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Shape and care for the land in a haven of biodiversity in Cheviot, New Zealand

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    This is the eco-living arrangement and rural lifestyle of Olmec and Melisa.

    Our 2 hectare lifestyle forest garden is a haven of biodiversity. We use permaculture principles and approaches to shape and care for the land, growing a wide range of crops and creating habitat for animals including pigs, chickens and ducks. We make use of alternative energy systems and attempt to create a low impact way of life.

    Motivated by the converging problems of environmental degradation, over population, peak oil and climate change, we develop resilient living systems with a focus on biological environmental restoration, food production and living in balance with nature.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Yoga / Wellness
    Pets
    Vegetarian or vegan
    Sustainability
    Van life
    Plant care
    Writing
    Cooking & food
    Drawing & painting
    Gardening
    Art & design
    Animals
    Nature
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Spend time with like minded people working close to nature to grow healthy fruit and vegetables. You will have the opportunity to learn about rain and water management, tree growing and care, vegetable production, chickens, ducks,pigs and rabbits.

  • Help

    Help

    We seek help from interested, motivated people who can join us in the garden, working with trees, firewood, weed management and more.
    Please note: You are responsible for providing your own food and meal preparation with access to seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables from the forest garden.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Modified Shipping container:
    Making extensive use of recycled materials and low-tech solutions, the container house is comfortable with clever use of space. Enjoy lush views out the expansive windows into the forest garden, alive with birds and bees.

    The shipping container offers both a double and single bed as well as a hammock for relaxing in the attached conservatory. A small but well equipped kitchen will allow for simple meal preparation. The kitchen includes a mini fridge and gas cooking. You can also make use of the wood fire oven situated in the container space. The wood fire also heats the water for both the kitchen and the outdoor shower. The outdoor toilet is a rustic little outhouse in close proximity.


    If the shipping container accommodation is not available, there is another option available for occasional use:
    Tiny house accommodation with loft bed and rustic outdoor toilet and shower. Access to private deck overlooking native bush and private outdoor firebath (seasonal). Self contained kitchen has fridge, electric cooking, electric jug. Enjoy the wood fire oven which heats water for the kitchen and outdoor shower and also good for cooking on top.
    Please contact us for more information and photos of accommodation.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 773767233987

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Photos

A smiling couple takes a close-up selfie outdoors. Behind them, green foliage and red flowers create a natural, vibrant backdrop. Both appear happy and relaxed.
An old white bathtub sits outdoors surrounded by overgrown greenery. Nearby, a building with open windows lets sunlight and shadows filter onto the lush scene.
A cozy wooden room features a single bed with beige bedding, a small dresser, and a colorful geometric mural on the wall behind the bed.
A cozy bedroom with a colorful patchwork bed, patterned curtains, a large window with greenery outside, wall art, a wooden bench, and a patterned carpet.
A small red house with large windows is surrounded by tall, wild green plants and dense overgrown vegetation under a bright blue sky.
A small, red garden shed with glass windows is partly hidden among dense green foliage and trees, surrounded by overgrown grass and various plants on a sunny day.
The image depicts a vibrant basket overflowing with an assortment of colorful corn cobs, showcasing a kaleidoscope of hues and textures.
A hand holds a freshly split apricot, revealing its vibrant orange flesh and a large central pit. The background includes a colorful fabric pattern.
A hand holds a freshly cut guava, displaying its pale green skin and white, juicy interior with visible seeds, set against a blurred garden background.
The image depicts a pig lying in the grass, facing the camera, with its mouth open and a red collar around its neck, set against a serene outdoor backdrop.
A hand is holding a fresh kiwi fruit cut in half, showing its green flesh, small black seeds, and fuzzy brown skin, outdoors in natural light.
The image depicts a serene garden with lush green grass, vibrant flowers, and trees, set against a blue sky with white clouds on a sunny day.
The image depicts a lush, vibrant forest with a mix of trees and bushes, bathed in sunlight, creating a serene and natural atmosphere.
The image depicts a serene rural landscape with rolling hills, trees, and buildings, set against a backdrop of distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

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