Profile information
Travel information
We are currently
At home
Our next destination:
Spain - from May 2025 until Jun 2025 View all
Description
Hey guys, just a quick rundown on who we are.
Graeme-For the last 2 years working as grounds/maintenance and pool maintenance on a large beach resort in Papamoa NZ, Massage therapist and previously spent 30 yrs in manufacturing in the engineering industry in the UK, runner, keep fit, massive music fan of the rock and guitars type ☺️, live gigs and socialising, reading, yoga novice, good sense of humour and easy going.
Brenda- For the last 2 years working at a large family house as housekeeper/gardener and previously has experience in retail, cooking, reading, gardening, also live gigs, same music as him and also likes a good laugh.
Both of us are nature/wildlife lovers, ecologically aware and enjoy the outdoors and long country walks.
We also have house/pet sitting experience and always treat the property as if it was our own and give the pets all the love and cuddles they deserve. ☺
We both enjoy good food with a beer/wine.
Easy going laid back couple looking for new experiences .
We're a fit and active mature English couple but have NZ citizenship also and have lived in New Zealand for 19yrs by the beach in Papamoa, North Island.
We can help with most things around the house, odd jobs, DIY, pool maintenance and any outside work, helping with animals and general garden work. We've owned 3 houses in our 40 years together. We'll tackle pretty much anything and we're more than happy to work unsupervised or with the host if required.
We had 10mths in Europe in 2016 and enjoyed the workaway experience so much we went back to Europe Oct 2019 but had to return to NZ in April 2020 because of covid. We then spent 3 years in Australia/ NZ housesitting and workaway so now looking to continue our trip in Europe once more.
We also have extensive references from Australian and NZ housesitting sites that we can provide.
Please note that we'll be traveling using public transport.
Check us out on FB and Instagram
Thanks for looking.
Graeme and Bren
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Van life
Pets
Movies & TV
Events & social
Culture
Plant care
Music
History
DIY & crafts
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
Animals
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Fitness
Cycling
Camping
Beach
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn
We're interested in:
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Charity Work
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Able to teach about:
General Maintenance
More details about your skills
General house and grounds maintenance, pool maintenance, gardening, childcare, massage, cooking, house and pet sitting, problem solving.
Age
64 & 59
What else ...
Very flexible with time and type of work required, looking to learn about and experience different cultures, always open to new experiences, keen on long term or short term stays. Happy to house sit and pet sit if required.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
noSpecial dietary requirements
One of us doesn't eat meat, fish and dairy is ok.
Feedback
16 Sep 2020
Left by host (Help us around our home, ...) for Workawayer ()
Winter 2020 at the Bay of Islands.
How lucky we were to have the charming companionship and help of Brenda and Graeme to ease us through winter ! Eight delightful weeks and lots of projects completed on the estate; all sorts of things from building a two rail fence to plumbing a new water tank to firewood blocking and chipping, building a water… read more
How lucky we were to have the charming companionship and help of Brenda and Graeme to ease us through winter ! Eight delightful weeks and lots of projects completed on the estate; all sorts of things from building a two rail fence to plumbing a new water tank to firewood blocking and chipping, building a water… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help us around our home, ...)
We've just had 2 fantastic months staying with Graham and Noelle on their amazing and beautiful property near Kerikeri. The grounds are stunning and would be hard to beat, full of fruit trees and avos. Wake up with the ducks, rabbits, pukekos, swans and lots of birds. The self contained unit for workawayers is superb and has everything you need,… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Jun 2020
Left by host (Off-grid tiny home in the Bay ...) for Workawayer ()
We can only reiterate what has been previously said about Greame and Brenda: They are the perfect workawayers! They are seasoned world-travellers, with the understanding of cultures and people. You can trust them to do the job with diligence and the perspective of the host. We also enjoyed their company and attitude to life. Four weeks went by too… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Off-grid tiny home in the Bay ...)
We've just spent 4 weeks staying with Peter and Sylvia and of course Radar the friendly giant ☺ in the beautiful Bay of Islands. They're a really friendly world wise couple and we were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived. They made every effort to ensure we had an enjoyable stay and we did. The tiny house is very cosy and has… read more
(Excellent
)
31 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help us with our sculpture ...)
We can only repeat what's already been said by previous workawayers. This place is amazing, the gardens and the many works of art and Kitty and Nick are wonderful hosts, always smiling and nothing was too much trouble for them to make our stay a memorable one. The jobs are varied and nothing is too hard it's just a matter of getting on with it and… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Friends
Feedback
16 Sep 2020
Left by host (Help us around our home, ...) for Workawayer ()
Winter 2020 at the Bay of Islands.
How lucky we were to have the charming companionship and help of Brenda and Graeme to ease us through winter ! Eight delightful weeks and lots of projects completed on the estate; all sorts of things from building a two rail fence to plumbing a new water tank to firewood blocking and chipping, building a water… read more
How lucky we were to have the charming companionship and help of Brenda and Graeme to ease us through winter ! Eight delightful weeks and lots of projects completed on the estate; all sorts of things from building a two rail fence to plumbing a new water tank to firewood blocking and chipping, building a water… read more
(Excellent)
14 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help us around our home, ...)
We've just had 2 fantastic months staying with Graham and Noelle on their amazing and beautiful property near Kerikeri. The grounds are stunning and would be hard to beat, full of fruit trees and avos. Wake up with the ducks, rabbits, pukekos, swans and lots of birds. The self contained unit for workawayers is superb and has everything you need,… read more
(Excellent)
27 Jun 2020
Left by host (Off-grid tiny home in the Bay ...) for Workawayer ()
We can only reiterate what has been previously said about Greame and Brenda: They are the perfect workawayers! They are seasoned world-travellers, with the understanding of cultures and people. You can trust them to do the job with diligence and the perspective of the host. We also enjoyed their company and attitude to life. Four weeks went by too… read more
(Excellent)
27 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Off-grid tiny home in the Bay ...)
We've just spent 4 weeks staying with Peter and Sylvia and of course Radar the friendly giant ☺ in the beautiful Bay of Islands. They're a really friendly world wise couple and we were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived. They made every effort to ensure we had an enjoyable stay and we did. The tiny house is very cosy and has… read more
(Excellent)
31 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help us with our sculpture ...)
We can only repeat what's already been said by previous workawayers. This place is amazing, the gardens and the many works of art and Kitty and Nick are wonderful hosts, always smiling and nothing was too much trouble for them to make our stay a memorable one. The jobs are varied and nothing is too hard it's just a matter of getting on with it and… read more
(Excellent)
3 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer ()
I absolutely add my voice to everyone elses that if Graeham and Brenda apply to join you say YES! It was a perfect fit, and their company was always supportive, never intrusive, the perfect guests to have around the house and they became part of our family immediately! Their life experience showed in that they knew how to read each situation,… read more
(Excellent)
1 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Hikers paradise - Stunning ...)
We've just stayed in this wonderful location for almost 4 weeks in January with the amazing Georgina. From the moment Georgina picked up she did everything possible to ensure that we had an amazing experience in the Basque Pyrenees. Everything is just as described, beautiful views and endless walking trails from the property. Beautiful Basque… read more
(Excellent)
18 Aug 2017
Left by host (Daily tasks with our family ...) for Workawayer ()
Bren and Graeme stayed with me for around three weeks. They were an absolute joy - great company and great with the kids. Graeme is always on the go looking for things to do and Bren was also great at finding things to work on around the house and she was fantastic in the kitchen. Bren works woth children and has a lovely gentle apprach with them.… read more
(Excellent)
17 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Daily tasks with our family ...)
We've just had the pleasure of staying with Fiona and her 2 very friendly and active boys, Robin and Alex for almost 4 weeks. The house is in a really nice suburb of Brisbane and is an easy train ride to the city centre. There are lots of parks and green spaces nearby as well as biking/hiking trails within walking distance, great for running… read more
(Excellent)
26 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(We would welcome outdoor help ...)
2nd stay January 2020-
We stayed with Anne and Crosbie 3yrs years ago for a month and enjoyed it so much that we've just stayed with them again for 2 months. They're two of the nicest people you're likely to meet and will do everything possible to make sure the stay is an awesome experience. They involved us fully in their social life, meeting… read more
We stayed with Anne and Crosbie 3yrs years ago for a month and enjoyed it so much that we've just stayed with them again for 2 months. They're two of the nicest people you're likely to meet and will do everything possible to make sure the stay is an awesome experience. They involved us fully in their social life, meeting… read more
(Excellent)
25 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer ()
If Brenda and Graeme ask to come and workaway with you – say yes immediately, before someone else snaps them up! They came to us for two months at the end of 2019 (they had been with us for a month three years earlier). Work with us primarily involves helping us to look after our animals and managing our land. The land management regularly gets… read more
(Excellent)
25 Nov 2016
Left by host (Help with childcare, ...) for Workawayer ()
We feel very grateful to have had Brenda and Graeme stay with us! They did amazing work on the grounds and in our garden -- they mucked right in and left everything looking great!
It was a real pleasure to spend time with them as well, they were friendly and positive, it was fun hearing about their travels and they were so sweet with our… read more
It was a real pleasure to spend time with them as well, they were friendly and positive, it was fun hearing about their travels and they were so sweet with our… read more
(Excellent)
24 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help with childcare, ...)
We've just spent a fantastic 2 1/2 weeks with D'Arcy and Sébastien at their beautiful Chateau. The grounds are amazing and we spent most of our time doing garden maintenance, hedge trimming, weeding, mowing and leaf clearing etc. Lots and lots of leaves haha. We were given a list of jobs and left to get on with it. The accommodation we had was… read more
(Excellent)
2 Oct 2016
Left by host (Permaculture inspired ...) for Workawayer ()
Brenda and Graeme stayed with us for a month. They are great, hard workers and very flexible, very ideal helpers. And friends.
Thanks for all : Brenda, for giving a shoulder for Ildiko to cry when we lost one of our dog and taking over all cooking and caring on that day and of course all the delicious pizzas, teas and for Graeme for the jokes,… read more
Thanks for all : Brenda, for giving a shoulder for Ildiko to cry when we lost one of our dog and taking over all cooking and caring on that day and of course all the delicious pizzas, teas and for Graeme for the jokes,… read more
(Excellent)
1 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Permaculture inspired ...)
A word of warning before coming here, if you're on a diet don't come ?
The food just keeps on coming and it's mostly from the garden and it's delicious. These guys are really passionate about their garden and always happy to pass on their knowledge. The property is located in a quiet village and is surrounded by beautiful countryside and forests… read more
The food just keeps on coming and it's mostly from the garden and it's delicious. These guys are really passionate about their garden and always happy to pass on their knowledge. The property is located in a quiet village and is surrounded by beautiful countryside and forests… read more
(Excellent)
31 Jul 2016
Left by host (Help with some eco-projects ...) for Workawayer ()
Graeme and Brenda...what can I say, they came as strangers and left as friends...they was open to help in any way they can....very dedicated and got stuck in and was happy to do their bit, the garden looks totally different, now I can start planning the next stage...thank you Graeme and Brenda , you are always welcome here, if you ever fancy… read more
(Excellent)
28 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help with some eco-projects ...)
We spent an eventful 2 weeks at Paul and Axels, not forgetting Aya the friendly Shitzu in Samovodene just outside Veliko Tarnova. Had our own cottage next to main house. Only 5 mins walk to village and Yantra river. Be prepared for lots of wildlife in the area, reptiles (snakes etc) and lots of birds. Veliko Tarnova is a great place to visit and a… read more
(Excellent)
23 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Brenda and Graeme stayed with us 2 weeks.A few days before they arrive we realized that it would be impossible to find free time to spend with them and also to work at the field,because that period was very busy for our stores and for that reason we were very stressed.When they arrived we explained the situation and from that moment we understood… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Need some extra hands for our ...)
We stayed with Kostas and Sissy for 2 weeks and we had a great time with this wonderful couple. They made us feel at home from the start and we were very sorry to leave and we became good friends, hopefully we will meet again someday. They told us what needed doing and left us to manage our time so we just got on with it, mainly gardening,… read more
(Excellent)
17 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Well, What can I say? Graeme and Brenda were AMAZING and it was such a pleasure having them on board - in fact we became real friends and I miss them very much. They were able to read my mind and foresee the tasks that needed doing, helping me run my very hectic life which always seems to throw unexpected problems on my door step! They… read more
(Excellent)
1 May 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Couples to Help with building ...)
Well what can we say, we arrived as workaways and left as friends. We were made to feel part of the family as soon as we arrived. And what a family, fun loving teenagers and Alain the master chef. Just wish our french was better so we could have had better conversation with him, a really nice and kind host. That just leaves Jane, a crazy lady,… read more
(Excellent)
15 May 2016
Left by host (Collaborative projects and ...) for Workawayer ()
Super workaways - Brenda and Graeme are definitely in the top 10% – experienced gardeners, knowledgeable about garden machinery, great work habits and very reliable & self reliant guests. We were very lucky that they could fit in a couple of weeks with us at the beginning of May. We wish them all the best for the remainder of the travels … read more
(Excellent)
14 May 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Collaborative projects and ...)
We stayed for 2 weeks only due to other commitments and we had a great time, wish we could have stayed longer. Nicky and Mick are a really nice couple who made us feel at home and are both so easy to get along with. The garden and house are amazing and a joy to work in. The work was varied and Nicky alway trys to find jobs to suit the workawayers… read more
(Excellent)
