Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
24 Mar 2025
Reply rate
86.1 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
48
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Hi - We are a family - Our teenage son, one dog and one cat!- near to Goat Island, Leigh, around an hour north of Auckland. We are around 10 mins walk from Goat Island marine reserve and beach, a couple of km from the Leigh Sawmill venue and 3km from the lovely seaside village of Leigh.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The area of New Zealand we are based in has a rich history of Maori culture. You can visit the local attractions and learn more about the local history. Close to us is also the first marine conversation park set up in New Zealand in the 1970s. You can learn more about the reserver, snorkel on the reef and visit the marine education centre to learn more about the sea life around the reserver and New Zealand. During our natural building projects you will learn more about the ways in which our ancestors built shelter and the modern methods used to re-create earth based and natural structures.
Help
We have a beautiful section of pasture land and native bush which we operate on organic principles and have space for up to 2 - 3 helpers to help us on our projects.
During the summer we have a variety of projects:
- Natural Building: Green Construction / Cob / Earth Plasters
- Landscaping: Retaining walls / Weeding / Planting / Clearing / Fence maintenance
- Some light construction tasks with wood etc
- Pathways
We’ll make sure we mix up the activities between natural building and landscaping etc.
We can not cater for vegans or people with non dairy / gluten free diets sorry :-(
No smoking please :-)
We usually offer people a 2 week minimum stay which can be extended if we have availability.
We provide meals / food for each day in exchange for 5 hours a day for 5 days a week.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Accomodation is either in a comfortable sleep-out with a double and single bed. You have your own composting toilet and shower and use of a seperate kitchen etc. We also have other accomodation around the homestead when we get 3+ workawayers.
What else ...
We have so much to see and do locally - you could spend weeks exploring the local area. Once a week we take a trip to the Matakana Cinema and Farmers Market - and another day a week we try and go for a beach day / hike through some of the amazing local regional parks and beaches. We go into the local village most days for supplies too if you need anything. You don't need your own transport - happy to collect you from our local town - Warkworth, which is an hour by bus from Auckland.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Internet usage of up to 1GB / day and full wifi coverage. Bandwidth differs between 20-60 down and 1-10 up.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 952672293592
Feedback (20)
15 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Virginia & Mackenzie)
What an absolute joy and blessing it was to have Mackenzie and Virginia stay with us for 2 weeks. They are so conscientious and considerate and ready to tackle any project with great, positive energy. They are two amazing individuals who any host would be thankful to have help on their property. They bring a perfect mix of knowledge of nature, the… read more
(Excellent
)
24 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Amy)
We had Amy stay with us for about 2 weeks helping us out with some bush and landscape maintenance. She was great fun to have around and worked diligently. Really tidy and conscientious too. Wishing her all the best on her next adventure!
(Excellent
)
11 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lydia)
Was an absolute pleasure to host Lydia - A wonderful helper and human being. We worked on a variety of outside projects, including some bush restoration and a living roof. Lydia is conscientious, hard working and great fun to be around. Highly recommended. We wish her all the best on her adventures.
(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:
(4.8)
Communication:
(5.0)
15 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Virginia & Mackenzie)
What an absolute joy and blessing it was to have Mackenzie and Virginia stay with us for 2 weeks. They are so conscientious and considerate and ready to tackle any project with great, positive energy. They are two amazing individuals who any host would be thankful to have help on their property. They bring a perfect mix of knowledge of nature, the… read more
(Excellent)
24 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Amy)
We had Amy stay with us for about 2 weeks helping us out with some bush and landscape maintenance. She was great fun to have around and worked diligently. Really tidy and conscientious too. Wishing her all the best on her next adventure!
(Excellent)
11 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lydia)
Was an absolute pleasure to host Lydia - A wonderful helper and human being. We worked on a variety of outside projects, including some bush restoration and a living roof. Lydia is conscientious, hard working and great fun to be around. Highly recommended. We wish her all the best on her adventures.
(Excellent)
19 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Isabel & Amelie) for host
We could not recommend Craig and Rachel more! We immediately felt like we were part of the family. They were incredibly welcoming, warm, and amazing conversationalists (not to mention Craig is a phenomenal cook).
As they did not have a specific project for us to work on while we were staying with them, we mostly worked on weeding and driveway… read more
As they did not have a specific project for us to work on while we were staying with them, we mostly worked on weeding and driveway… read more
18 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Isabel & Amelie)
What a lovely couple of human beings :-) Had a ;lovely time working on projects with these two delightful young ladies. Really great company, great fun to have around, hard working and conscientious. Would host them again at the drop of a hat! Highly recommended. These are the type of folks that restore your faith in the 'younger' generations :-)
(Excellent)
17 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Marion & Mikael)
Was so great to have Marion & Mikael come and stay with us and help on a few projects. They were amazing company, hard working, skilled, conscientious and really tidy :-) Welcome back to stay with us any time. Were a pleasure to have around. Highly recommended.
(Excellent)
16 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Theresa)
Theresa was awesome - great fun to have around and worked hard on a variety of projects. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to any host. Great experience :-)
(Excellent)
20 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Amber)
What can I say :-) Amber is totally awesome! Such a wonderful young person, who reignites your faith in humanity. She was everything a host could want - and more - hard working / considerate / funny / easy going, a delightful human in every way. If you're lucky enough to have Amber ask to stay with you, you'll have a wonderful time. Totally… read more
(Excellent)
20 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Amber) for host
I could not have asked for a better introduction to New Zealand than the one I had by staying with Craig and Rachel. They are hilariously funny, laid back, creative and welcoming. Workawayers are spoiled here with our own sleep out, toilet, and kitchen space. Craig cooks fabulous dinners. You'll be smothered in love from Obi the dog and might even… read more
6 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Julie) for host
These 2 weeks we had this summer were absolutely lovely. It was our first workaway and we couldn't have had a better experience.
We loved surpassing ourselves, armed of shovels and a wheelbarrow, to finally relax in the cosy warm house of Craig and Rachel, protecting us from the cold, while having amazing conversations about everything you could… read more
We loved surpassing ourselves, armed of shovels and a wheelbarrow, to finally relax in the cosy warm house of Craig and Rachel, protecting us from the cold, while having amazing conversations about everything you could… read more
21 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Julie)
So lovely to have Julie and her younger brother Sacha come and stay with us for a short while. Worked on finishing a shed, some landscaping and even building a trellis from scratch. Kind and considerate, and hard working. Welcome back anytime to stay with us. Happy travels!
(Excellent)
4 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jerome & Sophie) for host
What a great stay ! We stayed almost two weeks with Craig & Rachel and felt so grateful to be there. It was our 4th wwoofing experience in NZ and without any doubt, the best of all ! Craig & Rachel made us feel at ease as from day one. They are so kind, funny, patient, considerate and knowledgeable. We loved all our discussions around diner every… read more
29 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jerome & Sophie)
What an awesome couple of humans! - Had such a good time hosting Jerome and Sophie - Such a hard working, considerate and fun couple to have stay with us. Worked on a real mix of things and they helped on everything that was thrown at them! - Fast and awesome workers., Lovely chats around dinner too. We wish them all the best with their travels… read more
(Excellent)
8 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jett)
Jett was with us for about two weeks. He's really relaxed and easy going - but a great worker and worked together with the other two people we were hosting great. Welcome back any time buddy. Cheers Craig & Rach
(Excellent)
2 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ashleigh & Marielle) for host
Craig and Rachel were amazing hosts. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. The work was varied and it was great to start and finish projects. Craig taught us how to use a variety of tools and did so safely and skillfully.
Craig and Rachel took the time to take us to numerous places such as beaches, national parks, the local market and the cinema.… read more
Craig and Rachel took the time to take us to numerous places such as beaches, national parks, the local market and the cinema.… read more
30 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ashleigh & Marielle)
What an awesome couple. Stayed with us for just over 2 weeks and had a great time. Hard working and great fun to have around - on top of that they were super tidy! Worked on everything from gardening, landscaping, digging, woodworking etc - You guys are welcome back any time. Safe travels.
(Excellent)
11 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Robin)
Robin was great to having staying with us. Unfortunately her stay coincided with the Cyclone and bad weather that NZ had - and we were unable to do many of the projects we had lined up. Even so, Robin worked hard on the things we could do and was always polite, conscientious and diligent. I would reccomend Robin to any Host and wish her all the… read more
(Excellent)
26 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Robin) for host
Craig and Rachel are such wonderful people and hosts, if you have the opportunity to stay with them, please do so! I stayed a little over 3 weeks at their place and honestly I’ve rarely had such an amazing place to be at. They are very relaxed in dividing work hours & fun hours and generally will let you do your own thing 😊. During my time here,… read more
1 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Hollie & Albert ) for host
Very friendly and kind-hearted family. Craig is very knowledgeable and we loved learning about cob buildings and having a chance to earth plaster. The location is beautiful with lots of great walks. Craig made sure the tasks we did varied from day to day and that we had lots of free time to discover the area. Highly recommend staying here
22 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Hollie & Albert )
Was a delight to host Hollie and Albert - what a lovely young couple. Did a large range of tasks - Weather wasn't great at times which stopped some of the planned work but they we really flexible and conciensious in all the help they provided. And they are really tidy people! Thanks for leaving everything so nice a tidy before you left us.… read more
(Excellent)
28 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Meriam & Maxime)
Maxime was a delight to host and have around. Hard working, intelligent and courteous. I wish him all the best with his future studies and look forward to seeing him again when we visit France. Maxime would be a valuable asset to any Workaway project for sure. Highly recommended.
(Excellent)
3 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Josie) for host
I could not have asked for a better first Workaway. With Craig and Rachel I was immediately at ease. The work was simple and Craig was never far away to answer questions and teach. I learned a lot about earth building, the New Zealand environment, and most importantly, gravel ;). Lots of nature nearby to explore, and only a few minutes from the… read more
16 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Josie)
Josie was enormously enjoyable to have as part of the family for just over 2 weeks. Such an inspiring, insightful and loving energy. We worked on a mix of projects from small detailed work with earth plaster, through to hard grafting civil engineering! - Was always positive and fun to have around. Josie is the sort of young person who gives you… read more
(Excellent)
18 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Perry)
Perry was a star - We really enjoyed having her around for a couple of weeks - shame she couldn't stay longer. Hard and working and such a great sense of humour. Had some really hard projects on this year that were quite physical - and she handled them with ease. Wishing you all the best on your travels Perry - hope to see you again! Craig & Rach x
(Excellent)
4 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Perry) for host
Thank you Craig, Rachel, Myles and Obe, Jinny, and Millie for such an incredible stay!! Words can't describe the warmth and joy of your family! Their property and the surrounding areas (Leigh, Matheson, and Goat Island) are stunning. If you are willing to throw on some stylish cargo pants and get a little muddy, couldn't think of a better place… read more
7 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jennifer) for host
I had an amazing time here! I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about and help with earth building, which is such a fun, meditative process… and besides that, it was so nice to spend time with Craig & Rachel, welcoming and truly hilarious people, in absolutely gorgeous surrounds! I went to the beach every single day I think, and… read more
4 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jennifer)
So loved having Jen stay with us - She was great company, hard working and really conscientious. Spent many a moment in laughter and good times. We had lots of project on that she helped with - some really physical and some meticulous and detailed - was an awesome helper - Sad to see her leave! - Anyone lucky enough to have Jen reach out to come… read more
(Excellent)
20 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Mandy) for host
We, Julius and I, stayed at Craig and Rachel for two incredible weeks, right when we arrived in New Zealand.
They gave us a warm welcome in New Zealand and in their homestead, with a nice and warm bed and great
food (as Craig is a fantastic cook). Apart from that, Craig and Rachel are super helpful with things like buying a car,
getting around… read more
They gave us a warm welcome in New Zealand and in their homestead, with a nice and warm bed and great
food (as Craig is a fantastic cook). Apart from that, Craig and Rachel are super helpful with things like buying a car,
getting around… read more
20 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Katie & Stuart) for host
Thanks Craig and Rachel for a brill stay. I have come away with a full handful of new skills in just two weeks and learning about all the sneaky tricks with how you built your place was really valuable and inspiring to get me thinking about building for myself in the future. Loved the variety of tasks and divine vegan meals. I'll miss the dhals… read more
20 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Katie & Stuart)
Katie is a star. Such wonderful company, strong as an ox and as calm and joyful as a Buddha :-) A delight to have around - great company. Two weeks were too short to spend together and hope she can visit again. Whatever lucky host get’s to have Katie next will have a great time! Safe travels and exploring Katie! Craig & Rach x
(Excellent)
30 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Tristan & Karli)
Tristan and Karli were amazing. Such lovely souls - Hard working, considerate and great company. They helped us on so many tasks - some detailed and some just plain heavy and no fun - but their attitude was always one of giving and the enjoyment of being active and part of creating something special. We wish them all the best on this exciting next… read more
(Excellent)
29 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Tristan & Karli) for host
The beauty of Craig and Rachel's property is matched only by their own glowing personalities! The pair of them, as well as Myles, and their dog and cat (Obe and Millie) make a Workaway experience not to be missed. The work that is asked of you is rewarding, and you are likely to learn how to make wonderful things from the earth beneath your feet.… read more
6 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Erik & Lucy) for host
We had a great time with Craig and Rach for 2 weeks. Lots of varied tasks and especially had great fun learning how to do natural builds and the plastering. Food every night was delicious! The surrounding area has lots to do and can walk to Goat Island from their place. Very lovely, welcoming people (and dog)!
1 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Erik & Lucy)
What a lovely couple to have stay with us for a couple of weeks. There was a lot of hard work being done here on the homestead in early spring - and they were really a joy to have around. Hard working and always a smile. Had some great conversations too! Wishing them all the best on their NZ travels and would be lovely to see them again some day… read more
(Excellent)
4 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (August) for host
I spend 2 weeks at Craig and Rachels place. This was my first stop in New Zealand and the perfect start on my trip. Work was varied, fun and a great opportinity to learn new techniques and skills. They are the type of host that makes you feel that you owe them more than they owe you. Would highly recommend.
3 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (August)
August was great to have around. Weather was very wet at times but he always got stuck in and worked on the projects. Always cheerful and a great smart of humour. Happy to host him again anytime!
(Excellent)
1 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Maja) for host
This was my first time doing Workaway but Craig and Rachel really made me feel welcome from day one. They are really open and friendly people. I learned a lot in the couple of weeks I stayed with them and got to try all kinds of different gardening and building tasks.
I really enjoyed my time with you! Thanks so much for having me and of course… read more
I really enjoyed my time with you! Thanks so much for having me and of course… read more
1 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Maja)
Maja was a joy to have staying with us. Hard working, eager to try new things and also really tidy! :-) There was quite a lot of hard, heavy work to do here in early spring - such as clearing asparagus weed, re-doing drainage trenches, moving building materials and restoring a natural green roof. Lovely to meet her and happy for her to visit again… read more
(Excellent)
21 Mar 2021
Left by Workawayer (Jade) for host
Craig, Rach and Miles are a pleasure to be around and have an open, positive energy. I stayed for a week and thoroughly enjoyed my time. We worked on earth plastering and roofing. Great location with the ocean nearby and lovely walks in the area. Craig loves to cook, and feed the whanau with his lush meals. I would definitely recommend a stay with… read more
18 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Jade)
Jade is awesome and would recommend her to any host. Sadly she could only stay for one week - but we worked on a roofing and earth plastering project. Easy going, great company and a hard worker. Hope to see you again Jade! Craig. Rach, Myles, Obe, Mille and Ginny :-) x
(Excellent)
11 Oct 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Zoe)
Zoé and Tom were great helpers. Skilled and considerate, and great fun to have around too! - We had a great time hosting them. Would recommend them to anyone. Welcome back anytime guys x
(Excellent)
20 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (FelipeSamuelBehar)
Felipe & Anna we're a delight to have around. Lovely people and always willing to learn and try new things. I highly recommend these guys to any host. Prefect helpers, and new friends. :-) Welcome back any time.
(Excellent)
17 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (FelipeSamuelBehar) for host
Excellent hosts, we spent 11 days in the house of Craig, Rachel, Miles and Aubey (and the cat, and the goat) and we would like spend much more time with this incredible family.
They were always very sympathical with us, we have learned a lot of sustentable construction (cob / clay / green roof etc) permaculture and gastronomy. They also had a… read more
They were always very sympathical with us, we have learned a lot of sustentable construction (cob / clay / green roof etc) permaculture and gastronomy. They also had a… read more
1 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Felix & Suthida)
Felix was great to have stay with us. He was hard working and conscientious. We worked on a variety of projects from building / landscaping to some natural building with cob etc. He was also great to have around personally - good conversations, great sense of humour and a good outlook on life. We learnt a lot whilst he was with us.
Really looking… read more
Really looking… read more
(Excellent)
29 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Felix & Suthida) for host
It was a really great experience to stay with Craig, Rachel and Miles.
From the beginning on I felt like part of the family and really enjoyed the conversation about all aspects of life.
Craig has a wealth of knowledge in many different areas and showed me how to make cob and apply it to the wall. Besides we worked on their outdoor sitting area… read more
From the beginning on I felt like part of the family and really enjoyed the conversation about all aspects of life.
Craig has a wealth of knowledge in many different areas and showed me how to make cob and apply it to the wall. Besides we worked on their outdoor sitting area… read more
17 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Julie)
Julie was a joy to host. She's a remarkable person who was always keen to learn new skills and a great communicator. We worked together on various projects such as a green roof / cob / earth plastering and also some construction work / concreting / posts / wood cutting etc.
We would recommend julie to any host. Hope to see her again in the future… read more
We would recommend julie to any host. Hope to see her again in the future… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Colleen & Robert)
Rob and Colleen were great helpers. Hard working, intelligent and fun to have around. Would absolutely recommend them to others hosts and would love to have them come and stay again in the future.
(Excellent)
4 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Colleen & Robert) for host
We stayed with Craig and his family for two weeks and loved it. The family is incredibly likable and we spent many enjoyable evenings chatting over Craig's delicious cooking and a bottle of wine. The accommodation is a bit rustic, but we really liked it. We had a cozy bed in an uninsulated shed-type building, our own composting toilet and… read more
