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 - Host rating- 100 % 
 - Last replied- 11 Oct 2025 
 - Reply rate- 100.0 % - Usually responds within 6 days 
 - Feedback- 16 
 - Email verified
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 - Description- We are a retired couple living on the Kaipara Harbour in Northland. We have a 6 acre lifestyle property with three cows, 8 sheep, 8 chickens, two dogs and three turtles. We have been living here 9 years since returning from France where we worked for several years. We have built a new home on this site and enjoy projects: we grow our own grapes to make wine, we have just completed a greenhouse made from old windows and are currently building chicken runs and planting on our land. We maintain and plant our gardens including a vegetable garden and undertake general maintenance on the property. Our home looks onto the Kaipara Harbour, we are close to the Kauri Museum. Pahi is a great fishing spot. Paparoa village is nearby. We are 40 minutes to Dargaville, 35 to Mangawhai Village and 50 mins to Whangarei. Accommodation comprises your own room, ensuite, internet access (desk). We do require that you have a drivers licence / your own vehicle would be preferred. We like to host two people at a time if at all possible. 
 - Types of help and learning opportunities- Help with Eco Projects - Gardening - DIY and building projects - Animal Care - Help around the house - General Maintenance - House sitting 
 - InterestsEvents & socialSustainabilityPetsFarmingCharity workPlant careDIY & craftsBooksArt & designCooking & foodGardeningCarpentryAnimalsSailing / BoatingYoga / WellnessFitness
 - Cultural exchange and learning opportunities- I speak French and would be willing to help with English. This area is rich in history. We both volunteer at the local Kauri Museum - there is a lot to learn about this area. We are most happy to show our visitors around and host them in exchange for light work though we would prefer travellers who have their own transport as there is no public transport available in the area. We are located in a rural/farming area. 
 - Help- We require help with gardening and general maintenance i.e. waterblasting decks and apply stain, general gardening, help around the farm. Painting of gates and fences. Help in cutting and stacking firewood. 
 Feeding of animals, cows, chickens, etc. There is always something to do on our small farm and we enjoy the company.
 - Languages- Languages spoken 
 English: Fluent- This host offers a language exchange 
 Speak French and happy to help with English.
 - Accommodation- Own rooms, ensuite in both bedrooms, separate access but accommodation is provided in our home. Wifi provided. Happy to cook for visitors. 
 - What else ...- Local sights, Kauri Museum, fishing, Mangawhai markets and beach, Waipu Beach, Dargaville and Baylys Beach, Whangarei. Lots of walking and cycling. Surfing at Waipu Cove. 
 - A little more information - Internet access 
 - Limited internet access 
 - We have pets 
 - We are smokers 
 - Can host families 
 
 - Can host digital nomads- Own desk in room. Wifi access provided. 
 - Space for parking camper vans- This host can provide space for campervans. 
 - How many Workawayers can stay?- Two 
 - My animals / pets- Bentley and Bisou (2 dogs) 
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Feedback (8)
It was my first Workaway experience and I'm not about to forget. A cocktail of conviviality, laughter, sharing, cultural discovery and where we eat so well thanks to the succulent dishes Joanne prepares!
Joanne and Reed really take… read more
Their hospitality was outstanding, and we felt so welcomed and comfortable during our stay. We mainly helped with weeding and painting the inside of the recently built glasshouse, which was not too hard but very rewarding. They were easygoing and flexible, and… read more
And also, best bread (homemade of course) of New Zealand!
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Feedback
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         (5.0)
                        
It was my first Workaway experience and I'm not about to forget. A cocktail of conviviality, laughter, sharing, cultural discovery and where we eat so well thanks to the succulent dishes Joanne prepares!
Joanne and Reed really take… read more
Their hospitality was outstanding, and we felt so welcomed and comfortable during our stay. We mainly helped with weeding and painting the inside of the recently built glasshouse, which was not too hard but very rewarding. They were easygoing and flexible, and… read more
And also, best bread (homemade of course) of New Zealand!
Our work was weeding and gardening in beautiful landscape 4 hours per day 5 days/week.
Thank you for your wonderful meals (and bread :)), your gererosity and taking time to show us your… read more
Their house is incredible and Johanne went out of her way to make sure we never got bored.
Our job was to repaint the front of the house and it was really fun to do that with Read!
We had a great time with them, thanks… read more
Joanne and Reed impressed us… read more


























