Profile information
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Host is looking for help immediately
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
30 Jul 2026
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Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 4 days
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Feedback
47
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Email verified
Badges (3)
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Min stay requested: at least a week
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Details
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Description
Join us in Balfour (Southland) on our dairy farm with wide-open spaces and fun-loving people. Help around the house, garden, general maintenance, and cooking will be much appreciated. You will become part of a fun, always-changing (adult) family/team.
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Types of help and learning opportunities
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
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Interests
Cooking & food
Animals
Nature
Camping
Hiking -
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We have travelled extensively and done lots of stuff. We are immigrants from Europe and have lived in New Zealand for 29 years. We would love to exchange stories and of course share meals together from all over the world.
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Help
There’s always something to help out with around the place, from cleaning, tidying up the gardens and general areas to lending a hand with a few ongoing DIY projects. We also have a couple of horses who appreciate a brush or a bit of exercise now and then (only if that’s something you enjoy, of course).
We all work pretty hard during the day, so a cooked meal waiting after coming home from the farm is always a real treat.
Just to clarify, there’s no help needed on the farm itself, and we don’t sell any produce from the farm. -
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent -
Accommodation
You will be living in the house with us, Helen & Art, and whoever else is staying at the time. You will have your own bedroom.
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What else ...
Southland is beautiful; wide open spaces, mountains, native bush, coast; there is a lot to see and do. Balfour is located about an hour from Te Anau, Queenstown and Invercargill; all great places to visit.
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A little more information
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Internet access
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Limited internet access
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We have pets
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We are smokers
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Can host families
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Can host digital nomads
We have starlink unlimited internet
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Space for parking camper vans
Plenty of space to park your van and plug it into a power outlet.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
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My animals / pets
10+ chickens (fresh eggs every day!)
Suus
Lots of cows
Red & Flash
Eddie
Host ref number: 649854459449
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+14
Feedback (21)
30 Jul 2026
Left by Workawayer (Olivia) for host
I stayed with Helen and Art for about 2 weeks, and I had the most wonderful time for my first workaway! I felt welcomed as soon as I arrived and wished I could have stayed longer.
I really enjoyed playing card games, learning to milk, attending a community music bingo event as well as a line dancing party, and having great conversations at … read more
I really enjoyed playing card games, learning to milk, attending a community music bingo event as well as a line dancing party, and having great conversations at … read more
30 Jul 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Olivia)
Olivia joined us for her first Workaway experience and she made it such a positive one for us too. She fitted right in straight away and was willing to help with anything we needed. She helped in and around the house, with cleaning, gardening, planting trees, and did some heavy work also, and she pitched in with prep for a party we had on. She
… read more
24 May 2026
Left by Workawayer (Étienne) for host
We had a wonderful two weeks at Helen and Art ! They are very welcoming and we felt right at home. We had great conversations and playing cards every evening was so much fun! The work was mainly gardening! We didn't want to leave!! Thanks you so much Art & Helen! It was super !
19 May 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Étienne)
Etienne and Louise were fantastic Workawayers and we really enjoyed having them stay with us. They were flexible, positive, hardworking, and always willing to help wherever needed. They helped with a wide range of jobs in and around the house , including gardening, planting trees, and chainsaw work, and they approached every task with enthusiasm
… read more
3 May 2026
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
I had a wonderful time staying with Helen and Art for 10 days. They both welcomed me very warmly into their home, and I immediately felt comfortable and at ease. Helen and Art are incredibly kind, lively, and joyful people.
I really enjoyed being surrounded by their two sweet dogs and the baby cat – it truly made me feel at home. My tasks … read more
I really enjoyed being surrounded by their two sweet dogs and the baby cat – it truly made me feel at home. My tasks … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+14
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)
30 Jul 2026
Left by Workawayer (Olivia) for host
I stayed with Helen and Art for about 2 weeks, and I had the most wonderful time for my first workaway! I felt welcomed as soon as I arrived and wished I could have stayed longer.
I really enjoyed playing card games, learning to milk, attending a community music bingo event as well as a line dancing party, and having great conversations at … read more
I really enjoyed playing card games, learning to milk, attending a community music bingo event as well as a line dancing party, and having great conversations at … read more
30 Jul 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Olivia)
Olivia joined us for her first Workaway experience and she made it such a positive one for us too. She fitted right in straight away and was willing to help with anything we needed. She helped in and around the house, with cleaning, gardening, planting trees, and did some heavy work also, and she pitched in with prep for a party we had on. She
… read more
24 May 2026
Left by Workawayer (Étienne) for host
We had a wonderful two weeks at Helen and Art ! They are very welcoming and we felt right at home. We had great conversations and playing cards every evening was so much fun! The work was mainly gardening! We didn't want to leave!! Thanks you so much Art & Helen! It was super !
19 May 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Étienne)
Etienne and Louise were fantastic Workawayers and we really enjoyed having them stay with us. They were flexible, positive, hardworking, and always willing to help wherever needed. They helped with a wide range of jobs in and around the house , including gardening, planting trees, and chainsaw work, and they approached every task with enthusiasm
… read more
3 May 2026
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
I had a wonderful time staying with Helen and Art for 10 days. They both welcomed me very warmly into their home, and I immediately felt comfortable and at ease. Helen and Art are incredibly kind, lively, and joyful people.
I really enjoyed being surrounded by their two sweet dogs and the baby cat – it truly made me feel at home. My tasks … read more
I really enjoyed being surrounded by their two sweet dogs and the baby cat – it truly made me feel at home. My tasks … read more
7 Apr 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Monika)
We had a wonderful experience hosting Monika.
From the moment she arrived, she was confident, friendly, and easy to have around. She’s a smart and engaging person, and we really enjoyed the many great conversations we had together. Evenings were fun, especially playing cards together.
Monika was also an amazing cook. She baked and cooked a lot … read more
From the moment she arrived, she was confident, friendly, and easy to have around. She’s a smart and engaging person, and we really enjoyed the many great conversations we had together. Evenings were fun, especially playing cards together.
Monika was also an amazing cook. She baked and cooked a lot … read more
6 Apr 2026
Left by Workawayer (Monika) for host
Ah what a wonderful experience it was to stay with Helen and Art!! I only stayed a week and honestly I wish I could've stayed longer! Helen and Art are wonderful people that make sure you are comfortable and taken care of! Helen remembered from my message that I love cows and the very first thing we did when I started my day was to say hi to their
… read more
18 Nov 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Virginia)
Virginia was wonderful and a real pleasure to host. She helped with all sorts of tasks and often needed only half an instruction before she was already on it. She takes initiative, is very capable, and has a real talent for organising things.
We also had many lovely conversations. Although her English is not perfect, she understands everything and … read more
We also had many lovely conversations. Although her English is not perfect, she understands everything and … read more
3 Nov 2025
Left by Workawayer (Carolain & Brayan) for host
We stayed with Helen and Arthur for a week, and it was honestly such a beautiful experience! They made us feel super comfortable from the very first moment we arrived. They’re both amazing people with an incredible mindset and value system that truly inspired us.
We shared lovely dinners, some fun board games, and deep conversations about life … read more
We shared lovely dinners, some fun board games, and deep conversations about life … read more
2 Nov 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Carolain & Brayan)
Carolain and Brayan were a relaxed and friendly couple , easy to have around and always keen to help with anything and learn new things. We had great conversations about all sorts of topics, and they cooked the best meals (amazing chilian soup, BBQ, bread, cake, etc)
They happened to be with us during a challenging time when a big storm hit and … read more
They happened to be with us during a challenging time when a big storm hit and … read more
31 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
Staying with Helen and Art was very easygoing and always friendly, they are both very open, relaxed, equipped with good energy, humour, kind and chatty, and on top of that always willing to answer and explain thoroughly all my questions about the animals and farm working. The surroundings of the house are peaceful and beautiful, there is no other
… read more
30 Aug 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
Anna was such a lovely person to have staying with us. She was always willing to help with anything that needed doing, from cooking and cleaning to planting, weeding and a range of general jobs around the place. She showed a lot of care for the dogs and horses (and even gave milking a go :-), which was really nice to see. Anna is very friendly and
… read more
6 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Saskia is such a lovely person, we had a great time together. She is helpful, thoughtful, fun and easygoing. She fitted into the 'family' easily. She was always happy to do whatever was needed and after a few days took initiative and just got on with it. We had lovely conversations and she cooked some amazing (vegetarian) food. We wish her all the
… read more
5 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
My time with the Blom Family had been an absolute blast, filled with lots of fun and laughter!
I am very grateful for this experience and I will keep it close to my heart :)
The whole Family welcomed me with open arms and Helen and Art took me along to all their social activities which made me really feel like a part of the family for my time … read more
I am very grateful for this experience and I will keep it close to my heart :)
The whole Family welcomed me with open arms and Helen and Art took me along to all their social activities which made me really feel like a part of the family for my time … read more
1 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Gijs) for host
My stay with Blom ventures was an absolut beautiful adventure. The family Blom is a warm family with a nice farm and they welcomed me with open arms.
Helen showed me how to move cows with advanced techniques and learned me how to use garden equipment so I could do some gardening work. She was very flexible with the working hours and my days off, … read more
Helen showed me how to move cows with advanced techniques and learned me how to use garden equipment so I could do some gardening work. She was very flexible with the working hours and my days off, … read more
18 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Gijs)
We enjoyed hosting Gijs, he was with us for about 10 days. Gijs is easy going and is happy to get involved in anything thats happening. He helped in the garden, with firewood, helped out with shifting stock, did weed-eating, helped poor concrete and cleaned/ helped around the house. He also did some repair jobs and helped out with lots of general
… read more
10 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Amanda)
We really enjoyed having Amanda stay and help out . She is bright, smart and full of energy. She helped out with all sorts; organising, sorting, cleaning, gardening ( heavy work), painting, moving gear and lots more. We also enjoyed her cooking and baking, and especially getting our breakfasts cooked. She was easy to have around, she is flexible
… read more
6 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Amanda) for host
My time with Helen, Art, and Emma was fantastic. They made me feel welcome within moments of my arrival. I loved that we shared meals together (all fantastic! Lots of fresh, delicious food) and worked as a team. Work started at 8 am and went until lunch. I did lots of different things around the property, helping get the woolshed cleaned up and
… read more
26 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Nik)
Nik was a great guy to have around—hardworking, skilled, and always willing to help. He has a lot of knowledge about wood and timber, which was really valuable,. He was so enthusiastic about the chainsaw work we had, he just worked and loved doing it. He also helped out with painting and took on every task with a great attitude. We had some great
… read more
8 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Sidney)
Sidney stayed with us for about 10 days. She was very helpful, organised, and so easy to have around. Her baking skills were a real treat, and her life stories made for some great conversations. On top of that, she is hands down the best sheet folder I have ever met! We truly appreciated her positive attitude and all the effort she put in during
… read more
17 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Rohan)
It was a pleasure to host Rohan. He was easy to have around— smart and positive, with a willingness to tackle any task. Rohan showed great commitment in completing all the weed-eating and cleaned out the spoutings, which was much appreciated. He also helped out with other jobs around the place and was interested in learning a bit about
… read more
26 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Marketa)
Marketa stayed with us for 9 days. She is positive and gentle. She helped with cleaning, organising, weeding, gardening and lots of other tasks.
We were impressed by her creativity in the kitchen—her cooking and baking were amazing, and it was wonderful to see how much she enjoyed experimenting with our homegrown ingredients. It’s always a joy to … read more
We were impressed by her creativity in the kitchen—her cooking and baking were amazing, and it was wonderful to see how much she enjoyed experimenting with our homegrown ingredients. It’s always a joy to … read more
26 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Marketa) for host
I have spent 9 days with Helen's and Art's family and I have really enjoyed my stay! This has been my first time staying at a dairy farm, and for the first time in my life I got to milk a few cows, which was so cool. My work was mosty weed cutting and gardening and then in the afternoon I got to cook and bake whatever I wanted, which I really
… read more
26 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Maeve) for host
I loved my stay. They are all very welcoming and I instantly felt comfortable and had a lot of laughs. The food was great and it was lovely to sit down with everyone for dinners. I had great rides on the horses which was amazing for me. Would highly recommend
16 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Maeve)
We enjoyed having Maeve around. She has energy, is social and likes a good laugh. She realy enjoyed riding the horses and taking care of them. She helped out with cooking, cleaning, general tidying and gave all the tack/leather a good clean and oil, they are looking like new. Maeve also enjoys baking, so we had lovely cakes for dessert most
… read more
21 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Claire)
We had a lovely time with Claire. She is friendly, has great insights, is curious and did very well with her English. She helped with different tasks. She did a lot of cooking and baking for us. Made loads of tasty freezer meals. We wish Claire all the best.
12 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jules)
We had a wonderful time with Jules. He is easygoing, a great conversationalist, and very relaxed. Jules was always happy to help with any task—cleaning, tidying, sorting, water blasting, and more. I believe he will fit seamlessly into any situation or family. We wish him all the best.
9 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jules) for host
For my first workaway, I had the most magical 12 days. Helen is wonderful and the family are the best. I can't recommend this bunch enough. Good company, good times and I will keep them in my hearts forever. This experience really couldn't have went any better for me, the farm is stunningly beautiful and the Bloms are the most amazing family to go
… read more
3 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jan) for host
It was wonderful to stay with Helen and Art. We were there for ten days and helped with different tasks such as ripping wallpaper, cleaning the house (inside and ouside), shed, did some gardening, we could do as well milking the cows optional. This was a really cool experience. We did cooking together. In our free time we could do horsebackriding
… read more
31 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jan)
We enjoyed hosting Jan and Marlies. They are a energetic and fun loving couple who fitted in perfectly. They helped out with lots of tasks to make the place look and feel better. Marlies enjoyed cooking and she did a lot of baking; we never ate this many different cakes in our lives; so good!
Jan and Marlies are mature and flexible. They were … read more
Jan and Marlies are mature and flexible. They were … read more
26 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Bekah & Kieran)
Bekah & Kieran were great workawayers. They are friendly, enjoy a good yarn, were flexible and gave everything a good go. They got a lot done for our big gardening project. Kieran has tractor and chainsaw skills that came in very handy. Bekah has beautiful animal handling skills; she looked after the horses, dog and cat while we were away, they
… read more
24 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Bekah & Kieran) for host
Awesome experience staying at the farm in Balfour with Art and Helen. We stayed just under two weeks and home/pet sitted while the hosts were away. Very interesting people with great stories! Very welcoming and relaxed. We did gardening and were very pleased to be part of their big project, we can't wait to see how it turns out! Thank you for
… read more
26 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jessie)
Jessie is a great young woman; friendly, smart and has energy. She helped out with all sorts of jobs and was happy to give anything a go. She has lots of different experiences and I really enjoyed the conversation we had. She fitted into the house dynamics easily and was flexible. Great experience and I hope Jessie enjoys the rest of her travels.
7 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jessie) for host
My stay with the family Blom was great! I really got to experience farm life in the Southland. I mostly did gardening and cleaning jobs and helped at a Dutch farmers gathering. Bram also let me help him milk the cows and drive around on the quads to do some farm jobs. Was a fun experience! It was a busy and hectic week but I could really
… read more
20 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucja & Noah)
Lucja and Noah were great workawayers. They are friendly, easy going and slotted right into everything. They helped with lots of different things; un-packing after we moved a whole lot of stuff, cleaning, gardening, cleaning out the spouting, washed the windows and lots of other tasks. They also looked after the cat and dog while we were away. On
… read more
22 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Laureline) for host
I spent 2 weeks in Balfour with Helen and Art (and Flower, Edie, Red, Ruby...all the animals) and the experience was fantastic. There was a lot of help in the garden, that was hard but gratifying as we ( we were 3 workawayers at that time) really felt like we were making a difference. we cleared trees, ivy (lots of it !), did weed control...Helen
… read more
4 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Laureline)
Laureline is such a lovely and energetic person. She is positive and gives everything a go. She like to organise things and makes sure she gets things done. She is tidy and she is a very good cook! We had some great laughs an good conversations. She is an easy person to have in the home. We wish Laureline all the best and thank her for all her
… read more
17 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Rik & Amber) for host
This was our first workaway and what a way to start! From the moment we arrived we felt very welcome. Helen and Arthur are funny, warm and enthusiastic people! The work they had in store for us suited us perfectly. After work there was always time for a coffee and a great meal. We had so much fun gardening and helping around the farm. Overall we
… read more
17 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rik & Amber)
Amber and Rik were great workawayers. They are fun, have skills, are hard working and very flexible. They fitted right into homelife. They have travlled extensively and we enjoyed hearing their stories and expereinces. While helping out they did a lot (a whole lot!) of garden work. Using sheer force and energy and lots of power-garden-tools
… read more
29 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jantje) for host
I can absolutely recommend it to stay on the farm with Helen and Art. I stayed for 10 days and in that time two other Workawayers Hong and Tim stayed there as well. We worked together in the garden (cutting grass and bushes) and did some housekeeping tasks. Together we cooked and ate, played card games every evening and I got the opportunity to go
… read more
20 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jantje)
Jantje is a delightful young woman. She is interested in people and her surroundings. She was happy to give anything a go and showed lots of initiative. She used our large motorised weed-eater for quite a few days and did lots of other heavy work in the garden. We cooked and ate togther and usually played a game of cards in the evenings. We had a
… read more
25 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Timothy & Yonghong) for host
Great Hosts. We so enjoyed our time with Helen and Art. Kind, thoughtful and friendly folks. Great meals and card games in the evening with lively conversation and shared her companies Green Lipped Muss supplements. Sent me off with a packet of delicious chocolate and coconut brownies, Yummy! Trusted us to borrow their car for a day trip to the
… read more
20 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Timothy & Yonghong)
Hong and Tim stayed with us for two weeks and made the biggest difference in the look of our garden and the exterior of the house. They got stuck into doing lots of heavy garden work, dragging branches on trailers and clearing 10 years of overgrowth. They also waterblasted the concrete and outside of the house, it all looks clean and shiny again.
… read more
23 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Katie & Ewan)
This feedback is for Claire; she is part of this group of 3 friends, however she is not on this profile. I did want to leave some feedback about/for her though; She was a wonderful workawayer; happy and keen to get stuck into the jobs I gave her. She (and her friend who stayed) cooked a lovely meal and they were very easy to have around. She
… read more
18 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Katie & Ewan) for host
We loved working at Helen and Arts!! such a beautiful property and people. we learnt lots about dairy farming, felt like part of the family, and got to help feed the calves! can't wait to come back!!!
12 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Kara and Mike are fantastic; caring, interested and interesting, diligent, fun, all-round great people. They helped us so much and made our lives so much easier during the time they were with us. They tackled a lot of tidying, cleaning, gardening and maintenance jobs. They even build a rock-wall, which was a very challenging task and it came out
… read more
10 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
Our workaway in Balfour was one of growth and excitement. The entire family are so fun and easy to get along with, which really makes the experience.
Generally, we were doing maintenance around the farm houses which included gardening, water blasting and mowing lawns etc. We also had the opportunity over the 3 weeks to extend ourselves, and our … read more
Generally, we were doing maintenance around the farm houses which included gardening, water blasting and mowing lawns etc. We also had the opportunity over the 3 weeks to extend ourselves, and our … read more
