Profile information
Host rating
90 %
Last replied
24 Apr 2025
Reply rate
79.2 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
41
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️ We are currently looking for a single or couple from mid 20's onwards who enjoys outdoor work and occasionally the company of people from different countries.
Our home includes also a cat, called Pixie who loves her food and the warmth of the heater. We are placed right in the heart of Devonport and only 12 minutes by ferry from Downtown Auckland & the surrounding islands (Waiheke, Tiri Tiri, etc.).
Our homely villa flows to a peaceful garden with a huge palm tree and a hammock - a beautiful spot to relax in the summer.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The historic centre of Devonport and the Community House (which offers various classes) is just around the corner from our home. Devonport, called the "seaside village" is very popular with international travellers for its cafes, shops, restaurants, art galleries, beaches and a historic cinema with great movies and shows). Yoga, Massage and Fitness centres are all on our doorstep.
There are also lovely walks to the extinct volcanoes (North Head and Mount Victoria). Stroll through the parks and along Marine Parade to the ferry for a pleasant trip to the city or to the other islands.
Help
Most of the year - exept in the NZ winter time - we are looking for a volunteer(s) in central Devonport/Auckland. The help is about 3 hours per day, which involves computer help, general house-cleaning, some cooking sometimes (an "International dinner" with a glass of wine which we can share together) and a good amount of gardening ----- weeding, cutting and planting.
Sometimes a handyman is required for painting and wood work.
We offer private comfortable accommodation in our garden sleep-out or in the house.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Indonesian: Beginner
Accommodation
Depending on the availabilities, we have private accommodation in our garden sleep-out (double bed, tea & coffee making facilities in the room, wireless internet throughout the home) or a double room inside the house. Workawayers in the van are also welcome.
Please note that we only offer accommodation and do not provide food however we are very happy to share a meal occasionally. You are welcome to use our kitchen and bathroom facilities.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
Safe to park in our driveway.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 8775621724a7
Feedback (21)
18 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon & Noelle)
Noelle and Simon were staying with me for about a week. They are a wonderful couple, very reliable and hard working. Now they are leaving for Australia and Asia and maybe Europe --- I wish them all the best and I hope to see them again on their way home to San Francisco.
(Excellent
)
17 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Simon & Noelle) for host
Our stay with Karin made for an amazing first Workaway experience. We stayed in the garden sleep-out for a week, which was a cozy, clean, and comfortable private bedroom slightly removed from the main house (which was awesome after a month of backpacking/car camping/hostels). We were expected to cook our own meals throughout our stay, but had full… read more
26 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Clarissa)
Hi Clarissa,
thank you for your feedback, however I don't feel that I have "overworked" you as you mentioned "I really love cleaning"!!! I must admit you really worked very thoroughly, but therefore it took you also longer than it would normally take other helpers. Enjoy your time in New Zealand.
thank you for your feedback, however I don't feel that I have "overworked" you as you mentioned "I really love cleaning"!!! I must admit you really worked very thoroughly, but therefore it took you also longer than it would normally take other helpers. Enjoy your time in New Zealand.
(Very good
)
25 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Clarissa) for host
I stayed almost a week at Karin’s house and yes the house is beautiful and Karin is nice but sometimes she asks a little to much.
Be prepared to work way more than 3 hours a day.
The first day I did 8 hours ( had the day off after) third day I worked another 8 hours again and she got a little annoyed when I told her that it was too much.
The… read more
Be prepared to work way more than 3 hours a day.
The first day I did 8 hours ( had the day off after) third day I worked another 8 hours again and she got a little annoyed when I told her that it was too much.
The… read more
30 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Valentine & Maxime)
I very much enjoyed having Valentine and Maxime --- a very friendly and hard-working couple doing gardening, painting and helping with computer issues. Thank you. You are always welcome to stay again.
(Excellent
)
29 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Valentine & Maxime) for host
We stayed five days at Karen's charming little house in Devonport. We enjoyed the company of our host and are very happy to have started our Kiwi adventure with her. We were also delighted to have been able to help her. We sincerely hope that our paths will cross again to chat and share joyful moments together. Thank you, Karen!
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.0)
Cultural exchange:
(3.7)
Communication:
(3.0)
18 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon & Noelle)
Noelle and Simon were staying with me for about a week. They are a wonderful couple, very reliable and hard working. Now they are leaving for Australia and Asia and maybe Europe --- I wish them all the best and I hope to see them again on their way home to San Francisco.
(Excellent)
17 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Simon & Noelle) for host
Our stay with Karin made for an amazing first Workaway experience. We stayed in the garden sleep-out for a week, which was a cozy, clean, and comfortable private bedroom slightly removed from the main house (which was awesome after a month of backpacking/car camping/hostels). We were expected to cook our own meals throughout our stay, but had full… read more
26 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Clarissa)
Hi Clarissa,
thank you for your feedback, however I don't feel that I have "overworked" you as you mentioned "I really love cleaning"!!! I must admit you really worked very thoroughly, but therefore it took you also longer than it would normally take other helpers. Enjoy your time in New Zealand.
thank you for your feedback, however I don't feel that I have "overworked" you as you mentioned "I really love cleaning"!!! I must admit you really worked very thoroughly, but therefore it took you also longer than it would normally take other helpers. Enjoy your time in New Zealand.
(Very good)
25 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Clarissa) for host
I stayed almost a week at Karin’s house and yes the house is beautiful and Karin is nice but sometimes she asks a little to much.
Be prepared to work way more than 3 hours a day.
The first day I did 8 hours ( had the day off after) third day I worked another 8 hours again and she got a little annoyed when I told her that it was too much.
The… read more
Be prepared to work way more than 3 hours a day.
The first day I did 8 hours ( had the day off after) third day I worked another 8 hours again and she got a little annoyed when I told her that it was too much.
The… read more
30 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Valentine & Maxime)
I very much enjoyed having Valentine and Maxime --- a very friendly and hard-working couple doing gardening, painting and helping with computer issues. Thank you. You are always welcome to stay again.
(Excellent)
29 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Valentine & Maxime) for host
We stayed five days at Karen's charming little house in Devonport. We enjoyed the company of our host and are very happy to have started our Kiwi adventure with her. We were also delighted to have been able to help her. We sincerely hope that our paths will cross again to chat and share joyful moments together. Thank you, Karen!
1 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Kamil & Aneta) for host
This was our second experience with workaway and compare to the first one it was really bad. We didn't feel welcome in her house and we were really confused many times. Her priority was BnB hosts and we felt unwanted. The work around the house was alright and easy, but staying there was stressfully and we had to leave. I think Karin is not bad… read more
12 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Oliver & Aileen)
It was a pleasure to have Aileen & Olli here.They helped me a lot with gardening, general household and maintenance. Also they did some great painting jobs and Aileen sewed some pillows and a few small items. All in all I can really recommend this hard-working couple, All the best for you both and have a safe travel
(Excellent)
12 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Oliver & Aileen) for host
We stayed nearly one week at Karin's place. It was a wonderful experience to meet her and help her in the garden, do some cleaning and general maintenance. We also had a lot of time to explore Devonport, which is a really beautiful suburb of Auckland. It was also nice to meet the other guests in Karin's B&B.
Thanks for having us there and all the… read more
Thanks for having us there and all the… read more
8 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Yueh-Hung & Ti-Zhen)
It was nice having Louis and Jeannie to stay with me- they helped me a lot making arrangements for my next trip to Europe. They also helped with gardening and general household cleaning.
Wishing you both all the best for your future.
Wishing you both all the best for your future.
(Excellent)
5 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Yueh-Hung & Ti-Zhen) for host
We stayed around 1 week with Karin. She is a friendly woman. We stayed in her living room, it's comfortable. The neighborhood is quiet and peaceful. We had opportunity to meet lovely guests in her B&B and shared nice dinners together many nights. Throughout these days, we had done mowing, pruning, cleaning and cooking, we spent most time helping… read more
11 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Marc & Anna)
Anna and Marc a very clever, industrial couple were more than useful around my garden ---- lots of cutting back ....... also Anna's painting work of my bookshelf was very much appreciated. Thank you both very much and all the best for your future.
(Excellent)
4 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Marc & Anna) for host
Karin is a great and friendly host who made us feel like home. The job is fair (we worked in the morning for 2-3 hours) and we could use her kitchen for cooking. The house is beautiful and has a nice garden, and her cat Pixie was always around.
We hope you feel better. Thanks a lot and we would come again if we come back to Auckland or if you… read more
We hope you feel better. Thanks a lot and we would come again if we come back to Auckland or if you… read more
24 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Teresa)
I very much enjoyed Teresa's stay and appreciated her willingness to do many kinds of jobs around my place --- especially helping me with computer work in planning my overseas holidays and marketing my B&B. By the way, my spam problems seem to have ended ---- thanks to you. I still miss having Teresa around. You are welcome back anytime!
(Excellent)
22 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Teresa) for host
I stayed with Karin for two weeks in January 2018. Karins Garden villa is a lovely house, with a stunning location in the heart of devonport. The perfect place to explore the islands, Cheltenham Beach, Mt. Victoria etc. You can escape the busy city life of Auckland and still you are so close (only 12 min ferry ride ). Karins place is perfect to… read more
13 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Emilie) for host
Karin's place is really nice. Very convinient if you want to explore Auckland and surrounding. Nice garden also =) The work is fair. Thank you =)
17 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Emilia & Juho)
Emilia and Juho were a pleasant, friendly and helpful couple to share my place in the early summer days they spent with me and some guests. Emilia prepared a typical Finnish meal which was very enjoyable and Juho was very helpful developing software for my search engine.
I hope we will meet again.
I hope we will meet again.
(Excellent)
15 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Emilia & Juho) for host
It was a pleasure to be volunteering for Karin. We spent 1 week in Karin's B&B, helping with Searh engine optimization and other computer-related things, and also worked in garden, did a bit of cooking and sewing. Work was not too difficult and we felt welcome in her place.
Karin is a kind person with interesting travel-stories to share. We… read more
Karin is a kind person with interesting travel-stories to share. We… read more
8 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jelena & Igor)
Jelena and Igor are very friendly and helpful. Jelena helped me special to create an itenary for my next trip to Europe. Igor is very patient and he gave me a few computer lessons, which helped me a lot. They both also cooked a very nice Croatien dish which we enjoyed on our verandah, Jelena and Igor ---- you are always welcome to stay with us… read more
(Excellent)
7 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Jelena & Igor) for host
Staying at Karin's for a week was a very relaxing experience. The general setting of her wonderful house in lovely Devonport and the quiet garden were a true oasis outside busy Auckland. Access to Auckland CBD was quite handy because the ferry to there can be reached in 5 minutes.
The work we've done included gardening, giving Karin logistical… read more
The work we've done included gardening, giving Karin logistical… read more
25 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Anne)
I was very glad to have Anne staying with me - always helpful, thoughtful and smiling.
I will miss her ---- take care, Anne and all the best for your future . Maybe we will meet again somewhere.
I will miss her ---- take care, Anne and all the best for your future . Maybe we will meet again somewhere.
(Excellent)
24 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Anne) for host
I stayed with Karin for 10 days and felt welcome and at home from the very beginning. Devonport is a lovely place and so is Karin's B&B. I enjoyed talking to her over dinner and she showed me around the area a few times. I worked mainly in the mornings and/or evenings and had plenty of time during the day to explore Devonport and Rangitoto Island.… read more
7 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Kiss)
I very much enjoyed hosting Attila - a warm and helpful personality. I especially liked the way he helped me make my website more user-friendly.
His keeness to profit from new experiences and to learn from them I find most admirable.
Take care and all the best for your future, Attila!
His keeness to profit from new experiences and to learn from them I find most admirable.
Take care and all the best for your future, Attila!
(Excellent)
5 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kiss) for host
I stayed 2 week with Karin and I had a wonderful stay! Karin living her beautifull house in next to Devonport (only 12 minutes by ferry from Downtown Auckland) center with her lovely Pixie cat. The center is only 2 minutes of walk, but the surrounding is always calm and quiet. Devonport has a many beautifull beaches and also have good walks to… read more
13 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Petra)
I enjoyed having Petra with me, very hard worker, always willing to take on new challenges - not afraid of unusual assignments.
I wish her all the best.
I wish her all the best.
(Excellent)
12 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Petra) for host
I stayed with Karin only 4 days, but it was the best stay I could wish as a welcome in New Zealand. Karin is incredible lady with a lot of stories and experiences. She is easygoing, her house is beautiful and there are always some other guests to meet. I helped her in the garden and we went to have a beer when I visited her after I left.
8 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Klára & Michal)
I enjoyed having Klara and Michal staying at my B&B. They helped me with some minor jobs around my place which they did very well.
I wish them all the best.
I wish them all the best.
(Very good)
3 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Klára & Michal) for host
We spent almost a week in Auckland in Karin's beautiful B&B which is also in a very nice neighborhood. At the time we were new in New Zealand and Karin was nice enought to help us with setting up our new lives here. We had time for ourselves in every afternoon. It was a very good experience.
27 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Wanda & Stijn) for host
We stayed with Karin for about a week, helped with some household work and gardening. Karin needed us only for a few hours in the morning, so plenty of free time in the afternoon/evening. The B&B is central and the helpers accomodation clean, a cozy room, good for one person or a couple. Thanks for having us!
17 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Wanda & Stijn)
Wanda and Stijn have been a very helpful and reliable couple.
Stijn enjoyed working in the garden. Also he was a great help with computer matters.
Wanda is a great cook - you will enjoy her delicious meals!
Also she is very keen to keep your place clean and tidy.
Stijn enjoyed working in the garden. Also he was a great help with computer matters.
Wanda is a great cook - you will enjoy her delicious meals!
Also she is very keen to keep your place clean and tidy.
(Excellent)
16 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Will)
Will has been very pleasant in communicating and helpful with computer matters.
I wish him all the best for the future.
I wish him all the best for the future.
(Very good)
26 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Morgane & Lizambard)
Morgane and Adrien were the most helpful and sympathetic companions. I recommend them to anybody wanting to provide accommodation and pleasant company to travellers. They also carried out practical improvements and repairs. Among other things Adrien made us laugh by hanging one-armed - like a monkey - from our backyard palm tree trying to pull off… read more
(Excellent)
24 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Morgane & Lizambard) for host
We stay 2 weeks with Karin in her beautiful house ! We had a nice and comfy sleeping house and Devonport is a really nice little town. Karin was our first home in NZ and we had a great time with her. The work is really easy : cleaning, gardening, helping with computer... This is a B&B so you have to respect the guest privacy of course. Karin is… read more
9 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia)
I enjoyed having Julia staying with me for that week.
She has a nice personality and was good company.
Happy traveling!
She has a nice personality and was good company.
Happy traveling!
(Excellent)
9 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
I stayed with Karin for one week before I started my travels. Even though she had a guest staying the usual workaway accommodation she still accepted my request. I slept on the sofa in the spare room which was okay for me. I enjoyed helping out around the house and the jobs were fun. Thank you.
3 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Nina & Aimo )
I found this charming young couple to be the most helpful & sympathetic companions ever to stay with me. Many adjectives can only partly tell my happiness at the relationship we formed so quickly. I recommend them very strongly to anybody wanting to provide accomodation and pleasant company to travelers.
As well as lively and intelligent… read more
As well as lively and intelligent… read more
(Excellent)
2 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Nina & Aimo ) for host
We stayed with Karin for almost 2 weeks and we were really happy with our stay. Karin is a very lovely and interesting person, with amazing travel stories. The work was really not to hard and we had a lot of time to discover Devonport and Auckland.
We wish you an amazing time on your trip Karin and hope we see you again in the summer !
Alles… read more
We wish you an amazing time on your trip Karin and hope we see you again in the summer !
Alles… read more
12 Mar 2015
Left by Workawayer (Gemma) for host
To be with Karen was an excellent experience for us, more than a host she became an amazing friend! We felt like home in our cosy garden room and sharing amazing dinners with Karin& friends :).We really enjoy cooking and helping her at home "it's a good boss ;)" She always ready to help. A big big heart!
Love to listening your travel histories… read more
Love to listening your travel histories… read more
8 Aug 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (ivulac)
Iva spend one week with me and she helped me with my B&B. She is a very good cook, very helpful with anything I asked her and she got a lovely personality as well. Many thanks.
(Excellent)
23 Feb 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Andy)
Andy and Linda were excellent helpers and when they left, I felt quite sad -
maybe I will see them back in Germany one day.
maybe I will see them back in Germany one day.
(Excellent)
16 Feb 2014
Left by Workawayer (Andy) for host
We stayed 1 week with Karin and we had a wonderful stay! Karin is very hospitable and easy going. We felt like knowing her since long time.
Our accommodation was a small but very charming and comfortable room, the "garden lodge".
There is just one more room for guests so that the work does more include helping in the house and in the garden. Not… read more
Our accommodation was a small but very charming and comfortable room, the "garden lodge".
There is just one more room for guests so that the work does more include helping in the house and in the garden. Not… read more
