 Feb - 9 Mar 2026 (riding my horse from farm to farm each day, camping on a different farm each night). I am looking for someone (or 2 people) who are willing to come and stay at my place, look after the animals and water the gardens while I am away. You will have access to a car.
More about me:
I live by myself on a 10 acre property at the end of a private driveway between Kumeu and Westgate, in Norwest Auckland. There is a big, fully fenced, back yard garden area. There is a spa pool, a thigh high swimming pool, and loads of playground equipment (including trampoline and flying fox).
I have eight horses (4 full size and 4 miniature), 2 alpacas, 7 sheep, 13 chickens, 2 rabbits, 3 schnauzer dogs, 2 cats and numerous aviary birds. I enjoy being outside, completing DIY (Do It Yourself) projects, and pottering around the garden and farm. I have lists of small jobs I want to do around the place but I just don't have the time. I am not good at working indoors so need someone to help with housework and cooking.
I also have several other weekend treks booked in during Jan - Mar so need someone to look after my animals at home while I am away. Maybe you could help out with that as well?
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House & pet sitting
Interests
Languages
Self development
Pets
Farming
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Books
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Fitness
Dancing
Cycling
Outdoor activities
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I have hosted many travelers who have just arrived in NZ. I could pick you up from the airport then you spend a couple of days getting over jet-lag and organising bank accounts, transport, tax numbers etc
Then you start work :)
You could come horse riding in the forest or at the beach with me.
You could be included in as many of my my activities as you want.
You could learn about animal care in NZ.
Help
There are a few animals take care of.
Three Mini Schnauzers, an adult cat and 3 month old kitten, numerous birds in five aviaries, two pet rabbits in large hutch, 12 chickens laying eggs each day, 2 alpacas, 4 sheep and 7 horses (4 minis and 3 normal sized). Most of them just need to be fed and watered. The dogs and cats need cuddles as well. I have people grazing their horses here as well so I will ask them to look after mine.
Languages
Languages spoken
French: IntermediateThis 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
I live in a renovated farm shed (it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two lounges) but it is definitely a "home". It is very comfortable, warm and relaxed. You would have your own bedroom with a queen size bed, so a single person or couple would be best.
I am very central to lots of amenities. It's 5 minutes north to Kumeu or 5 minutes south to Westgate. 20 minutes to the CBD (In off-peak hours)
Close to Muriwai beach, Woodhill Forest and Riverhead forest.
What else ...
Even though we are close to the city, we feel like we are miles from anywhere. However, it is still the perfect location for enjoying the city highlights and also for exploring our great outdoors. Just 20 minutes south along the Norwestern Motorway is central city and all the action if you want. And just 20 minutes north/west there's the beautiful beaches and forests.
The public bus service travels on State Highway 16 past the end of our driveway. If appropriate, you could also have access to a car to get around.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Plenty of space to park and set-up home
Can possibly accept pets
Dogs are fine (we already have three schnauzers). Contact us if there are other options.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (3)
From the moment arrived we felt completely at home. Her kindness and inclusiveness made every day special. Her dogs and cat (with the most French name) were a joy to be around, and caring Her horses alpacas and sheep was such a rewarding experience.
My partner Lou even had the chance to ride with… read more
Thank you!
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
From the moment arrived we felt completely at home. Her kindness and inclusiveness made every day special. Her dogs and cat (with the most French name) were a joy to be around, and caring Her horses alpacas and sheep was such a rewarding experience.
My partner Lou even had the chance to ride with… read more
Thank you!
