Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
26 Jun 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
40
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
Hi there
Thank you for stopping by ;)
We live in a beautiful farmhouse in Goughs Bay, 20-minute drive from Akaroa. We have a child, so you must be good with children. If you love animals you’ll love our place, dogs, chickens, ducks, friendly sheep and cows, surrounded by amazing natural beauty and quiet, with hours of walks from our doorstep. We are literally at the End of the Earth!
If you love home grown organic produce, and want to learn and experience a sustainable lifestyle during your stay in New Zealand than this is the right place for you.
You will get to enjoy New Zealand farm life and meet our sheep, pet lamb Spotty. Our famous pet dogs Bella and Ruby and farm dog Lance/BOY ;) Of-course, you will also meet our chickens - Margaret, Brown girl, Mary, Rocky... The last but not the least you will get a chance to feed our ducks - Lucky and Ducky and their flock.
We raise our own meat, so we eat meat often. And we like people to commit to the dates they wish to stay for.
We have a range of activities, anyone with skills in small machine maintenance, mechanical, building skills, carpentry, sewing and interior design, painting, metal tasks will have a lot of fun helping out here, we do everything ourselves and learn as we go.
Farm life is sometimes physically demanding.
We are hosting in our home, so we hope that people will come here with a positive attitude and be flexible to learn why we choose to live this lifestyle.
cheers
Marie and Asif
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Learn about the history of Akaroa, conservation, tourism, experience New Zealand farm life. Spend time with us and the animals. Chance to explore beautiful Akaroa and Banks Peninsula - Especially the Wildside ecological restoration project. We live in a beautiful area and live a sustainable lifestyle.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Gardening and farming, fencing, drain-laying.
Building projects, experienced carpenters and builders skills.
Small machine maintainence and mechanical skills.
Painting, sewing, interior design.
We have a wide range of outdoor activities. From shed maintenance to fencing, weeding on the farm, planting.
Cleaning when the weather is wet.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We offer your own private cabin or room, dinner (you must provide YOUR OWN breakfasts and lunches) along with other facilities such as limited wi-fi, laundry and showers. No mobile phone coverage.f
What else ...
No vegetarian. Gluten free is ok.
Minimum stay 2 weeks.
We live out of mobile phone range, so cannot receive text messages or calls when at home.
If you are interested send us an email or your resume and we will get back to you ASAP.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you got any further question(s).
And there will be some housekeeping at times, if the weather is not good.
P.S. Contact only, when you are already in New Zealand.
We are keen for people who want to stay longer and fit into our relaxed kiwi lifestyle, giving us a better chance to really get to know each other.
Thank you for your time.
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.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 558798412474
Feedback (19)
4 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Boung kju & Myong Seon)
Thanks Myong Seon and Peter for coming to stay with us and all your help around the farm and house.
That storm was quite an experience and I’m glad that you made it safe and sound to the airport! Thanks for staying positive throughout!
You were both great to have around the house and farm, lovely to talk to and thanks for watching the shows!… read more
That storm was quite an experience and I’m glad that you made it safe and sound to the airport! Thanks for staying positive throughout!
You were both great to have around the house and farm, lovely to talk to and thanks for watching the shows!… read more
(Excellent
)
3 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Boung kju & Myong Seon) for host
My husband and I stayed in a small, lovely place nestled deeper within the charming town of Akaroa. This area is surrounded by absolutely stunning natural beauty. We stayed in a cozy little cabin, and every morning we were greeted with breathtaking views—from the distant sea to the nearby sheep and cattle pastures. Watching the animals move across… read more
18 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Kathrin)
We loved having you Kathrin staying in our home. You were so positive and helpful in every way.
What else can we say, we hope that you will return again to stay with us.
All your comments show your positive mindset “unbelievable!”, “so nice!”, were constant comments, such a pleasure to have in you our family home.
Thank you!
What else can we say, we hope that you will return again to stay with us.
All your comments show your positive mindset “unbelievable!”, “so nice!”, were constant comments, such a pleasure to have in you our family home.
Thank you!
(Excellent
)
15 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
Simon was an excellent workawayer, he fitted in really well to our home, experiencing kiwi farm life and all that entails. He worked hard, and helped us in many ways. Our girl loved playing with Simon, and she had a lot of fun. Simon fitted in well around the house and even stayed for Christmas Day. We’d recommend Simon to any hosts and wish him… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host
Had an excellent stay with Asif and Marie for 2 weeks helping and learning what it takes to run a kiwi farm. They were both very welcoming and generous in hosting me. Dinners were excellent and their home is gorgeous. The work was no easy task but very rewarding. Cleaning and organizing barns, fixing machinery, cutting grass, and the most… 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:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.7)
4 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Boung kju & Myong Seon)
Thanks Myong Seon and Peter for coming to stay with us and all your help around the farm and house.
That storm was quite an experience and I’m glad that you made it safe and sound to the airport! Thanks for staying positive throughout!
You were both great to have around the house and farm, lovely to talk to and thanks for watching the shows!… read more
That storm was quite an experience and I’m glad that you made it safe and sound to the airport! Thanks for staying positive throughout!
You were both great to have around the house and farm, lovely to talk to and thanks for watching the shows!… read more
(Excellent)
3 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Boung kju & Myong Seon) for host
My husband and I stayed in a small, lovely place nestled deeper within the charming town of Akaroa. This area is surrounded by absolutely stunning natural beauty. We stayed in a cozy little cabin, and every morning we were greeted with breathtaking views—from the distant sea to the nearby sheep and cattle pastures. Watching the animals move across… read more
18 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Kathrin)
We loved having you Kathrin staying in our home. You were so positive and helpful in every way.
What else can we say, we hope that you will return again to stay with us.
All your comments show your positive mindset “unbelievable!”, “so nice!”, were constant comments, such a pleasure to have in you our family home.
Thank you!
What else can we say, we hope that you will return again to stay with us.
All your comments show your positive mindset “unbelievable!”, “so nice!”, were constant comments, such a pleasure to have in you our family home.
Thank you!
(Excellent)
15 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
Simon was an excellent workawayer, he fitted in really well to our home, experiencing kiwi farm life and all that entails. He worked hard, and helped us in many ways. Our girl loved playing with Simon, and she had a lot of fun. Simon fitted in well around the house and even stayed for Christmas Day. We’d recommend Simon to any hosts and wish him… read more
(Excellent)
1 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host
Had an excellent stay with Asif and Marie for 2 weeks helping and learning what it takes to run a kiwi farm. They were both very welcoming and generous in hosting me. Dinners were excellent and their home is gorgeous. The work was no easy task but very rewarding. Cleaning and organizing barns, fixing machinery, cutting grass, and the most… read more
21 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Hugo & Basile)
Hugo and Basile were great. We enjoyed hosting them, they worked really hard, were willing to take anything on, fitting in well to the house and played with our little girl. We’d recommend them to other hosts.
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys!
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Tim & Anastasia) for host
We really enjoyed our stay at the farm. Marie and Asif taught us a lot about gardening and the history of New Zealand. They also gave us various tasks so every day was a bit different. We couldn’t get enough of cuddling the dogs and the petsheep. The surrounding of the farm is very calming with beautiful views. In the evening we enjoyed playtime… read more
13 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Tim & Anastasia)
Tim and Ana were wonderful guests in our home. They worked hard, and were willing to take on any task. They were a lot of fun to host and were amazing with our little girl who wants to leave them a personal message “I loved playing with Tim and Ana all day!”
We wish them well with their future!
We wish them well with their future!
(Excellent)
13 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Elizabeth)
We now regret having been honest with you, we sincerely apologised and explained the traditional values that we trying to raise our child with on a rural farm, #redacted text#.This feedback just reenforces our values of honesty, being sincere and treating people with respect even if their values differ from ours, I don’t see how this is… read more
(Negative)
8 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Elizabeth) for host
Marie and I emailed back and forth for almost a month and I had full plans to stay with them for four weeks but they cancelled my stay less than 48 hours before my arrival after finding out that I'm trans. This piece of information was available on my profile the entire time Marie and I were in contact. I am deeply disappointed by both the… read more
1 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Bernice)
We hosted Bernice for two weeks and enjoyed her company. Although she didn’t get a chance to help us at the farm but she experience the crazy farm life. Everyday is day brings different challenges. She mostly worked inside and helped with my jewellery project and played with Tara. Thank you for sharing your time and we wish you best of luck.… read more
(Excellent)
8 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Bernice) for host
Asif and Marie were nothing but kind and welcoming to me in their home. :) I spent most of my two weeks working on a handmade jewelry project for Asif. It was a huge pleasure to be part of such a meaningful endeavor supporting women's education. I learned many new techniques and got a glimpse of Asif’s interesting collection (with lots of stories… read more
27 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Carola) for host
I had such a nice time with Marie, Asif and Tara. What a different Farm stay than i had before. A really living sustainable Farm experience.
A beautifull old renovatet Farmhouse in peacefull silence landscape.
Did also a few Days Farm sitting what felt right. Enjoyed the time with the animals. Thank you for your trust!
I recommend Banks… read more
A beautifull old renovatet Farmhouse in peacefull silence landscape.
Did also a few Days Farm sitting what felt right. Enjoyed the time with the animals. Thank you for your trust!
I recommend Banks… read more
24 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Facundo & Melina Agostina)
Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
9 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Thijs & Maria)
We had a great time with Thijs and Marlotte, they were independent, mature, interesting people. We appreciated their help and they have left lasting results.
They were a great fit to our farm and home and we wish them well.
They were a great fit to our farm and home and we wish them well.
(Excellent)
30 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Thijs & Maria) for host
We stayed with Marie and Asif for almost two weeks. We were the first ones to stay in the cabin outside, which was wonderful. Lovely to have our own place, and the best view to wake up with possible.
We loved the jobs we did, there was not always much time to check it or to guide us, which for us was no problem at all. I hope the next people… read more
We loved the jobs we did, there was not always much time to check it or to guide us, which for us was no problem at all. I hope the next people… read more
19 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Raquel)
A bit disappointed that Raquel didn’t show up.
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
30 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Madeline & Robin) for host
The two weeks together with Tara, Marie, Asif & the dogs were a great experience.
We enjoyed getting to know the farm life and how things work.
The area around the farm and Akaroa was also totally beautiful and we enjoyed exploring.
We will keep the time at Goughs Bay forever within us.
Thank you Asif & Marie for letting us into your life.
We enjoyed getting to know the farm life and how things work.
The area around the farm and Akaroa was also totally beautiful and we enjoyed exploring.
We will keep the time at Goughs Bay forever within us.
Thank you Asif & Marie for letting us into your life.
26 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Madison)
Madison was wonderful , she fitted in so easily to our home, was always willing to help and learn. Spent many hours playing with our daughter and had amazing hidden talents.
We hope one day she will return for another visit and stays in touch!
We hope one day she will return for another visit and stays in touch!
(Excellent)
21 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Madison) for host
What a beautiful, loving, and warm family.
This is my first workaway, and staying with this family has catalyzed an absolute love for this exchange!!!
I cannot praise more highly every aspect of their home and family —
The architecture of the home is open and beautiful, nestled gently between the hills. Every day, I woke up in a beautiful red… read more
This is my first workaway, and staying with this family has catalyzed an absolute love for this exchange!!!
I cannot praise more highly every aspect of their home and family —
The architecture of the home is open and beautiful, nestled gently between the hills. Every day, I woke up in a beautiful red… read more
1 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Emily)
Emily stayed with us for about two weeks. We all enjoyed her company. She has a great work ethics, good sense of humour, an excellent communicator and a mature person to have a conversation with. We wish you good luck with your travel plans and thank you for all the hard work you did for us. Much appreciated! And would love to host you again if… read more
(Excellent)
7 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Deja) for host
This was such a nice first workaway experience for me! It was that good that I stayed for the whole month! Asif and Marie are both very kind, warm persons and delicious cooks! I will never forget Marie's scones and special dish with paua shells and Asif's curries, parathas and first croissants 😋 - I am glad for exchanging some good recipes.… read more
1 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Deja)
Deja stayed with us for a month and fitted perfectly in our wee family. During this time she developed amazing bond with our wee daughter. She helped us with many projects especially helping us clear the fence lime for our new conservation covenant. I am sure Deja will return one day and see her amazing contribution to the natural biodiversity on… read more
(Excellent)
3 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Sandra) for host
I couldn’t have wished for a better first experience with Workaway. Marie and Asif are the best hosts, I felt very welcomed and included into the family from the start. The doggies Ruby, Bella and Bob are so sweet and give the best cuddles. And little Tara is such a cute girl with a great & happy personality.
My tasks during my two week stay… read more
My tasks during my two week stay… read more
3 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sandra)
Awesome lady! Sandra just fitted in to our house at such a busy time and helped with everything.
Our baby and animals loved her.
She worked hard never complained and was always happy and smiling.
We wish you the best with your nz adventure and look forward to when you return!
Our baby and animals loved her.
She worked hard never complained and was always happy and smiling.
We wish you the best with your nz adventure and look forward to when you return!
(Excellent)
28 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jonas) for host
I stayed for two weeks at Asif and Maries beautiful place in Goughs Bay and had a great time. I was warmly welcomed in their home, they helped me with different issues and took me with them to their friends. It was so nice to have the dogs and all the other farm animals around.
My main tasks were: weeding, tree planting and watering, building a… read more
My main tasks were: weeding, tree planting and watering, building a… read more
10 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Natalie ) for host
I stayed with Marie and Asif for just under a week in the beautiful Gough's Bay. My main role was to cut down thistles, but I really enjoyed the serenity and beauty of the farm. Marie and Asif are incredible hosts and anyone would be lucky to stay with them! You will definitely have the chance to learn from them, as they are always open for a… read more
10 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Natalie )
Natalie was wonderful, she fitted right into our home, was positive and grateful and enjoyed working. It was hard to get her to stop! She was a pleasure to spend time with and talk to. Our dogs will miss her and if she is ever in need of a place to stay she’s welcome here!
(Excellent)
2 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Clayre)
Clayre stayed with us for 10 days, she was very independent and worked well by herself. She had very relaxed starts to the day (as do all our workawayers) starting at 9.30 or even 10am. She worked for 3 hours per day with perhaps one or two days doing 4 hours, always with plenty of breaks, we always trust our workers to take care of their own… read more
(Good)
2 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Clayre) for host
I stayed with Asif and Marie on their farm for 10 days. The house was cosy and Asif and Marie were friendly hosts. The dogs were adorable and very well looked after. The work I did was mostly in the garden, approx 4hrs a day and it was quite physically demanding. My jobs included digging up the veggie patch, mowing the lawn and cutting the grass… read more
12 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Lieske )
Hi Lieske
Thank you very much for an amazing jobs you did during your stay with us. The varanda is ready now. All painted and it looks great! We hope you are enjoying your cycle tour around Europe. Send us some pictures when you can.
Stay safe and make the most of your cycling tour :wink:
Cheers
Asif and Marie
Thank you very much for an amazing jobs you did during your stay with us. The varanda is ready now. All painted and it looks great! We hope you are enjoying your cycle tour around Europe. Send us some pictures when you can.
Stay safe and make the most of your cycling tour :wink:
Cheers
Asif and Marie
(Excellent)
14 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Lieske ) for host
I had a really good time with Asif and Marie in Akaroa. They have a beautiful house with lovely animals. It was nice to help, you will get your own room and some good meals. The environment is beautiful, if you there, make sure you do some tramps.
Thanks for the interesting conversations and the hospitality Asif and Marie! I wish I could stay… read more
Thanks for the interesting conversations and the hospitality Asif and Marie! I wish I could stay… read more
12 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Asbjørn & Catrine )
Hi guys
Thank you for the wonderful work you did for us. It was great experience. I wish you luck with your travel around New Zealand. Take care and stay in touch :slight_smile:
Asif and Marie
Thank you for the wonderful work you did for us. It was great experience. I wish you luck with your travel around New Zealand. Take care and stay in touch :slight_smile:
Asif and Marie
(Excellent)
17 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Asbjørn & Catrine ) for host
We had a very nice time with Marie and Asif. Both are extremely welcoming and friendly. We did a bunch of different things in the week we stayed at their cozy farm: We painted the veranda, did some gardening and even helped skinning sheep. We mostly worked before lunch and then we had time to explore Banks Peninsula in the afternoon and Marie and… read more
4 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Kathryn)
Kate! It was great to have you in our home, I'm just sorry that it wasn't for longer! Thank you so much for the amazing clean windows and the newly painted veranda! It really looks amazing. All the best, and hope to see you again at the end of your travels.
Marie and Asif
Marie and Asif
(Excellent)
3 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Kathryn) for host
Marie and Asif welcomed me into their home and I had a wonderful few days helping with a variety of projects. They live in a gorgeous area. I loved all the farm animals, including three sweet dogs.
27 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Thank you Amy and Matt for the amazing work you did for us. You were easy going and fun to have around. We wish you luck with your plans ahead in your life. You will be remembered and we will contact you once we plan our trip to Europe. Cheers
Asif and Marie
P.s.Thank you Matt for IT lessons. Let me know if you need help with scholarship… read more
Asif and Marie
P.s.Thank you Matt for IT lessons. Let me know if you need help with scholarship… read more
(Excellent)
26 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
We had the most amazing time here with Marie and Asif, they are awesome people so many good chats, learnt so much! They cooked amazing dinners for us with tasty homegrown food :) Cuddles with the beautiful doggies Bella, Ruby and the legend that is Bob :) Also all the other awesome animals too! Had fun fixing fencing, killing thistles and double… read more
11 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Sue) for host
Such a lovely time hanging out with the dogs, hosing down the house and tending to the beautifully planted vege gardens and roses and remembering how much I love ducks and chickens. Thank you so much all of you. Hugs to Bella, Ruby and gorgeous Bob. And I'll come and kill thistles next time I'm this side of the planet! All the very best.
11 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Sue)
Hi sue. It was great to have you stayed with us. Thank you for all the amazing work you did for us. Bella misses you and we would love to have you around, if you ever decide to travel this part of the world. I wish you good luck with your future plans. Stay blessed. Asif and Marie
(Excellent)
