Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
28 Mar 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
12
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Our sanctuary is an off-the-grid farm animal sanctuary on the slopes of Taranaki Mounga. Solar panels provide our power, a river pipeline supplements our tank water catchment and we are working towards self-sufficiency. We have great mobile coverage, we don't have WiFi available, we use data on our phones to access the internet.
We provide sanctuary, care, support and hugs for over 70+ fellow beings. It is a quiet and peaceful place (well apart from the roosters🐓 lol) surrounded by native bush and backs onto the national park. We are 26km from New Plymouth, close to many tramping tracks, surfing spots and beaches.
We support the sanctuary ourselves, any help is gratefully appreciated. We have much to do, we prepare food for our crew every morning, we have renovations to complete, gardens to care for and there is always a variety of farm jobs to do. You don't have to have animal care experience, we are happy to share our knowledge.
Your accommodation will be a cute caravan called Ziggy, he's warm and cosy, bathed in all day sun, overlooks our home paddock and boast a great view of the coast. Suitable for a couple as there's a double bed. Your own seperate shower and composting toilet block is close by.
We will provide plant-based meals, but if you're into cooking that would be fabulous! We're pretty cruisy and relaxed. We are both vegan and passionate about our world and our place in it. We have a huge and deep respect for the fellow beings that we live beside in sanctuary. As a mark of that respect we do not allow any meat, eggs, fish, honey, dairy or animal products to be bought to their home.
Experience has taught us that honest and open communication is best. We want to work together in harmony, respecting each other's well being and safety. We have found we need to say things that we thought could go unsaid. So please forgive us if this seems over explained.
We have much to do and we will be relying on your help, your ability to listen, ask questions, problem solve, take direction where needed and be aware of your surroundings and the place and safety of other's sharing it. We expect that you will pick up after yourself and pitch in with the household tasks. Being self motivated is important. There are no stupid questions we are happy to help in any way we can, please don't be afraid to ask! Look for things you can help with, be aware of routines, make sure to engage your 'common sense' but if you are unsure, ask how you can help.
This is a working farm, we have mud, spiders, bugs, dirt, and poo, we also have hot water, soap and hand sanitiser.
Keen curiousity is welcomed, we are happy to share our beautiful spot with you but if your priority is to constantly experience the world through your phone and social media then this isn't the place for you. We understand that you will want to take pics of the crew and catch up with family and friends. That's not a problem but when we are 'working' we are 'working', no phones!
We have learned that off grid living doesn't work for everyone as it does have some restrictions. We are from the hippy generation (in our 60's) so for the sake of the environment we happily embrace conserving water, improvising, recycling and monitoring our power usage as we are reliant on the sun for our power.
You'll have to be prepared to get 'stuck in', be unfraid to get your hands dirty, be motivated, listen and learn. While we have lots to get done it is a 'marathon' not a race so our approach is fairly laid back and calm; we appreciate our beautiful spot everyday and embrace the joy the crew bring us.
Whilst we don't expect you to spend every evening with us, it would be great along the way to learn of your different experiences and perspectives on our world.
Please let us know if you have any phobias, medical issues or physical restrictions that could impact your stay.
We love making new friends. We look forward to sharing our place with like-minded gentle souls. 🌱
🌈lgbtqia friendly.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are a sanctuary, we endeavour to offer a different view of our fellow beings. We provide a safe haven for them to live their lives on their terms. We offer an off-the-grid experience in a beautiful tranquil rural setting surrounded by bush and native birds.
Help
Gardening experience would good. If you're interested or experienced in self sufficiency or eco projects we are keen to learn together. We are happy to share our knowledge of animal care and renovating. General skills, common sense, a listening ear and a willingness to help are the most important skills.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Ziggy the caravan. Seperate composting toilet and shower pods close by.
What else ...
Taranaki has much to offer! Mountain pursuits, tramping, great beaches, coastal walkway, Len Lye art centre, Pukeiti gardens, great surfing, cafes, Pukekura park, Bowl of Brooklands, festival of the lights, art and garden trails.
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
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (6)
I felt extremely lucky to be able to wake up in such a stunning place surrounded by the sweetest animals with the most beautiful personalities!
Dreams do come true!
Allan and Freyja show deep respect for all their friends that live at the sanctuary, from the smallest to… read more
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)
I felt extremely lucky to be able to wake up in such a stunning place surrounded by the sweetest animals with the most beautiful personalities!
Dreams do come true!
Allan and Freyja show deep respect for all their friends that live at the sanctuary, from the smallest to… read more
alone and the first days I felt a bit lost and was exhausted of Jetlag and being alone. Then I came to Allan and Feya, they pick me up from the airport and from the first Moment they gave me a welcomed feeling. i… read more
Sarah was a delight to share company with, she was always willing and keen to try new things. During her time with us she learned a few building skills, we made a chook house. She quickly became proficient breaking down pallets, measuring up and cutting with a circular saw, the battery… read more
