Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
23 Apr 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
33
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
read more
Details
Description
Hi we are a retired couple who have lived in New Zealand for the past 21 years we came on holidays, fell in love with New Zealand and have been here ever since. We originally come from England and Wales . We have travelled to many parts of the world and enjoy meeting people and hearing about their adventures.
We live on a small holding of 1.2 hectares with a large garden consisting of ponds, walkways, paddocks, an orchard, greenhouse and veg garden. Our extended family are dogs, cats, alpacas, chickens and ducks, It is essential to like animals. Richard is a chef and loves cooking we both enjoy creating art projects of which we have many in the garden and we enjoy gardening . We would love to share the knowledge and skills we have acquired over the years with people who come to stay and there are always new thing to be learned from meeting new people about their culture and skills they bring with them.
Our accommodation is within our home and you would be included as part of the family, pitching in with daily tasks, meals general housework, gardening, animal care, and any DIY project we are working on at the time.
Whangarei is a beautiful area we have museums, galleries the new Hunderwasser Art centre is a sight to behold in itself and the surrounding Town basin is a great place to visit for refreshments and a walk. There are many white sandy beaches on our coast line with fishing and diving being an option at the Poor Knights, the Bay of Islands is only 1 hour north of here. There are also some beautiful bush walks and waterfalls around Whangarei.
We live in the country where there is no public transport so it is important to have your own form of transport.
We are a No Smoking accommodation
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Culture
Van life
Sustainability
Movies & TV
Pets
Fashion or beauty
Farming
Plant care
Photography
Music
Gardening
Books
Art & design
Drawing & painting
Animals
Nature
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
How to care for dogs, alpacas, chickens and ducks. Gardening skills weeding, pruning, growing plants, vegetables and prepare them for eating. Cooking skills having fun creating art and some DIY skills working together with us. Learning about our surrounding area and seeing some beautiful places.
Help
We would like help with gardening, general household tasks, cooking, animal care, art and DIY projects
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Accommodation is a room in our home with Wifi and internet access it has twin beds so it can be used by friends travelling together or a couple there is a separate bathroom.
What else ...
Our expectations of people around our home is to treat our home and everyone in it with respect and keep it neat clean and tidy you will be expected to clean up after yourself and join in with general household duties
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 927355369182
Feedback (16)
13 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)
Marie and Katrine stayed with us for 3 weeks, they were a pleasure to host, bringing much joy and laughter into our home. Each night we would discuss what each of us had learned through the day. Most nights we would play Yahtzee which was always eventful, especially with a howling dog to add to the event, who didn’t want to be ignored .
They were… read more
They were… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host
We stayed with Amanda and Richard for 3 weeks in January to early February. All three weeks were an absolute pleasure and we couldnt wish for a better workaway experience. Time by quickly, and it's been filled with inspiration and knowledgeable days where every day has taught us about something new - either gardening, cooking, DIY or general life… read more
7 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Maya)
It was great having Maya stay with us for a whole month. She was very quiet to begin with but slowly became more confident as time went on. She is a very good worker and undertook all the jobs we gave her. She is especially good at digging pathways in hard solid ground:-))....for a project that sadly we were not quite able to complete during her… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Maya) for host
I had a wonderful time with Amanda and Richard and couldn't have wished for a better first workaway experience! They were super patient with me and explained everything, so that I could also learn many new things. The work was fun, interesting and never boring. I really enjoyed the evenings which we spend together cooking, talking or playing… read more
8 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Alix & Lara) for host
We stayed with Amanda and Richard for 2 weeks. During our time, we had the opportunity to learn a lot of new things, especially about cooking and baking. Richard is great chef and always made sure that every meals was an 10 out of 10. Amanda and Richard‘s property was just a really beautiful place to stay in general, the garden looked straight out… read more
20 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Alix & Lara)
We hosted Lara and Alix for 14 days in all. It was an absolute pleasure to have them stay. They are extremely good workers, able to take on a challenge or two and work independently with minimum supervision. During their stay they carried out gardening, cutting back, weeding and did an excellent job of revamping the cana lilly bed which involved a… 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:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
13 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)
Marie and Katrine stayed with us for 3 weeks, they were a pleasure to host, bringing much joy and laughter into our home. Each night we would discuss what each of us had learned through the day. Most nights we would play Yahtzee which was always eventful, especially with a howling dog to add to the event, who didn’t want to be ignored .
They were… read more
They were… read more
(Excellent)
8 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host
We stayed with Amanda and Richard for 3 weeks in January to early February. All three weeks were an absolute pleasure and we couldnt wish for a better workaway experience. Time by quickly, and it's been filled with inspiration and knowledgeable days where every day has taught us about something new - either gardening, cooking, DIY or general life… read more
7 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Maya)
It was great having Maya stay with us for a whole month. She was very quiet to begin with but slowly became more confident as time went on. She is a very good worker and undertook all the jobs we gave her. She is especially good at digging pathways in hard solid ground:-))....for a project that sadly we were not quite able to complete during her… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Maya) for host
I had a wonderful time with Amanda and Richard and couldn't have wished for a better first workaway experience! They were super patient with me and explained everything, so that I could also learn many new things. The work was fun, interesting and never boring. I really enjoyed the evenings which we spend together cooking, talking or playing… read more
8 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Alix & Lara) for host
We stayed with Amanda and Richard for 2 weeks. During our time, we had the opportunity to learn a lot of new things, especially about cooking and baking. Richard is great chef and always made sure that every meals was an 10 out of 10. Amanda and Richard‘s property was just a really beautiful place to stay in general, the garden looked straight out… read more
20 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Alix & Lara)
We hosted Lara and Alix for 14 days in all. It was an absolute pleasure to have them stay. They are extremely good workers, able to take on a challenge or two and work independently with minimum supervision. During their stay they carried out gardening, cutting back, weeding and did an excellent job of revamping the cana lilly bed which involved a… read more
(Excellent)
7 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Iris) for host
I've just stayed a week at Amandas and Richards lovely home. They are very kind and helpful people and have led very interesting lives. They have a really beautiful garden, chickens, alpacas and two cute dogs and cats.
The work really wasn't too hard and consisted mostly of gardening and a bit of house cleaning (furniture polishing) on a rainy… read more
The work really wasn't too hard and consisted mostly of gardening and a bit of house cleaning (furniture polishing) on a rainy… read more
5 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Iris)
We were fortunate to have Iris stay with us for a week. Iris fitted into our little family straight away and was adopted by our ginger cat very quickly who commandeered her lap most nights.
Iris was a great help in the garden working well in a team or independently cutting back, weeding, picking fruit and vegetables to prepare for our meals.… read more
Iris was a great help in the garden working well in a team or independently cutting back, weeding, picking fruit and vegetables to prepare for our meals.… read more
(Excellent)
21 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Malou) for host
My sister and I stayed with Amanda and Richard for almost three weeks and it was a great experience. We are by no means gardening professionals, but they both were super patient with us while working together in the garden. They love to share the knowledge they have acquired over the years, which is reflected in their beautiful garden.
The room… read more
The room… read more
19 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Malou)
It was a pleasure having Luna and Malou stay with us for almost 3 weeks. They were polite, tidy and eager to help.
They were certainly animal lovers, especially the cats and the dogs. They learned to do eyecare, grooming, teeth cleaning and medication for our little dogs. There were also plenty of extra cuddles for our furry friends. Each day… read more
They were certainly animal lovers, especially the cats and the dogs. They learned to do eyecare, grooming, teeth cleaning and medication for our little dogs. There were also plenty of extra cuddles for our furry friends. Each day… read more
(Excellent)
27 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Chloé) for host
I spend 2 weeks at Amanda & Richard 's house, with a friend named Garance (or can be called Emy).
We arrived, and we were a bit afraid because we didn't know anything about gardening of farm life.
But A & R reassured us right away.
They first introduced us to all the family (Dewy, Pinky, Oscar, Kenya, the chickens and the alpacas). Then made us… read more
We arrived, and we were a bit afraid because we didn't know anything about gardening of farm life.
But A & R reassured us right away.
They first introduced us to all the family (Dewy, Pinky, Oscar, Kenya, the chickens and the alpacas). Then made us… read more
27 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Chloé)
Chloé and Emie stayed with us for two weeks. It was an absolute pleasure to have them. During their stay they helped on a lot of different tasks. Trimming hedges and bushes. Cutting down trees using an electric chainsaw, weeding and spreading mulch produced from all their previous hard work. They helped extremely hard and took the initiative when… read more
(Excellent)
13 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Anaïs & Colin)
We hosted Anaïs and Colin for 10 days in all. They initially came for 7 days but due to weather stayed another 3 days as hitchhiking in the rain and time restraints over the holiday period was not ideal.
It was an absolute pleasure to have them stay. They are extremely good workers, able to take on a challenge or two and work independently with… read more
It was an absolute pleasure to have them stay. They are extremely good workers, able to take on a challenge or two and work independently with… read more
(Excellent)
11 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Anaïs & Colin) for host
We were with Amanda and Richard for christmas time and for the end of the year 2023 and the begining of 2024. We had to stay a week and we finally stayed for ten days. It was a really perfect stay. Amanda and Richard were really kind with us and very good hosts
They learnt us a lot about gardening and DIY.
Their animals are really cute ! The… read more
They learnt us a lot about gardening and DIY.
Their animals are really cute ! The… read more
20 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Konrad & Marie)
Konrad and Marie stayed with us for a week and it was their first workaway. They helped us in the garden and helped build a caged vegetable bed for our tomatoes. They enjoyed making and eating fresh bread every day. They were polite, neat, tidy and respectful of our home. They were kind to our animals with the dogs and cats getting lots of… read more
(Excellent)
2 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
Laura stayed with us for a week, she was a joy to have around, she loved animals which you could see in the way she treated our family pets. She also enjoyed our early morning walks on the beach with the dogs.
She was happy to tackle ANY job, be it veg gardening, assisting with meal preparation, picking fruit and veg and some home maintenance!,… read more
She was happy to tackle ANY job, be it veg gardening, assisting with meal preparation, picking fruit and veg and some home maintenance!,… read more
(Excellent)
29 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
Staying at Amanda and Richard's place was a great experience. They made me feel home very quickly and I always enjoyed being in their company.
They are very kind hosts and gave ma a lot of information around Whangarei and where to go in my freetime. The tasks were not too hard and after that I always enjoyed a wonderful meal. I also really liked… read more
They are very kind hosts and gave ma a lot of information around Whangarei and where to go in my freetime. The tasks were not too hard and after that I always enjoyed a wonderful meal. I also really liked… read more
2 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Margaret)
Margaret stayed with us for almost 2 weeks. During her stay she was happy to tackle any job she was asked to do from shredding garden vegetation, weeding and cleaning the house. She was also a great willing help in the kitchen preparing meals with Richard. She worked well in a team and on her own paying great attention to detail.
Margaret has many… read more
Margaret has many… read more
(Excellent)
1 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Margaret) for host
When I first contacted Amanda and Richard, I said I'd stay for "no more than a week," but ended up staying nearly two. Their house and property are gorgeous, a little slice of paradise that was hard to leave! I felt instantly at home there. As someone who likes cooking and learning, being in the kitchen with Robert is so much fun--he's always got… read more
31 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Emilie)
Emilie stayed with us for almost 4 weeks. She was a hard worker, willing to take on any job and not afraid to get her hands dirty. She worked well with Amanda and Richard in the garden weeding, cutting back shrubs and bushes helping with shredding vegetation for composting and returning it to the garden as mulch and planting summer veg. She also… read more
(Excellent)
30 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Emilie) for host
I stayed with Amanda and Richard for almost 4 weeks and everything was perfect !
I worked in their garden most of the time with weeding, pruning trees and bushes, planting veggies and cleaning the area. I had a blast staying outside in this little heaven.
I helped sometimes in the kitchen, preparing meals (Richard is a amazing cook), baking… read more
I worked in their garden most of the time with weeding, pruning trees and bushes, planting veggies and cleaning the area. I had a blast staying outside in this little heaven.
I helped sometimes in the kitchen, preparing meals (Richard is a amazing cook), baking… read more
16 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren)
Lauren stayed with us for two weeks, during that time she helped us with a variety of jobs. These included sealing heavy timber logs with wax for seasoning, lots of garden weeding and general maintenance, pruning etc., planting winter crops of beetroot, carrots and brassicas. And also replanting a 15 year old ponytail palm which had broken out of… read more
(Excellent)
11 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lauren) for host
I had the pleasure of staying with Amanda and Richard for two weeks and I couldn’t have asked for a better workaway experience! They were both so kind and friendly and made me feel very welcome during my stay!
My tasks included weeding, cutting down tree branches and plants, planting vegetables, cleaning the outside of the house or helping move… read more
My tasks included weeding, cutting down tree branches and plants, planting vegetables, cleaning the outside of the house or helping move… read more
3 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Tina Ida)
It was a joy to have Tina stay with us for a week. She was always smiling and positive in her outlook. She is a very hard worker and helped us prepare the garden and new plants for winter planting. Weeding and potting up vegetable seedlings. She helped with the alpaca husbandry and enjoyed feeding them fresh cut leaves on the branch. She… read more
(Excellent)
1 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Tina Ida) for host
I had such a wonderful week with Richard and Amanda. They were incredible hosts and gave me fun, diverse and meaningful jobs: I learned alot about animals, gardening, cooking, and living from the garden in a sustainable way. They also took me on an amazing tour of Whangarei and showed me the culture and nature in the area! It was an unforgettable… read more
9 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Henry)
Henry only stayed with us for a week. He is a very polite, capable young man and when given tasks, carried them out proficiently. He helped us rebuild our washed out driveway from Cyclone Gabrielle and general weeding duties. He also helped in the kitchen and cooked us two delicious meals which was very much appreciated. He is particularly good at… read more
(Excellent)
8 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Henry) for host
I had the pleasure of staying with Richard and Amanda last week and it was a great experience. Their knowledge of Whangārei and the local communities was incredibly beneficial and I really felt that I had absorbed a lot of the local culture, be that through art galleries, farmers markets and the beautiful surrounding countryside and… read more
22 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Chandler)
Chandler was a joy to be with, she saw the positive in everything. An overgrown plant was a happy plant in the right place. She took initiative when working, be it gardening, DIY or art projects. She is an accomplished artist and helped complete the duck house with a roof and beautiful artwork on the front. Chandler enjoyed learning about the… read more
(Excellent)
21 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Chandler) for host
Staying with Amanda and Richard was a fabulous experience. They are lovely humans with adorable animals and a beautiful property. I had a great time helping them around their gardens, learning about taking care of alpacas, and helping with the dogs. I learned a ton from both of them about art and cooking and we had a lot of really great… read more
20 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Elke)
We had the pleasure of Elke staying with us over the past 2 weeks. She was a little unfortunate with the weather as it seemed to rain all the time. This however did not stop Elke from working on a variety of jobs during her stay with us. She took great pleasure in cleaning out the kitchen cupboards. First photographing everything, before… read more
(Excellent)
19 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Elke) for host
Ich durfte 2 Wochen bei Amanda und Richard verbringen. Es war herrlich in ihrem schönen Garten zu arbeiten, die Arbeit war abwechslungsreich und immer sehr gut erklärt. Beide haben viel mitgearbeitet und es hat großen Spaß gemacht gemeinsam das Haus zu putzen oder die Gartenmöbel abzuschleifen und neu zu ölen.
Die Tiere sind alle toll besonders… read more
Die Tiere sind alle toll besonders… read more
18 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Blandine & Robin) for host
Richard & Amanda offered us a amazing quality of stay in their place : the house and the garden are quiet and beautiful, the food was just incredible, and they were always making sure we were feeling well and having everything we needed. They are very good company and very good at sharing stories and Whangarei cultures and dynamics; their two dogs… read more
9 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Blandine & Robin)
We had the pleasure and good fortune to have Blandine and Robin stay with us for 2 weeks. During that time they have been great company, always happy and smiling. They both worked hard alongside us and really well as a team, to a very high standard, nothing was too much for them. We were able to give them a job and they would complete it together… read more
(Excellent)
