Join us on our lifestyle block outside Christchurch, New Zealand

Details

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  Description

  We are a family of 4 (two girls aged 10 and 12), recently returned to NZ after 16 years in the UK - now home 3 years and settled back into Kiwi life on a 4ha lifestyle block in West Melton. We spent 2018/2019 travelling Europe and Africa in an old Land Rover, and to be honest are missing regular interactions and sharing crazy travel stories with likeminded global roamers such as ourselves! We are working towards being as self sufficient as possible, raising our own animals and crops as much as possible.. it's an ongoing project! We have a self contained studio flat for Workawayers on the property, however we would expect Workawayers to integrate into family life as much as possible. Obviously being good with kids and animals is a must!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  As a family we are extremely well travelled (47 countries in 2018/2019) and love meeting people from new (and old) countries. We would expect travellers to integrate into our family life, and maybe pass on a few good recipes!

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We are slowly knocking the property into shape, so there is always work helping set up gardens, weeding, general garden maintenance, animal feeding, household domestic tasks, cooking the odd meal as well as some childminding of two young girls... and there is generally a project of some description on the go. From time to time a little bit of house sitting would be fantastic, so we can get away with the kids (having animals to feed, there must always be someone here...). We have pigs, ducks, hens, meat chickens, sheep and quite a few bees - as well as two cats and a dog who think they own the place. We are flexible about how your hours are used - as long as they get done, you can plan them around other activities.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  We have a self contained flat for Workaway use, however occasionally we may need you to stay inside the main house (in the guest room). When the family is around, we will all eat together (we would love the opportunity to try new meals, but in general we will cook for you - unless you are especially talented in the kitchen of course!). We are an omnivorous family, so vegan/vegetarian travellers won't really work for us - but we are open to the occasional plant based meal. We bake our own bread so gluten intolerance is also a bit tricky for us to cater for. The entire property is served with wifi, inside and out, however mobile reception is not good unless in or near the main house (we have a signal booster, but it has limited range). We have just finished installing a new 11m saltwater, heated pool... obviously it won't be available in the winter months, but for half the year it's pretty good! There is also a Concept2 rowing machine available for use for anyone that way inclined.

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  What else ...

  West Melton is a rural town, located around 35 minutes from Central Christchurch by car, and there is a VERY basic bus service running from Rolleston (around 10 minutes drive to the bus stop). There is a winery 100m from our front gate. The airport is around a 20 minute drive. We are located about an hours drive from the major Canterbury skifields, and there is plenty of hiking (and fishing) in Canterbury. We are non-smoking, and would expect our Workawayers to be so as well. We enjoy good food, and probably a little too much beer and wine (we brew our own beer). A word of warning - like many rural properties in NZ, we have a problem with rabbits... this we control by occasionally hunting (and eating) them. The lambs and ducks on the property are processed on site periodically and are highly likely to appear on your plate, alongside hunted wild venison - If this bothers you, we may not be appropriate hosts! With bees, cats, a dog and lots of flowering trees on site, it is important that anyone suffering from allergies has the appropriate medication (and lets us know in advance). Given our location we *strongly* advise that Workawayers have their own transport, however we are happy to collect and drop off from Rolleston or the backpackers in Christchurch if required. Experience has taught us that we aren't a good fit for people without their own vehicle...

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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

  There is a strong wifi signal covering the entire property, and we have an unlimited data package. There is a desk in the workaway accommodation, and a PC available as well if required.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have heaps of secure parking, and a very well equipped workshop. Having repeatedly fixed our Land Rover in very difficult conditions in Africa, Phil is also able to assist and/or offer advice on many mechanical issues.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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