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Homestay on the beautiful Awhitu Peninsula, New Zealand

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Join Our Family on a Beautiful Rural Lifestyle Block in New Zealand

    Hi! We’re Aaron and Cat, a family of four with two school-aged kids, living on a beautiful lifestyle block in rural New Zealand. From early to mid-August, we’re looking for someone to join us ideally for 4-6 weeks to help us finish building our family home while becoming part of our everyday life.

    You’ll have your own semi-self-contained accommodation with a private bathroom, giving you plenty of privacy while still feeling part of the family.

    The Work:
    Every day is a little different, so we’re looking for someone who is motivated, enjoys practical work, likes learning new skills, and is happy to turn their hand to whatever needs doing.

    Tasks may include:
    * Assisting with woodworking and cabinet making in the workshop.
    * Helping build decks and other outdoor projects.
    * Interior painting and finishing work.
    * General maintenance around the lifestyle block.
    * Gardening, mowing, cleaning, and other day-to-day jobs that keep everything running smoothly.

    Some days we’ll work together on building projects, while on others I’ll be in the workshop and you’ll work independently on tasks around the property. There’ll always be plenty of variety.

    Hours & Paid Work:
    We ask for 4 hours of help per day in exchange for accommodation and all meals.

    There’s also the opportunity for additional paid work at NZ$25 per hour, with many days totalling 6–8 hours (including the 4 hours unpaid). We generally work five days a week, but we’re flexible and happy to work around your travel plans.

    Living With Us:
    We enjoy sharing family life while making sure everyone has their own space.

    We’ll provide all your food. You’ll prepare your own breakfast and lunch, and most evenings we’ll cook and eat dinner together as a family.

    Our mornings are dedicated to getting the kids ready for school, so we simply ask that you enjoy your own space until the workday begins at around 8.30am after the school run.

    Who We’re Looking For:
    We’re hoping to find someone who is:
    * Friendly, positive and easy-going.
    * Motivated, self-motivated and able to work independently.
    * Practical and enjoys physical work.
    * Keen to learn new skills.
    * Comfortable around children and happy to become part of our family for a while, without expecting to be entertained every day.

    A vehicle isn’t essential, but because we live in a rural area, having your own transport will make your stay much more enjoyable and give you the freedom to explore.

    About Aaron:
    Alongside building our home, Aaron works in bespoke furniture, interiors, and the creative industries. Over the past 20 years, he's built a career creating high-quality work with timber and other materials.

    You don't need experience in woodworking or building—we're much more interested in someone who's enthusiastic, practical, willing to learn, and happy to get involved in a wide variety of jobs. Every day is different, and you'll have the chance to pick up new skills while helping us bring our home project to life.

    About Our Family:
    When we’re not working, we love making the most of where we live. There are beautiful beaches, bush walks, regional parks and plenty of amazing places to explore nearby. We often head off on family adventures, and if you’re the right fit, you’re always welcome to come along.

    We’re looking for someone who wants more than just free accommodation. We’d love to find someone who’s excited to be part of an interesting project, learn practical skills, contribute to family life, and leave New Zealand with some great memories.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Light gardening
    Creative DIY projects
    Help around the house
    Light maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Experience family life in the countryside of New Zealand.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    Help developing our property. Maintaining plants/trees, general gardening. Help with various building projects. Also help in the house cleaning and possibly painting.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Bedroom with a queen bed in a separate building to our house, with its own sitting room and bathroom.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We live approximately 1.5hrs out of Auckland on the Awhitu Peninsula. There is no public transport nearby but we can pick you up from the Pukekohe train station. Beautuful beaches close by.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We have plenty of space to park a vehicle.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    One

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 486746386892

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