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Description
Ronald & I live & work on our wild, free-range property just out of Geraldine. It has taken many years to get things to grow on this tough land, but now that it is, we can't keep up! Our garden is chemical-free, which is great, but it does mean a lot more work keeping things even slightly under control. We have NZ native areas, lots of fruit trees & berry bushes, and we mainly eat from our vegetable garden with hunted meat from the freezer.
The garden is large and the work is quite physical, but it is also a lovely space to hang out. Sometimes you will be working alongside me (Anna) and I'll gladly share my gardening knowledge, hard-earned life wisdom, & Christian faith as we work, and other times you'll be working alone as Ronald & I work in our home-based businesses. Most of the work is outside (in the garden) but if you prefer I would also gladly pass on cleaning windows, vacuuming, cooking etc as I'd generally rather be outside. We also run an off-grid character-camping rental on the property complete with outdoor shower & baths so, if they're not booked, you may be able to experience your own fire-heated bath under the stars.
You will have your own space in the sleepout but will share the bathroom etc with us. There is internet access in the house (not the sleepout), although it is quite slow so not really good for watching movies etc, but quite sufficient for checking emails. There is free internet 10 minutes away in Geraldine. The sleepout is very basic (just a bed and a light) but quite cute. The bathroom is a few metres away in the house and of course you'll have meals with us (nothing flash though! Mainly variations of salads, potatoes & meat)
We are located 2 hours south of Christchurch and just over an hour from Tekapo & Mt Cook. Our central location makes it easy to do a bit of exploring in your off time.Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Ronald & I have both done cultural exchanges in the past (Canada & Paraguay), so we know what it's like to be in someone else's home in another country. We also know how important it is to get out & about & experience local life so we're always on the lookout for ways to share what's great about here.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We'd love a hand in the garden, either alongside us, or independently while we run our businesses on site. Our garden is chemical-free, which is fabulous, but it does mean that we're hard-pushed to stop it becoming a jungle!
There is ALWAYS weeding and mulching to do plus watering, tying back, pruning... Most of the jobs are reasonably physical and obviously outside so if you like to sit inside gaming we're probably not a great fit for you, but if you love being outdoors and getting dirty you'll fit right in.Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
If English isn't your first language, no problem, we can bumble through together.Accommodation
Sleepout with both a queen-size bed and a single bed. There are also bedrooms in the house if necessary.
What else ...
There is no public transport in the area so ideally you will have your own transportation.
We prefer couples (or friends), but if you're happy in your own company as a single person then you would also be welcome.A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
There is lots of parking space on the property so, if you prefer to be based out of your own camper or motorhome, that's fine.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two