Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
9 Feb 2024
Feedback
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Email verified
Details
Description
Our property is covered in pristine native New Zealand forest and is set in the foothills of the Tararua mountain range near Otaki on the Kapiti coast.
it is fully off grid and has been designed using Permaculture principles with Organic gardens and orchards. We have well established systems for water harvesting, micro-hydro energy generation and bio-waste processing and are just getting started developing our plans for a sustainable community.
We live on the property with 4 rambunctious kids.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We know a little bit about a lot of things and are always happy to share this and learn more!
The list is long but it includes experience with the realities of putting permaculture into practice and acheiving sustainable off-grid living, as well as micro-hydro power, compost toilets, grey water processing, and bushcraft skills. We plan to experiment with salt production, bio-char manufacturing, wood and waste-plastic distillation, ceramics and fibre production, spining and weaving.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are still getting established and need help with anything and everything including gardening, creating garden terracing, building maintenance, tinkering with engines and hydro-turbines, cutting scrub, tree felling, firewood chopping, creating terraced gardens, garden projects and whatever your imagination and energy has to offer.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Hindi: Intermediate
Accommodation
Separate from the main compound we have a large tramping hut about a 45 minute trek across and higher up the valley. It has stunning views running from the central North Island volcanos down to the Kaikoura Ranges in the South Island and overlooks Kapiti Island and much of the Kapiti-Horowhenua coast.
It's perfect for the interpid workawayer. There is a large living space including sitting area, kitchen and dining room. The sleeping loft can sleep up to 7 people. It has no electricity but plenty of candles, a fireplace, hot shower from the wetback water heater, a flush toilet and gas cooking.
We will share any food that we grow in our gardens, although this is not much yet as we are still getting them established. We also make regular trips to town where there are supermarkets, local market gardens and food co-ops.
You'll need to buy your own supplies and prepare your own meals up at the hut but we'll provide gas and other essentials.
There's also plenty of space to pitch a tent at the main compound if that's your preference.
What else ...
Otaki is a small funky town on the Kapiti Coast, about an hour north of Wellington. We are just 20 minutes from town and public transportation. We head into town several times a week and are happy to help with getting around. There is bush to explore, creeks and rivers, wide sandy beaches, plus restaurants, cafes and all the normal shops in town.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have high speed internet at our location for work during the day, but there is no electricity or internet up at the hut where you would be staying at night.
Can possibly accept pets
We love all kinds of animals, feel free to bring yours!
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
15 hours per week
