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Description
We live on a hectare of productive garden, orchard and wild areas in Diamond Harbour , which is nestled in the beautiful harbour of Lyttelton, Banks Peninsula. It is green with lots of trees and filled with birdsong. It feels like country life with the advantage of being in a wonderful community and close to Christchurch city and the port of Lyttelton. Only 10 minutes ride on a ferry to get here, and that connects to a short bus ride from the city. Or a 40 minute drive from Christchurch.
Mary swims daily in the sea and you can join her if you like. There are also lots of tracks to walk and a great new cafe close by. You can join in the weekly ukulele class and sing-along which Mary runs, and she has taught organic gardening for many years so you can learn if you’re interested.
We love to grow food sustainably and care for this land. Recent projects have been; developing new vegetable garden beds, harvesting and preserving the fruit from the season, building a large chicken run, felling big trees and making firewood, weeding and planting, compost-making, propagating and planting new trees and shrubs.
Also keen for some help with tidying, de-cluttering, cleaning and painting inside. Washing high windows.
You will have a separate room with a view over the trees and a double futon bed. It is shared living with us. Delicious fresh food provided for you.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Events & social
Culture
Sustainability
Self development
Writing
Plant care
Music
History
Gardening
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Art & design
Yoga / Wellness
Water sports
Sailing / Boating
Outdoor activities
Nature
Camping
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are local to this area and have lived around here all our lives. Staying in our home you will learn about NZ culture , talking and eating and working together. You are welcome to join in with the weekly ukulele and singing lessons, lots of fun songs and waiata ( Māori songs).
In exchange we always enjoy learning about you and your culture.
We have been wwoof hosts for over 25 years, so hosting people from other countries is part of our lives and those of our adult children ( you will probably meet them when they visit too).
Daily cold water swimming is part of Mary’s life and you are welcome to join in.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Outside we need help with general gardening, light building, firewood, chicken care, digging over new gardens, compost-making, tree-planting, clearing new areas (harder physical work to cut back and remove large plants).
Inside the house we need help with cleaning, de-cluttering, painting walls, small carpentry repairs, building shelves and benches,
We will mostly work with you if you. If possible we will teach you the task and then set you up to work independently.
Always keen to share our skills with you.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Separate room and double bed.
Delicious, fresh meals available (3 meals provided).
We eat some meat but not a lot.
We can share cooking.
If you require specific food (eg. Gluten free bread, dairy free milk, you will need to provide this). We can provide GF and DF meals.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
There is space on our drive for a camper. Contact us if you are interested in bring your camper here and we can discuss your requirements and whether this is suitable.
Can possibly accept pets
Dogs which are people and livestock friendly and won’t run away.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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