Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
7 Jul 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
36
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
read more
Details
Description
Hi, I live in a comfortable house in a cute community, close to a beach, and about one hour by train from Wellington. I have two spare bedrooms and am keen to swap some gardening, painting and other help, for accommodation.
I love this part of NZ and am a keen photographer. I'm always happy to share ideas of what to do and see here and in other parts of NZ.
Raumati South is a fantastic place all year round for walks on the beach, great sunsets, close to bike trails, cafes and restaurants.
The food provided is vegan/plant based.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I can offer some fun, friendly ideas about travel in NZ, help with English or basic Maori vocab and pronunciation, and introduce visitors to a Kiwi lifestyle.
Help
Gardening, painting, housework if it's wet outside.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Maori: Beginner
Accommodation
House with great decks, woofers get one double bedroom, or one bedroom with two beds, own bathroom. Food would be provided or shared depending on what was needed. My home is vegan and I have a small dog.
What else ...
Plenty to do locally, biking, visit bird sanctuary at Kapiti Island, tramping, swimming in the sea and local rivers, visit Wellington via train or own transport. Cinema, cafes all in walking distance or within a few kilometres.
Smokers are not welcomed.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Good wifi
Space for parking camper vans
On street parking
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Gertie
Host ref number: 527759133362
Feedback (16)
20 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew & Beatrice)
Matt and Bea are a lovely young couple and were careful and thorough in all their tasks. Coming from London, there were a few firsts; first time stacking wood (the result was impressive), first caravan clean (meticulous) and they did a great job of all the household cleaning and weeding. They were willing to take on anything and were great… read more
(Very good
)
19 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Matthew & Beatrice) for host
We really enjoyed our stay with Karlum and her dog Gertie. We stayed for a week and did a range of tasks including stacking firewood, weeding and cleaning when the weather was bad. It was great to get Karlum's recommendations for exploring the local area and we enjoyed going to a poetry and music night at the local pub together. All of the food… read more
22 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Maciej)
Marciej is great! Hardworking and quick to say yes to any job I suggested. He was fun to have around the house- very easygoing. He did a great job staining my huge deck (4 coats!), built a little retaining wall and took on a host of small jobs. I recommend him to other hosts.
(Excellent
)
7 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte) for host
I spent a wonderful week in Raumati South with Karlum and her little dog Gertie. Karlum is a fantastic host, she is very welcoming, has a good sense of humor and can tell you a lot about New Zealand. She showed me a lot of the area, which I really appreciated.
The work is fair and Karlum is very flexible about the working times, for example I… read more
The work is fair and Karlum is very flexible about the working times, for example I… read more
5 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte)
Charlotte has just headed off on her South Island tour and I was sorry to see her go. What a hard worker and very thorough. She cleared a massive amount of wandering willie from my gardens, weeded like a champion, cleared gutters, helped build a little retaining wall, and pitched in on the household chores. I recommend her to other hosts. She's a… read more
(Excellent
)
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)
20 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew & Beatrice)
Matt and Bea are a lovely young couple and were careful and thorough in all their tasks. Coming from London, there were a few firsts; first time stacking wood (the result was impressive), first caravan clean (meticulous) and they did a great job of all the household cleaning and weeding. They were willing to take on anything and were great… read more
(Very good)
19 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Matthew & Beatrice) for host
We really enjoyed our stay with Karlum and her dog Gertie. We stayed for a week and did a range of tasks including stacking firewood, weeding and cleaning when the weather was bad. It was great to get Karlum's recommendations for exploring the local area and we enjoyed going to a poetry and music night at the local pub together. All of the food… read more
22 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Maciej)
Marciej is great! Hardworking and quick to say yes to any job I suggested. He was fun to have around the house- very easygoing. He did a great job staining my huge deck (4 coats!), built a little retaining wall and took on a host of small jobs. I recommend him to other hosts.
(Excellent)
7 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte) for host
I spent a wonderful week in Raumati South with Karlum and her little dog Gertie. Karlum is a fantastic host, she is very welcoming, has a good sense of humor and can tell you a lot about New Zealand. She showed me a lot of the area, which I really appreciated.
The work is fair and Karlum is very flexible about the working times, for example I… read more
The work is fair and Karlum is very flexible about the working times, for example I… read more
5 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte)
Charlotte has just headed off on her South Island tour and I was sorry to see her go. What a hard worker and very thorough. She cleared a massive amount of wandering willie from my gardens, weeded like a champion, cleared gutters, helped build a little retaining wall, and pitched in on the household chores. I recommend her to other hosts. She's a… read more
(Excellent)
4 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jess) for host
I had a wonderful stay with Karlum, who took me in on short notice after a bad first experience with my first hosts. She's got some fantastic stories to tell - what a life she's lived! and even helped me a bit with my photography. She was also able to provide for my gluten allergy, which was a massive relief (and the food was so good!!). She gave… read more
4 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jess)
Jess spent a week here working in the garden and helping in the house. She's young and keen and even worked outside in the rain (her choice, I'm not that mean). She follows instruction and works steadily. Jess is also good company and fitted in well with the house routines. I recommend her to other hosts.
(Excellent)
2 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jonas) for host
Karlum set the bar really high for future workaways, as this was my 1st. The house was really nice, felt more like a hotel.
During my week I chopped wood, washed the outside of the house, the deck and windows, and helped around in the garden.
The tasks were clear from day 1 and I had a decent amount of autonomy to choose when to carry them out,… read more
During my week I chopped wood, washed the outside of the house, the deck and windows, and helped around in the garden.
The tasks were clear from day 1 and I had a decent amount of autonomy to choose when to carry them out,… read more
2 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jonas)
Jonas has just spent a week here and got through an impressive amount of work - from pressure washing the house, to pruning, weeding, splitting and stacking wood and a bunch of other jobs. He's fast, keen as mustard and helpful around the house. Being in his 30s means he's got work experience behind him so needs minimal supervision and is quick to… read more
(Very good)
5 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Agnese)
Wow, what a hard working young woman. She powered through my garden doing a massive clear out of weeds and rubbish! Agnese was a pleasure to host: polite, interested, keen to get things done correctly and needing minimal supervision once the project was explained. I recommend her to other hosts.
(Excellent)
5 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Agnese) for host
I was with Karlum only 5 days, but she made sure my stay was amazing, taking me to the best lookouts or giving me advice about where to go, and I could even use her bike to explore Queen Elizabeth park! The work wasn't bad or hard, and I had all the afternoon off, and the food was great too and very healthy. Also Gertie and Nip are adorable and… read more
7 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jordan)
Jordan is a really hard worker and slogged through all the garden jobs (mulching, weeding and planting) with a great attitude and lots of initiative (despite a heavy cold and toothache). She was also very easy to share the house with, respectful and helpful. I recommend her to other hosts while she's in NZ.
(Excellent)
8 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicolas & Charlotte)
Nicolas and Charlotte were a pleasure to host. They worked hard in the garden; weeding, planting and mulching. On a rainy day they also spring-cleaned my kitchen. Thank you! They were respectful of the house and slotted easily into the daily routines. I recommend them to other hosts.
(Excellent)
8 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Nicolas & Charlotte) for host
Our stay in Karlum's place was absolutely amazing! She is a great host with a huge sense of humor, a good cooker and she makes you feel at home! The bedroom is really comfortable and the house is beautiful near the ocean. We could do a lot of stuff around during free time.
The work is fine. Karlum explained to us a lot about Maori culture and… read more
The work is fine. Karlum explained to us a lot about Maori culture and… read more
3 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Simran)
What a great couple of women. Hardworking and will give anything a go. They painted my outdoor laundry, stacked the winter's wood, cleaned windows and helped out in the house. They were careful, considerate and lots of fun. Once they were set a task they got stuck in until it was completed, needing no supervision , which freed me up to get on with… read more
(Excellent)
20 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Margret & Ali) for host
A very nice and smart lady with a great portion of humour hosted us in a pretty house in a fantastic area. There's nothing you could wish more for... we enjoyed our tasks there because we could work very creative and we enjoyed our bike tours and walks and our drinks in the club 😊
20 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Margret & Ali)
Wow, what a couple! Ali and Margret are both highly skilled, incredibly hardworking, full of initiative and achieved a huge amount of work in the week they were with me. My deck has never looked this good, my workshop shed was cleaned, cleared up and tidied with new shelves, proper wall mounted storage systems and hooks. My laundry got a new… read more
(Excellent)
29 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Nina)
Nina stayed for a week and worked on a gardening project for me - clearing overgrown, steep banks. She worked well and willingly under supervision and was helpful around the house. We tried out new vegan recipes together and learned from each other. She was appreciative of the sightseeing and biking opportunities and fitted in with the household… read more
(Very good)
29 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nina) for host
I had a wonderful time staying with Karlum and her very friendly cat Nip. Karlum's place is very close to the beach and she always makes sure that you feel comfortable and enjoy your stay. The work in the garden is sometimes hard, but absolutely fine. Karlum showed me some nice spots in the area around Raumati and Paraparaumu and made sure that I… read more
23 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Fumi & Quentin) for host
Karlum we will never say thank you enough for what you have done.
You were simply absolutely amazing.
We have learn a lot about the History of the Māori because of your passion for it.
We have discovered all around Raumati South, Paraparaumu, the Beautiful Waikanae River, the unforgettable Nga Manu with the unique Kiwi experience and the Birds and… read more
You were simply absolutely amazing.
We have learn a lot about the History of the Māori because of your passion for it.
We have discovered all around Raumati South, Paraparaumu, the Beautiful Waikanae River, the unforgettable Nga Manu with the unique Kiwi experience and the Birds and… read more
15 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Fumi & Quentin)
What a great couple - very easy to host and slotted easily into the household routines. They listened to instructions, followed them carefully and used their initiative to go the extra mile. They did general gardening and housework and everything was done to a very high standard and all the tools tidied away at the end. I also recommend their… read more
(Excellent)
3 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Veronika)
Veronika is a willing and cheerful young person. She's very easy going, happy to amuse herself or take part in activities with friends and family. She took on painting, housework, gardening and car washing chores as her part of the household routine. The Covid-19 lockdown meant she was trapped with me for over two months but took it all in her… read more
(Excellent)
22 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Veronika) for host
The most important thing first: Yes, I can recommend Karlum as a host. She’s not only funny and very generous but also welcoming and one of the best slaveholders I know. I’m so grateful that she let me stay during lockdown in New Zealand (for over two months because I couldn’t get a flight back home). And still she took me to different places in… read more
19 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (eriando) for host
Karlum is such a kindly, clever, frisky person. My first day when I got to station at11:00pm(The ferry was delayed), she came to pick me up. Next day she took me on beach, organic shop, seeing the sunset. I can use comfy electrical bike whenever I want to go somewhere. How kind and great you are! I won't forget that you taught me how to pronounce… read more
15 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (eriando)
Eri is full of curiosity, has a great capacity to find the fun in everything she does, and was quick to pick up on the household routine. She dug, weeded and planted new bits of my gardens, washed floors and polished windows. Eri was careful about everything she did, very respectful and a delight to host. Her English lessons provided a lot of… read more
(Excellent)
15 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Solenn & Camille) for host
Our stay at Karlum's place was great. She is a really nice and funny person with a big sense of humour. The two cats are very cute (Rabbit is very friendly !).
The work was easy for us : general cleaning and weeding to control the oak tree bush.
We spent a very nice week, ate good meals and Karlum made us discover amazing places near… read more
The work was easy for us : general cleaning and weeding to control the oak tree bush.
We spent a very nice week, ate good meals and Karlum made us discover amazing places near… read more
14 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Solenn & Camille)
Solenn and Camille were just delightful .. lots of fun and they worked very hard. I've never had windows to sparkly and clean. They also cleared out Sherwood Forest (my bank of oak seedlings), weeded the gardens and did all the housework. They not only willingly and happily carried out all the tasks I asked of them, they used their initiative to… read more
(Excellent)
3 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Niklas)
Niklas fitted into the household like he was part of the family. He was so easy to live with, hardworking, always ready to say 'yes' to the next task. He also has a very advanced sense of humour. HIs English is perfect - he's picked up on all the subtleties needed to reveal his irony and sarcasm to perfection. :) I loved having him to stay and… read more
(Excellent)
2 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Niklas) for host
So after an entire week of experiencing the slave lifestyle (her terminology) I can surely say that Karlum is easily the most pleasant slaveowner in history. She picked me and another workawayer up from Wellington where she works several days a week. Her house is about an hour away from the city and easily reachable by train or bus. It is… read more
3 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Lotta was terrific. She worked hard and was really easy to live with. I loved her good humour and willingness to do whatever was needed. She was also interested in checking out the local sights and experiences and was quick to respond to my demands that she learn to play my favourite card game. I had another Workawayer staying at the same time and… read more
(Excellent)
2 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
My whole week there was great! Karlum was honest about the amount of work me and other workawayer Niklas would need to do. She was flexible; if we wanted a day off we could just do double on some other day etc. But it did not end up being slavery as she used to joke about a lot haha! I enjoyed her sarcasm! Her sharing all her stories of her career… read more
15 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Stefano) for host
For me was the first workaway experience. I will always have a beautiful memory thanks to Karlum. We spent our time planting several different plants in the garden and in the free time we have enjoyed al the beautiful places around raumati beach. Karlum gave me as well a lot of tips of what to visit in wellington and in all the rest of new… read more
7 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Stefano)
Stefano worked hard while he was here - doing all the muscle work in my new garden and then turning around and cooking a pasta lunch. He was a delight to host; making a real point of getting along with the other two Workaway travellers, and together, we all had a lot of fun. He's keen to improve his English and be useful. I recommend him to other… read more
(Excellent)
7 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Louise & Elsa)
Louise and Elsa were a pure pleasure to host. They were keen to learn about New Zealand, the Maori culture and very willing to help out in the house and the garden. They were respectful, tidy and really engaged with what was going on around them. They even learned to play Euchre (which is apparently similar to a French card game). I recommend them… read more
(Excellent)
3 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Valerie)
Valerie painted my deck rails 3 times without complaint and they look terrific! She was a delight to host and fun to have around. Highly recommend her. She fitted in like a member of the family :relaxed:
(Excellent)
1 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Valerie) for host
i had the honour of being the first workawayer at Karlums place & even if i just stayed for one short week i enjoyed my time to the fullest !! her beautiful house is located right at the Kapiti Coast with lots of biking & walking trails along the coast & a lovely beach just 2 min away .. perfect for watching the sun going down behind Kapiti… read more
