Profile information
Travel information
We are currently
Travelling
Activities we are interested in:
We are interested in expanding our knowledge on Organic gardening and Agro-forestry, as well as Eco-building and off-grid living. Also experience running a business in the hospitality sector.
Our next destination:
Portugal - from Sep 2023 until Nov 2024 View all
Description
Hello beautiful people :) We are a friendly, mature and respectful, outgoing couple, originally from New Zealand but have been living in Australia for the past 15 years or more. Having done the working life, it's now time for us to realise our dreams and create our own adventures. We are currently into our 3rd year of travels and have so far, visited over 20 countries, and now intend to travel a little more slowly. To assist with this, we have recently built a campervan while in Bulgaria and are now much more mobile. Most recently we have decided to move to Portugal and have applied for residency.
We are hardworking and well-skilled all-rounders, that are keen to see new places and make new friends around the world and experience various cultures.
Ultimately, our travels will see us helping out in a Farming or Eco environment, Construction of new buildings and structures, Learning more within the hospitality and accommodation sector, Landscaping and outdoors and many other opportunities that will present themselves and allow us to interact with others. It is worth noting that we are not city people, so our best suited environments will find us in nature, near the bush or beach.
Ideally, we enjoy doing workaways of around 2 weeks in duration so we are not "confined" to one specific area but have also extended this on many occasions, when the right environment presents itself.
See our travels and Workaways so far on Instagram @the_in_between_travellers or check out our "Workawayers of the Month" write up to learn a little more about us https://www.workaway.info/en/stories/meet-couple-mid-life-grown-up-gap-year-adventures
Interests
MountainCampingPetsAnimalsBeachCharity workLanguagesPlant careYoga / WellnessVegetarian or veganSelf developmentCarpentryGardeningSustainabilityHikingCooking & foodOutdoor activitiesVan lifeNatureFarming
show more
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: BeginnerMore details about my language interests
Keen to improve our Portuguese and Spanish
Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn
We're interested in:
Gardening
Charity Work
Hospitality/Tourism
Some knowledge of:
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Eco Projects
Life at a Farmstay
More details about your skills
Hardworking and outgoing, we both enjoy getting in and getting the job done. We are both confident and capable to tackle most challenges and duties.
Coming from a DIY and construction background together we share the following:
* Building and Construction
* DIY
* Fencing and Decks
* Gardening and Landscaping
* Cooking
Age
47 & 39
What else ...
We're happy to share what knowledge we have, but ultimately, we are travelling to learn and increase our own knowledge and skills in the mentioned areas in order to one day, implement them onto our own land.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Special dietary requirements
Kara is Vegan but not needy
Feedback
14 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help on our Quinta da Toca in ...)
We had a great time at Jurrie and Margas, although trying to complete works around the rain, we managed to get the deck area complete. It is a beautiful property and although we slept in our van, we made good use of the "wooden house" to lounge in at night, cook and use the wood burner.
Jurrie always made sure that if we needed any materials they… read more
Jurrie always made sure that if we needed any materials they… read more
(Very good
)
12 Nov 2023
Left by host (Help on our Quinta da Toca in ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Mike & Kara were excellent volunteers, a pleasure and gift to have them on board for a few weeks. All the positive comments from the other reviews are true. They are mature, skillfull, responsible and flexible helpers. At their best when given full responsibilty from A to Z for a complete project, in our case the complete replacement of a 50sqm… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Oct 2023
Left by host (Help me around a beach farm ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Mike and Kara are the best, I would give them 10 stars if i could, their ability to work unsupervised and accomplish difficult tasks is only eclipsed by their variety of skills and work ethic. They helped in all areas, transformed two bathrooms and even supervised and advised the other workawayers, they also provided a warm, entertaining and… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help me around a beach farm ...)
What an amazing experience we had with Al and Aom. As for Workaway, it covered ALL the bases and more. It was a true cultural exchange, that spanned 6 cultures and 3 generations. At one stage, there were 15 of us here in total, with Al providing 3 healthy and staple meals for all, everyday.
Al is both interested and interesting, sharing his… read more
Al is both interested and interesting, sharing his… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Sep 2023
Left by host (Help us with renovations and ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Although Mike and Kara spent only a couple of weeks with us, in that short time they did a huge amount! We were totally impressed.
They are people you can trust and give a project to without needing to oversee everything. If they finish what was asked of them and have no further instructions, they will find something sensible to continue with. We… read more
They are people you can trust and give a project to without needing to oversee everything. If they finish what was asked of them and have no further instructions, they will find something sensible to continue with. We… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help us with renovations and ...)
We stayed with Claire and Adam for two weeks and managed to get many small jobs completed for them, along with the help of another workawayer (Mikes Son) who was also there for the 1st week. We also house sat for them while they managed to get a couple of nights away and it was fun to walk the dogs a couple of times a day around the property.
As… read more
As… read more
(Excellent
)
Friends
Feedback
14 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help on our Quinta da Toca in ...)
We had a great time at Jurrie and Margas, although trying to complete works around the rain, we managed to get the deck area complete. It is a beautiful property and although we slept in our van, we made good use of the "wooden house" to lounge in at night, cook and use the wood burner.
Jurrie always made sure that if we needed any materials they… read more
Jurrie always made sure that if we needed any materials they… read more
(Very good
)
12 Nov 2023
Left by host (Help on our Quinta da Toca in ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Mike & Kara were excellent volunteers, a pleasure and gift to have them on board for a few weeks. All the positive comments from the other reviews are true. They are mature, skillfull, responsible and flexible helpers. At their best when given full responsibilty from A to Z for a complete project, in our case the complete replacement of a 50sqm… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Oct 2023
Left by host (Help me around a beach farm ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Mike and Kara are the best, I would give them 10 stars if i could, their ability to work unsupervised and accomplish difficult tasks is only eclipsed by their variety of skills and work ethic. They helped in all areas, transformed two bathrooms and even supervised and advised the other workawayers, they also provided a warm, entertaining and… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help me around a beach farm ...)
What an amazing experience we had with Al and Aom. As for Workaway, it covered ALL the bases and more. It was a true cultural exchange, that spanned 6 cultures and 3 generations. At one stage, there were 15 of us here in total, with Al providing 3 healthy and staple meals for all, everyday.
Al is both interested and interesting, sharing his… read more
Al is both interested and interesting, sharing his… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Sep 2023
Left by host (Help us with renovations and ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Although Mike and Kara spent only a couple of weeks with us, in that short time they did a huge amount! We were totally impressed.
They are people you can trust and give a project to without needing to oversee everything. If they finish what was asked of them and have no further instructions, they will find something sensible to continue with. We… read more
They are people you can trust and give a project to without needing to oversee everything. If they finish what was asked of them and have no further instructions, they will find something sensible to continue with. We… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help us with renovations and ...)
We stayed with Claire and Adam for two weeks and managed to get many small jobs completed for them, along with the help of another workawayer (Mikes Son) who was also there for the 1st week. We also house sat for them while they managed to get a couple of nights away and it was fun to walk the dogs a couple of times a day around the property.
As… read more
As… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Aug 2023
Left by host (A small meditation center is ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Mike and Kara were volunteers at our place for a few weeks, and the work they performed during this time was done with a level of responsibility that is not often found in everyone. I can confidently say that they were our best volunteers this year. In short, they were a wonderful enrichment for our center, and people like them are what one can… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(A small meditation center is ...)
We were blessed to spend a couple of weeks learning about Eco building, Permaculture, living and eating well and, life really. What an experience it's been. Dhiraj is a patient man which makes him a great teacher and he is always happy to share and pass on his knowledge. We were mainly plastering the exterior of the building over the straw and… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Jul 2023
Left by host (Beautiful space in Haute ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Mike and Kara were excellent workawayers ---a very positive experience for us.
They came for 6 days with Mike's son Jack (another workawayer) and they were all charming, hard working and willing to be flexible in the range of tasks undertaken.
They worked hard and they are skilled at many practical tasks- our house and garden is now neater and… read more
They came for 6 days with Mike's son Jack (another workawayer) and they were all charming, hard working and willing to be flexible in the range of tasks undertaken.
They worked hard and they are skilled at many practical tasks- our house and garden is now neater and… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Beautiful space in Haute ...)
We spent just on one week with Deirdre and Etuka, and it was a first class experience! Feeling more like a holiday, than a workaway, the accommodation and surroundings are beautiful. We had the privilege of being able to look at Mont Blanc all week and the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas in the afternoons. The work required was mainly… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Mar 2023
Left by host (Help build organic health ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
We had an amazing time with Mike and Kara. They stayed for just 2 weeks and we wish they could stay longer. They are very talented, hard working, kind people, always with a smile and great energy.
We managed to do so much in these 2 weeks. We worked on our water system, fixed some electric problems, gardening and the highlight was the building of… read more
We managed to do so much in these 2 weeks. We worked on our water system, fixed some electric problems, gardening and the highlight was the building of… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help build organic health ...)
We spent just 2 weeks with Ariel and Einav but as well as making a bamboo hut, we also managed to create a strong connection with them. Eniav is an extremely hard worker and is also very open to sharing her vast knowledge of, well, anything! From the amazing (and not once repeated) meals she creates, to the homemade soap and teas, you will leave… read more
(Excellent
)
31 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Looking for practical all ...)
Our stay with David was last minute and although for a shorter period, we learnt much about living sustainably. David is a wealth of knowledge and very keen to share also. What was best, was that he actually lives his values. From dumpster diving up-cycling to being completely off grid. Our jobs were easy and unsupervised and we were just left our… read more
(Very good
)
29 Jan 2023
Left by host (Looking for practical all ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Michael and Kara are a really practical, hands on, hard working and kind couple who did all they were asked to do and more. I really felt that Michael and Kara understood our sustainability agenda here at the eco lab and when we had less solar energy due to days of heavy rain they were very respectful of the need to economise energy use and hot… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
WOW!!!! That stands for What Outstanding Workawayers :-) Mike and Kara contacted me after their planned workaway fell through and HOW FORTUNATE that was for me. I have limited space and already had a couple here and my daughter visiting from the UK so it was going to be a full house but they fitted in from the moment they got here and we all had… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help us renovate our ...)
When travelling, we find the thing we usually miss the most, is a home. At Maria's, we found this home and more! Maria's hospitality was 10 star (out of 5) and the ability to just turn up, make yourself at home, and be relaxed, while being yourself, was exactly what made it this way.
We were also fortunate enough to share Maria's space with Seba… read more
We were also fortunate enough to share Maria's space with Seba… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help with forestry, eco ...)
When we accidently turned up a day earlier than arranged, Barry and Virginia took us in and sat us at the table, for lunch. This is just the type of people they are.
The following day, once we'd completed the "induction" and knew what was what, (which, although thorough and structured, nothing you wouldn't do ordinarily), things just fell into… read more
The following day, once we'd completed the "induction" and knew what was what, (which, although thorough and structured, nothing you wouldn't do ordinarily), things just fell into… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Looking for help tidying up ...)
We had a great time with Ritchie and Karen. We stayed in their Apartment Accomodation which we had to ourselves. This contained many bathrooms, one of which we used, but also had its own kitchen where we could prepare our breakfasts. All other meals, including the cheese sessions, were shared in their space. This usually occurred over a cold beer… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Jul 2022
Left by host (Looking for help tidying up ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Without doubt our best Workaway experience by far. Mike and Kara were polite, hardworking and thoughtful in their approach. They worked tirelessly on our deck to get it completed before they moved on, we wish them all the best on their future travel plans and would welcome them back anytime.
(Excellent
)
20 Jun 2022
Left by host (Help with permaculture and ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
We had a really good time with Mike and Kara. They are always happy and such hard workers. They spent almost a month with us and helped a lot in adobe making and also in the garden. They picked up broad beans and prepared them traditionally to make the famous moroccan soup "bissera", it was delicious. We really appreciated sharing experiences… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help with permaculture and ...)
If you want to feel at home while travelling, then this is the place. If you want to experience culture, without the shock, then this is the place. If you want an exchange with a beautiful family, then this is the place! We could go on, but needless to say, if you want the best workaway in Morocco, then, well, this is the place to find it.
Karine… read more
Karine… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Apr 2022
Left by host (Help out on our lifestyle ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
It was OUR pleasure to Host this awesome couple. How lucky were WE!
Mike and Kara are THE DREAM TEAM. Their work ethic is outstanding. No job was too big or small for them.
These were the projects…
1.MULCHING
Our trees are extra happy with all the mulch (as in MANY TRAILER loads) distributed amongst them.
2. SPRAYING
The next project was spraying… read more
Mike and Kara are THE DREAM TEAM. Their work ethic is outstanding. No job was too big or small for them.
These were the projects…
1.MULCHING
Our trees are extra happy with all the mulch (as in MANY TRAILER loads) distributed amongst them.
2. SPRAYING
The next project was spraying… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help out on our lifestyle ...)
Occasionally in life, people cross your path and leave a life-long impression. And in the case of Workaway, Hosts become friends. For us, Catherine and Martin are two of those people.
It is extremely difficult to convey the true depth of their kindness, hospitality and generosity in one review, so we needed to break it down a little, and start by… read more
It is extremely difficult to convey the true depth of their kindness, hospitality and generosity in one review, so we needed to break it down a little, and start by… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Dec 2021
Left by host (Gardening help in Takaka, New ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Mike and Kara are fabulous. Despite over 2 weeks of miserable, wet weather their combination of great work ethic, a wide range of skills and attention to detail meant that they accomplished some bigger projects I have been putting off for ages, including a wooden fence and a wire mesh chook run.
They are very warm and friendly, great to have… read more
They are very warm and friendly, great to have… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Gardening help in Takaka, New ...)
Our experience with Gay and Aly was fantastic! We had our own separate accommodation which was real comfortable and away from the main house. The hours required were very easy and Gay was flexible about when and how we executed them. As well as this, Gay just said what needed to be done, and left you to it unsupervised. The work was fun, mostly… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
We were very fortunate to have Mike and Kara for a week. It would be hard to find a nicer couple to have stay. Mike and Kara fitted in so we'll, it felt like we'd known them for a lot longer.
They were very easy going with an excellent work ethic and made a great difference to our garden, getting on top of all the spring time jobs.
A lovely couple… read more
They were very easy going with an excellent work ethic and made a great difference to our garden, getting on top of all the spring time jobs.
A lovely couple… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Gardening and other help on ...)
For us, Workaway is about a fair exchange, meeting like-minded people and experiencing culture and food. Our time with Bernie and Ivan gave us all of this and more!
Their profile is on point, and says exactly how it is. The work we did was all in the garden and was no more than the 3 hours per day. Bernie is also more than happy to share her… read more
Their profile is on point, and says exactly how it is. The work we did was all in the garden and was no more than the 3 hours per day. Bernie is also more than happy to share her… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Nov 2021
Left by host (Help with gardening and daily ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Kara and Mike are fantastic; caring, interested and interesting, diligent, fun, all-round great people. They helped us so much and made our lives so much easier during the time they were with us. They tackled a lot of tidying, cleaning, gardening and maintenance jobs. They even build a rock-wall, which was a very challenging task and it came out… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help with gardening and daily ...)
Our workaway in Balfour was one of growth and excitement. The entire family are so fun and easy to get along with, which really makes the experience.
Generally, we were doing maintenance around the farm houses which included gardening, water blasting and mowing lawns etc. We also had the opportunity over the 3 weeks to extend ourselves, and our… read more
Generally, we were doing maintenance around the farm houses which included gardening, water blasting and mowing lawns etc. We also had the opportunity over the 3 weeks to extend ourselves, and our… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Sep 2021
Left by host (Join us and visit our amazing ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
It was an absolute pleasure having Mike and Kara stay with us. We have been hosting travellers for around 15-years, and have literally had hundreds of people stay with us. I would have to say Mike and Kara would be one of the best couples that we have ever had stay with us. They are such a wonderful couple and a real pleasure to be around, and… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Join us and visit our amazing ...)
The Tree House is the epitome of the Workaway experience! But what do you say about someone like Ellis? A top bloke, a great human, and, after 5 weeks, a good friend! It really ended up feeling as though we were just staying on a mates farm and helping him out with a few things.
Accommodation was great. We had our own private cabin (which had a… read more
Accommodation was great. We had our own private cabin (which had a… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Aug 2021
Left by host (Assist us in packing-up our ...) for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
It was a real pleasure to have Kara and Mike stay and help us. They were amazingly helpful, self-motivated and had lots of initiative. They are a happy, helpful, diligent and a fun-loving couple. They were committed to making the garden look great again and put a lot of effort into it. They also cooked big freezer meals and helped tidy the place.… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Assist us in packing-up our ...)
When speaking of Helen and Art, it is really hard to even know where to start, as our experience was nothing short of amazing! Mike only wishes he could have thrown his pen on the table and yelled SUDOKU! They welcomed us into their home and family as though we had been long term friends. Although there were extensive gardens to maintain, Helen… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Mike and Kara's profile says "friendly, mature and respectful', and 'hardworking and well-skilled all-rounders'. They are all of that and more! Mike was terrific in communicating when making our agreement. I quickly felt secure that we had a clear and workable arrangement. They are fun and great conversationalists, and Mike has a promising future… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Some help around house and ...)
What a beautiful family! Thank you for sharing your home and lives with us! Right from the start, Annettes communication was excellent and we knew exactly what was required of us. The tasks were mostly cleaning, throughout the house and some outside gardening.
Our stay with Annette, Kim, Ginger and Blue, was only a short 4 days, (due to Covid… read more
Our stay with Annette, Kim, Ginger and Blue, was only a short 4 days, (due to Covid… read more
(Excellent
)
24 May 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mike & Kara) for host
(Help out on a small Macadamia ...)
What started out as an intended one month stay, turned into an exciting 3 months or more of learning, growing and sharing. Glen and Sharon became more than hosts, they were friends that opened up their land and lives to us. We learned a lot from them both. From Glens Eye for detail, precision and a wealth of knowledge and stories, to Sharon's… read more
(Excellent
)
22 May 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike & Kara)
Mike and Kara helped on our farm for 3 months. I am not exaggerating when I say they have been the best Workaway helpers we have ever had. Not only did they do a great job on any task we handed them, they completed it with such a positive attitude. They both went over and above the required amount of work, and often continued working late until… read more
(Excellent
)
