Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
14 Apr 2023
Feedback
49
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Kia Ora from New Zealand!
We are a relaxed couple who live in a 100 acre forest in Riverhead, Auckland. Currently we are busy with building our home on our private and quiet piece of paradise, and managing our farm as organically as we can. Since we are in the process of building our dream home the house is still a work in progress! (we are closed in and water tight with limited services running.. and just about to finish painting internal walls.) We live relatively comfortably right on the building site along with our dog, two talkative cats, and plenty of farm animals ( chickens, ducks, turkeys and rabbits).
We are looking for couples or individuals who are keen to help out with gardening and with some building projects. In exchange we can provide accommodation and meals which are often straight from the farm.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
- organic gardening, building, setting up solar power
Help
- Building projects around our home
- Gardening in the orchard
- Help with feeding animals
- help with felling trees and chopping firewood
-building chicken and rabbit hutches
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
- Caravan with a double bed
- Plenty of space for tenting in the forest if you prefer the privacy
- bedrooms in the house
What else ...
We are 45 minutes out of central city Auckland, and it is a 15 minute drive to a bus stop from our home. We will be more than happy to drop you to the bus.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week. We are happy to negotiate to work around your travel plans and sightseeing (for example, you would be able to commit to three full days of work followed by four days of self directed travel)
Host ref number: 922484271667
Feedback (23)
6 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (JAVIER & NURIA) for host
Our time with Kate, David and their family has been amazing. They are so nice, welcoming and warm that we have been feeling like at home. Gracie (their small dog) is very friendly too! They have two singing cats too: we will never forget ivy crying for attention or Archie, the shy one.
About the work...it is easy and interesting. While feeding the… read more
About the work...it is easy and interesting. While feeding the… read more
30 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Marine) for host
⭐️🌟⭐️🌟🌟
I spent six weeks here. They have been THE family whose I needed and made me felt just like one of their daughters. They have been so generous, attentive, and kind with me.
I spent a lot of time with Kate who has definitely become my « kiwi mum » in NZ.
I have appreciated to work outside, often with Kate who teached me gardening. I… read more
I spent six weeks here. They have been THE family whose I needed and made me felt just like one of their daughters. They have been so generous, attentive, and kind with me.
I spent a lot of time with Kate who has definitely become my « kiwi mum » in NZ.
I have appreciated to work outside, often with Kate who teached me gardening. I… read more
24 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Marine)
Marine is the BEST! She is so friendly and fun to be with. She became a member of our family immediately. She is helpful, thoughtful, conscientious, hardworking, intelligent, a fast learner, has outstanding initiative and is really positive. Marine did landscaping work, gardening, feeding chickens and ducks, cooking and house renovations, all with… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Alain & Genevieve)
Alain and Genevieve were amazing. It was so much fun having them stay, they achieved so much work in such a short time and they did such high quality work. We absolutely loved their company and give them the highest recommendation as workawayers. We can't wait to go visit them in Belgium one day.
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
6 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (JAVIER & NURIA) for host
Our time with Kate, David and their family has been amazing. They are so nice, welcoming and warm that we have been feeling like at home. Gracie (their small dog) is very friendly too! They have two singing cats too: we will never forget ivy crying for attention or Archie, the shy one.
About the work...it is easy and interesting. While feeding the… read more
About the work...it is easy and interesting. While feeding the… read more
30 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Marine) for host
⭐️🌟⭐️🌟🌟
I spent six weeks here. They have been THE family whose I needed and made me felt just like one of their daughters. They have been so generous, attentive, and kind with me.
I spent a lot of time with Kate who has definitely become my « kiwi mum » in NZ.
I have appreciated to work outside, often with Kate who teached me gardening. I… read more
I spent six weeks here. They have been THE family whose I needed and made me felt just like one of their daughters. They have been so generous, attentive, and kind with me.
I spent a lot of time with Kate who has definitely become my « kiwi mum » in NZ.
I have appreciated to work outside, often with Kate who teached me gardening. I… read more
24 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Marine)
Marine is the BEST! She is so friendly and fun to be with. She became a member of our family immediately. She is helpful, thoughtful, conscientious, hardworking, intelligent, a fast learner, has outstanding initiative and is really positive. Marine did landscaping work, gardening, feeding chickens and ducks, cooking and house renovations, all with… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Alain & Genevieve)
Alain and Genevieve were amazing. It was so much fun having them stay, they achieved so much work in such a short time and they did such high quality work. We absolutely loved their company and give them the highest recommendation as workawayers. We can't wait to go visit them in Belgium one day.
(Excellent
)
4 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jon) for host
Amazing! I don’t know what else I could say to my stay here. I had such a great time being with them, the whole family is so friendly and welcoming
that it felt like I was a part of the family. I had a lot of fun working on the different tasks they gave me, whether it was in the garden, in the woods or in the house. While I was there they showed… read more
that it felt like I was a part of the family. I had a lot of fun working on the different tasks they gave me, whether it was in the garden, in the woods or in the house. While I was there they showed… read more
22 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jon)
If Jon asks to come and stay, you should definitely say yes. He is a hardworking young man, with excellent english, and a great companion. Our family have really enjoyed having him stay, he is polite, amiable, and easily fits in. He has done gardening, landscaping, firewood, concrete grinding, maintenance, animal feeding, lawns, and pretty much… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Julian)
Julian is the BEST! If he asks to come stay, you should definitely say yes. He is a conscientious and diligent young man who brought his brains, wit and enthusiasm to every task. Everything Julian did, was done well. We highly recommend him as a workawayer and believe he would fit into most places as he is adaptable, sociable and hardworking. His… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Julian) for host
I stayed with the Family for 4 and a half weeks (totally didn't feel like it! Time flies...). We had a great time together and even though Kate and David had many plates spinning at the same time, they still managed to make this unique stay at their place possible. I stayed in the Caravan just outside of the house. Furthermore I also had the… read more
28 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Selim)
It has been our great pleasure to host Selim, not once but twice. He is a kind and generous man who came into our family with his kindhearted ways and good-natured conversations. Selim helped gib walls, created a large layered garden down a steep and overgrown bank, planted trees, feed animals, painted walls, built, cooked (exquisitely), tidied,… read more
(Excellent
)
4 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Andrew ) for host
I stayed with the family for 3 weeks, 2 myself and then my friend came. They were friendly and accommodating and fed us plenty of good food (vegan for my friend) and most was fresh from the garden and chicken runs! Most work was landscaping and simple construction which I throughly enjoyed! The surrounding are is beautiful pine forest and a few… read more
3 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew )
Andrew was an absolute delight to host. He immediately fitted into our family, building a wonderful big brother rapport with our daughters and we all shared many fantastic conversations together. He was a self motivated and enthusiastic worker who proved himself capable and conscientious. Andy has left us many projects completed from shelves in my… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Paul)
Paul is an amazing man. He is competent caring generous hardworking trustworthy intelligent thorough knowledgeable and a wonderful conversationalist plus so much more. Our family thoroughly enjoyed him staying. He spoilt us with his outstanding culinary skills. He achieved so much more than we asked for or even imagined with projects here. Thank… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Paul) for host
Kate and David are awesome! They're warm and generous people who make you feel like part of the family. Their daughters, Chloe and Rose, are lovely and charming. I had a great time working on projects at their place and helping take care of the animals. Of the three work exchanges I did in New Zealand, this one was definitely the best! If I ever… read more
8 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Edie & Matthew) for host
Matt and I had such an amazing time staying with Kate and her family! They were so welcoming and their house is beautiful, it was so nice staying in such a lovely family home after camping for so long. The fresh veg and herbs all grown in the garden and eggs from their hens make for delicious mealtimes. They have amazing pets too, 2 fluffy little… read more
27 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Edie & Matthew)
We loved having Edie and Matt come stay. They are an awesome couple who threw themselves into life here on our farm. They are wonderfully friendly, hardworking, tidy and intelligent. We cant recommend them enough as workawayers but also as great company and thoughtful conversationalists. They fitted into our family life and related with us, our… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
I started my trip to New Zealand at Kate's family and enjoyed it very much. It was nice to have my own private area in the caravan and still access to a family and the Kiwi way of life. The house and the real estate are just huge and there are always lots of things to be done in the house and the garden. The ducks and chickens were easy to take… read more
27 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
Laura is a tidy, clean living person who speaks excellent English. She easily fitted into our family life, and was helpful and inspiring to me in many ways. She organised my kitchen, helped tidy our garage, worked in the garden and kept good company with me among other things. I appreciated her help and her company very much. We have the best… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Honza)
We enjoyed having Honza come stay. He is a thoughtful, caring, helpful and clean living individual. Our ducks have a new big paddock, the house is beautifully oiled, trees have possum protection and our ducklings have a safe house. Thank you for all your help Honza. We look forward to hearing about all your NZ trip.
(Excellent
)
3 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Honza) for host
It was a pleasure to be with Kate for three weeks. Kate is very empathetic, loving and caring. I also thank her husband for helping me build my campervan. I hope to see her family again! :)
1 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Kolja)
It was an absolute delight for our entire family to have Kolja come and stay. Kolja is such a positive and affirming person as well as being intelligent and helpful. We loved his quick wit, caring ways and the delicious meals he prepared for us, along with all the tasks he achieved on the farmyard. Our ducklings are safe at night from predators in… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kolja) for host
Just perfect. Couldn't describe it better with another word. Kate and her family are so wonderful and staying with them, even for just a week, was a bliss. It's when you know, you just met someone special.
I learned a lot about permaculture and had fun, diverse projects to work on. So everything i could have asked for.
I can recommend to… read more
I learned a lot about permaculture and had fun, diverse projects to work on. So everything i could have asked for.
I can recommend to… read more
23 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Andres)
We all as a family loved having Andres stay. He is a wonderful person who has the gift of making everyone feel special and acknowledged. During his stay Andres contributed so much of himself into our family and making life fun, and also into the tasks he performed around our property. We have a beautifully clean and oiled house for summer which we… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Andres) for host
It was my first Workaway experience and it couldn't have been a better one. Kate, Rose & Chloe quickly made me feel like part of the family since the first day; cooking together, chilling, drinking, and always ending the day with a good conversation during dinner.
I spent three weeks at their lovely house helping; Cooking, washing and oiling the… read more
I spent three weeks at their lovely house helping; Cooking, washing and oiling the… read more
25 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Julien)
Julien is one of the most kind and big hearted people we ever met. We all got on so well and he became part of our family. He leaves us now because sadly his visa has expired. Julien is incredibly hard working, shows initiative, works independently and consciously and cleans up afterwards. He tackled many projects on our property along with… read more
(Excellent
)
24 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Julien) for host
My plan was to stay few weeks .... I stay several months... lol
Kate, David , Rose and Chloe are for me, my Kiwi Family, a great family.My time with them was awesome.They are warm and lovely welcome. A place is nice and quite.
A work with Kate is fun, feed a animals , help in garden... Also I appreciate to help them a construction of the house.… read more
Kate, David , Rose and Chloe are for me, my Kiwi Family, a great family.My time with them was awesome.They are warm and lovely welcome. A place is nice and quite.
A work with Kate is fun, feed a animals , help in garden... Also I appreciate to help them a construction of the house.… read more
6 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Amanda & Susanne)
Thank you for all your hard work in the garden and house, and especially for all the yummy cakes you cooked. We wish you well with your travels. We highly recommend you on workaway as an excellent guest and worker. You fitted into our farm and family life immediately and we totally enjoyed having you. Thanks for coming. Enjoy the rest of your NZ… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Amanda & Susanne) for host
I had an awesome time at Kate's and David's place surrounded by forest, chickens and a lovely family. I really enjoyed helping in the garden, feeding the animals and especially the delicious food and healthy cake every day.
Thank you very much for letting me stay last minute and giving me an amazing first workaway experience!
Thank you very much for letting me stay last minute and giving me an amazing first workaway experience!
19 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Kelly) for host
KATE IS THE BEST! She and her family are incredible, special people. I loved every minute of the time I spent with them. Their house - while still in the making - is a beautiful, comfortable space, and the whole family made an effort to make me feel at home there. I learned a thousand things from Kate - she is a wonderful, passionate teacher, and… read more
12 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Kelly)
We were so privileged to have had Kelly come stay with us. From the moment she arrived we all loved her. She is the most kind, easy to be with, thoughtful person ever. Kelly is hardworking, practical, intelligent and dependable, and has initiative and an incredible work ethic. She just made the day better because she was in it with us. We highly… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Annina) for host
Kate and David and their daughters (and the little dogs and cats) were amazing hosts and they were so good to me! They are incredibly kind, warm and welcoming. I could not have hoped for a better first workaway experience. Kate's cooking is just to die for and many of the ingredients come straight from her garden, you just know you're eating… read more
12 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Annina)
We loved Annina come stay. She is a most hard working, thoughtful and caring person who did so much to help us with our projects. She became a part of our family, loved and cared for our pets, and showed great initiative in the things she did. Thank you Annina, you are welcome to come stay with us anytime.
(Excellent
)
13 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas)
We all loved having Tom stay. He was so easy to live with and so very, very helpful, supportive and just plain good company. Come visit again and we will hopefully come see you too one day.
(Excellent
)
12 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host
Fantastic! Kate, David and the Girls were Fabulous. They were all very accomadating and made me feel at home and a part of the Family. It was the perfect end to my 3 month WA adventure. Thanks again for your warmth and Hospitality.
Come visit me someday
Come visit me someday
10 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Jean-Yves) for host
Thank you so much for your kindness and lovely smile. Kate was frendly, cheerful, and made us comfortable. They try to recycle as much as they can and we had lots of things to learn there. We appreciate your attitude to try to leave more kindness on the earth. We were very happy helping you.
Thank you for letting us drive to Dargaville. This was… read more
Thank you for letting us drive to Dargaville. This was… read more
5 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Jean-Yves)
Thank you for all your help and hard work. You were like a pair of angels who gently flew into our lives and made little miracles happen around our home. Thank you for your flexibility in traveling to Dargaville to help me repair the rental house at short notice. You are a diligent, extremely hardworking couple and I very much appreciated all you… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas)
Thank you for coming stay with us Tom, you brought sunshine and fun along with you. We loved your music, you inspired our children, and you are one of the kindest, most hardworking, clever, sociable young people we have met. You have an awesome future ahead of you, and we were privileged to have had you stay and become a part of our family. We… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host
Kate, David, Rose & Chloé,
My stay with you was my first WorkAway experience and it really couldn't have been better. You guys quickly made me feel like part of your family and for that, I truly thank you.
I really appreciated every moment I spent with you: helping outside and in the garden, feeding the chooks, chilling with a drink and sharing… read more
My stay with you was my first WorkAway experience and it really couldn't have been better. You guys quickly made me feel like part of your family and for that, I truly thank you.
I really appreciated every moment I spent with you: helping outside and in the garden, feeding the chooks, chilling with a drink and sharing… read more
26 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Julie & Alexandre)
Julie and Alex were a delight to host. They were so polite, hard-working, helpful and willing. We all enjoyed having them and wish them the very best with the rest of their holidays and life. Thank you so much guys for everything you did. You are awesome.
(Excellent
)
25 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (Julie & Alexandre) for host
First, we want to say that we are sorry about this very late feedback...!
Staying with this lovely family was our first Workaway experience... and it was perfect. We felt at home immediately. Kate was always doing her best to make us feel good, to take care of us.
Rose and Chloe are amazing and funny girls ( thank you Rose for all the… read more
Staying with this lovely family was our first Workaway experience... and it was perfect. We felt at home immediately. Kate was always doing her best to make us feel good, to take care of us.
Rose and Chloe are amazing and funny girls ( thank you Rose for all the… read more
12 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Jem & Maud) for host
Firstly, I am deeply sorry for my unimaginably late reply to this feedback...I can only say, it really touched me!
What can I say about my stay with the family... Where do I start!
It was my first workaway experience, and I was totally baffled. I was received very warmly and openly, and felt at home pretty quickly in their awesome family. It… read more
What can I say about my stay with the family... Where do I start!
It was my first workaway experience, and I was totally baffled. I was received very warmly and openly, and felt at home pretty quickly in their awesome family. It… read more
30 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Jem & Maud)
Jem won our hearts with his caring, fun, outgoing, awesome ways. He entertained us with his many talents including music and dance. Our piano misses him dearly, ....we all miss him dearly. Jem made massive tranformations to our place while bringing a positive attitude and sense of satisfaction in achievements throughout the day. We all miss Jem… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
Michael was the best. He was fun, clever, helpful and awesome company. Every family member enjoyed having him stay, and he did so much to help us. Michael fitted perfectly into our family with his witty and well educated discussions along with his wonderful music abilities and taste. (Thank you Michael for taking the time to stay with us. You were… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host
That's why I love workaway! It connects you to amazing people like these guys. I only spent a week there but felt at home from the moment Kate picked me up from the bus stop. Their place is a peaceful little gem and every naturelover's and DIY-fans paradise. Many little projects that I enjoyed and learned from while Kate's always watching out for… read more
26 Sep 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Calum & Fae)
Calum is a clever, polite young man who happily fitted into our family. We recommend him as a capable worker, who is clean living, sociable and a delight to have stay. Thank you Calum for all your hard work and great conversations. All the best with the rest of your nz touring.
(Excellent
)
1 Apr 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Agnes)
Rainer and Agnes are an awesome, loving, hardworking, fun, polite, thoughtful, tidy, clean, caring, practical, supportive, intelligent and generous couple who our family dearly loved having stay. Our experience with Agnes and Rainer was only positive and we sincerely wish them a wonderful travel over our country. Looking forward to their return… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (Agnes) for host
We very much enjoyed our time with Kate & David´s lovely and generous family. It was such a special positive experience for us and we can highly recommend them. We miss them and strongly hope to meet them soon again. Thanks so much!
6 Mar 2015
Left by Workawayer (Camille & Charlotte) for host
Kate's family is perfect ! We have meet a great family, they are very generous, attentive, and always in a very good mood. :)
Kate is a realy good cooker (her coconut cream pie is soooo nice
Kate is a realy good cooker (her coconut cream pie is soooo nice
19 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Camille & Charlotte)
Charlotte and Camille are awesome. We loved having them join our family. They were willing to help in every way. We can't wait for them to come back again.
(Excellent
)
19 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Clément & Mathilde)
Clement and Matilda are a fun and hardworking couple who we enjoyed having stay with us. They helped us greatly we our projects. Thanks.
(Excellent
)
