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Description
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As this house-sitting opportunity takes place over the Christmas period, it offers the perfect chance to enjoy the Far North at one of the best times of year.
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We live in the Far North of New Zealand, tucked away in the bush in Peria. Our home is a quirky, character-filled house built by a woodworker in the 1970s, surrounded by native bush. It’s peaceful, private, and full of charm—one of the things we love most is the quiet and the connection to nature.
Our little family also includes quite a few animals, each with their own personality. Coral, our white cat, is a true free spirit—you’ll rarely see her unless she’s hungry or cold. Stanley, our 3-year-old dog, has been with us since he was a puppy. He’s playful, loyal, and will instantly become your best friend if you throw a toy for him.
Silla, just over a year old, joined us at 7 months old. She is shy at first, but once she warms up, she is incredibly affectionate and devoted. She’s especially protective of our son and has taken on the role of his little guardian.
And then there’s Snowflake, our white chicken. Despite her delicate name, she’s tough and fearless—the only survivor of our original flock. She roams freely, knocks on the kitchen door for treats, and keeps everyone entertained.
Life here is peaceful, a little wild, and full of character—just the way we like it
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
House & pet sitting
Interests
Self development
Books
Cooking & food
Nature
Camping
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
With the seaside only a 20-minute drive away, you’ll be able to make the most of beautiful beaches, warm weather, and the relaxed coastal lifestyle.
There are also local farmers markets held weekly, offering fresh produce and a lovely community atmosphere—we’ll be happy to share all the details once you arrive. The surrounding area has a variety of local restaurants, cafés, and dairies, making day-to-day living easy and enjoyable.
Our two medium-sized dogs have their own secure dog pen, so they do not require constant supervision. They are used to spending time there when we are out, which means you’ll have the freedom to explore the area and enjoy full-day adventures. As long as they are fed in the morning and again in the evening, they are happy and well settled.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking for a peaceful retreat with the added bonus of coastal access, local charm, and the company of friendly animals.
Help
We are seeking a reliable and caring house sitter to look after our home and animals while we are away for four weeks.
The main responsibilities include caring for our two dogs and occasionally our cat. This will involve feeding the dogs daily, spending time with them, and giving them plenty of play and attention. Our pets are an important part of our family, so we are looking for someone who is comfortable around animals and enjoys their company.
In addition to pet care, we ask that you help keep the house clean, tidy, and lived in during your stay. The occasional lawn mowing . As our home is located in a bush setting, humidity can become quite high. To maintain the house, windows and doors should be opened regularly to allow fresh air to circulate. During wetter periods, a dehumidifier may also need to be turned on if indoor humidity increases.
This role would suit someone who appreciates peaceful surroundings, enjoys nature, and is happy to care for both animals and a unique home environment.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Slovak: Fluent
Czech: Intermediate
German: Beginner
Accommodation
During your stay, you’ll have the comfort of a spacious home with two living areas and two bathrooms. Your bedroom will be located on the top floor and includes both a double bed and a single bed, offering a private and relaxing space to settle in.
As we live rurally, we usually keep the house well stocked with pantry essentials and other everyday foods. We generally only shop for fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, and dairy as needed, so you are very welcome to enjoy what is already available in the home. If you need anything extra, the local butcher and dairy are nearby and can provide the rest.
Our water is safely filtered through a UV system, making it perfectly fine to drink. We also have our own water tank and a gas-powered hot water system that works very well.
To ensure a smooth and comfortable transition, we would love for you to arrive a couple of days before we leave. This gives us the chance to get to know each other, show you around, and make sure you feel confident and comfortable with our dogs before we head away.
All pet food will be fully provided, so your main focus can simply be enjoying your stay and caring for our home and animals.
What else ...
There is plenty of parking available around our home, so arriving with a motorhome or camper van is absolutely fine. Our driveway is steep, so a 4WD or AWD vehicle is preferred, though 2WD cars have managed it without issue in the past.
We kindly ask that there is no smoking inside the house, as it is a family home shared with pets and a child. If you do smoke, we simply ask that it is done safely outdoors and well away from any fire hazards, as we live very close to native bush.
Our home is a peaceful and private retreat, so we would appreciate no parties during your stay. We value the calm atmosphere here and hope you will enjoy it as much as we do.
Please also note that there is no mobile reception at the house due to our rural location. However, we do have very reliable WiFi available, so you will still be well connected for calls, messaging, and internet use.
For extra peace of mind, we have a trusted neighbour who lives just a five-minute walk away. They will know you are staying at the house and can assist in case of any emergencies.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have very good internet connection but no mobile coverage
Space for parking camper vans
There is plenty of parking available, but be aware our driveway is gravel and in places very steep. So 4WD and AWD are preferred.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Snowflake
She is as free range as it gets. She will come when you call her for food and even the dogs know not to mess with her. She is tough and will knock on the window to ask for food if she sees you in the kitchen.
Coral (4 years)
Coral is the "senior" pet in our household. She is very self reliant . She is a typical cat, you might not see her for days until she turns up looking for food. She spends lots of time outside in the bush but doesn't mind a cuddle once she decides to bless you with her presents.
Silla (1 year)
Silla is a rescue dog. She is very shy and nervous dog. Once she gets to know you she is loving and affectionate . She is a great companion. She loves cuddles and needs to feel the love. She is very smart and understand lots of commands.
Stanley (3 years)
He is a very loyal playful boy. He loves to play fetch and takes it very seriously . He is very gentle and knows how to do puppy eyes really well especially when it's dinner time. He loves car journeys and walking on the beach.
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