Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
31 May 2025
Reply rate
87.5 %
Usually responds within 11 days
Feedback
58
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
I live close to Ruby Bay and have a sizeable garden to weed and take care of. I'm situated on one hectare in a tranquil rural setting, with abundant bird life.
I have 2 cats.
I'm looking for hard-working people who would like to share my lifestyle while helping out around the place. The work is varied, but usually is weeding and gardening! Other tasks workers have taken on include painting, firewood gathering, splitting and stacking, construction work, brick laying, cleaning, pruning, and whatever else is going on.
The expectation regarding amount of work is that you would get involved in whatever tasks are under way and take reasonable initiative; 5 hours per day in exchange for accommodation (queen size bed in own room) and shared meals. For me the relationship must be one of equals, not boss and workers, and to that end a sense of humour, some shared interests, and good English (since I am effectively monolingual) are essential.
In return I often take our workers for walks, swims, mountain bike rides or tramps and show them some of the local places of interest, as well as providing clean, comfortable accommodation in a lovely peaceful setting.
As I am 35km from Nelson and 15km from Motueka (where the nearest supermarkets etc are) a car is a huge advantage.
Minimum length of stay 1 week, after that negotiable.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I have knowledge about the local area as well as many tramping / treking / hiking areas in the Arthurs Pass and around the South Island. I also enjoy playing games (Articulate, chess,card games etc) in the evening. And learning about other peoples cultures.
Help
I have a small lifestyle block (mainly in garden) which I am always adapting and ensuring weeds are kept at bay, a fairly large vege garden and some fruit trees. There is always work to be done from mowing, weeding, planting, processing veges and fruit in the right season etc. Lots of variety.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Double room with queen bed, comfortable, clean and warm.
What else ...
We are not on a regular bus route, so if you are hitch-hiking please do your homework as to how you will get from A to B. We prefer taking people with their own transport.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 839965852228
Feedback (31)
18 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Olivia)
Olivia stayed with me a week in early summer. She was fun to have around, a great communicator and a solid worker. Hosting her was a totally positive experience and I'd recommend her to all other hosts. She mainly did weeding, a boring task that she took on without complaint.
(Excellent
)
14 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Joshua) for host
Staying with Pete for just short of four weeks was an absolute delight. The sport he has here is rural but very relaxing. He completely welcomed me into his home - even over Christmas when he had family members over, I never felt out of place at all. His family and friends were all really lovely to meet too. He was very flexible with work and… read more
3 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Léa & Mathilde)
I have hosted over 200 workers during my 12 years here. Léa and Mathilde stand out as the most remarkably thoughtful, humorous, diligent, resourceful and generally great to have around workaways that I've met.
After one week together I had no hesitation leaving my house and my beloved cats in their care while I was away, and they even ran my… read more
After one week together I had no hesitation leaving my house and my beloved cats in their care while I was away, and they even ran my… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
18 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Olivia)
Olivia stayed with me a week in early summer. She was fun to have around, a great communicator and a solid worker. Hosting her was a totally positive experience and I'd recommend her to all other hosts. She mainly did weeding, a boring task that she took on without complaint.
(Excellent)
14 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Joshua) for host
Staying with Pete for just short of four weeks was an absolute delight. The sport he has here is rural but very relaxing. He completely welcomed me into his home - even over Christmas when he had family members over, I never felt out of place at all. His family and friends were all really lovely to meet too. He was very flexible with work and… read more
3 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Léa & Mathilde)
I have hosted over 200 workers during my 12 years here. Léa and Mathilde stand out as the most remarkably thoughtful, humorous, diligent, resourceful and generally great to have around workaways that I've met.
After one week together I had no hesitation leaving my house and my beloved cats in their care while I was away, and they even ran my… read more
After one week together I had no hesitation leaving my house and my beloved cats in their care while I was away, and they even ran my… read more
(Excellent)
26 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Andrea) for host
My stay at Peter's place was outstanding. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed in his home. Peter is incredibly friendly, and always willing to help. He has great travel stories inspired me to explore more.
His two cats are adorable and calm.
Working with Peter in his garden (fix path, added compost, removed weeds) was a rewarding… read more
His two cats are adorable and calm.
Working with Peter in his garden (fix path, added compost, removed weeds) was a rewarding… read more
20 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Florian & Mathilde) for host
Our journey with Peter was enriching !!
Most of time, we worked in the garden (cleaning, building, cutting wood) and was a real pleasure to share these days with Peter, he's very dynamic person and open-minded so we can talk about everything !
He shared with us very precious moments, we really appreciated it ! Thank you !! :)
It was so… read more
Most of time, we worked in the garden (cleaning, building, cutting wood) and was a real pleasure to share these days with Peter, he's very dynamic person and open-minded so we can talk about everything !
He shared with us very precious moments, we really appreciated it ! Thank you !! :)
It was so… read more
12 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Florian & Mathilde)
Florian & Mathilde stayed with me a week. They were exceptional guests, very considerate, polite and helpful in all things, full of interest for New Zealand and always cheerful and good humoured. They both showed energy and initiative in every task I asked them to do, and often I had to persuade them to stop. They are great ambassadors for their… read more
(Excellent)
16 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Diana) for host
Ali and Pete are gorgeous hosts! We enjoyed every minute of our stay: the work , the trips in the afternoon (swimming, mountainbiking…), the delicious meals, the goats, the chicken and Bicci the cat.... and of course last but not least: Ali and Pete with their humour and uncomplicated and inspiring company.
Thank you Ali & Pete! And all the very… read more
Thank you Ali & Pete! And all the very… read more
7 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Laksmi & Kevin) for host
We had a great time staying with Ali and Pete on their beautiful lifestyle block! We couldn't have asked for a better first workaway experience together. The communication was clear and they responded to our emails very promptly. They welcomed us into their home and made us feel comfortable right away, introducing us to all of the animals, sharing… read more
19 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Anthony & Laura)
Laura & Anthony were great to have stay. Unfortunately we were going away, so only had three days with them. During the time we had they were thoughtful, considerate and were hard working and capable at any task they tried. We wish them all the best with their travels and recommend them if they approach you for a workaway experience.
(Excellent)
8 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Anthony & Laura) for host
We had an amazing time staying with Pete and Ali! We mostly helped by weeding and gardening. They made us feel at home immediately and were keen to bring us along on activities like mountain biking and floating in a tidal drift! Their cooking was, hands down, the best we've had in New Zealand, and we shared many great conversations over Pete's… read more
25 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Amanda & Christopher) for host
Pete and Ali were excellent hosts. It was our first Workaway experience and we really enjoyed it. They have a picturesque home on a beautuful piece of land. They were very flexible with the working hours allowing us to work and still do and see everything the area has to offer. Pete also took us to a few local spots for a swim which was perfect on… read more
22 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (BERYL & JEAN BAPTISTE)
Beryl and Jean Baptiste stayed with us for ten days. Right from the start they fitted in perfectly and felt like friends. They were always cheerful and helpful, doing all the work asked of them with smiles on their faces and showed lots of initiative.
We thoroughly enjoyed having them both here, not only for the huge amount of work that got… read more
We thoroughly enjoyed having them both here, not only for the huge amount of work that got… read more
(Excellent)
21 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (BERYL & JEAN BAPTISTE) for host
WOW! Ali and Pete are simply the best hosts you could dream of!
They are welcoming, friendly, generous, funny, caring and the like.. we felt at home from the very first night. We spent 10 amazing days at their little paradise: a beautiful house, a gorgeous garden, with beckie the cat, the goats and the chicken!
The work is really fair and the… read more
They are welcoming, friendly, generous, funny, caring and the like.. we felt at home from the very first night. We spent 10 amazing days at their little paradise: a beautiful house, a gorgeous garden, with beckie the cat, the goats and the chicken!
The work is really fair and the… read more
28 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren & Craig)
Lauren and Craig are a pleasure to host. They were energetic and adaptable and quick to learn. We appreciated all the work they got through and enjoyed their company so much so we did not hesitate to accept them back again when they returned to the area. Some of the top workers we have had (and we have hosted over 100). We would welcome them back… read more
(Excellent)
28 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Lauren & Craig) for host
We feel so lucky to have met Ali and Pete. We absolutely loved our time with them so much that we returned for a few days to help out and just spend time with them again months later. During our first visit we helped out in the yard, getting it ready for a new wall and collecting the bricks to make it and cleaning the goat paddock. The work was… read more
25 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jade & Mark) for host
Ali and Pete were hosts for our first WorkAway experience and they’ve set the bar so, so high. We absolutely loved our weeks stay with them and was sorry to leave.
The work Pete and Ali gave us over the course of the week was fun and fair; as was the amount of hours they asked us to work. They were more than happy to give us demo’s of what they… read more
The work Pete and Ali gave us over the course of the week was fun and fair; as was the amount of hours they asked us to work. They were more than happy to give us demo’s of what they… read more
23 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jade & Mark)
Jade and Mark are what makes us want to be workaway hosts. An easy going couple who where enthusiastic to work, diligent and capable of doing any task we asked of them - splitting wood, weeding, pruning, tidying, using all the machinery, chipper, rotary hoe, hedge pruners, ride on mower, just to name a few of the tasks they undertook. We had no… read more
(Excellent)
9 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ursula) for host
My very first wa experience and a wonderfull introduction to it ! Thanks so much Ali & Pete !!! You are so welcoming and openminded. A relaxed and happy place indeet : happy goats, happy chickens , happy Becky , very well cared for . Good and interesting conversations we had. I very much enjoyed my stay at your place.
Best to you
ursula
Best to you
ursula
8 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ursula)
Ursula was a thoughtful and helpful guest to have in our home. She worked well doing a thorough job at every task we gave her. She was willing to participate in all the general jobs that our daily living entails. An interesting person who was mature considerate and nice to have around.
We would highly recommend having her as a guest and worker in… read more
We would highly recommend having her as a guest and worker in… read more
(Excellent)
12 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kristin & Jeff) for host
Pete and Ali were fantastic hosts! We stayed for one week and couldn’t have asked for a better first workaway experience! Our jobs while there included chopping wood, gardening, and helping with the goats. We worked in the mornings and were able to explore the surrounding areas of Nelson and Able Tasman in the afternoons. Ali and Pete had many… read more
31 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Léa & Jérémy) for host
We stayed a few days with Pete and Ali, it was such a perfect workaway experience! We worked in the garden every morning and help with some plums and potatoes picking, taking care of their beautiful veggie garden and some weeding. We felt like home. Pete and Ali are really good vegetarian cook ! Pete spent a lot of time with us (unfortunately Ali… read more
19 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte & Tye) for host
Pete and Ali were such kind, generous and caring people. They went out of their way to help us settle in to New Zealand, along with showing us the amazing local area - Tye will never forget the river coming out of the cave! Pete and Ali are both really interesting people and we had lot of common interests with them. The cooking was amazing, we… read more
18 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte & Tye)
Tye and Charlotte stayed with us a little over a week. We enjoyed their company and had lots of good conversations. They were both excellent workers, extremely fit and strong and prepared to give anything a go. Tasks included painting, weeding, log splitting. They were some of very few who we trusted to paint herbicide on climbing weeds (Any drips… read more
(Excellent)
18 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Felipe & Niamh)
Niamh and Declan stayed with us for two weeks. They were great company, easy to get on with and considerate and helpful around the house. We enjoyed long conversations and lots of fun games. They both worked extremely well, being happy to tackle anything and putting lots of energy into whatever task they were doing. As well as routine things like… read more
(Excellent)
29 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Felipe & Niamh) for host
Ali & Pete were absolutely fantastic hosts! We felt very welcomed into their beautiful home, and felt part of their daily life and what it's like to run a lifestyle block. We got to learn new skills, from bricklaying and cutting, cheesemaking and looking after goats. We also got to enjoy local activities and their amazing cooking too. We would… read more
1 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host
I loved my stay with Ali and Pete! They were all I could ask for as hosts. They are kind and open people and great company. I really enjoyed our conversations and sharing wonderful food together. It was a really lovely and peaceful week for me - I loved working in the garden and seeing the goats. Thanks Ali and Pete - I'm very grateful. And I wish… read more
2 Jun 2016
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Even if they had over a hundred helpers, Ali and Pete didn't make us feel like we were just a number or employees! We enjoyed our evenings playing card games or just having a chat around the fire place. We had a really good time as the surroundings, the weather and the company were great. We even fished for dinner once, tried to anyway... We would… read more
11 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Pauline & Niall attacked all the tasks we gave them with enthusiasm and energy. They were always positive and cheerful and a pleasure to have around. While with us they helped with mixing concrete, digging post holes, cleaning windows, weeding, transferring plants and pitching in with the daily household tasks. We would unreservedly recommend… read more
(Excellent)
12 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Erika)
Erika and Vitor were excellent volunteers and a pleasure to have around. Heaps of work got done and we enjoyed their company. Sorry for the late feedback; it reflects our busyness not anything about you! Always welcome back here.
(Excellent)
11 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Erika) for host
Ali and Pete are fantastic beings! Super nice, generous and very fun to be around. We learned so many things about running your own self sustainable place. They taught us how to make home-made bread, cheese, pizza and lots of other tips on good food. The work was very pleasurable and inspiring - we had a lot of fun sharing meals and playing board… read more
12 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Amy & Paul)
Amy and Paul were great to have around: hard-working, resourceful, thoughtful and fun. Vast amounts of work got done, and we thoroughly enjoyed their company, with many good discussions in the evenings. They are welcome back any time, and we recommend them unreservedly.
(Excellent)
10 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Amy & Paul) for host
Ali and Pete were clear, organized, welcoming - the best possible hosts you could have on workaway. If you have any aspirations for tramping, they are a wealth of information. We are well and enjoyed our time learning, playing games and exploring the area.
12 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Alex)
Alex was always keen to get involved in whatever tasks we were into, and applied his considerable intelligence to everything he did. He fitted right in from the start, and was a pleasure to have around. I have no hesitation in recommending Alex as a "Workawayer".
(Excellent)
4 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Alex) for host
Dear Ali and Pete, thanks again for such a great stay with you in the beautiful Ruby Bay. It was a pleasure to help you this past week, no two days were the same and the time flew by. It was great to spend time with you both and with Paul and Amy. Thanks for taking me mountain biking, for the beers at dusk, for the games, and for all the beetroot… read more
3 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Nicholas) for host
Felt right at home from the get go. Pete and Ali were oustanding. Simply wonderful, brilliant and incredible people! Funny, informative, down to earth, fun and kind. They taught me so much in such little time. Adored every second and will miss them dearly.
29 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (James & Hannah)
Hannah and James were great to have around, being consistently fun and positive, cheerful and sensible. Their work for us included everything from weeding to gathering boulders to creating a "butler" table to designing a pamphlet for our cottage. Everything they did was done well, and we enjoyed their company. They are welcome back any time.
(Excellent)
28 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (James & Hannah) for host
Ali and Pete made us feel very welcome from the get go. We found the work enjoyable and the balance between work and free time was perfect. In the heat of the day Pete took us to some great swimming holes to jump into! He also took time to tell us about tramping spots. In the evening we often played games which were fun. What Ali can't do with a… read more
19 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie & Zac)
Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
15 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Shelle) for host
My time with Ali and Pete was way too short! It was the perfect blend of work and play, and Ali and Pete really know how to make you feel at home. They have a beautiful lifestyle property, the work is pleasant and varied, they have beautiful happy goats, the food is wonderful, and they even took us on day trips of the area which was really… read more
15 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Shelle)
What can we say? One of the best Workaways we have had. Excellent to have around. Excellent company. All round just EXCELLENT. We were hoping to either adopt her or take her car keys away so she couldn't leave. If Shelle approaches you for a stay don't hesitate to say yes, you won't regret it. We are looking forward to her coming back next… read more
(Excellent)
16 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (DebsnDarren)
Debs and Darren were a helpful, courteous, respectful, hard working couple to have around. We enjoyed their company and appreciated all the work they did around our property. Evenings spent chatting and playing games were fun. We would recommend them to any host they approach, as well as any workers wanting them as hosts. Great job, pleasure… read more
(Excellent)
16 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (DebsnDarren) for host
Ali and Pete were fantastic hosts, welcoming and friendly from the minute we met them. We had our own comfortable room and Ali's cooking was delicious. We worked hard during the day, relaxed or ventured out late afternoon and returned to the smell of a wonderful meal. After we enjoyed lots of games, laughs and conversations. We also learned… read more
25 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Lukas & Anton)
Lukas Wilke and Anton Schenk stayed with us as Workaways for more than two weeks in October 2015.
Their work ethic was excellent and they were always willing to try any task including: weeding, clearing out our pond, rotary hoeing, mulching, clearing an overgrown area, mowing, wood stacking, painting, cleaning and much more. They were always… read more
Their work ethic was excellent and they were always willing to try any task including: weeding, clearing out our pond, rotary hoeing, mulching, clearing an overgrown area, mowing, wood stacking, painting, cleaning and much more. They were always… read more
(Excellent)
24 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Lukas & Anton) for host
Pete and Ali were the best hosts. We enjoyed our stay every singel day, especially all the games and conversations we had in the evening. Ali prepared some wonderful meals and working with Pete was always respectful, but even so a lot of fun. We learned much about gardening, carrying goats and making great goat cheese. Thank you so much for this… read more
29 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Faith & Carrie) for host
Ali and Pete were a joy to have as hosts. They were so warm and friendly and made us feel at home straight away. We enjoyed our time immensely and the company even more. They have the most wonderful house and some fantastic chickens, cats and goats. We especially loved watching Fraizer, playing games in the evenings and goat walking. We learned so… read more
23 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Faith & Carrie)
Faith and Carrie were with us for nearly a month and it was genuinely sad to see them go. They were such fun to have around the place, constantly cheerful and full of joy, and they worked over and above our expectations day after day (we often had to persuade them to stop!) While they were with us they helped with firewood gathering, painting,… read more
(Excellent)
23 Feb 2014
Left by Workawayer (Jan & Ute) for host
We actually had a nice time in Ruby Bay, we did the work Pete and Ali asked us to do and we even made a German-Polish dinner for them as they wished to taste some of the food from our home countries. The more surprised we were when they told us to leave the next day, before the week had ended. They told us that they have friends and family coming… read more
18 Feb 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Jan & Ute)
(Negative)
11 Feb 2014
Left by Workawayer (Tara & Kevin) for host
Our time at Ali and Pete's was one of our best experiences in New Zealand. We felt instantly comfortable in their home. We shared great laughs, stories, and meals with them. Excellent cooks, even lunch was memorable with the homemade feta and bread. Learned a lot and plan to take what we learned back to the States. We really enjoyed the work which… read more
1 Feb 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Tara & Kevin)
Tara and Kevin were astonishingly productive during their stay here, working harder and longer than expected and always showing great enthusiasm for whatever was on. From cleaning out the fish pond with its inches of smelly mud to collecting boulders for landscaping to pruning, gardening, weed-spraying... many many thanks to you both! Hope we will… read more
(Excellent)
1 Feb 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Mercedes)
It was a pleasure having Meme here and she was an excellent worker. We'd recommend her to anyone and she's always welcome back here.
(Excellent)
1 Feb 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia)
Julia was a great worker and thoroughly pleasant person to have around and we enjoyed her musical talents and photography as well as her amazing baking and excellent work. If she ever comes back this way she is totally welcome to come stay again!
(Excellent)
9 Nov 2013
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
Walking the goats, helping on the beautiful property and having the kitchen to do some beloved baking was much fun and Ali and Pete made me feel like dropping in at old friends. I loved listening to their travel stories at dinners and thoroughly enjoyed their relaxed and inspiring company. Thank you for this lovely week!
1 Feb 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Brianna & Jacob)
Bri and Jacob were brilliant workers and a pleasure to have around. They showed initiative and imagination in tackling all sorts of tasks (construction, painting, gardening, pear-picking and processing) and worked harder and longer than expected. Always welcome back here: come stay longer!
(Excellent)
22 Mar 2013
Left by Workawayer (Brianna & Jacob) for host
Ali and Pete are amazing hosts! If you are thinking about going to this area, it is a must to come help these two people. From the moment we arrived, they did everything possible to help us feel at home and comfortable. Very friendly, laid back, great people to get to know. I hope we stay in touch and maybe we will come back some day!!
6 May 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Alex & Mary)
Unfortunately we never got to meet Mary & Alex. After several emails and an agreed upon date of arrival we had made several attempts to contact them via email and calling the cellphone number they provided us. Disappointingly we received an email after midday on the day they were to arrive saying they were no longer coming (and in fact were… read more
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
24 Dec 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
Michael was very pleasant company, very polite and courteous. He worked hard on everything we asked him to do, and was great to have helping around the property. We highly recommend Michael to any host. Michael, we will always think of you when we look at the zen garden.
(Excellent)
24 Dec 2012
Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host
Ali and Pete are an awesome, laid-back couple. Extremely hospitable and kind. Their do-it-yourself approach to transforming their new property is very cool to witness and take part in. Beautiful plot of land, wonderful hosts. I would highly recommend stopping in with them!
