Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
9 Sep 2025
Feedback
25
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We are Emily and Terry, a transplanted Canadian and a long time New Zealander. We live on a 70 Hectare block of family owned land with our two dogs and a donkey. At present there are two permanent households. We live off grid and aim for low consumption and a low environmental impact lifestyle, influenced by sustainability and permaculture principles. We are still refining our house, gardening and energy systems (windmill, solar panels, solar water heating) . The property is a mix of regenerating native bush and cleared paddocks, and is very steep with beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf. It also fronts onto a small tidal beach which offers great swimming, fishing and boating. We have kayaks and small sailboats plus an 8 metre catamaran which we hope to have ready for day sails by Christmas 2025.
Our projects can vary, with house painting on the agenda this spring -October to December - and possibly doing some small building and repair/maintenance jobs later on.
We have very good internet access at or near our house, but it is limited in the small guest house where our workaways usually stay. Workaways are welcome to use ours, as it is unlimited, but we do encourage guests to give us some alone time in the afternoons.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Interests
Politics / Social justice
DIY & crafts
Carpentry
Sailing / Boating
Help
Painting a small single storey house, and some repair and maintenance to our small blueberry orchard. Some experience will be appreciated, but not essential.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
There is one comfortable 'sleep out' cabin and a fully serviced small house which is used intermittently by members of the extended family that owns the land. There are also excellent opportunities for camping.
What else ...
The Coromandel Peninsula is a scenic gem and a major tourist destination for both New Zealanders and overseas visitors. Our land is near the northern end and is mostly covered in a rich natural forest that has been regenerating for about sixty years. In the stream valleys are stands of much older forest. There is exuberant birdlife and a wide range of flora. We are a bit off the beaten track, but for those with a car, all the well known tourist attractions of the region are accessible.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 876756629217
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+9
Feedback (16)
23 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jake) for host
My stay with Emily and Terry was the most perfect introduction to New Zealand that I could have hoped for! I arrived just before Christmas, and everything they did for me made me feel so welcome! Their warmth and generosity during my stay was just so great for me at that time, and it really helped to kick off my adventure here on the North Island.… read more
13 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Milena Sarah & Ann-Christin) for host
We had such a wonderful time at your place, Emily and Terry! You were lovely right from the start and treated us like family. We had so much fun and very nice and interesting conversations with you. Both of you are two of the funniest and most entertaining people ever. The stories you told were hilarious. We also could improve our English and we… read more
31 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike & Merry)
Mike and Merry were GREAT! We loved having them in our home - hard-workers who brought with them lively conversation, positive, upbeat attitudes to life, and willingness to pitch in and do whatever needed to be done. We cannot recommend them highly enough.
(Excellent
)
16 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Merry) for host
In your life, there will be only a couple of moments when you will have the chance to meet people the likes of Terry and Emily. The first will be when you stay with them in their off-grid, idyllic, donkey-ful home. The second will be when you plead to return because the rest of your travels, other friendships and your life in general turn to dust… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+9
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)
23 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jake) for host
My stay with Emily and Terry was the most perfect introduction to New Zealand that I could have hoped for! I arrived just before Christmas, and everything they did for me made me feel so welcome! Their warmth and generosity during my stay was just so great for me at that time, and it really helped to kick off my adventure here on the North Island.… read more
13 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Milena Sarah & Ann-Christin) for host
We had such a wonderful time at your place, Emily and Terry! You were lovely right from the start and treated us like family. We had so much fun and very nice and interesting conversations with you. Both of you are two of the funniest and most entertaining people ever. The stories you told were hilarious. We also could improve our English and we… read more
31 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike & Merry)
Mike and Merry were GREAT! We loved having them in our home - hard-workers who brought with them lively conversation, positive, upbeat attitudes to life, and willingness to pitch in and do whatever needed to be done. We cannot recommend them highly enough.
(Excellent)
16 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Merry) for host
In your life, there will be only a couple of moments when you will have the chance to meet people the likes of Terry and Emily. The first will be when you stay with them in their off-grid, idyllic, donkey-ful home. The second will be when you plead to return because the rest of your travels, other friendships and your life in general turn to dust… read more
18 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Alice & Alex) for host
Terry and Emily are unlike anyone you will meet in the world. They are fascinating individuals and fun conversationalists. In fact, we spent most of our free time chatting with them over delicious meals and great cups of tea! They live on a wonderful piece of land that is like another planet.
10 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Alice & Alex)
We absolutely loved having Alice and Alex stay and work with us for a few days. They are fun, friendly, energetic and engaged, and a real pleasure to have around. They are hard workers, which is wonderful, but they are also great conversationalists, and independent guests who know how to enjoy the experience without needing to be entertained. I… read more
(Excellent)
29 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Carolin_Nadja) for host
We stayed with Emily and Terry for around one week. They are both so lovely and friendly, it's super easy and enjoyable to talk with them for hours (and there is always something new to learn from them!). Emily is a great cook and we admire her for how she deals with life. Terry is so humourous and always ready for a good joke.
They have a huge… read more
They have a huge… read more
10 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Adam & Jessica) for host
We had an Amazing time staying with Terry and Emily! They are very generous and welcoming and wonderful to talk and spend time with. We enjoyed the variety of jobs and especially enjoyed going out on the Catamaran :) They also served very yummy food. We learned a lot about living sustainably and off the grid, especially as we come from a city… read more
13 Dec 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Erin)
Erin stayed with us for a week earlier this spring, and we loved having her with us. She was easy-going, personable, very interesting to talk to, and felt within a couple of days like a member of the family. The work she did was strenuous at times, but she was up to it. She helped Terry shift garden boxes to a new location, created a great new… read more
(Excellent)
13 Dec 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (flomaric)
We had a great time with Florian. He stayed with us for about 10 days, and was a real pleasure to have in our home. He was an energetic and conscientious worker, sociable and independent, and very easy to be around. We loved how interested he was in everything we were doing here, and felt he was a very good match for us. We were quite sorry to… read more
(Excellent)
30 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (flomaric) for host
Emily and Terry's home is by far the most interesting place I have seen in NZ so far, if not in my entire life. With them, I have learnt so much about self-sufficiency and human intelligence and generosity. The way they live off the grid in a do-it yourself and sustainable perspective generates a lot of activities I was curious to know more about.… read more
13 Dec 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Adrienne & Robert)
Adrienne and Bob stayed with us for a very enjoyable week, helping us out with lots of outdoor work - emptying and refilling raised garden boxes, lawn-mowing, weeding , deck chair painting and tidying up a very rough looking driveway. We loved having them with us...they offered easy companionship, very interesting conversation around the dinner… read more
(Excellent)
26 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (Adrienne & Robert) for host
We spent a week with Terry and Emily mostly gardening and sanding/painting garden furniture a beautiful Hauraki Gulf Blue(!). This is the quintessential Workaway site with a beautiful property, wonderful hosts, comfortable accommodations, and reasonable work. What made this experience so memorable was the caring, generosity, and friendship offered… read more
26 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (AureFR)
We had a wonderful time with Aurelie, and were very sad to say goodbye. She was easy to be with - intelligently quiet, interested and engaged, and could hold her own in our long discussions on how to fix the world! She worked at our projects with enthusiasm and good humour, and did a great job always. Within a very short time it felt like we… read more
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (AureFR) for host
I spent 12 days at Emily and Terrys" and it went too fast! They are generous and very interesting people to talk with. They truly care of their "work"awayers and want you to enjoy your stay. Trust me, you will!! :-)
The work depends of what projects are going on (but as they always have new great projects in head, the work is quite various) and… read more
The work depends of what projects are going on (but as they always have new great projects in head, the work is quite various) and… read more
10 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Darren & Rosanna) for host
Terry, Emily, Fred and Brenda were great hosts. There place is amazing. Stunning views. We loved the history behind their patch of paradise! We stayed in our own house while being there and it was more than we could have asked for. Either Terry and Emily or Fred and Brenda would have us over for dinner. There was always an amazing meal to be had.… read more
15 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (Karoline & Sanne ) for host
We stayed at Emily and Terry's for 10 days, and we had an amazing time! Terry and Emily truly cares about you and your well being and they also not just want you to work but also to teach and make you understand the bigger picture of the work. Also they are truly inspiring people regarding their understanding of the everyday life and if you want… read more
11 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Ankit)
Ankit stayed with us in early January, and almost immediately felt like one of the family. He was very relaxed and easy to have with us - he had a wonderful quiet sense of humour, and contributed to lots of really interesting conversations around the dinner table. We thought his work was great... he got on with every job we set in a competent,… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jan 2015
Left by Workawayer (Ankit) for host
I think I can very easily say that Emily and Terry felt like family from the time I met them. It didnt feel like work since i was learning new things everyday. I spent more time than I had planned simply because i was having so much fun. I am even planning how i can see them once more before I leave NZ. The place is amazing, away from any traffic… read more
9 Jan 2015
Left by Workawayer (Franziska) for host
We stayed with Emily and Terry for 10 days and had a wonderful time!!
They are really welcoming, hospitable and amiable with a good sense of humor. They believe in the eco-friendly life style they live, which was a new, but great experience for us.
While we stayed with them, Emily spoiled us with delicious food, the special little dogs gave… read more
They are really welcoming, hospitable and amiable with a good sense of humor. They believe in the eco-friendly life style they live, which was a new, but great experience for us.
While we stayed with them, Emily spoiled us with delicious food, the special little dogs gave… read more
23 Feb 2014
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
A beautiful place with wonderful, lovely hosts! I enjoyed this place very much! It is surrounded by amazing nature. I loved to experience the alternative lifestyle of sleeping in a little sleep out in the bush with having no electricity (just a solar cell light) and using a compost toilet.
Working in the garden and taking care of the animals was… read more
Working in the garden and taking care of the animals was… read more
8 Dec 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (TwoBrokeGirls)
Sarah and Sharina came and stayed with us for several days, and in that time they worked hard and with great results. What impressed me most was their attention to detail, when polishing ALL my windows on the first day, they did an amazing job. Thanks so much girls! They helped with gardening, weeding, and animal care. They were a pleasure to… read more
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2013
Left by Workawayer (TwoBrokeGirls) for host
We really enjoyed our time with Emily & Terry and got to know a different way of living during our stay. Work wasn't too hard and we had some variety, especially with the animals. Also, the hours were flexible, so we could work quite independently and could have some time on our own in the comfortable hut or at the beach almost next to it.
Thanks… read more
Thanks… read more
23 Nov 2013
Left by Workawayer (Carla) for host
Thank you very much for staying with you. I really enjoyed my time (especially the kayaking) though it was a really short stay. The work wasn't too hard and if you want to experience a diffrent kind of life it is definitely a place to spend a couple of days or even more. Just get in contact with them and you see what I mean. Emily and Terry are… read more
14 Nov 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Gabrielle)
Gabby and Lauren were a joy to have in our life. They worked hard and willingly at a variety of tasks with the animals and in the gardens. They are well educated, intelligent, articulate and excellent company.
the worst thing about their visit was that it had to end.
the worst thing about their visit was that it had to end.
(Excellent)
