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Description
The Experience
Escape van life or busy hostels and settle into a quiet, rural lifestyle property overlooking Whangaroa Harbour.
If you love falling asleep to the sound of the Morepork (Ruru), waking up to water views, and can entertain yourself without “city” entertainment.. you’ll feel right at home here.
We finished building this house 3 years ago and it designed for an outdoor lifestyle making the most of the bush and harbour views with large sliding doors/windows.
It is fully insulated and (even-though it is the Winterless North) have a fireplace so it is nice and cozy during Winter.
In exchange for just 2/2.5 hours of help a day, you get a comfortable, independent stay.
- Spacious bedroom with your own TV (Chromecast).
- Private use of the main bathroom (next to your room)
- Full kitchen access to cook what you like, when you like (within reason)
(please note: meals are not provided).
- You can block the hours so you can have a full day to explore.
Life at the Property
We’re a Dutch/Kiwi couple in our mid-30s and late 40s. This is a true Kiwi rural lifestyle home, so we are not suitable for vegetarians. My partner is working on a project and you might not meet him during your stay.
I (Irene) arrived in New Zealand as a backpacker in 2019 and after meeting my partner just a few weeks later I never left. I have embraced a very rural and outdoorsy lifestyle since then. We recently moved back to New Zealand after spending three years working in Australia and could use some help with the general upkeep of our home.
Social Interaction
I work and study remotely (Vet Nursing and Personal Training) and work a couple of days a week, so while I'm often around and happy to share a coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening - I also need to focus while I am at home.
I enjoy hiking and snorkelling - and would be very happy to go together.
The work is simple and perfect for someone who enjoys being active and outdoors.
- Keeping our large lawn mowed. This is a bit of a workout so turn on the beats :)
- General weeding and spraying.
- General property tasks
- Window cleaning
Cooking
I don't really enjoy cooking and meals are not provided. However, if you enjoy cooking I am happy to share the costs. This would not be part of your working hours. If you would like to try some venison; I am happy to make a slow-cooking meal one of the nights.
This is a relaxed, mature environment best suited to someone 25+ who is genuinely interested, self-motivated to help out, and equally happy to sit back, relax, and entertain themselves. It’s best suited to independent but social people, and probably not ideal for night owls, as we tend to start our days early. We don’t expect you to be up at 6am with us :) but definitely before 10am.
The Essentials
Transport: You must have your own vehicle due to remote location.
Cats: You must be a cat lover (we have two!).
We cannot host vegans/vegetarians
Stay: Short-term stays only (max 1 week).
The closest towns are Kaeo (15min), Mangonui (25min) Kerikeri is (45 min) and Kaitaia (55 min) and Paihia (60min) We suggest doing groceries in Kerikeri before arriving.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Help around the house
Interests
Pets
Farming
Water sports
Fitness
Outdoor activities
Nature
Hiking
Camping
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
- Unique Northland Experience
- Whangaroa Harbour (2 minutes)
(Happy to lend you a kayak)
- Dukes Nose nearby (5 minutes)
- Snorkel beaches nearby (~30 minutes)
(Happy to lend you gear if it fits)
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
2-2.5 hours a day
Help us with some repetitive tasks we don’t always have time (or energy) for:
* Mowing a lawn (quite large)
* Weeding and some weed spraying
* Window cleaning and general tidy-up
No Food Provided
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Accommodation
Spacious private bedroom with tv and queen bed. Private use of main bathroom.
We expect you keep this space clean and tidy up when you leave.
No. Hours are already reduced
What else ...
Please get in touch with a bit about yourself when replying to us.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
There is plenty of space to park vans, though access is via a steep, windy gravel road. It is definitely doable, and we’re happy to help if needed. Alternatively, you can leave your van at the bottom and walk up, or we can pick you up.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Phoebe and Chuck
