Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
9 Jan 2025
Reply rate
70.8 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
35
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (2)
Give the gift of Workaway
read more
Find your perfect host
Details
Description
We are a large flat land farm 30mins North of Christchurch, in Nth Canterbury. We have three dairy farms and a run off support block run by our sons. We are semi retired living in The Homestead with a large garden and we grow our own fruits and vegetables which we cook with everyday. We are looking for help in our garden, house, maintenance, computer and cooking. More than happy to put your skills to use which best suit.
In return, you can make yourself at home! We can provide comfortable accomodation and food supplies for the length of time you are here. Feel free to make use of our facilities such as pool, hot tub etc and if the farm isn't too busy, we would be happy to show you around.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
In exchange for a wealth of knowledge about Kiwi way of life and large scale farming, we would love to learn about your culture and we enjoy hearing about your adventures.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
We primarily require support for our large garden and house. If you prove capable and need farm work then this may be a possibility depending on the time of year.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Large private room with your own bathroom within our house, or quarters.
What else ...
It is best if you have a vehicle so that on days off you can tour the area and see the sights.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have a lot of space for you to work and the Wifi can be slow at times but it is always available.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 9132337824af
Feedback (17)
17 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Emma & Thomas) for host
Our time with Margaret and Richard was amazing! We did so many fun things and loved every part of it :).
They showed us around the dairy farms, Cally and Marcus took Emma horseback riding and we've had really funny moments together.
We really hope we will see you again! And we cannot wait to show you around in The Netherlands one day:).
They showed us around the dairy farms, Cally and Marcus took Emma horseback riding and we've had really funny moments together.
We really hope we will see you again! And we cannot wait to show you around in The Netherlands one day:).
16 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma & Thomas)
Thomas and Emma were exceptional. They felt like family when they left. They were self motivated, saw things to do. Very capable, lovely couple and very mature for their young age.
(Excellent
)
15 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Dominique & Mary)
Dominique & Mary, two lovely English girls. Helped in our garden & house. Completed all chores well and cheerfully. Pleasure to Host.
(Excellent
)
13 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte & Romain) for host
We spent 3 weeks with Margaret and Richard in February. We absolutely loved it. We did painting, cleaning, gardening, cooking and general maintenance. We even got to house sit while they were away (which is amazing by the way)☀️
Margaret and Richard are lovely. They are trusting, caring and generous.
As Margaret is from Britain, it was a bit of… read more
Margaret and Richard are lovely. They are trusting, caring and generous.
As Margaret is from Britain, it was a bit of… read more
25 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte & Romain)
What a delight to host Charlotte & Romain. Charlotte is half english/french, so her English is perfect. Romain is doing well in his English learning.
A wonderful couple, so easy to get along with, they did some wonderful painting of fences & huts on our farm, and Roman is a great cook.
Totally trustworthy, we left them to look after our house and… read more
A wonderful couple, so easy to get along with, they did some wonderful painting of fences & huts on our farm, and Roman is a great cook.
Totally trustworthy, we left them to look after our house and… 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:
(4.7)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.9)
17 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Emma & Thomas) for host
Our time with Margaret and Richard was amazing! We did so many fun things and loved every part of it :).
They showed us around the dairy farms, Cally and Marcus took Emma horseback riding and we've had really funny moments together.
We really hope we will see you again! And we cannot wait to show you around in The Netherlands one day:).
They showed us around the dairy farms, Cally and Marcus took Emma horseback riding and we've had really funny moments together.
We really hope we will see you again! And we cannot wait to show you around in The Netherlands one day:).
16 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma & Thomas)
Thomas and Emma were exceptional. They felt like family when they left. They were self motivated, saw things to do. Very capable, lovely couple and very mature for their young age.
(Excellent)
15 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Dominique & Mary)
Dominique & Mary, two lovely English girls. Helped in our garden & house. Completed all chores well and cheerfully. Pleasure to Host.
(Excellent)
13 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte & Romain) for host
We spent 3 weeks with Margaret and Richard in February. We absolutely loved it. We did painting, cleaning, gardening, cooking and general maintenance. We even got to house sit while they were away (which is amazing by the way)☀️
Margaret and Richard are lovely. They are trusting, caring and generous.
As Margaret is from Britain, it was a bit of… read more
Margaret and Richard are lovely. They are trusting, caring and generous.
As Margaret is from Britain, it was a bit of… read more
25 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte & Romain)
What a delight to host Charlotte & Romain. Charlotte is half english/french, so her English is perfect. Romain is doing well in his English learning.
A wonderful couple, so easy to get along with, they did some wonderful painting of fences & huts on our farm, and Roman is a great cook.
Totally trustworthy, we left them to look after our house and… read more
A wonderful couple, so easy to get along with, they did some wonderful painting of fences & huts on our farm, and Roman is a great cook.
Totally trustworthy, we left them to look after our house and… read more
(Excellent)
2 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Magali & Leen)
Magali & Leen were wonderful. I was away, they looked after my husband and I came back to a wonderful clean tidy house. They also worked wonders in the garden and stained a fence.
Delightful people, welcome back anytime. All the best for your travels.
Delightful people, welcome back anytime. All the best for your travels.
(Excellent)
9 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Annabel)
We enjoyed having Annabel to stay for a week. Annanbel was easy to get on with and helped with whatever we asked her to do.
(Excellent)
26 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jana) for host
Margaret and Richard are really kind and helpful people! Unfortunately I could just stay for 2 days but I really loved the house and the work was easy! I spent some time with their lovely grandson and helped in household.
17 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Emily & Emily) for host
We had a really interesting stay with Margret & Richard. We did easy gardening work & general cleaning in and around the house. They invited us out to their local rodeo with them which was a great experience!
30 May 2021
Left by Workawayer (Alisdair & Tamlyn) for host
We had the most amazing experience staying with Margaret and Richard. Their house is incredible, with a lovely garden and the guest wing with separate bedroom and bathroom was very luxurious.
Margaret and Richard were very warm and kind to us during our stay, we had great conversations over dinner and we felt adopted as temporary parts of the… read more
Margaret and Richard were very warm and kind to us during our stay, we had great conversations over dinner and we felt adopted as temporary parts of the… read more
21 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Susan) for host
Margaret and Richard are wonderful hosts.
They have extensive experience in hosting visitors from all over the world. Their homestead is beautiful, in a picturesque setting complete with snow capped mountains visible from the windows.
The accommodation for visitors/workawayers is nothing short of luxurious! A lovely big room with comfortable… read more
They have extensive experience in hosting visitors from all over the world. Their homestead is beautiful, in a picturesque setting complete with snow capped mountains visible from the windows.
The accommodation for visitors/workawayers is nothing short of luxurious! A lovely big room with comfortable… read more
20 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Susan)
Su, we miss you already. Such a happy vibrant person, nothing is too much trouble. so so easy to get along will. Very very honest and open.
Su helped us in our house and garden, then looked after our large house, grounds, hens, cat whilst we were overseas for 7 weeks. we came back to an immaculate house. Su also became friends with our neighbour… read more
Su helped us in our house and garden, then looked after our large house, grounds, hens, cat whilst we were overseas for 7 weeks. we came back to an immaculate house. Su also became friends with our neighbour… read more
(Excellent)
20 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Julien & Dorota)
Julien & Dorota were an excellent couple. They helped us in our large garden and house. Nothing was too much trouble. Very willing to give everything a go, and would see things to do. Great company at the dinner table. Highly recommend.
(Excellent)
30 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Julien & Dorota) for host
We really enjoyed our 1st workaway experience with Margaret, Richard and Magic, the cat ! We spent 1 week at the Claxby farm and we really felt at home. They gave us everything we need. They cooked very good meals for us. We had our own bedroom and bathroom. The house is really nice and clean. We did some gardening and cleaning windows, nothing… read more
21 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Aurore )
Aurore was such a lovely person. So willing to give things a go, and always looking for things to do. Great company.
Have a lovely time travelling Aurore, always a bed here for you.
Have a lovely time travelling Aurore, always a bed here for you.
(Excellent)
1 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Laure) for host
We had a wonderful time with Margaret and Richard. We were able to stay during Christmas time and there were a lot of easy work to do. We enjoyed taking care of the garden, of the chickens and of Viking the dog and Magic Black Cat. The house is beautiful and we had our own bathroom. And we could cook whenever we wanted !
Thank you again for… read more
Thank you again for… read more
10 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Laure)
Laure & Isa, such lovely French girls. Self-motivated they see what needs to be done and do it. Great workers, and fun to have living with us. Very trustworthy, we left them in charge of our large house, pets etc over the two weeks of Christmas and New Year whilst we were away. Such a pleasure to come back to a tidy garden (very large) and a clean… read more
(Excellent)
24 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Lara & Samuel)
The most lovely people. So enjoyed their stay with us They did an exceptional job in our large garden doing Autumn tidy up. Also great cooks. English very good. Will miss you guys, hope all goes well on your future travels. If you ever get back to NZ please get in touch. Thank you Sam & Lara xxx
(Excellent)
28 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
Simon and his partner Ingrid stayed for 3 weeks. They were a lovely couple, their English was good, they were easy to host and did some excellent work in our house and garden. Best of luck with the Rugby Simon.
(Excellent)
14 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Katharina & Lisa)
Nina & Lisa where lovely. Very mature for their young age. They did a wonderful job in my garden tidying up after winter. They were also good cooks, and I learnt about vegetarian cooking. They were self motivated and would see things to do without being asked. Thanks Nina & Lisa, happy travels - maybe we see you again before you leave NZ.
(Excellent)
14 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Katharina & Lisa) for host
We had such a great time staying at Margarets and Richards Farm!
It was our second workaway experience (we stayed 11 days) and it definetly exceeded our expectations.
Margaret, Richard and everyone else was so nice, it felt like home. If we had problems or questions we could always come and ask. Margaret also took us to Rangiora a few times and… read more
It was our second workaway experience (we stayed 11 days) and it definetly exceeded our expectations.
Margaret, Richard and everyone else was so nice, it felt like home. If we had problems or questions we could always come and ask. Margaret also took us to Rangiora a few times and… read more
2 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Lennart) for host
We stayed 2 weeks with Richard and we really enjoyed it. The work was not to hard and we felt very welcome. All in all we had a great time :)
12 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jasmine)
We loved having Jasmine. The first week she stayed with my daughter in law and helped with her two girls 1 & 4. She then came and stayed a few days with us. She was such a lovely girl to have around, great imitative could always see things to be done before being asked. Always wanting to keep busy. Totally recommend Jasmine to… read more
(Excellent)
8 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Olivia & Kuo) for host
We stayed with Margaret and Richard for around 10 days. We loved our time there with them. We were working in the morning for about 4 hrs a day, and helped out with some cooking and cleaning up in the kitchen. We got to use delicious veggies from the garden, and enjoyed lovely family dinners at the house. We had our own small house with a… read more
6 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Victoria & Matthew) for host
We only stayed a few days with Margaret and Richard but we were made to feel very welcome and at home in their lovely old farmhouse from the outset. Prior to our arrival all communication with Margaret was prompt and informative and she kindly arranged for her son to pick us up from the airport, as well as giving us lifts into and and back from… read more
2 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Victoria & Matthew)
A lovely couple, only stayed for a few days, but fitted in very well and very helpful. Would love you to return.
(Excellent)
1 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Jacob) for host
I stayed at this workaway for 17 days and I really enjoyed it! I had an own small 2 room and I got a car to get from the house to the farm. The work was not to hard and it was something different everyday. The farm is huge and there are a lot of interesting things to see if you are a bit interested into farming.
Overall I can only recommend this… read more
Overall I can only recommend this… read more
18 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Isabell)
Isabell came and stayed with us for 6 days. A lovely lovely person. We had a very busy week hosting a staff party for 40 and a family b'day party for 80 over two days. Isabell was such a wonderful help, quick to learn and great initiative. She helped with entertaining by two young granddaughters, some gardening and lots of food preparation. … read more
(Excellent)
22 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Ciara) for host
The garden is fabulous here, fruit trees, flowers lovely to sit out when the weather is good! The house is very nice and spacious, my room was clean and comfortable. The work was fair a mixture of outdoor - weeding, pruning and picking plums and indoor - cooking, cleaning and tidying. I sometimes did over my hours but that was my own choice.… read more
24 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (workingtraveller)
Seraina is a wonderful young lady. Very polite, very capable and an absolute pleasure to have her stay with us for two weeks. She looked after my grandchildren ( 5mths & 2.5yrs). Gardening, housekeeping and some wonderful cooking.
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (workingtraveller) for host
Margret and Richard are very nice people and as well the young Generation, Sam and Jo with Ruby and Chloe, Marcus and Matt. All were very friendly to me. The work was not hard, it was a great mix from indoor and outdoor. When the weather was sunny i worked usually in the huge beautiful garden, pruning Busches, weeding or clean around the house.… read more
6 Sep 2015
Left by Workawayer (Tjaša & Nils) for host
We spent 4 great weeks with the whole family. It was our first workaway experience and we had a really good time. We were like a part of the family and will not forget our beautiful sightseeing tours. The work on a farm was a new experience but we really enjoyed it and have learned a lot. Thanks very much, we would come back anytime. Tjaša & Nils
21 Mar 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Hillary & Emily)
Lovely girls, fitted in very well and great workers.
(Excellent)
17 Feb 2014
Left by Workawayer (Joanna) for host
Our first workaway experience & it was so good we stayed 8 weeks!! If you're not afraid of some hard physical work, you will be rewarded. We spent some lovely evenings with Margaret & Richard. The place itself is a beautiful house & we were very sad to leave!
11 Feb 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Joanna)
Stuart & Jo are the most wonderful couple. We really enjoyed their company, they did some awesome work for us, and Stuart is a great cook. We miss them and just wish they could have stayed for ever.
(Excellent)
