Profile information
Host rating
90 %
Last replied
18 Apr 2024
Reply rate
94.1 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
38
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
The little farm is located half an hour out of Blenheim. A few cows, sheep, chickens, ducks, cats and horses. It suits keen experienced horse riders mainly but those looking for a quiet farm stay are also welcome.
Jobs include basic cleaning, painting, farm jobs, gardening, pruning, watering plants, picking up branches, feeding animals. You don't need experience in any of these things, a positive attitude is most valued.
NOTE: horse riding is not considered work. Riding is a privilege. We do expect guests to do their hours, and clean up after themselves. If you can't get up in the morning, this place is not for you. You must be respectful and tidy.
Comfortable accommodation mostly self contained but sharing shower and kitchen (open to sharing meals, or not).
I like to take workaway guests to explore the area when I can, on foot, or on horses (for experienced horse riders). Interested people may advance their horsemanship skills.
I'm extensively travelled, lived nine years in the Middle East as well as in other areas of the world. I run my own business separate from the farm, and previously worked as a teacher.
I'm open to any suggestions about how your background could be a good fit here. Suit those who like the quiet life. No public transport. I can pick up from Blenheim on arrival and take to town when I go.
Strictly no smokers due to health as well as fire risk in the area. There is WiFi but can be slow. Mobile phone signal is ok. Vegetarian/vegan welcome if you are willing to prepare some of your own food etc. We eat lots of home grown veges as well as home grown meat.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Interesting valley.
Well traveled host.
Can show you the local area.
Potential for hiking, horsemanship and horse riding. Previous workawayers have enjoyed varied expeditions including staying in backcountry huts, riding on the beach, swimming in lakes and rivers.
Help
Depending on the time of year and what suits you, there may be gardening, weed whacking, cutting and collecting small branches etc, weed spraying, fixing fences, painting washing windows. I wouldn't ask you to do anything I wouldn't do.
Building projects if you're able.
Other projects to suit your skills. Tell me what you can do.
We generally start jobs at 8am. If its raining or frosty we can often find inside jobs but animals still need feeding.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Clean accommodation, share meals with host or alone, either is fine.
What else ...
No public transport. I can pick up and drop off locally by agreement. I try to show guests around as much as I can depending on other commitments.
Internet can be slow but has been great lately, mobile usually fine.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Parking is no issue.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 814591259334
Feedback (14)
20 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
I came to Mandy's farm to stay for two weeks and ended up staying almost three because I liked it so much :)
Mandy and Jed are kind people with a sense of humor. Mandy really loves her animals and treats them very well, so it was a pleasure to help her taking care of them and do all kinds of other jobs around the farm as well. She always tried to… read more
Mandy and Jed are kind people with a sense of humor. Mandy really loves her animals and treats them very well, so it was a pleasure to help her taking care of them and do all kinds of other jobs around the farm as well. She always tried to… read more
14 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
Laura stayed with us for 3 weeks, we tried to keep her longer. She is a lovely rider and took good care of the horses. She has patience to deal with sensitive horses. She's very trustworthy and responsible. She did far more than what was required but was keen to learn new skills and so i think enjoyed the jobs. Jed enjoyed taking her on an… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Lithe)
Lithe has the biggest heart and the biggest suitcase haha. Seriously though, she was so great to have around. She knew what needed doing and did it before I even knew it needed doing. She worked very hard well above what was required. I enjoyed horse riding with her and many many deep chats. Love meeting travellers so motivated and enthusiastic… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Signe) for host
I had a wonderful three weeks with Mandy and Jed! They are very warm and welcoming, and the jobs where easy to learn. I felt very well taken care off and went on many lovely hacks on her amazing horses, and also got to improve my horsemanship. Would definitely recommend!
14 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Signe)
We loved hosting Signe. She has a lovely way of communicating which makes her very pleasant to have around. She was super patient with us even when we pronounced her name terribly. She was great with the horses and rode them beautifully. She got along with everyone and was keen to do any activity offered. Signe worked without supervision and… read more
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.8)
20 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
I came to Mandy's farm to stay for two weeks and ended up staying almost three because I liked it so much :)
Mandy and Jed are kind people with a sense of humor. Mandy really loves her animals and treats them very well, so it was a pleasure to help her taking care of them and do all kinds of other jobs around the farm as well. She always tried to… read more
Mandy and Jed are kind people with a sense of humor. Mandy really loves her animals and treats them very well, so it was a pleasure to help her taking care of them and do all kinds of other jobs around the farm as well. She always tried to… read more
14 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
Laura stayed with us for 3 weeks, we tried to keep her longer. She is a lovely rider and took good care of the horses. She has patience to deal with sensitive horses. She's very trustworthy and responsible. She did far more than what was required but was keen to learn new skills and so i think enjoyed the jobs. Jed enjoyed taking her on an… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Lithe)
Lithe has the biggest heart and the biggest suitcase haha. Seriously though, she was so great to have around. She knew what needed doing and did it before I even knew it needed doing. She worked very hard well above what was required. I enjoyed horse riding with her and many many deep chats. Love meeting travellers so motivated and enthusiastic… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Signe) for host
I had a wonderful three weeks with Mandy and Jed! They are very warm and welcoming, and the jobs where easy to learn. I felt very well taken care off and went on many lovely hacks on her amazing horses, and also got to improve my horsemanship. Would definitely recommend!
14 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Signe)
We loved hosting Signe. She has a lovely way of communicating which makes her very pleasant to have around. She was super patient with us even when we pronounced her name terribly. She was great with the horses and rode them beautifully. She got along with everyone and was keen to do any activity offered. Signe worked without supervision and… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Katharina) for host
I had an incredibly great time with Mandy and Jed. They really are so loving and open towards their guests and really make an effort to show you as much as they can. I was able to experience many unforgettable experiences during that time and learned a lot about working with animals. Mandy put a lot of effort into showing me around the area with… read more
19 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Katharina)
Kathy was a delight to host. She was very keen to complete jobs to a high standard. We were amazed how strong she is as she was really good at stacking hay for example!
She joined in some horse events - competitive trail riding and trekking, and people commented what a lovely rider she is. I appreciated her schooling my young horses. She was kind… read more
She joined in some horse events - competitive trail riding and trekking, and people commented what a lovely rider she is. I appreciated her schooling my young horses. She was kind… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Lilian )
Lilly is a little firecracker, so much fun to have around. She is a good rider and we went on some fun rides. She's a real crack up, always smiling and chatty. As well as the regular farm jobs, she sewed some curtains and learnt to throw hay. Full of surprises smart cookie that she is, we really enjoyed hosting her and would welcome her back again.
(Excellent
)
17 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Rose & Ann-Christine) for host
We had a great experience at Mandy's! It was our first Workaway, and we stayed there for two weeks. We were house-sitting for 6 days and it was fun to try to take care of the whole farm. We went riding most of the days, and Mandy took us to some beautiful places, which was such a privilege cause we have no car!
Very good place to stay and learn… read more
Very good place to stay and learn… read more
10 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rose & Ann-Christine)
These 2 bubbly intelligent fit and energetic ladies were a delight to host. They are so enthusiastic about everything. Both are competent horse riders. Ann is brave, confident and kind, she has a special way with sensitive horses. Rose is lovely with the range of animals, and also knows her way around the kitchen.
They even stayed alone at the… read more
They even stayed alone at the… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lotte)
Lotte was lovely to have around. She was keen to get out and about, enjoyed the agricultural show and jumped in the cold lake with us. She's a kind and competent horse rider so we got out for some good rides. She also rode a newly started horse.
She was hands on with jobs and worked unsupervised. She also makes good salad, and cleans up after… read more
She was hands on with jobs and worked unsupervised. She also makes good salad, and cleans up after… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lena)
Lena is an absolute delight to have around. We would welcome her to stay again anytime. She's bubbly, friendly, positive and keen to get involved.
I really enjoyed our chats as she's interested in many things and very intelligent. How many people her age have played the bassoon in an orchestra in Japan? 😅
Though she's vegan and we're not, it was… read more
I really enjoyed our chats as she's interested in many things and very intelligent. How many people her age have played the bassoon in an orchestra in Japan? 😅
Though she's vegan and we're not, it was… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Alina)
Alina is a real animal lover. She took such great care in looking after the many animals here. She's a lovely kind horse rider and came along on plenty of rides. My friends enjoyed getting to know her as well.
She was keen to do anything and we enjoyed her company. We look forward to catching up with her on her way back through.
She was keen to do anything and we enjoyed her company. We look forward to catching up with her on her way back through.
(Excellent
)
17 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Josephine)
I had a GREAT experience with Josie. She's so super intelligent and interested in everything so we had good chats. She's good with animals - the cats loved her. She took care of the little calves, chickens, cows and horses. She's a talented rider, came to a dressage practise day, did some jumping, horsemanship lessons, lessons on a friend's horse,… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ann-Katrin)
I would have been so happy for Anky to stay longer. She is so much fun and so competent at seemingly everything. She's a lovely rider and has a lovely way with animals. I learnt so much from her about so many things - for example she taught me about raising calves and helped me get set up. She's also an expert at fitting big things into tiny cars… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ann-Katrin) for host
I stayed with Mandy for about three weeks, and it was absolutely fantastic. We went on many rides together or with friends of Mandy. Tasks included feeding the animals, some gardening and general farm duties. Mandy would always try to make your experience as pleasant as possible — we went on hikes, entered a dressage competition and went to a… read more
14 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (oliviaswalters) for host
Mandy has a lovely lifestyle block with plenty to do. Her 3 horses have great characters and are all very sweet. She's always keen to bring you along for a ride or teach you about liberty. Beautiful views from the property as well!
8 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (oliviaswalters)
Olivia stayed with a friend of mine first where she mucked out stables, took care of the horses, and helped with other farm tasks. At my place she looked after the animals and did some gardening. She was keen to learn new skills and get stuck into jobs.
She's a kind keen horse rider so we enjoyed a fun ride out. She also met some of my friends.… read more
She's a kind keen horse rider so we enjoyed a fun ride out. She also met some of my friends.… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Beth)
Beth and I had a lot of fun and learnt a lot from each other during her short stay here. She loves horses and was super keen to improve her Horsemanship skills. We got to go for some lovely rides out and she helped out with farm jobs, feeding animals, gardening etc.
I really enjoyed our conversations and her sense of humour, and look forward to… read more
I really enjoyed our conversations and her sense of humour, and look forward to… read more
(Excellent
)
27 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Marie ) for host
I was so lucky that I chose Mandy's little farm as my first workaway experience, it was just amazing! She is the funniest, happiest and the most honest person I could have met and it was a pleasure to have her around!
I saw many things around the area like Nelson, Picton, the Queen Charlotte Drive and more, Mandy was so happy to show and explain… read more
I saw many things around the area like Nelson, Picton, the Queen Charlotte Drive and more, Mandy was so happy to show and explain… read more
21 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie )
We were so so lucky to have the opportunity to meet and host Marie. She's just the nicest person you could meet. We had great conversations, and in all her interactions she demonstrates maturity beyond her years. She was happy to do anything - got stuck in to lots of farm jobs such as setting up temporary fencing, feeding animals in the rain and… read more
(Excellent
)
21 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sanne)
Sanne is a joy to have around. We joked that she's more German than the Germans as she's incredibly organised and focused, determined to make lists and tick jobs off. Those jobs ranged from painting (very effectively) to cutting flax to feeding animals in the rain. We enjoyed and appreciated her ideas and advice on how to improve things around the… read more
(Excellent
)
6 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lucie) for host
Mandy is a very inspiring host.
Her place is beautiful and peaceful, with mountains and animals all around.
Unfortunately, I wasn't experienced enough to ride the horses, but I got to do some painting, cleaning and gardening around the house.
We had some nice talks and also alone time in the independent room next to the house.
I'm grateful that… read more
Her place is beautiful and peaceful, with mountains and animals all around.
Unfortunately, I wasn't experienced enough to ride the horses, but I got to do some painting, cleaning and gardening around the house.
We had some nice talks and also alone time in the independent room next to the house.
I'm grateful that… read more
6 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucie)
Lucie is bubbly and friendly. She's keen to get stuck in to jobs and learn about animals. She is up for any adventure in nature. Communication was a little difficult but I would agree that her crepe making skills are exceptional 👌
(Very good
)
4 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alexander18) for host
It’s really been fantastic!
Mandy is such an amazing host. We went riding every day in such beautiful places. The views are spectacular. I also got to meet some of her kind friends. I got lucky to ride so many horses. Also got some great recommendations for wonderful hiking trails. Thank you so much for showing me!
Did some fencing work (for… read more
Mandy is such an amazing host. We went riding every day in such beautiful places. The views are spectacular. I also got to meet some of her kind friends. I got lucky to ride so many horses. Also got some great recommendations for wonderful hiking trails. Thank you so much for showing me!
Did some fencing work (for… read more
26 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexander18)
Alex communicated brilliantly before arrival and while here. He was such a delight to have around, always positive and happy, keen to do any activity and flexible with timing. We got to ride horses in many beautiful places. He's a really lovely kind horse rider so the horses responded really well to him. He helped with heaps of different jobs and… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Timna) for host
The stay with Mandy was my first workaway experience and it was simply amazing. I got to meet some of her incredible friends and of course her lovely animals. We went riding almost every day at the most stunning places ever (and with the sweetest horses you could ask for)!!! I even got to take part in a CTR the day after I arrived. We went on some… read more
18 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Timna)
Ugh what a lovely experience hosting this intelligent young lady. She was interested and happy to learn new skills, and show me how she does things in Germany. Timna even helped train a young horse while here, showing patience and empathy. She picked up the routine really quick and became part of the furniture. She enjoyed meeting a range of… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (William) for host
I booked for 2 weeks with Mandy and Tony, and stayed for 3. And may return for more. I had a really enjoyable time here. They had put significant time and effort in to making me welcome - they had read my profile carefully and had made some preparations accordingly. Mandy had a lovely list of jobs for me to do, including some pretty challenging… read more
27 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (William)
Bill is definitely the kind of person we like to have around. He's super polite and positive, and likes doing projects around the farm. He's very easy to deal with and is very welcome around here. He's thoughtful and considerate plus good to chat with.
(Excellent
)
27 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica)
We loved having these two so they are going to visit us again. They are super easygoing and fun to have around. We made some meals together which was educational and enjoyable. They are good at using different things from the garden.
Jess is ace with horses and also got stuck in to some other jobs.
Dario did a whole bunch of stuff such as… read more
Jess is ace with horses and also got stuck in to some other jobs.
Dario did a whole bunch of stuff such as… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Manon & Manon)
The Manons are bubbly and fun. Both very quick learners which is lucky because we had to teach them to drive - was quite painless! They were very responsible and looked after the farm and animals when we were away. Polite and good company. We can happily recommend these two to others.
(Excellent
)
11 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Veronika)
We were impressed with Veronika's maturity and enjoyed her company. She has a lovely way with animals and is a competent horse rider. She's positive, intelligent and a pleasure to host.
(Excellent
)
11 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Veronika) for host
Tony and Mandy are fabulous hosts and I had a great time with them. They are generous and welcoming and they showed me different (very beautiful) places in the area and Mandy took me riding every day with her lovely horses. I can definitely recommend them.
4 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Nele & Nicole) for host
Mandy and Tony were very nice to us und showed us quite a bit around the Blenheim area. The place was very tidy, clean and comfortable and the task were as described in the profile.
We were able to ride the horses everyday which was amazing. As we had no mobile connection and the internet was quite slow (which we knew before) we had a good… read more
We were able to ride the horses everyday which was amazing. As we had no mobile connection and the internet was quite slow (which we knew before) we had a good… read more
4 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Nele & Nicole)
We really enjoyed having Nicole and Nele to stay. They were happy to get stuck in to some random jobs like cleaning the horse float, waterblasting, spraying, gardening, and clearing some scrub. Mostly we had a great time riding horses every day (they even rode in the rain) and managed to fit in a boat trip on the sounds. They were good sports… read more
(Excellent
)
2 May 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Cassidy)
Cassidy is a little ray of sunshine, bubbly and happy. We really enjoyed having her. Sadly her trip was cut short so she'll have to come back when the crazy times are over.
(Excellent
)
11 Apr 2020
Left by Workawayer (Cassidy) for host
Mandy and Tony were such amazing hosts! It was my first time doing a workaway, so I was a little nervous. However, everyone was so welcoming and friendly and I immediately felt like part of the family. The days included basic yard work, walks, and riding. Freckles, Blazey and Loki were all so sweet and beautiful! Accommodation was comfortable and… read more
