Join our native forest and wetland regeneration project in Hokianga, New Zealand

Details

• 

  Description

  Looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature and wildlife?
  Our idyllic 80-acre property in the Hokianga is a mix of rolling farmland, regenerating bush, and wetlands — a place of tranquillity, creativity, and re-connection with the land.
  
  We’re Emily and Shay, a nurse and an online developer, and for many years we ran a small animal sanctuary here. During that time, amazing Workawayers from all over the world became part of our lives — some stayed for months, many returned, and all helped create a home filled with kindness, laughter, and purpose.
  
  These days, due to health challenges, the sanctuary has moved on to new caretakers, and we’re turning our focus to restoring and refreshing our home and whenua (land). Our project now centers on regenerating native forest, reviving our wetlands, and gradually returning sections of pasture back into thriving ecosystems. It’s a slower, quieter chapter — grounded in healing, balance, and helping the land recover after years of giving everything to animal care.
  
  Shay enjoys cooking and is happy to prepare dinner most evenings, and breakfast is provided. We see shared meals as part of the cultural exchange and connection.
  
  That said, you’re absolutely welcome to cook for yourself if you prefer your own food or routine — we’re relaxed and flexible.
  
  We’re usually a vegan household, and ask that Workawayers respect this while staying with us.
  
  Our land is in a critical stage of healing. The native bush is reclaiming old paddocks, the wetlands are slowly returning to life, and every small action — planting, clearing, mulching, repairing — helps restore habitats for birds, insects, and native species.
  
  By joining us, you’re not just helping on a rural property.
  You’re contributing to:
  
  - Regenerating native forest for future generations
  - Reviving natural wetlands that support biodiversity
  - Creating safe habitats for local wildlife
  - Re-balancing damaged areas so the land can thrive again
  - Supporting a rural community caring for its environment despite significant health limitations
  
  Your time here genuinely makes a difference — not just for us, but for the whenua (land) itself.
  
  This is a great opportunity for someone who loves the outdoors, enjoys seeing tangible results, and wants to contribute to ecological restoration. We’re easygoing and respect both company and solitude — happy for a cuppa and a chat when energy allows, and equally happy to give you quiet time on your own.
  
  If you’re seeking calm, purpose, and connection — both with the land and your own well-being — we’d love to hear from you.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
• 

  Interests

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Sustainability

  

  LGBTQ

  

  Plant care

  

  Gardening

  

  Carpentry

  

  Animals

  

  Nature

  

  Pets
• 

  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  What's this?
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are very happy to teach you about how we cook and live, or why. Emily has travelled a lot in her life. She did workaway, has lived in UK and France as well as doing a lot of voluntry work for the United Nations environmental and climate change youth organisations (UNEA and UNFCCC) before she came and settled back in Aotearoa (NZ).
  
  You'll also...
  - Have time to slow down and reconnect with nature
  - Learn about gardening, native plants, and sustainable property management
  - Experience life on a peaceful Northland property rich in wildlife and history
  - Space for personal reflection, creativity, or simply to breathe deeply away from city life
  
  Many of our past Workawayers describe their time here as grounding, peaceful, and healing.
  
  Location & Surroundings
  Old Coach Road Walkway – Just a few km away, perfect for scenic strolls.
  Opononi Beach & Sand Dunes (40 mins away) – Stunning views, boat tours, and a touch of history.
  Hokianga Harbour – Said to be the first landing place of the Māori in Aotearoa, with cultural experiences in Opononi.
  Waipoua Forest & Tāne Mahuta – Visit the largest Kauri tree and explore incredible native bush walks.
  Surf Beach (30 mins away) – A great spot to catch some waves.
  Kai Iwi Lakes (1hr 20mins away) – Crystal-clear freshwater lakes, perfect for swimming and kayaking.

• 

  Help

  We’re looking for Workawayers who are physically fit, practical, and happy to get stuck in.
  If you enjoy variety and satisfaction from hands-on work, you’ll love it here.
  
  Tasks may include:
  - Gardening in our fruit forest and garden spaces
  - Helping in our small native plant nursery
  - Mowing and general property maintenance
  - Building an outdoor cat enclosure
  - Sorting and cleaning materials (wood, metal, general de-cluttering)
  - DIY building projects or creative projects (no previous experience necessary)
  - Tree planting and care (seasonal)
  - Farm fence removal
  
  Every day brings something different, and we’re always open to matching tasks with your interests or skills.

• 

  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Beginner

• 

  Accommodation

  For Workawayers staying with us, the primary accommodation is a spacious Kathmandu 280 three-room tent, set up in a peaceful area of the property close to the house with beautiful rural views and plenty of privacy.
  
  The tent has three separate sections, allowing for a sleeping area plus additional space for luggage, storage, or a small sitting area. It’s roomy enough to stand up in and move around comfortably — this is not a small backpacking tent.
  
  Inside, you’ll sleep on a Coleman double-height queen-sized air bed, which provides proper support and sits elevated off the ground — far more comfortable than a basic camping mattress.
  
  We provide all sleeping essentials, including:
  - Fitted sheets
  - Blankets and extra bedding
  - Pillows
  - Full linen
  
  You don’t need to bring any bedding unless you prefer your own pillow.
  
  The tent will also have:
  - Power inside for charging devices
  - Wi-Fi access
  - Lighting
  
  In addition, you’ll have full access to:
  - The house bathroom
  - Kitchen and cooking facilities
  - Indoor shelter if the weather turns rough
  
  To give you a clear idea of the setup, the photos included in our profile show the tent model and mattress style. These images are there so you can understand the size, layout, and comfort level provided.
  
  This arrangement suits people who genuinely enjoy being immersed in nature while still having practical comforts nearby. You’ll wake to birdsong and fresh air — with a proper bed and connectivity available.
  
  We share the space with two cats and a pet possum
  
  Cooking – Gas stove & oven (cooks faster than expected), plus an extra plug-in stovetop.
  Cell Signal – Limited at the house; good signal just down the road. Wifi calling is possible if phone is able
  Water – From a stream, so we provide large drinking bottles that we refill in Omapere. We always have a plenty on hand.
  Laundry – Washer, dryer, and a covered clothesline on the deck.
  Deck & Views – Our large wrap-around deck is perfect for relaxing, eating, and soaking in the stunning scenery.

• 

  What else ...

  Rural Location
  - You must have your own vehicle
  - No public transport
  - Shops are a 20–40 minute drive away
  - Best suited for someone who enjoys solitude and nature
  
  Drinking Water
  
  We collect our drinking water from Omapere (40 minutes away).
  A good supply will be kept at home.
  
  Who We Welcome
  
  - Single workaways or couples
  - Responsible, reliable, animal-loving people
  - Those comfortable with rural living and quiet surroundings
  - People wanting a peaceful place to rest, work remotely, or recharge

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  We utilize Star Link.

• 

  Space for parking camper vans

  Loads of off-street parking for large vehicles.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

• 

  My animals / pets

  Cleo

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (2)