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Join us on an ecological restoration project in Stillwater, Auckland, New Zealand

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Location: Stillwater, Auckland

    Accommodation: Private 40sqm Self-Contained Tiny House

    Hours: Approx. 4-5 hours per day Monday - Friday but flexible around longer days and days off to travel and explore.

    About the Project
    We live on a stunning 18-acre property in Stillwater with direct estuary coastline. We are currently dedicated to a major ecological restoration project: removing invasive species along the coast to replant native trees and restore the local habitat to bring back the native birdlife and stabilise the river banks.

    We are looking for a mature couple or friends who are physically fit and reliable. We generally prefer those 25+, but we are happy to host younger helpers if you are competent, skilled, and can provide excellent references.

    The Tasks (Skill-Based)
    We are looking for people with a "can-do" attitude who have experience in:
    Ecological Restoration: Identifying and removing invasive species; planting and mulching natives.
    Tree Work & Pruning: Experience with basic arboriculture or heavy pruning is a big plus.
    Property Maintenance: General property maintenance and help with ongoing projects.
    Gardening: General weeding and maintaining the aesthetic of the property.

    Accommodation & Food
    You will stay in our furnished 40sqm self-contained off grid house (solar power, rainwater, composting toilet). It sits in a sunny spot with a large deck and expansive views over the property and river.
    Layout: One room with a queen bed, a second room with a single bed.
    Facilities: Private kitchen, shower, and toilet.
    Access to pool and tennis court.
    Food: We provide seasonal ingredients in the accommodation and kitchen amenities for preparing your own meals with opportunities for shared lunches or evening meals.

    Transport & Location
    Stillwater is a peaceful coastal semi-rural community close to the urban centre of Silverdale in the Hibiscus Coast.
    Public Transport: The main bus hub is a 10-minute drive from the property.
    Assistance: If you don't have your own vehicle, we can generally help with transport to and from the bus hub or for local supply runs.

    What We Are Looking For
    We value competency and initiative. This is a great spot for someone who loves nature and wants to see a tangible difference in the environment through their work.
    Note: Please include a brief description of your previous experience/skills and a link to your references or reviews in your message.

    About the Hosts
    We are a couple in our 50s and have lived and worked in this wonderful local community for the last 20 years. We are very active and love the outdoors, sports, and water sports—one of the reasons we love living on this 18-acre coastal slice of paradise!
    We have four grown-up children who come and go, so the property is often full of life, but we also value the peace and birdlife that our restoration project brings. We enjoy meeting new people and we're happy to share our knowledge of the local area with you.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

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

    Interests

    Technology
    Politics / Social justice
    Sustainability
    Fashion or beauty
    Culture
    Movies & TV
    Self development
    Farming
    Books
    Performing arts
    Gardening
    Music
    DIY & crafts
    Art & design
    Cooking & food
    Languages
    Carpentry
    Nature
    Sailing / Boating
    Yoga / Wellness
    Water sports
    Outdoor activities
    Hiking
    Cycling
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Staying with us is about exploring a lifestyle. Having lived and worked in this community for two decades, we love sharing the history of the Stillwater and Silverdale area and giving you an authentic taste of life in coastal New Zealand.

    What we can teach you:

    Ecological Restoration: You will learn how to identify invasive species and understand the science of coastal restoration—how we select and plant native species to bring back the birds and restore the natural balance of the land.

    Property Skills: For those interested, we can share practical skills in general maintenance, gardening, and managing an 18-acre property.

    Local Kiwi Life: We can give you tips on local water sports, visiting the islands, fishing spots in the Hauraki Gulf and Kaipara Harbour and coastal walks.

    What we hope to learn from you: We love hosting because it brings the world to our doorstep. Whether it’s learning a few words of your language, hearing about your travels, or sharing a recipe from your home country, we value the fresh perspectives our visitors bring.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

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

  • Help

    Help

    The Tasks (Skill-Based)
    We are looking for people with a "can-do" attitude who have experience in:
    Ecological Restoration: Identifying and removing invasive species; planting and mulching natives.
    Tree Work & Pruning: Experience with basic arboriculture or heavy pruning is a big plus.
    Property Maintenance: General property maintenance and help with ongoing project work.
    Gardening: General weeding and maintaining the aesthetic of the property.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    French: 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.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Accommodation & Food
    You will stay in our furnished 40sqm self-contained off grid house (solar power, rainwater, composting toilet). It sits in a sunny spot with a large deck and expansive views over the property and river.
    Layout: One room with a queen bed, a second room with a single bed.
    Facilities: Private kitchen, shower, and toilet.
    Access to pool and tennis court.
    Food: We provide a Kiwi breakfast ingredients (cereals, seasonal fruits, yogurts, bread, eggs, spreads) in the accommodation and kitchen amenities for preparing your own lunches and dinners. We provide seasonal ingredients in the accommodation and kitchen amenities for preparing your own meals with opportunities for shared lunches or evening meals.

  • 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

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Blaise (9 years)

    Blaise is a Lowchen Poodle. A little fellow but big in affection and fun.

Host ref number: 779537214396

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Photos

A fluffy brown dog lies comfortably on a bed, gazing curiously at the camera. Colorful artwork and a pair of hands are visible in the background.
A lush garden with green grass, lemon trees full of ripe yellow fruit, tropical plants, thick bushes, and a black compost bin near a wooden structure.
This image shows a lush green landscape with trees, a grassy lawn, a blue swing, hills in the background, and a rooftop with solar panels.
A serene lake reflects dense green trees and blue sky, with a small boat anchored at the center, surrounded by lush vegetation and peaceful nature.
A modern black tiny house with large windows sits in a lush green yard. A person is gardening nearby. Trees surround the serene, sunny location.
A single-story wooden house sits amidst a green, sloping lawn. Palm trees and various plants surround the home, with a river and forested hills behind.

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