Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
17 Mar 2025
Reply rate
72.2 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
24
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We are a young family that run/own a citrus nursery/sheep and beef farm located 20 mins from Gisborne city. We have a spacious 5 bedroom homestead minutes from the beach, and we have a pool!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We will take the time to teach you the basic process about growing citrus trees. We will also show you around our sheep and beef farm, to give you an insight into rural NZ. We really enjoy showing people our beautiful countryside.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We require help in the citrus nursery and around the farm. There are odd jobs i require help with, like stacking the firewood, waterblasting the pathways and sweeping the sheds. We have three young kids so help in the homestead garden grounds and in the house is appreciated. We are very flexible so you can choose what jobs suits you best.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We provide a private king room with your own bathroom in our spacious country house. All meals are provided by us. I like to cook but I'm also happy for others to cook for us, I love to learn new recipes. A lot of the food served is local, either from the farm or local fruit/vegetable market. Our house is 3km in land so its very peaceful here.
What else ...
Tolaga bay wharf 30mins away. Tatapouri stingray feeding 10mins away. Pouawa marine reserve 5mins away. There is no bus out this way but we are happy to collect/drop off at the bus stop or airport (provided its not 6am!) I go to town 2-4 times a week so you can visit the local sights in the city. There are plenty of walks/wine tasting/museum to see.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 512249264677
Feedback (16)
29 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Andre & Margo) for host
We an excellent 4 day stay with Louise, Ian and the boys. We wish we could've stayed longer! They were very welcoming and considerate, and gave us lots of local knowledge on Gisborne.
We helped with tidying up the yard after a storm knocked some trees over, and cleaned the siding/walkways around the house. Ian and Louise were very clear with… read more
We helped with tidying up the yard after a storm knocked some trees over, and cleaned the siding/walkways around the house. Ian and Louise were very clear with… read more
19 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jonathan) for host
I had a really good stay with this nice family. With bad timing I was unfortunately in Gisborne at the time of the Cyclone and therefore couldn't really enjoy the surroundings, but I have rarely felt so comfortable and welcome with a host.
My main job was removing old wallpaper, which was really fun most of the time. And afterwards there are… read more
My main job was removing old wallpaper, which was really fun most of the time. And afterwards there are… read more
16 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Cassandra & Bo)
Cassie and Bo just finished a week long stay with us and it was a pleasure to host them!
They are a lovely couple that were up for any work we asked of them.
Jobs included working in the new finger lime orchard. Helping build stone paths for raised veg garden. Organising the tool/farm shed and other general jobs.
They are both great cooks and we… read more
They are a lovely couple that were up for any work we asked of them.
Jobs included working in the new finger lime orchard. Helping build stone paths for raised veg garden. Organising the tool/farm shed and other general jobs.
They are both great cooks and we… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Cassandra & Bo) for host
This was our first workaway and we had such a lovely experience. Louise and Ian were great hosts, they welcomed us with open arms and went out of their way to make sure our needs were met. Louise was incredibly accommodating and interested about our vegetarian diet. They both helped us prepare for our first great walk and gave us lots of tips,… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
29 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Andre & Margo) for host
We an excellent 4 day stay with Louise, Ian and the boys. We wish we could've stayed longer! They were very welcoming and considerate, and gave us lots of local knowledge on Gisborne.
We helped with tidying up the yard after a storm knocked some trees over, and cleaned the siding/walkways around the house. Ian and Louise were very clear with… read more
We helped with tidying up the yard after a storm knocked some trees over, and cleaned the siding/walkways around the house. Ian and Louise were very clear with… read more
19 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jonathan) for host
I had a really good stay with this nice family. With bad timing I was unfortunately in Gisborne at the time of the Cyclone and therefore couldn't really enjoy the surroundings, but I have rarely felt so comfortable and welcome with a host.
My main job was removing old wallpaper, which was really fun most of the time. And afterwards there are… read more
My main job was removing old wallpaper, which was really fun most of the time. And afterwards there are… read more
16 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Cassandra & Bo)
Cassie and Bo just finished a week long stay with us and it was a pleasure to host them!
They are a lovely couple that were up for any work we asked of them.
Jobs included working in the new finger lime orchard. Helping build stone paths for raised veg garden. Organising the tool/farm shed and other general jobs.
They are both great cooks and we… read more
They are a lovely couple that were up for any work we asked of them.
Jobs included working in the new finger lime orchard. Helping build stone paths for raised veg garden. Organising the tool/farm shed and other general jobs.
They are both great cooks and we… read more
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Cassandra & Bo) for host
This was our first workaway and we had such a lovely experience. Louise and Ian were great hosts, they welcomed us with open arms and went out of their way to make sure our needs were met. Louise was incredibly accommodating and interested about our vegetarian diet. They both helped us prepare for our first great walk and gave us lots of tips,… read more
30 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Sanne) for host
I had planned to stay for two weeks with Ian and Louise, but ended staying four weeks because I was having such a good time.
Work could be hard but fun, with scratches on my arms and blisters on my hand. With a good exhausting feeling at the end of a day of working. You don’t need to have experience, everything is explained on the moment. Really… read more
Work could be hard but fun, with scratches on my arms and blisters on my hand. With a good exhausting feeling at the end of a day of working. You don’t need to have experience, everything is explained on the moment. Really… read more
25 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Brandon)
Brandon stayed with us for two weeks and was polite and respectful. We loved having him stay as he was very independent and willing to help out with anything we asked. Brandon's main roll was in the citrus nursery but also helped me out cooking dinner or doing my odd jobs when I caught a bug from one of our kids! Thanks for all you help Brandon.
(Excellent)
16 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Brandon) for host
Cannot say enough good things about this experience, and the family! I had intended to stay for a week but added another one. Louise and Ian are super easy going, fun and gregarious. The kids are charming and have lots of energy. They love their legos! The work isn't anything gruelling, and the setting is peaceful and idyllic. If you're… read more
11 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Jachin & Sarah) for host
Ian and Louise were absolutely lovely hosts! We very much enjoyed staying with them and the 3 boys. The boys are fun,sweet, rambunctious, and so personable! Ian and Louise are both so welcoming, and fun to talk to about both the farm and life. We worked pruning the mandarin trees, chopping wood, and painting the house. We had a lovely stay and… read more
31 May 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Jachin & Sarah)
Sarah and Jachin came and joined our “bubble” during level 2 of lockdown, they were are amazing and everyone was excited to have company after weeks of isolation. They were perfect guests, hardworking, tidy, great with the kids, independent and great company. They helped us in the nursery and also painted a portion of our house exterior. Safe… read more
(Excellent)
22 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Hawkowey)
We had Shannon, Ashley, Rachel and Zara come and stay with us over new year.
I was a little apprehensive before they arrived as we've never had that many people stay before, but they were brilliant guests! They were tidy and respectful, fitting into our family life well, always chipping in with dishes and asking to help were they could. They also… read more
I was a little apprehensive before they arrived as we've never had that many people stay before, but they were brilliant guests! They were tidy and respectful, fitting into our family life well, always chipping in with dishes and asking to help were they could. They also… read more
(Excellent)
15 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Hawkowey) for host
As a group of four girls we found our stay with Ian, Louise, the boys and all the animals very comfortable and educational! They welcomed us with a feast and some Maori language.
For work we helped guide garden plans and put some of them to action. We also learned some skills in the nursery like thinning, deshooting and budding!
For fun we were… read more
For work we helped guide garden plans and put some of them to action. We also learned some skills in the nursery like thinning, deshooting and budding!
For fun we were… read more
2 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Amy)
Amy came and stayed with us for around 3 weeks in December, the kids are still asking about her and miss her more than any other Workawayer so far!
Amy was a very independent worker who used her initiative all of the time. A rough wish list of jobs were written for her and they were all checked off- and more! Amy is very easy to have in the house… read more
Amy was a very independent worker who used her initiative all of the time. A rough wish list of jobs were written for her and they were all checked off- and more! Amy is very easy to have in the house… read more
(Excellent)
20 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Amy) for host
I have just spent a fun filled three weeks with Louise and Ian, Zac, Jasper and Theo - (not forgetting Puss Puss/Francis and the four chickens) at their lovely country home.
Louise and Ian are great hosts who open up their home with a warmth and inclusiveness that makes you feel comfortable within a day. The work is varied and flexible depending… read more
Louise and Ian are great hosts who open up their home with a warmth and inclusiveness that makes you feel comfortable within a day. The work is varied and flexible depending… read more
1 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (LuisaKretschmann) for host
I had two amazing weeks with Louise, Ian, Zack, Jasper and little Theo. It was really interesting to see the daily life of a New Zealand farm family and Louise and Ian are great parents for their children. My tasks were different and they gave me a lot of opportunities to join them for town or any other activity around. Wish you the best for the… read more
30 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (LuisaKretschmann)
Luisa stayed with us for two weeks and was a pleasure to have stay with our family. She helped in the nursery as well as around the house. I loved how she always asked if she could help me out with anything. Luisa is very easy going and slotted into our family nicely.
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ida)
We loved having Ida come and stay! She was fantastic company to have around, very uncomplicated and polite.
She stayed with us for a week and helped with odd jobs around the house.
We mangaged to fit in a trip to tolaga bag, s few trips to town and a quick trip to the beach while Ida was staying. Safe travels and thanks for your help.
She stayed with us for a week and helped with odd jobs around the house.
We mangaged to fit in a trip to tolaga bag, s few trips to town and a quick trip to the beach while Ida was staying. Safe travels and thanks for your help.
(Excellent)
6 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ida) for host
I stayed with Louise and Ian for about a week and I had an amazing time! The three boys are so much fun to be around - always full of energy! I helped out repainting one of the bedrooms as well as some cleaning work in the garden. Very fair hours and Louise and Ian were always happy to let me go with them to town, the beach or other beautiful… read more
4 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Kanami)
We Loved having Kanama come and stay with us! She is a very kind and helpful person who is enthusiast about learning new things. It was great to see farmlife through her eyes. She was wonderful with our 3 young kids and did any job we asked of her. Hopefully we'll see you again soon. Safe travels!
(Excellent)
4 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Kanami) for host
I had a wonderful time here with a lovely family.Louise and Ian are very kind and friendly ,also great parents for their kids.Their kids are always energetic and cute.They are so busy and fantastic family ; )
This is the first time to stay at and help with farm.It was amazing and their farm was like a dreamland for me!I deeply appreciate all they… read more
This is the first time to stay at and help with farm.It was amazing and their farm was like a dreamland for me!I deeply appreciate all they… read more
31 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Genevieve & Beka) for host
Our time with Lousie and Ian was fantastic! They have a lovely family and home, and we were so happy to spend two wonderful weeks with them.
20 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Kate) for host
I had a lovely couple weeks here, helping in the nursery and doing some painting. Louise & Ian are a laid-back couple with a sweet family. Lovely property/location as well.
Thank you for having me and for being so welcoming!
Thank you for having me and for being so welcoming!
18 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Kathryn & David) for host
Our stay with Louise, Ian, Zac, Jasper, PusPus and Golly was fantastic. They are a lovely family and their house is large enough to have time to yourself and time with the family as you'd like. The working hours were fair and there were plenty of random tasks to keep us busy since we couldn't work in the orchard due to rain and flooding.… read more
22 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Alison & Kristian) for host
We passing just a few days in your house but Was a great time. We know better the life of a real kiwi family with 2 little children. Very interesting your work with the mandarinos and orange trees. We enjoy work in your garden and help in house, cooking and play with Zack and Jasper.
Good luck for the other new child and maybe ser you… read more
Good luck for the other new child and maybe ser you… read more
7 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (George) for host
Louise, Ian, Zack, Jasper and Puss-Puss are a lovely warm, welcoming family and we had an amazing time staying with them. We were made to feel part of the family and encouraged to help ourselves to any food in the house. There is loads of space in the house to chill out and a pool to cool down in when it's hot. Louise helped us explore Gisborne… read more
