Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
20 Oct 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
13
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
We are a relaxed Kiwi/German couple on a 2.5 ha lifestyle block in Buccleuch, with 3 cats (wild cats who seem to have adopted us) and a handful of sheep. We are only a stone throw away from the Hakatere Conservation Area in Mid Canterbury and Mt Hutt (The area lies between the Rakaia River and the Rangitata River and the highlight of the area being the many beautiful high-country lakes). We live in one of the oldest houses in the district and have plenty of room for visitors.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Being a mixed cultural household (Gudrun from Germany and John from NZ), we understand travelling and learning about the host country. We also understand that it is sometimes good to take stock about the recent experiences. While we are away during the day you would have peace and quiet and at night we are happy sitting and chatting over dinner.
Help
Both working away from our home, we are mostly looking for help with our garden (weeding, lawn mowing or basic trimming) and household. Being able to cook basic meals (or as fancy as you like) would be great and baking is always welcome. We also have sheep and cattle on a different property where some assistance is needed at times. Depending on skill level there could be fencing or small maintenance tasks but that is not expected.
Help hours are flexible but in general 4-5 hours/ 5 days week.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We have 1 double bedroom in the house and a single sleep out. The bathroom is shared but we have 2 toilets.
Food items will be provided, and we will take our guests preferences into consideration. Breakfast and lunch you will look after yourself only and cooking of the evening meal can be a shared.
We are a non-smoking household.
What else ...
Living rural with no public transport, a car is of advantage. Pick up in Ashburton can be arranged on workdays. Numerous walks are close by and we are happy to help with transport to some of the local walks. Mt Somers is 1688m high and a challenging walk but plenty of less strenuous options are available.
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?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (6)
From the very first moments I met them, I felt completely at ease.
Gudrun has a genuine curiosity about people’s lives and radiates such positive energy. As for John, he always has a funny or interesting story to share, making every conversation engaging.
They live in a charming old house in a… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
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)
From the very first moments I met them, I felt completely at ease.
Gudrun has a genuine curiosity about people’s lives and radiates such positive energy. As for John, he always has a funny or interesting story to share, making every conversation engaging.
They live in a charming old house in a… read more
Jo has developed a lot of practical skills through his trade and own house/ garden.… read more
