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Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks
Details
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Description
Kia ora and welcome.
We are Judy and Alistair, and we are developing an off-grid rural property near Waipu Caves in Northland into a productive and resilient food-forest environment.
The heart of the project is Judy’s work with syntropic agroforestry and permaculture. Judy is an environmental educator with a strong interest in regenerative growing systems, soil health, biodiversity, composting, and practical ways of working with nature rather than against it. She is also involved in community-based zero-waste initiatives in Whangarei.
Syntropic agroforestry is a way of growing food that takes its inspiration from natural forest systems. It uses diverse layers of plants, careful pruning, organic material returned to the soil, and an understanding of natural succession to help restore fertility while producing food over time. Whilst our long term goal is to provide food to our local community, we are not a 'business'. Whilst we occasionally offer a small surplus to neighbours via our roadside stall, for now we are in a development phase and your assistance will be greatly appreciated in helping with the groundwork basics upon which our long term vision is dependent.
This is a community advocate working with individuals, families, and groups across a broad range of social, cultural, and organisational matters. He also helps with the practical development of the property and has many years of experience hosting travellers.
Collectively, our land is extensive with large areas of native bush and pasture in addition to the approximate 2 hectares that are the focus of the gardens. We are gradually shaping it into a place where people can learn practical skills, contribute to a long-term regenerative vision, and enjoy a quieter way of living close to nature.
This is not a formal course. It is a hands-on learning exchange. Depending on the season and the stage of the project, visitors may help with food-forest establishment, mulching, composting, planting, pruning, maintaining garden areas, improving tracks, or other practical work around the property.
We especially welcome people with a genuine interest in regenerative growing, off-grid living, and spending meaningful time outdoors. Couples are particularly well suited to the property, although individual travellers are also very welcome. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
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Interests
Beach
Sailing / Boating
Carpentry
Animals
Art & design
Books
Cooking & food
Gardening
Fashion or beauty
Farming
Self development
Sustainability
Vegetarian or vegan
Politics / Social justice
Plant care
Yoga / Wellness -
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our place offers a quiet and grounded cultural exchange centred on living close to the land, sharing practical knowledge, and enjoying the slower rhythm of rural Northland.
Visitors have the opportunity to learn about off-grid living, food-forest development, permaculture, syntropic agroforestry, composting, soil health, and regenerative approaches to caring for land. Judy is an environmental educator and is always happy to share ideas, experience, and practical knowledge as the work unfolds.
We usually share a healthy vegetarian meal in the early afternoon, and this provides a relaxed time to talk, exchange stories, and get to know one another. We enjoy meeting people from different countries and backgrounds and hearing about the places, experiences, and ideas they bring with them.
The surrounding area is also part of the experience. The property is set among native bush and limestone country near Waipu Caves, with river swimming holes, walking opportunities, beaches, and the wider Northland landscape nearby.
This is a good place for people who value meaningful conversation, practical learning, time in nature, and a simple way of living. There is space both for shared activity and for quiet time on your own. -
Help
The main focus of the exchange is helping us develop the gardens and establish a productive food forest using permaculture and syntropic agroforestry principles.
The work varies with the season and the stage of the project. At different times, this may include preparing planting areas, mulching, composting, planting trees and useful groundcovers, pruning, caring for young plants, weeding around establishing areas, and returning organic material to the soil.
There are also practical tasks that support the wider development of the property, such as maintaining tracks, clearing overgrown areas, fencing, painting, small building projects, and general outdoor maintenance help.
We have horses on the property, although they are not currently a major part of the exchange. From time to time, there may be small jobs connected with their care or with maintaining the areas around them.
You do not need to arrive with specialist skills. A willingness to help outdoors, learn as you go, and contribute with care is more important. People with experience in gardening, permaculture, landscaping, building, or practical rural work are especially welcome.
We generally ask for around five hours of help each day, five days per week. The exact rhythm depends on the weather and the work underway. -
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
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Accommodation
For longer-stay helpers, we offer accommodation in our converted 1950 Ford bus. It provides a private and comfortable space for one person or a couple, with a kitchenette, fridge, shower, and room to sit, relax, or work.
The bus is connected to our off-grid solar system, with standard 230-volt power available most of the time. Internet access is also available, although many visitors use their own mobile data.
We usually host no more than two people at a time, and couples are especially welcome. There may be some flexibility for visitors travelling in their own self-contained campervan.
The facilities are simple, practical, and close to nature rather than luxurious. This will suit people who enjoy a peaceful rural setting, value a degree of independence, and are comfortable with low-impact off-grid living.
We provide basic supplies for breakfast and supper. We generally prepare and share a healthy vegetarian meal in the early afternoon, with everyone contributing in a relaxed and cooperative way. Please bring your own snacks, specialty foods, and anything needed for personal dietary requirements. -
What else ...
We prefer stays of at least two weeks, and longer stays are especially welcome. This gives visitors time to settle into the rhythm of the property, understand the project, and take part in work that develops over time.
Waipu township, with the nearest shops and services, is approximately 13 kilometres away. Having your own vehicle is strongly recommended, as it will give you much greater independence and make it easier to explore the surrounding area during your free time. The beaches of Bream Bay and nearby surfing areas are within a short drive, and Whangarei is the nearest city.
Guests staying in their own self-contained campervan may allow us to accommodate a few more people at one time, so feel free to ask about the options available.
We prefer a conscious and respectful way of living, with limited alcohol and no recreational drugs.
Pets are usually not a good fit for the property due to the nature of the land, wildlife, and ongoing projects. However, if you are travelling with a pet, please get in touch before applying and we can discuss whether a suitable arrangement might be possible. -
A little more information
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Internet access
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Limited internet access
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We have pets
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We are smokers
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Can host families
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Can host digital nomads
Digital nomads are welcome. The converted bus has a comfortable space to sit and work, and the peaceful setting can be well suited to people who enjoy working independently. Internet access is available, although many guests prefer to use their own mobile data. As we are off-grid, standard 230-volt power is available most of the time through our solar system, but it is sensible to allow for occasional interruptions or limitations during prolonged periods of poor weather. We can usually arrange the helping hours with some flexibility so that they fit reasonably around remote work commitments. This is best discussed before your stay, particularly if you need to keep regular online meeting times. The property is a good fit for people who appreciate quiet surroundings, simple living, and a degree of self-sufficiency. It may be less suitable if your work depends on completely uninterrupted power or consistently high-speed internet throughout the day.
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Space for parking camper vans
We especially welcome guests travelling in their own self-contained campervan or motorhome, as this gives us greater flexibility and may allow us to host a few more people at one time. There is access to kitchen and bathroom facilities, usually shared with guests staying in the converted bus. Hot water, a flush toilet, internet, and standard 230-volt power for charging devices are also available most of the time through our off-grid solar system. Many guests use their own mobile data. The facilities are comparable to those you would expect at a campground, while offering the added benefit of a peaceful rural setting close to nature. Please get in touch and let us know the size and type of vehicle you are travelling in so that we can confirm the most suitable arrangement.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
Keira
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