Experience Kiwi culture in our family home in a tranquil valley in the Far North of New Zealand

Details

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  Description

  Kia ora!
  
  We are seeking help at our property which is set in a tranquil valley in the Far North of New Zealand.
  
  We are a young family of 5 who has ventured into owning our own lifestyle property. We have 3 children aged under 7 years, 1 girl and 2 boys. My husband is a chef and is now self-employed running a property maintenance business and I am working part time with an Environmental Trust.
  
  We have 5 acres of beautiful native bush, numerous fruit trees, and lots of peaceful places to relax and enjoy the bush. We have extensive vegetable gardens and are trying to create a property that is self-sufficient. We have 1 dog and 16 chickens which give us plenty of eggs and joy.
  
  Even though we're busy, we like to spend our spare time at the beach, fishing or going to the local markets and would welcome you along too. We also have invested in a small pool to cool off in the hotter months!
  
  We live semi-off grid so you will learn about solar power (just easy common-sense stuff!), using tank-water and living sustainably as possible. We like to limit cellphone use in front of the children so please be mindful of this and be aware of when they are around. Technology is a part of life but we try to teach balance :-)
  
  We eat meat, but also plenty of vegetable friendly meals too. If you enjoy young children, then this is a bonus too! But not necessary, as long as you don't mind a bit of noise and mess :-)
  We enjoy cooking together, preserving, experimenting with new recipes and trying new things.
  
  If you're outgoing, have initiative and are willing to try new things, and share your skills then please contact us.
  
  We can take 1 person or a couple, around 10days-2 weeks stay is fine but we are flexible!
  
  Please read the accommodation section below as we have recently changed the sleeping area for guests and need to ensure you are comfortable with it.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  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

  We go fishing/diving/beach exploring on our free time and you're welcome to join us. My husband is Maori and we try to use te reo maori in the household as much as possible. Visitors can expect typical Kiwi culture,

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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

  There's always something to do on the property, a project that needs starting/finishing and general maintenance.
  
  We have large raised garden beds that need fixing, a chicken pen to fix, a glass house to fix, lawns to mow, and many more projects! We have pet chickens who lay daily. We'd like to get the property ready to own some pigs, and eventually cattle so there is building and fencing to be done.
  
  Tasks would include: anything from household cleaning, help with the children, harvesting, weeding and watering gardens, lawn-mowing, collecting firewood and clearing land from noxious weeds. We will be mulching, composting, pruning, general tidying and wood chopping. We may need help with building projects so any carpentry skills would be very useful. Gardening work is usually the priority!
  
  Tasks are best done in the morning or afternoon so you can choose how you want to spend the day. Inside the house there is help needed with cleaning and meal preparation. Also childminding from time to time if you wish, but not required.
  
  There is no public transport available from our property so having your own vehicle would be ideal. I can also collect you from the town bus station.
  
  Please bring wet weather gear, outdoor shoes and sunblock so all weather conditions are covered.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  Maori: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  A little different this year! We have set up a private camper approx 50 meters from the main house for Workawayers to sleep in. It is essentially a large tent with a raised double bed. It's warm, waterproof with ample space to store your belongings. Please note it is only a sleeping area, all amenities are available for you at the house. You have a beautiful outlook of the surrounding bush and can hear birdlife 24/7.
  
  Bathroom and kitchen is shared and at the main house. We have a living room, two conservatories and a spacious deck which are nice and sunny to relax in. The house is an old country villa and warm and dry. We have two fireplaces and even a hot outdoor shower which is amazing to shower amongst the trees and birds!
  
  Breakfast is toast, fruits, cereal and yoghurt. Pancakes and eggs on the weekends :-) Lunch is sandwiches/salad or dinner leftovers. Dinner is typically meat and vegetables, but we eat a lot of vegetarian food too. Visitors are encouraged to join in with cooking or cook a meal. Washing and drying of the dishes after dinner is appreciated. If you'd like specific ingredients for a particular meal you'd like to cook, let me know! We love new and interesting foods!
  
  If you have specific dietary requirements please let us know in advance.

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  What else ...

  We are 13 kilometers from Kaitaia and have amazing beaches on both the west and east coast, about 25 minutes by car, so surfing, fishing or just relaxing at the beach are close by. There are nice bush walks close by and a trip to Cape Reinga is a worthwhile visit on your day off
  Tourist attractions are easily reached and visitors can plan on visiting attractions in the Bay of Islands (east coast, approx 1 hour away) and Hokianga (west coast) as well as travelling to the northern most point in NZ- Cape Reinga.
  We ask guests to arrive after 3pm and leave by 10am.

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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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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