Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
25 Nov 2024
Reply rate
58.3 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
25
Email verified
Badges (2)
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Details
Description
Hi there, we are Nigel and Glenda and we live on a farm on which there are Deer and Cattle. We live in the farm cottage and my father (82yrs old but very fit and active) lives in the Big House. We have a large vegetable garden which always requires work and various farm chores daily related to deer, cattle and managing the invasive cherry trees in our area... and there are always projects ongoing like demolishing our wind damaged shed and property improvement.
The farm is at the base of Mt.Thomas, a great spot for hiking... there's plentiful seasonal foraging and some hunting too. We have a fun and close knit community of farms who we socialise with once the work is done.
We love exchanging ideas and experiences and our love of good food and drink.
We also have a wee dog called Tui and a bigger Huntaway called Blue
Because of our semi remote location we find that for your benefit having your own transport is a must...
Max stay of 1-2 weeks but we start with a couple of days and see how we get on.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
My everyday is spent in a great place filled with a diverse range of tasks which have fascinating skillsets to learn... also the best fresh food you can put in your mouth!!
Help
Mostly help around the house, some firewood help, always gardening and sometimes fencing and stock moving for exciting cultural exchange and experiential purposes.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
A private double bedroom with toilet/bath ensuite, shared livingroom, good food provided. Also available, a sleep out with double bed.
What else ...
Close to Ashley Gorge and Glentui, 15mins one way to Oxford (library and Sunday farmers market) or 25mins the other way to Rangiora. 1hr to CHC Airport
I'm a keen outdoorsman who likes to hunt and you're sometimes welcome to tag along...
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 913157518388
Feedback (14)
19 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Niklas)
Niklas was great for someone new to this! What he lacked in experience he made up for in enthusiasm and extra effort. We achieved a range of jobs round the farm and he even helped with a few workshop projects to gain new personal skilsets. He was very easy to get along with and had good understanding of how a household works outside of work time… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Niklas) for host
I had a wonderful time staying with Glenda and Nigel. They are incredibly welcoming and attentive hosts, always ensuring that you feel comfortable and supported. The meals are outstanding, fresh, and very nourishing. The work can be physically demanding, but it’s very rewarding as you gain a lot of practical skills and knowledge in a beautiful,… read more
19 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Leo Natalis) for host
We spent a wonderful week with Nigel and Glenda and by the end wished we could have stayed longer!
We had our private room with an ensuite and amazing views of the adjacent mountains. The work was easy and varied, like picking up pine cones, gardening, landscaping, wood splitting and clearing vines. The time passed really quickly, the tasks were… read more
We had our private room with an ensuite and amazing views of the adjacent mountains. The work was easy and varied, like picking up pine cones, gardening, landscaping, wood splitting and clearing vines. The time passed really quickly, the tasks were… read more
31 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Tristan & Karli) for host
Nigel and Glenda are outstanding people and phenomenal hosts! We worked hard and played hard during our three-week stay, and boy did we eat! Both Nigel and Glenda were exceptional in the kitchen creating some of the most appetizing home cooked meals my wife and I have enjoyed in a long time. The work mostly consisted of firewood for us, with some… read more
Photos
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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
19 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Niklas)
Niklas was great for someone new to this! What he lacked in experience he made up for in enthusiasm and extra effort. We achieved a range of jobs round the farm and he even helped with a few workshop projects to gain new personal skilsets. He was very easy to get along with and had good understanding of how a household works outside of work time… read more
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Niklas) for host
I had a wonderful time staying with Glenda and Nigel. They are incredibly welcoming and attentive hosts, always ensuring that you feel comfortable and supported. The meals are outstanding, fresh, and very nourishing. The work can be physically demanding, but it’s very rewarding as you gain a lot of practical skills and knowledge in a beautiful,… read more
19 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Leo Natalis) for host
We spent a wonderful week with Nigel and Glenda and by the end wished we could have stayed longer!
We had our private room with an ensuite and amazing views of the adjacent mountains. The work was easy and varied, like picking up pine cones, gardening, landscaping, wood splitting and clearing vines. The time passed really quickly, the tasks were… read more
We had our private room with an ensuite and amazing views of the adjacent mountains. The work was easy and varied, like picking up pine cones, gardening, landscaping, wood splitting and clearing vines. The time passed really quickly, the tasks were… read more
31 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Tristan & Karli) for host
Nigel and Glenda are outstanding people and phenomenal hosts! We worked hard and played hard during our three-week stay, and boy did we eat! Both Nigel and Glenda were exceptional in the kitchen creating some of the most appetizing home cooked meals my wife and I have enjoyed in a long time. The work mostly consisted of firewood for us, with some… read more
2 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ella) for host
My stay at Nigel and Glenda's (and wee dog Tui's) was amazing! There was so much peace out on Gary River Farm and a lot of fun to be had. Doing mostly timber framing with Nigel or gardening outside, the time flew by. Nigel brought me to touristy places that he had probably seen a million times that I wanted to go to and the evenings were spent… read more
7 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Laurits Meier & Iben) for host
Staying at Nigel and Glenda was the absolute best decision we made when going to NZ!
We did different jobs, from making firewood, gardening, thinning out in the cherrie trees, helping feed the deer and helping Nigel in the wood work shop. Nigel also took us with him when he had to do jobs in town so we got to see a bit more of the local… read more
We did different jobs, from making firewood, gardening, thinning out in the cherrie trees, helping feed the deer and helping Nigel in the wood work shop. Nigel also took us with him when he had to do jobs in town so we got to see a bit more of the local… read more
10 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Amber & Jeroen)
We hosted Amber and J for about three weeks and had a lot of laughs. Despite the terrible weather we achieved almost all the tasks and more. We hope they enjoy Australia as much as possible even with the underarm bowling scandal being very much still a thing...
(Excellent)
3 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Amber & Jeroen) for host
We had a great experience with Nigel and Glenda! Both very welcoming people. They communicated very well and we loved our time there. The work was lots of fun. Nigel has much knowledge about the garden and is not afraid to tell you all about it. It was an inspiring period during our travel. The food was more than amazing. Together with David we… read more
30 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Allison ) for host
I stayed 3 weeks with Nigel, Glenda, and wee dog Tui at their peaceful slice of farm and the time flew by. I helped Nigel get the garden ready, fed deer, and rebuilt a fence (just to name a few tasks). Was so spoiled by Glenda and her cooking! Really felt like a home away from home and I'll miss y'all. Thanks for your hospitality and your humor.… read more
30 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Allison )
Ally was an excellent worker and generally lovely person to be around. She nailed her job list with a smile and competency. She has a great attitude to trying new things and handled everything with ease. Our garden and farm is better off for having her here!
Good Luck on your travels Ally
Good Luck on your travels Ally
(Excellent)
18 Nov 2020
Left by Workawayer (Abbie & Emily) for host
We stayed with Nigel over a month, he is a friendly and chatty guy, cooks delicious food! Work included washing all pots, collecting firewood, keeping up the veg garden, building structures, helping in the workshop, sometimes help with his parents next door. Lovely surroundings, you get to experience a remote farm lifestyle but still only an hour… read more
20 Oct 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Abbie & Emily)
Great Lass' , willing to try most tasks with gusto. Fitted in with ease, made my lambs fat and my plants are all alive, what more can i ask for really!! People who can laugh at farts !!
(Excellent)
28 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole)
Nicole was delightfully cheerful and a very sweet person. She helped my parents with chores, kept my house shiny clean and there was always a roaring fire with stack of wood at the ready. She was willing to learn new skills and excelled at sanding!! Good luck in your travels from the Loco Amigo...
(Excellent)
28 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Nicole) for host
My stay with Nigel was really nice and rewarding!
He and his family made me feel really welcomed and happy the time I stayed with them.
The work in the house was easy and Nigel let me help him with his wood work because I love sanding haha! The location is stunning, nice to have a walk around in the evenings and then sit by the fire to warm up.… read more
He and his family made me feel really welcomed and happy the time I stayed with them.
The work in the house was easy and Nigel let me help him with his wood work because I love sanding haha! The location is stunning, nice to have a walk around in the evenings and then sit by the fire to warm up.… read more
14 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
Originally planning to spend about 2 weeks at the Farm, I was extremely grateful for Nigel and his parents letting me stay for the entire lockdown. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, honing new skills in woodwork, animal care and gardening. It was a great insight into rural New Zealand life and such a beautiful place to spend a few months. Will… read more
2 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)
Sophie aimed to be here for about 2 weeks, but she was all round such a great person that we started a worldwide pandemic that changed the world so that she could stay for 3 months instead...
...She's now basically a part of the family.
Learnt and displayed great skills and care of my garden and animals... was always up for a challenge and some… read more
...She's now basically a part of the family.
Learnt and displayed great skills and care of my garden and animals... was always up for a challenge and some… read more
(Excellent)
18 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Harry) for host
I stayed with Nigel for nearly a month and had a great time. The work was different every day and enjoyable. There were lots of things to do when not working, Nigel taught me how to shoot and hunt which was really interesting, theres lots of nice nature around to go walking in and a good surf beach only 35 minutes drive away. Nigel is also a… read more
11 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Harry)
Harry was an excellent Dude
Diligent but easygoing, a pleasure to have him stay and help out.
Diligent but easygoing, a pleasure to have him stay and help out.
(Excellent)
11 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Alban & Edith)
What is there to say about Edith and DJ Antitax... so much ! But such a little box to put it all in...
So I'll just say they were...
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Bon !
So I'll just say they were...
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Bon !
(Excellent)
9 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lilian & Moshe) for host
We stayed with Nigel for 5 days and it’s hard to imagine how 5 days can change your life. Nigel is honestly the best host you can imagine, giving you space but always being there to help, guide, cook meals and talk. Starting the day with homemade muesli and yogurt and his unique coffee maker, beautiful lunch and special vegetarian dinners… read more
9 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lilian & Moshe)
Lilian and Moshe were wonderful. Seasoned Workawayers, they immediately slotted into my home life like old friends and were a delight to share my little corner of paradise with. Very competent in my demanding garden they made it look so good I struggled not to join them rather than complete my own tasks! Conversation flowed and I really hope to… read more
(Excellent)
9 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Eva & Lindsay) for host
Nigel is an incredibly welcoming and kind person. We spent 15 days with him and will treasure the memories for life. The work is not at all difficult and is really like being at home and helping your parents or grandfather ;)
No seriously, it was just great.
Nigel is a great guy and if we hadn’t had more road to travel we would have stayed a… read more
No seriously, it was just great.
Nigel is a great guy and if we hadn’t had more road to travel we would have stayed a… read more
30 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Eva & Lindsay)
Eva and Lindsay were brilliant, despite Eva's limited English (judged solely on her inability to say 'Penguin')...
They were fun and engaging, very efficient and a joy to have join me for my daily adventures.
They taught me some great food skills, and kept me entertained with their banter and cake in the face antics.
Go well Frenchies, see you… read more
They were fun and engaging, very efficient and a joy to have join me for my daily adventures.
They taught me some great food skills, and kept me entertained with their banter and cake in the face antics.
Go well Frenchies, see you… read more
(Excellent)
28 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Adriana & Alexander)
There is so much to say about Adriana and Alex, I could go on and on about how helpful and useful they'd be to have around and how clean and tidy your home will be... but I won't. Really, people just read the feedback to make sure the workers aren't going to be duds. These two are furthest from that. We have become good friends (the kind that fart… read more
(Excellent)
28 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Adriana & Alexander) for host
This experience has been by far our best in New Zealand! Nigel taught us so much in the garden, about food, hunting, animals etc. He is great to give instructions and it's so much fun!
You will be treated as family, eat amazing, fresh food and have an amazing scenery of Mount Thomas. This place will feed your soul with great energy.
Just for… read more
You will be treated as family, eat amazing, fresh food and have an amazing scenery of Mount Thomas. This place will feed your soul with great energy.
Just for… read more
