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Description
Welcome to our little slice of paradise in Gisborne, New Zealand!
We’re a small, family-run boutique farm set on 10 peaceful acres nestled in a sunny valley just outside of Gisborne. Our farm is home to an olive orchard, a small flock of sheep, and a wide variety of fruit trees. The farm is located a 10-minute bike ride from Gisborne city and we have bikes you can use.
What makes this place really special is our commitment to restoring the land—we’ve been replanting with native trees to bring back the natural ecosystem, and we’re proud to now share the space with an abundance of native birds like kererū (wood pigeon), kārearea (NZ falcon), kāhu (hawk), and many more.
We're Susan and Nigel, and we've been caring for this land for over 30 years. In our day jobs, we work as educational consultants specialising in behavioural management and lead busy lives.
We think you’ll love the slower pace of life here, the native wildlife, and the chance to be part of a meaningful restoration project. It's physical work but you'll be in a slice of paradise. Gisborne is also a beautiful region to explore—famous for its beaches, wineries, and being the first place in the world to see the sunrise.
We look forward to welcoming you to our farm and sharing a bit of our world with you.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Interests
Nature
Cycling
Sustainability
Farming
Culture
Plant care
Animals
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our place offers a quiet, nature-focused lifestyle—but when time allows, we love connecting with Workawayers over a cuppa and good conversation. Nigel and Sue are both musicians with a passion for music and creativity, and while they lead busy lives working in education, they're always happy to share their world when the opportunity arises.
You’ll mostly be working independently, but there are chances to chat, swap stories, and learn from each other. We're always curious to hear about where you're from, your experiences, and the skills you bring. If you're musically inclined, you might even find a moment to share a tune!
We’re also happy to share what we’ve learned from years of land restoration, growing olives, planting native trees, and running a small, mixed-use farm. At the same time, we value learning from our visitors—whether it's a new idea, a different way of working, or just getting a window into another way of life.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We’re looking for independent, practical helpers who enjoy physical outdoor work and are comfortable working on their own once shown what to do. Most of the tasks are hands-on and vary depending on the season, but typical jobs include:
-Weeding garden beds and around young native trees
-Digging and preparing ground for planting
-Planting native trees and fruit trees
-Cutting back or removing small trees and overgrowth
-Picking fruit when in season
-General tidying and seasonal maintenance around the farm
We’ll usually give you a rundown of the tasks in the morning, and then leave you to get stuck in at your own pace. You won’t be micromanaged—we trust Workawayers who are self-directed, ask questions when needed, and take pride in doing a good job.
We’re always happy to match the work to your strengths where we can. If you have specific skills (like carpentry, landscaping, eco-building, or tool maintenance), let us know—we might have a project to suit!
Work is typically 4–5 hours a day, with plenty of free time to explore the area or relax in nature. This is a peaceful, quiet place that suits people who enjoy their own company, appreciate the outdoors, and like the satisfaction of meaningful, physical work.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Maori: Intermediate
Accommodation
You’ll have your own private, self-contained cabin—a beautifully restored spot with plenty of charm. It features a comfortable double bed, kitchen, hot shower, flushing toilet, Wi-Fi, and a cozy wood fire for the cooler months. The interior is lined with dark timber, giving it a warm and peaceful feel—perfect for relaxing after a day on the land. Please note you'll have a outside toilet that is a long drop, so you'll need to be ok with that.
The cabin is set apart from the main house, so you’ll have plenty of privacy and space to yourself. We provide clean bedding, towels, and everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Food is generally self-catered, and the cabin is fully equipped with basic cooking gear. We’ll stock you up with essentials like oil, flour, rice, and some fresh produce from the farm when available. Occasionally, we might share a meal or a cuppa, but most of the time you'll cook and eat independently.
This setup suits people who enjoy their own space and a quiet, nature-filled environment. You’ll have the time and freedom to settle into a rhythm that works for you while still being part of a wider land restoration project.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
