Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
Not yet rated
Last replied
29 Apr 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
-
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
*We need a petsitter while we are away having an operation and recovering.
Must come before 19th May and stay 6 weeks, ideally.*
Looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature and wildlife?
Our idyllic 80-acre property is a mix of rolling farmland, regenerating bush, and wetlands, offering an escape into pure tranquility. This is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and those looking to slow down and reconnect with the land.
We’re Emily & Shay, a nurse and online developer, who previously ran an animal sanctuary here (We had many very happy Workaways during that time, many returned!).
Due to significant health challenges, that sanctuary has been moved and is being looked after by others. Our neglected home is in the process of being decluttered and refreshed/renovated from the years we were only able to give to the animals.
Who You’ll Be Caring For
Our rescued furbabies are part of the family:
Two sister cats (Indie and Cleo) – Shy at first, but affectionate and cuddly once they warm up to you.
They are indoor-only due to the rare wildlife in the area, but they have a covered outdoor space to enjoy fresh air. If they sneak out, they stick close to home and are easy to get back.
Braidy, the Possum – A unique and special rescue!
She’s not super cuddly, but can be hand-fed and enjoys gentle strokes when she’s sleepy. She has an enclosed outdoor space and is easy to care for – just needs food left out at night.
Bonus: Help yourself to fresh silverbeet, lettuce, rhubarb, and any fruit from the garden!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
House sitting
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
LGBTQ
Plant care
Gardening
Carpentry
Animals
Nature
Pets
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).
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.
We have heaps of board games here. Access to quite a few streaming platforms and a large TV.
Help
Daily Tasks:
Feed the cats twice a day & refresh their water.
Clean their outdoor litter trays daily.
Make up the tray to feed Braidy (a set variety of peeled and cut veges and fruit)
Feed Braidy in the evening (or leave it out early).
Twice a week:
Water the nursery plants (5-min job).
Purchase fresh vegetables for Braidys food (petrol and food paid for by us).
Once a month:
Refilling the sawdust the cats use in their litter trays and emptying the dirty bin
We would love help getting rocks from around the property and putting them closer to mend the driveway (half an hour twice a week would be super helpful!) and work at rediscovering our nursery that has been grown over (if you want to).
House would need a vacuum once a week (Shay has dust allergies, so keeping levels down is really helpful!) and normal cleaning of shower/bathroom/toilet once a week is fine.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Accommodation
Sleeping arrangements:
Main bedroom available once we leave, queen bed.
TV room has a super comfy pull-out double bed.
Heating – New wood fireplace, kindling & dry wood ready.
Cooking – Gas stove & oven (cooks faster than expected), plus an extra plug-in stovetop.
Internet – Best for one person streaming; multiple users may experience glitches.
Cell Signal – Limited at the house; good signal just down the road.
Water – From a stream, so we provide large drinking bottles that we refill in Omapere. A water distiller is also available. Water can be boiled to be used as well.
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.
We are vegan, so while we are here you would need to be ok with eating what we serve and offer.
Please do not bring meat to the house while we are there.
Once we are gone, then it is up to you to eat what you like.
You are welcome to eat from our food stores, we have lots of stored pasta, flour, dried goods and herbs and spices.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Internet can get very slow with bad weather and power cuts happen approximately every 3months for approximately 4hrs at a time (obviously depends on the weather or situation). Streaming is fine (as long as someone else isn't trying to update/upload/download) but upload speeds are terrible. Be fine for someone able to work around weather and circumstance. Not for a gamer or any one with lots of online meetings.
Space for parking camper vans
Loads of off-street parking for large vehicles.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
