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Description
I am a kiwi who has returned from overseas who has taken on the project of restoring the Otago Central Hotel in Hyde . We provide free accommodation in exchange for supporting the cafe, hotel and projects such as sustainable farming in the near future. We are both restoring the hotel to its splendour of 1928 - new roof, windows, plastering but also have a plan to have a wellness sustainable arm next door given the one acreage of land we have - wellness centre, sustainable farming, solar energy and further accommodation.
We are a family unit of 3 and occasionally we have our 2 university student children over to support. In addition, we have Dani our Mexican-American massage therapist and our dog and 3 cats,
Location is a real gem right on the Otago rail trail with cycle trails, rivers, walkaways in the beautiful rural Otago central area. If you are craving to see the real New Zealand and experience a rural community this is a great opportunity.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House & pet sitting
Interests
Sustainability
Self development
Pets
Culture
Charity work
Events & social
Movies & TV
Music
Cooking & food
Books
Animals
Team sports
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Adventure sports
Fitness
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are Craig and Liz a Kiwi / Swedish / UK couple who has both travelled and lived in a number of countries.
Over the years, life has taken us well beyond New Zealand, with time spent across the UK, the Cayman Islands, Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai. Each place shaped how we see the world — from the food we enjoy to the way we connect with others.
We love hearing people’s journeys, learning how others live, and sharing conversations that drift long into the evening — especially when there’s a fire crackling nearby. This is one of the aspects of running a boutique hotel that we enjoy.
The outdoors is right on our doorstep. . Exploring back roads, walking trails, wide skies and those lesser-known corners of Central Otago is something we enjoy, our working family can enjoy and our guests who tend to be very outdoorsy by nature.
We’re easy-going, open-hearted, and excited to welcome like-minded people into both our home and our business — creating something positive, meaningful and memorable together.Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
We are looking for engaging and open minded people looking to support us with some help in the cafe, around the hotel with odd jobs and perhaps some cooking if this is a skillset you have.
We will provide free accommodation on basis of twin share as part of the package. We will pay min wage NZ (currently $23.50) per hour and will be looking at least 25 hours a week as a minimum. Being relatively remote, food is provided for all meals (excluding alcohol).
The Hotel being restored will make a massive difference to the community and the Rail Trail overall.
Languages
Languages spoken
Swedish: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I am just kiwi but wife is fluent in Swedish (was brought up in Sweden) and understands French
Accommodation
We provide twin share rooms just outside the main hotel which is right next to showers / toilets. You will also have full access to the hotel / cafe facilities, We provide 2 course dinners to guests and we normally have easy accessible food for breakfast and lunch, and then a roster system for dinners i.e. cook, support, cleaning etc
What else ...
For time off there are great hikes, cycling and fishing around. The world is your oyster especially if you have your own transport
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I still expect at least 5-6 hours a day support but your free time is your time and we provide free internet service / room and you will have 2 days off. We would recommend having transport to freely be able to explore the beautiful surrounding area.
Space for parking camper vans
We have a green as well so motro homes / caravans can be on site which can also be plugged in.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Blizzard (9 years)
Sister of Ewok she is a homely cat wanting quality time with her human friends!!!
Ewok (9 years)
Ewok is an adventurous outgoing Arabian mews cat brother of Blizzard
Milo (14 years)
Milo Puss in Boots is our pet patriarch- loving furry cat well loved
Charley Bear (5 years)
Adorable Malaysian rescue dog
Photos
