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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
21 Dec 2025
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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. 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.
We’re a vegan household and ask that Workawayers respect this while staying with us. You’re welcome to prepare your own meals in the kitchen, but we keep the property free from meat and animal products, however meals will be provided for. It’s a relaxed, friendly space — simple, peaceful, and low-pressure.
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 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
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)
- Small DIY or creative projects
- 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
We have a 3 person tent with double height Queen Airbed (very comfy!) located close to the house (on a large deck) so it can have power and internet access. Or Bring your own self-contained accommodation (campervan, bus, caravan, etc.)
Use of our house bathroom, kitchen, and laundry
Internet 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.
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 sitters 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?
More than two
My animals / pets
Cleo
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (2)
There is a nice walk to a waterfall. And the largest Kauri tree is also nearby.
Christmas and New… read more
I was looking to settle down for a while after traveling around for months on end and I couldn’t have asked for a better place. Em and Shay are incredibly friendly, open and warm people. They welcomed me into their home right away and I felt like part… read more
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
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There is a nice walk to a waterfall. And the largest Kauri tree is also nearby.
Christmas and New… read more
I was looking to settle down for a while after traveling around for months on end and I couldn’t have asked for a better place. Em and Shay are incredibly friendly, open and warm people. They welcomed me into their home right away and I felt like part… read more
