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Description
We live on a beautiful 13-acre private lifestyle property in Northland, which my husband and I own and manage ourselves. This is our home and way of life, not a business or commercial operation. We are passionate about creating a more self-sufficient lifestyle and enjoy growing as much of our own food as possible, including fruit, vegetables and meat.
We are surrounded by the natural beauty that makes Northland such a special part of New Zealand, with stunning beaches, coastline, native bush and rolling countryside all within easy reach. Fishing, swimming, boating and simply enjoying the outdoors are a big part of what we love about living here.
Our property is home to sheep, cattle, chickens, pheasants and our seven much-loved Yorkshire Terriers. Our dogs are very social and an important part of our family, so we are looking for someone who is a genuine dog lover and enjoys being around them. We also have gardens and fruit trees and are continually working towards producing more of our own food. Living this way is rewarding, but it also means there is always something that needs doing.
Maintaining 13 acres is an ongoing commitment. There are animals to care for, gardens and grounds to maintain, fences and buildings to look after, and various general projects around the property.
I have undergone two major back surgeries, which have significantly limited the amount of heavy physical work I can safely undertake. I remain very involved in the day-to-day running of our home, caring for our animals and managing our lifestyle property, but some of the heavier gardening and outdoor tasks have become increasingly difficult for me.
This is where having some extra practical help would make a real difference. Tasks may include gardening, weeding, general help around the grounds, caring for gardens and fruit trees, helping with animals and assisting with general upkeep around the property. We are looking for someone practical, reliable and happy to get involved with rural lifestyle tasks.
In return, we are happy to share our knowledge, our way of life and the experience of living on a Northland lifestyle block.
We particularly enjoy the outdoors and the freedom that comes with living rurally. Whether it is heading to the beach, enjoying a spot of fishing, exploring the coastline, working in the gardens or simply appreciating the peace and beauty around us, there is always something to enjoy.
Our 13 acres is much more than just a property—it is our private home, our animals, our gardens and the lifestyle we have worked hard to create. We are proud of what we have achieved and would love some practical assistance with the tasks that have become more challenging, while sharing a genuine taste of rural Northland life. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
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Interests
Pets
Farming
Movies & TV
Events & social
Plant care
Drawing & painting
Cooking & food
Photography
Music
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Animals
Team sports
Outdoor activities
Water sports
Sailing / Boating
Nature
Beach -
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We see hosting Workawayers as much more than exchanging a few hours of help for accommodation. For us, it is an opportunity to share our home, our lifestyle and our part of Northland while learning about the people and cultures that Workawayers bring with them.
We enjoy meeting people from different countries and backgrounds and hearing about their lives, traditions, food, families and experiences. We would love to share our own New Zealand way of life, including what it is like living on a rural lifestyle block, caring for animals, growing our own food and enjoying the beautiful Northland coastline.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy social activities together, whether it is sharing meals, having a barbecue, exploring local beaches, going fishing, visiting local places of interest or simply sitting down together and having a good conversation. We are also happy to introduce Workawayers to our local community and help them discover some of the special places Northland has to offer.
We can share practical skills and knowledge around gardening, growing food, caring for animals, rural property maintenance and life on a lifestyle block. We also enjoy learning from our guests, whether that is a new recipe, a different approach to gardening, a skill they can teach us or simply learning about their culture and way of life.
Our seven Yorkshire Terriers are an important part of our family and are very social, so we particularly enjoy welcoming genuine dog lovers who will enjoy spending time with them.
We hope that Workawayers leave us with a genuine experience of New Zealand rural life and fond memories of their time in Northland. In return, we hope to broaden our own understanding of the world by welcoming people from different cultures into our home.
For us, the best cultural exchange happens naturally - doing tasks together during the day, sharing a meal in the evening, swapping stories and discovering how much we can learn from one another. -
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
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Help
We have a variety of projects around our 13-acre Northland lifestyle block and are looking for practical, motivated people who enjoy being outdoors, getting their hands dirty and seeing the results of their help.
The main projects will include gardening, clearing and helping around the grounds, caring for gardens and fruit trees, general property care and helping keep the lifestyle block looking its best. There may also be tasks involving caring for and tasks with fences, creative DIY and other areas of the property.
The tasks will vary from day to day, and we are happy to do tasks alongside our Workawayers where practical. We enjoy sharing skills and knowledge and learning from each other along the way. You may already have experience with gardening, DIY tasks or living in a rural property, but you don't need to be an expert at everything. A willingness to learn, help safely and have a go is what matters most.
Our seven Yorkshire Terriers are an important part of our family and are very social, so being a genuine dog lover is essential. You will have plenty of opportunity to spend time with them and experience life alongside our animals.
In return, you will have the opportunity to experience genuine Northland rural life, enjoy our peaceful surroundings and explore the beautiful beaches, coastline, fishing and outdoor activities that Northland has to offer.
We are hoping to find people who enjoy being part of a household, appreciate country living and take pride in helping care for and maintain a beautiful lifestyle property. -
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Afrikaans: Intermediate
Maori: Beginner -
Accommodation
Our home is a spacious three-storey, five-bedroom house set on our 13-acre lifestyle block in beautiful Northland.
The house has plenty of room for everyone to have their own space while still providing comfortable shared areas where we can relax, cook meals and spend time together. There is a bathroom and shared living facilities, with the house surrounded by the gardens, paddocks and animals that make up our lifestyle block.
The property offers a genuine taste of rural New Zealand living, with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy and the opportunity to experience life surrounded by sheep, cattle, chickens, pheasants and our seven Yorkshire Terriers.
Workawayers will have a comfortable home base while exploring the Northland region, including its beautiful beaches, coastline, fishing and many outdoor activities. It is a peaceful rural setting where you can enjoy the space and slower pace of country life while being part of our household and helping with our projects. -
What else ...
We are located approximately 30 minutes west of Kamo, Whangārei, in a peaceful rural part of Northland. Because we are on a lifestyle block in the countryside, a vehicle is required for getting around and exploring the area. Workawayers will have the freedom to discover the many attractions, beaches and outdoor activities that Northland has to offer.
Whangārei and the surrounding area have something for everyone, from beautiful beaches and waterfalls to walks, fishing, markets and local attractions. Whangārei Falls, the Whangārei Town Basin, AH Reed Memorial Park and the surrounding walking tracks are great places to explore.
The Tutukākā Coast is a particular highlight, with beautiful beaches, coastal walks, swimming, boating, fishing and access to the spectacular Poor Knights Islands, one of Northland's most famous diving and snorkelling destinations.
There are also many beautiful beaches within driving distance, including Matapōuri, Whale Bay, Sandy Bay and Ocean Beach, as well as numerous smaller coastal spots to discover.
For those who enjoy walking and nature, Northland has an abundance of native bush, coastal tracks, waterfalls and scenic lookouts. There are opportunities for swimming, kayaking, surfing, diving, snorkelling and fishing, depending on the season and conditions.
Further north, the Bay of Islands, Paihia, Kerikeri and Cape Reinga are all fantastic places to visit. The Far North offers spectacular coastal scenery, historic sites, beaches and opportunities to experience more of New Zealand's unique landscapes and culture.
There are also plenty of local cafés, markets, galleries and small towns to explore along the way.
Living with us gives Workawayers a great base to experience rural Northland while also having access to some of New Zealand's most beautiful coastline and outdoor attractions. A vehicle is essential, however, as we are approximately 30 minutes west of Kamo and public transport is limited in our rural location. -
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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Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
Phoebe, Ellie, Skye, Carlton, McKenna, Harper, Mia
Photos
