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Évaluation d'hôte
100 %
Last replied
28 sept. 2024
Taux de réponse
100.0 %
Usually responds ≤ 2 jours
Feedback
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Description
GREETINGS WORKAWAYERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD!
My wife Brenda and I own a 1.2ha (3 acre) orchard situated between Levin and Otaki, about one hour by car north of Wellington, on State Highway 1, which is now a two lane "expressway" (German: Autobahn, French: autoroute, Italian: autostrada, Spanish: autovia, US: freeway, GB: M road) all the way from Wellington to Otaki. There is a house on the orchard, where Workawayers can stay. Our permanent home is in Wellington.
Our main crop is plums, which ripen over a two to three week period every January. This crop is sufficiently large to require 2-3 helpers during this time. We need help with picking, usually on a Friday, for a market on a Saturday.
My wife and I are in our 70's, and have over the past 20 years hosted numerous exchange students, travellers and volunteers from all around the world. We particularly love hosting German helpers, as our younger daughter lives in Hamburg, and is married with two children. Our elder daughter lives near us in Wellington, and is married with three young children.
At other times of the year, we can use workawayers for various activities, including pruning, weeding and orchard maintenance.
There is no public transport to the orchard itself, but I am able to meet and greet at the Otaki or Levin Intercity bus stops near to the orchard. If coming from the South Island, I can meet you at one of the ferry terminals in Wellington.
We look forward to meeting willing Workawayers.
Roger and Brenda
Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre
Jardinage
Bricolage et construction
Aide dans une ferme
Entretien général
Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre
Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre
You will meet some real "Kiwis". (The people, not the bird or the fruit!) My wife and I have had a lot of experience hosting people from Europe, Asia and the Americas. We can relate to their needs, and also provide a real Kiwi experience that is not available from just backpacking or being a tourist.
There are two sandy beaches nearby (Waikawa Beach and Otaki Beach) suitable for swimming and surfing, and beachcombing, during the summer months (December to March) and just walking or exploring for the rest of the year.
Brenda is into crafts and music, whereas I like sport (chiefly cricket and rugby), geocaching and genealogy. We both like to travel and particularly enjoy “off the tourist track” adventures. I have volunteered for the 2015 Cricket World Cup, the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2015 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Projets impliquant des enfants
Ce projet peut impliquer des enfants. Pour en savoir plus, consultez nos directives et conseils ici.
Aide
Picking plums (January only), weeding, tree trimming/pruning, general orchard maintenance.
Langues parlées
Anglais: Courant
Hébergement
House at the orchard with own bedroom, if required. We also have space for tents, and campervans. Meals provided while volunteering.
Autres infos...
There are mountain tracks and bush walks within a short drive away. We have a bicycle available for Workawayers to use, and it’s a flat side road to a beach 8km away. As I mentioned above, there is no public transport. There is wi-fi available at the orchard.
Informations complémentaires
Accès Internet
Accès Internet limité
Nous avons des animaux
Nous sommes fumeurs
Familles bienvenues
Espace pour garer des vans
Jucy Campers around the size of a Toyota Hiace, and smaller Britz campervans may be ok. Big RV's probably not, although our neighbour may be happy to allow them to park.
Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?
Plus de 2
Nombre d'heures attendues
Maximum 2-3 hours a day, 5 days a week
N° de référence hôte : 232624197583
Feedback (40)
25 avr. 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (Fanni & Amelie-Pia) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda are so kind and welcoming. We enjoyed our time here a lot. We had always a good talk and they gave us good advices for our further journey.
23 avr. 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Fanni & Amelie-Pia)
Fanni & Amelie are great Workawayers. They got to grips with the weeding requirements very quickly and did a great job. They also had to manage on their own as Brenda & I had already planned a short break away from the orchard. When we returned, the house was so tidy & the laundry already done!
(Excellent
)
11 avr. 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (Katie & Sean) pour l'hôte
We had a lovely time helping out at Roger and Brenda's place in Manaku. We stayed just over a week and loved learning all about the area from Roger. He was so gracious to invite us for coffee and scones at the local cafe, and a big highlight was grabbing fish and chips together while watching the sunset on a blustery night at Ōtaki Beach. Both… read more
4 avr. 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Katie & Sean)
Katie and Sean were excellent workawayers, getting stuck into the job of clearing the bank that had been overgrown for years. They are very good workers and I had no problem leaving them on their own when I had to return to Wellington.
(Excellent
)
25 mars 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (ChantalRi) pour l'hôte
Roger & Brenda were so kind and welcoming! The help is flexible and not really hard .. you have lots of time to explore and to spend your free time with them if you wish.
25 mars 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (ChantalRi)
Chantel & Marlo are great Workawayers and we got on really well.
They worked hard in the garden and also proved to be very adept at using the wood mulcher & hand saw. It was lovely to meet them and have them stay on our orchard.
They worked hard in the garden and also proved to be very adept at using the wood mulcher & hand saw. It was lovely to meet them and have them stay on our orchard.
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
Ce sont des évaluations supplémentaires en option lorsque les membres laissent un feedback. La note moyenne pour chaque option est affichée.
Exactitude du profil:
(4.9)
Échange culturel:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
25 avr. 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (Fanni & Amelie-Pia) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda are so kind and welcoming. We enjoyed our time here a lot. We had always a good talk and they gave us good advices for our further journey.
23 avr. 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Fanni & Amelie-Pia)
Fanni & Amelie are great Workawayers. They got to grips with the weeding requirements very quickly and did a great job. They also had to manage on their own as Brenda & I had already planned a short break away from the orchard. When we returned, the house was so tidy & the laundry already done!
(Excellent)
11 avr. 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (Katie & Sean) pour l'hôte
We had a lovely time helping out at Roger and Brenda's place in Manaku. We stayed just over a week and loved learning all about the area from Roger. He was so gracious to invite us for coffee and scones at the local cafe, and a big highlight was grabbing fish and chips together while watching the sunset on a blustery night at Ōtaki Beach. Both… read more
4 avr. 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Katie & Sean)
Katie and Sean were excellent workawayers, getting stuck into the job of clearing the bank that had been overgrown for years. They are very good workers and I had no problem leaving them on their own when I had to return to Wellington.
(Excellent)
25 mars 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (ChantalRi) pour l'hôte
Roger & Brenda were so kind and welcoming! The help is flexible and not really hard .. you have lots of time to explore and to spend your free time with them if you wish.
25 mars 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (ChantalRi)
Chantel & Marlo are great Workawayers and we got on really well.
They worked hard in the garden and also proved to be very adept at using the wood mulcher & hand saw. It was lovely to meet them and have them stay on our orchard.
They worked hard in the garden and also proved to be very adept at using the wood mulcher & hand saw. It was lovely to meet them and have them stay on our orchard.
(Excellent)
25 mars 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Armida)
Armi was great and she is welcome back any time. From our first meeting at the cafe, she was a very interesting person to talk to.
When she got to the orchard she got stuck into the work straight away. I had to leave her on her own for her last two days there but she certainly went above and beyond what I expected with cleaning, doing laundry and… read more
When she got to the orchard she got stuck into the work straight away. I had to leave her on her own for her last two days there but she certainly went above and beyond what I expected with cleaning, doing laundry and… read more
(Excellent)
24 mars 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (Armida) pour l'hôte
It was lovely meeting Roger and Brenda for a cup of coffee or should I say a glass of smoothies @ Spruce Goose 🥰 before going to Manakau. Thank you for welcoming me into you beautiful farm house in Manakau. I had a great stay and great conversations with Roger. A trip to Otaki beach on a vey good day was amazing. Though Roger had to leave me on my… read more
1 mars 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (Alina ) pour l'hôte
Thank very much for the lovely time at your Plum Orchard Brenda and Roger, it was so much more for me then just gardening and a Workaway experience and I will miss the morning coffee and talks with you Roger! Brenda and Roger are open to share their live experience with you and try to meet all your needs, places and experiences you want to make… read more
28 févr. 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Alina )
If I could give you 100 stars Alina, I would! Right from when we first met at the Round the Bays fun run, we clicked! The work you did with the electric trimmer in my creeper invested garden, the blackberry clearing with Maisie, the other work you did around Manakau was top class and you did everything with a smile on your face. Even when you were… read more
(Excellent)
28 févr. 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Charlotte & Cyril)
What can I say about Charlotte and Cyril? They are lovely. I can only give 5 stars, but they are worth so many more. Cyril was great value with a saw in hand, and lots of my trees have received his attention. Charlotte tuned her skills in doing gardening, both weeding and planting. And together they made a great team using the wood chipper and… read more
(Excellent)
21 févr. 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Anna & Sebastian)
If the star system went higher, Seb & Anna would get 10 from me. They were great workawayers and made a huge difference to our creeper invested garden. And little Florentin did his bit too. They all worked tirelessly and I am very grateful for the work they did.
(Excellent)
30 janv. 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Martina & Edian)
Martina and Eddy are just the best people to have as Workawayers. Eddy was great value in the garden with a saw and tree loppers. He even repaired a vertically challenged fence strainer post with great skill. Martina was always smiling, especially when she was putting her baking skills to use with our breadmaker.
They both are energetic and… read more
They both are energetic and… read more
(Excellent)
30 janv. 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (Martina & Edian) pour l'hôte
Roger & Brenda were the kindest people ever! How lucky we were to meet them in our experience! We stayed one week but we felt like family! The help is flexible and not really hard .. you have lots of time to explore and to spend your free time with them if you wish. For us, enjoying their company was really the central part of the experience. I… read more
25 janv. 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (Julia & Michael) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda are very friendly in use of their orchard house, car and time. Roger is excellent in communicating for your trip. Roger plans to spend more time on the orchard, as things are getting a bit on top of them both and in fact the house and orchard shows this - lots of jobs to do. So if you feel that you can help, there is a lot to do.… read more
15 janv. 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Julia & Michael)
Mike & Julia are not your average Workawayers. They are so skilled in many and varied activities, and are versatile in many aspects of life. Mike is skilled at tree cutting and proved this in lots of places on the orchard. Bothe he and Julia proved their worth in picking plums, and it's no small matter that the two weeks they were with us with the… read more
(Excellent)
16 janv. 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (Livia) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda are one of the most generous and kind people I've ever met. From the first pickup at the bus stop until the last moment, I've always felt welcome. I'm so happy that I could help with picking plums and selling them at the market, pulling weed and wondering willy out, mowning the grass, waterblasting, ...
The house in Manakau is… read more
The house in Manakau is… read more
8 janv. 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Livia)
Livia is worth way more than 5 stars, maybe 6 or even 7. 😀 Not only did she help pick & market plums, she pulled out weeds, cooked like a pro and even water blasted our balcony. And mowed the lawn just when it was starting to rain. She’s a Wonderful Workawayer. Oh and she made a delightful little book of her favourite Austrian recipes.
(Excellent)
6 janv. 2024
Laissé par le workawayer (SophieandInga) pour l'hôte
Thank you Brenda and Roger for the wonderful time.
You both really are two very warm, open and loving people. We immediately felt very comfortable with you. It was really nice to spend time with you and to get to know New Zealand a little better through you. We look forward to perhaps seeing you again in Germany, going on a geocaching tour and… read more
You both really are two very warm, open and loving people. We immediately felt very comfortable with you. It was really nice to spend time with you and to get to know New Zealand a little better through you. We look forward to perhaps seeing you again in Germany, going on a geocaching tour and… read more
2 janv. 2024
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (SophieandInga)
Inga and Sophie are wonderful people and wonderful Workawayers. If I could give them 6 stars I would.
They did a lot of great work, mostly boring weeding, on our orchard, and were great company. They are two of the best Workawyers we have had this past few months.
They did a lot of great work, mostly boring weeding, on our orchard, and were great company. They are two of the best Workawyers we have had this past few months.
(Excellent)
20 déc. 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Simona)
It was a shame the weather was so awful while Simona was at our orchard, but as we say "them's the breaks". She was the most interesting Lithuanian I have ever met. Actually she's the first, but she was very interesting to talk to anyway! When the weather improved, she was able to help me in the orchard. And she got up late one night to make me a… read more
(Excellent)
10 déc. 2023
Laissé par le workawayer (Jessica & Laura) pour l'hôte
We stayed with Roger for one week and it was a lovely time! He was very kind and took us in last minute after another host canceled our stay. Roger is very friendly and has a multitude of hobbies he was happy to share with us, like lots of trivia games, geocaching, sports talk, and movie nights. We also had incredible burgers at Neil's cafe next… read more
3 déc. 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Jessica & Laura)
Jess and Laura were great! We clicked right away, from the big hugs when I picked them up from the bus stop, to the end when I dropped them to their friend's place in Wellington. They made a big difference to the plethora of weeds that were growing on the orchard, and also re-planted some areas as well. They were meticulous in their work and went… read more
(Excellent)
9 déc. 2023
Laissé par le workawayer (Rudi & Anna Kate) pour l'hôte
Our stay at Roger & Brenda's beautiful home in Manakau was phenomenal. The place itself is in a cute, small town with a very yummy market about 1 hour north of Wellington. Public transit is not good in this area so highly recommend coming only if you have a car. Although, Roger is very generous with offering rides. The house you will share… read more
12 nov. 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Rudi & Anna Kate)
Rudi and AnnaKate were great value. They transformed some parts of our messy garden and orchard, and did everything I expected. Sadly I wasn’t able to be present for the last days of their stay, but I am sure they got more stuff done while I wasn’t there.
(Excellent)
28 nov. 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Patrick)
If I could give 6 stars for skills, I would! After initially declining Patrick’s workawaying request, a change of circumstances at our orchard meant I accepted him. And he absolutely proved his worth with chainsaw & axe, plus he enthusiastically joined my geocaching hobby as well. He was great to get to know and is welcome to return in January… read more
(Excellent)
28 nov. 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Elisa)
Elisa was always a bundle of joy and although she didn’t stay as long as originally planned, she did do the tasks I asked her to with enthusiasm.
(Excellent)
26 nov. 2023
Laissé par le workawayer (Hanna & Asta) pour l'hôte
We highly recommend staying at Roger's and Brenda’s orchard in Manakau! Roger and Brenda are wonderful hosts, so kind, generous and caring and we felt welcome since the first moment. Their orchard in Manakau was a great place to stay and get some rest in between constant travelling. We enjoyed working in the garden, exploring the surrounding areas… read more
29 oct. 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Hanna & Asta)
Hanna & Asta were and are amazing Workawayers. Not only were they very capable gardeners and weed puller-outers, but they did everything with a smile on their faces. Nothing was too much trouble. Asta even climbed up on the roof to clear leaves from the guttering. And despite being Finnish, they both played and enjoyed watching the game of rugby!
(Excellent)
16 nov. 2023
Laissé par le workawayer (Pek Hua) pour l'hôte
Roger & Brenda are really lovely and I'm so lucky to have met them in my very first Workaway experience. I learnt so much - new plants, gardening, general knowledge to geocaching etc within 1.5 weeks! I enjoyed listening to Roger's & Brenda's stories, they also showed me around Wellington and we had a few nice meals together :) The house was very… read more
10 nov. 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Pek Hua)
Pek is great. She fitted in well with two other Workawayers who she shared time with at our orchard. She is resourceful and intelligent, but was quite happy to do the fairly mundane tasks we set for her in the garden. It was a pleasure to meet her and she is welcome to come back when she passes this way again. Thanks Pek! Have fun down south! 😀
(Excellent)
12 nov. 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Thilda & Louisa)
Thanks Thilda and Louisa for your gardening & weeding efforts on the orchard. You were good value, but didn’t perhaps do quite as much as I thought you might have, mostly because the weather was pretty hopeless for a fair bit of the time you were there. But I am happy to have hosted you, and look forward to seeing you back before Christmas!
(Excellent)
17 oct. 2023
Laissé par le workawayer (Ruby & Andrew) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda were great hosts, extremely kind, and easy to communicate with. They let us stay and work at their house in Manakau, and we had a very peaceful time, weeding, pruning and picking grapefruits.
30 mai 2023
Laissé par le workawayer (Yuya) pour l'hôte
It was my first workaway and I had a wonderful time there!
Roger & Brenda were really kind and friendly!
I stayed there for just a week and I hope to visit again.
Thank you for everything, Roger & Brenda!
Roger & Brenda were really kind and friendly!
I stayed there for just a week and I hope to visit again.
Thank you for everything, Roger & Brenda!
29 mai 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Yuya)
Yuya was good value on the orchard and did every task that needed to be done.
(Excellent)
9 mai 2023
Laissé par le workawayer (Kristina) pour l'hôte
Had my very first WorkAway experience with Brenda and Roger and it was just wonderful!
I met them for a cup of coffee before working at the farm and they are both just lovely human beings! They‘re super friendly and welcoming and Roger invited me to table tennis and a rugby game in Wellington: I enjoyed it so much and had an amazing time!… read more
I met them for a cup of coffee before working at the farm and they are both just lovely human beings! They‘re super friendly and welcoming and Roger invited me to table tennis and a rugby game in Wellington: I enjoyed it so much and had an amazing time!… read more
30 avr. 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Kristina)
Kristina is wonderful. She has happily done the gardening and weeding that I asked her to help with at the orchard and immediately made friends with my resident donkeys. She also helped me find some geocaches - very important!
(Excellent)
2 mai 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Ting Wei)
Ting’s stay at my orchard was short, but she was good value in the garden. She helped with weeding and planting, and also helped with a typing job for Brenda. She’s very outgoing and I can recommend her to future Workaway hosts.
(Excellent)
14 avr. 2023
Laissé par le workawayer (Maggie) pour l'hôte
I had a wonderful time at the Orchard! Even though Roger and Brenda are sometimes at their home in Wellington, they worked it out that there were other WorkAways in Manakau, so no one was lonely! The plums had already been harvested so we did some odd jobs around the property including organizing in the house and weeding/planting. Roger and Brenda… read more
20 mars 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Maggie)
Maggie was great. She was very easy to talk to, and fitted in well with the other Workawayers that she shared time with at our orchard. She planted the rhododendron plants with the others, and was happy to interact with the friendly donkeys. 😉
Thanks for coming Maggie, it was great to meet you and we wish you all the best for the rest of your… read more
Thanks for coming Maggie, it was great to meet you and we wish you all the best for the rest of your… read more
(Excellent)
8 avr. 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Martin)
If I could give Martin 6 stars, I would! Martin was a really great asset in the short time he was at our orchard. Nothing was too much trouble. He went above and beyond the call of duty using his strength & height to do things there was no way I could do myself.
(Excellent)
2 avr. 2023
Laissé par le workawayer (Anna) pour l'hôte
I was so lucky to be able to stay with Roger and Brenda on such short notice for almost 3 weeks.
Right from our first meeting I felt very welcome and comfortable. Your friendly, helpful and generous nature is very special.
Through you I also got to enjoy some 'real Kiwi experiences'.
The rugby game and the walks to the beach and through the… read more
Right from our first meeting I felt very welcome and comfortable. Your friendly, helpful and generous nature is very special.
Through you I also got to enjoy some 'real Kiwi experiences'.
The rugby game and the walks to the beach and through the… read more
1 avr. 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Anna)
Anna was a joy to have as a Workawayer. She helped not only doing orchard maintenance but also with Brenda’s youth group activities when she stayed with us in Wellington. She is a bubbly extroverted young lady and a lot of fun to chat with. And she’s very good at card games like Skull King!
(Excellent)
21 mars 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Antoine)
Antoine is a great Workawayer. In addition to his gardening skills, he is a good cook (kumara chips and quiche Lorraine) are his speciality. He also has great Ultimate Frisbee skills. And he loves rugby.
He was great value in the orchard and except for breaking a saw (it was pretty old and with a plastic handle!) he did a great job. Thanks mon… read more
He was great value in the orchard and except for breaking a saw (it was pretty old and with a plastic handle!) he did a great job. Thanks mon… read more
(Excellent)
6 mars 2023
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Marie)
Marie only stayed a few days and then moved to my daughter’s Workaway in Wellington! She was great. Happy to have her back any time when she comes north.
(Excellent)
19 nov. 2022
Laissé par le workawayer (McKenna) pour l'hôte
Devin and I stayed at Rogers and Brenda’s property for two weeks. We were immediately greeted with such warm energy from Roger and he was very helpful walking us around the property, giving us a detailed list of all the jobs that were needed to do on the property. All the work we did was very fair, working 2-3 hours a day, gardening and weeding.… read more
18 nov. 2022
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (McKenna)
McKenna and Devin were great value for the two weeks they worked at our orchard. Two of the nicest young ladies you would ever hope to meet. I wish them well for their Kiwi adventure and would welcome them back should that work out for them.
(Excellent)
31 janv. 2021
Laissé par le workawayer (Emily) pour l'hôte
I volunteered for Brenda and Rodger a few months ago now. They are an amazing couple, highly trusting and give work away great independence.
Living at the house in a communal environment was really great. I helped at the local market garden and around the home.
I was totally relaxed and ended up staying for 4 instead of 2 weeks. its a great… read more
Living at the house in a communal environment was really great. I helped at the local market garden and around the home.
I was totally relaxed and ended up staying for 4 instead of 2 weeks. its a great… read more
5 juil. 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Eve & Ronald)
Eve and Ronald spent a week or so on our orchard, and dealt with maintenance jobs like pruning and weeding. They also helped out on my neighbour’s market garden.
I would be happy to have them back any time, and wish them well for future Workawaying.
I would be happy to have them back any time, and wish them well for future Workawaying.
(Excellent)
19 juin 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (Rachel) pour l'hôte
A little late on the posting, but I stayed at the farm about a month ago, and there's almost no words for how kind and generous Roger and Brenda were. I was in a tight spot and needed help for part of the COVID lockdown, and they jumped right on it by answering me quickly and providing me with a place to stay.
They are both very wonderful people,… read more
They are both very wonderful people,… read more
26 mai 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Rachel)
Rachel was one of ten Workawayers who helped look after our orchard over all or part of the COVID-19 lockdown period. She also assisted our neighbour with his vegetable delivery business.
She is a cheerful and happy young lady and I am happy to recommend her to prospective hosts.
She is a cheerful and happy young lady and I am happy to recommend her to prospective hosts.
(Excellent)
13 juin 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Luca)
Luca is one of the nicest men you could ever meet, and it was a laugh a minute while we were talking together. He is funny and resourceful, even hitchhiking his way around NZ during level 3 COVID lockdown. He was good at our orchard all by himself, even after I had told him there would be others there too.
(Excellent)
3 juin 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (Luca) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda're warm-hearted and generous people, who helped a lot of backpackers during the crazy time of the lockdown.
Luckily, I was one of them! They let me to stay in their beautiful house in Manakau, plenty of any sort of food, with a huge garden around and funny donkeys! I had there an amazing week, especially with my friends whom… read more
Luckily, I was one of them! They let me to stay in their beautiful house in Manakau, plenty of any sort of food, with a huge garden around and funny donkeys! I had there an amazing week, especially with my friends whom… read more
6 juin 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Krishnalin)
Krishna is so far our first and only Workawayer from Taiwan, and what an amazingly talented lady she is! Due to circumstances of COVID, we had many helpers on the orchard featured on Workaway, so we didn’t really need too much work. So we kept Krishna in Wellington where she was very willing to help with daily routines.
She was very happy to fit… read more
She was very happy to fit… read more
(Excellent)
6 juin 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (Krishnalin) pour l'hôte
5 stars host is not enough for Roger and Brenda!!!
They are both very warm-hearted, generous people, my staying with them was the most amazing experienced! Roge was good at communication, always reply quickly and make things clear.
Its my first time to North island after travel in South for few months. They pick me up in the airport and made me… read more
They are both very warm-hearted, generous people, my staying with them was the most amazing experienced! Roge was good at communication, always reply quickly and make things clear.
Its my first time to North island after travel in South for few months. They pick me up in the airport and made me… read more
4 juin 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (Andries & Sinead) pour l'hôte
5 stars is by far not enough. Roger saved us the day before NZ went in full lockdown. If it wasn't for his quick communication and generosity, we would be in trouble. He is the kindest man you'll ever meet. We stayed at his house for the full 2 months of lockdown and he was super helpfull and supportive. If you're looking for a place as a… read more
31 mai 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Andries & Sinead)
Andries & Sinead were literally “up a creek without a paddle” when COVID-19 Alert Level 4 was announced. So we invited them to spend Lockdown at our orchard with 4 others and they all proved to be great workawayers both on our orchard and for our neighbours. They looked after our place while I was “locked down” at my Wellington home. I recommend… read more
(Excellent)
29 mai 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Sophia)
It was great having Soph in our bubble for a short time after the lockdown. She is a bundle of energy and is a joy to know. We wish her all the best for her future travels.
(Excellent)
27 mai 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (Sophia) pour l'hôte
Brenda and Roger were my first work away experience and I couldn’t of asked for better! From the minute they picked me up, I felt very welcomed! They are the most loveliest couple, always going above and beyond for everyone! Thank you so much 😁
26 mai 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Kiana)
Kiana was one of ten Workawayers who helped look after our orchard over all or part of the COVID-19 lockdown period. She also assisted one neighbour with his vegetable delivery business and another with some gardening.
She is a cheerful and happy young lady and I am happy to recommend her to prospective hosts.
She is a cheerful and happy young lady and I am happy to recommend her to prospective hosts.
(Excellent)
23 mai 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (Blanche & Malvin Mikeson) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda are such lovely people. They hosted us during Covid 19 without hesitation. We are so grateful for their kindness and hospitality during this trying time. Hope we meet you again someday. Cheers
Take care and don't change a thing! 😁
Take care and don't change a thing! 😁
21 avr. 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (Membre Workaway) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda, thank you for all you have done for me and Linnea. An amazing time at the orchard in Manakau during the covid-19 lockdown and forever gratefull for taking care of us with so much love and passion. Hope you all stay well and safe. This is a workaway experience we would recommend to everyone. There is a lot to do at the orchard,… read more
18 avr. 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Membre Workaway)
Aaron and Linnea are a lovely couple, happy, laid back, and a joy to be around. But just two days after they started at our orchard, the government locked down the whole country. So, basically I left them with the keys to the house and my spare car, and four other Workawayers, to manage the wwoofing efforts in my absence. I know they did well,… read more
(Excellent)
12 avr. 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Marie)
Marie ended up being “locked down” at the orchard with 5 other workawayers, while COVID-19 wreaked havoc around the world. In the short time I worked with her, she was great value, and got on well with the jobs I left to do, when I had to return to Wellington for Lockdown. She is welcome back any time when she comes back to finish her travels… read more
(Excellent)
19 mars 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (ElliandAlma) pour l'hôte
Staying with Roger and Brenda was the most amazing experience! Right away they both welcomed us with open arms and made us feel very at home!
They truly are two of the kindest and most generous people we ever have met. Both sweeter than apple crumble!
The work was really good because Roger is very easy-going and wants you to enjoy the work you… read more
They truly are two of the kindest and most generous people we ever have met. Both sweeter than apple crumble!
The work was really good because Roger is very easy-going and wants you to enjoy the work you… read more
16 mars 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (ElliandAlma)
Alma Was Excellent. So Outstanding. Magnificent Elli Saw Work Everywhere. Did It So Happily.
Working Outside Really Keen. Appletree Was Always Yearning Essential Redevelopment Situation.
That spells AWESOME SWEDISH WORKAWAYERS.
Elli and Alma were amazingly resourceful in their approach to helping me improve the look and tidiness of our… read more
Working Outside Really Keen. Appletree Was Always Yearning Essential Redevelopment Situation.
That spells AWESOME SWEDISH WORKAWAYERS.
Elli and Alma were amazingly resourceful in their approach to helping me improve the look and tidiness of our… read more
(Excellent)
1 mars 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (Ana ) pour l'hôte
‘What do you know for sure?
It takes giving to be happy’
Roger&Brenda are the happiest people in NZ. They give more than they receive, that’s for sure, but with their example inspire people to be better. I spent three weeks at the orchard and we were 6 volunteers from over the world, and Roger&Brenda have fed us, hosted us, driving us, brought… read more
It takes giving to be happy’
Roger&Brenda are the happiest people in NZ. They give more than they receive, that’s for sure, but with their example inspire people to be better. I spent three weeks at the orchard and we were 6 volunteers from over the world, and Roger&Brenda have fed us, hosted us, driving us, brought… read more
28 févr. 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Ana )
What can I say about Ana? I just read the feedback she already received and I agree with every word! Ana is amazing. She goes over and above what you expect. Don’t underestimate her ability in anything! She is willing to try her hand at whatever challenges you throw at her, from making apple crumble to cleaning the house and gardening. Her efforts… read more
(Excellent)
1 mars 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Ivar)
For one so young, Ivar is quite mature. He fitted in well with the jobs I gave him on our orchard, and was willing to give anything a go. Particularly tree trimming and wood chopping were his forte but he also was able to make a pretty good apple crumble! Very versatile is Ivar.
He didn’t stay too long, having previously been my daughter’s… read more
He didn’t stay too long, having previously been my daughter’s… read more
(Excellent)
22 févr. 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (JJLewis)
As a fellow Welshman, I clicked with Joe straight away. (My heritage goes back over 150 years though). He was more than happy to rip into the “dirty” jobs on our orchard, and also fitted in well with our other Workawayers - we had 6 at one point - working together as a team. I appreciated his laid-back no worries disposition. Joe proved to be an… read more
(Excellent)
21 févr. 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (Lisa) pour l'hôte
I stayed for two weeks with Roger and Brenda. When I first contacted him he told me that his middle name was flexibility, but he has more than one, hospitality, generosity, humour and patience are some of his others! He makes you feel like at home and wants you to get a real kiwi experience. For example we went with Brenda, him and other… read more
16 févr. 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Lisa)
Lisa has been a joy to get to know, as she has worked at various tasks around our orchard, both inside and outside. She is thorough in her work, and does not shirk any job. She is cheerful, curious and intelligent, and has a passion for doing things right! Although she speaks excellent English, she continues to study and improve her vocabulary and… read more
(Excellent)
17 févr. 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Casey)
Casey has been a joy to get to know, as she has worked at various tasks around our orchard, especially with a weed-eater (which she calls a weed-whacker). She is thorough in her work, and does not shirk any job I ask her to do. She is cheerful, curious and intelligent, and has a passion for doing things right! Casey plays rugby in USA so she came… read more
(Excellent)
9 févr. 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (FraukeOli) pour l'hôte
We had a wonderful time with Roger and the other Workaways at Rogers orchard. Our kids loved to be there and it was hard for them to leave. Even we had only short stay we enjoyed the work in the garden. The evening at the beach playing ball was a lot of fun for all of us and our kids especially loved the donkeys and the lamas. Meeting Roger and… read more
8 févr. 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (FraukeOli)
Frauke, Oli, Kira & Nele were wonderful workawayers. They really pitched in well to all the activities on the orchard, and we had some great times at the beach and visiting the llama farm nearby. Thank you Oli for your engineering & design skills, and Frauke for pizza making. And Kira and Nele for gardening help and just being so spontaneous. You… read more
(Excellent)
8 févr. 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (AmelieSophia)
Amelie made a spontaneous decision to come to New Zealand and chose us as hosts for her first destination. We are so glad she did. Her plum picking skills were legendary by the time they were all gone. She is friendly, very laid back and has been a joy to have in our lives. She has a thirst for new things and wants to learn and absorb as much as… read more
(Excellent)
23 janv. 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (Jesper & Stine) pour l'hôte
We stayed for two and a half weeks with Roger & Brenda and we loved it! We were in the season of plum picking which is really easy and fun. And we also got to sell them at different markets. We also did a lot of other things at their orchard. We probably did more than was required, but that’s because we enjoyed it so much and they were such great… read more
22 janv. 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Jesper & Stine)
What can I say about Jesper and Stine? One word would not be enough. I need dozens: dependable, friendly, adaptable, willing to go the extra mile, practical, fantastic workers, excellent wwoofers, a joy to have around, skilful, intelligent, knowledgeable, good at Lego construction, good with animals, able to discuss subjects as diverse as football… read more
(Excellent)
14 janv. 2020
Laissé par le workawayer (Lenita) pour l'hôte
Couldn't pick a better couple to start my first woofing experience. Roger and Brenda are both so sweet. I miss them already. They ensure you are well taken care of and have the opportunity to explore the area. They only expected me to pick plums on the certain days, but I couldn't resist to help out more. Thank you very much for your hospitality.
12 janv. 2020
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Lenita)
If the term “energiser bunny” can be applied to a person, then that is Lenita. 😀 She was amazing! We only had her with us for a week, but we wished it was much longer. She washed dishes even when we said she could leave them. She picked plums, and made beautiful bouquets with our hydrangeas for our market day when we sold the plums. We loved every… read more
(Excellent)
17 juin 2019
Laissé par le workawayer (Lea) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda are so lovely hosts. I’ve had a great time at the orchard and in Wellington. It was my first woofing experience and I couldn’t wish for a better one. I did some gardening at the orchard and peeled a lot of apples for some apple crumble (they were very delicious) and served some coffee a couple of times. Roger took me to some Rugby… read more
1 avr. 2019
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Lea)
We had a good Workaway experience with Lea, both at the orchard and in Wellington, where she proved very adept in the apple peeling occupation, and helping with a coffee morning twice. She was adventurous and adaptable, and will be welcome to come back if her travels allow it.
Thanks Lea, enjoy the South Island!
Thanks Lea, enjoy the South Island!
(Excellent)
23 avr. 2019
Laissé par le workawayer (Emma) pour l'hôte
I had the best experience with Roger and Brenda! It was my first workaway experience, and they made me feel so welcome. Roger gave me a true kiwi experience when he took a rugby game in Welly! We also went to the beach and he made sure I tried all sorts of different kiwi snacks and eats. Such kind people, you will be lucky to have them host you!… read more
27 mars 2019
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Emma)
Emma is a dream guest. Witty, charming, good scrabble player, good painter, good gardener, Danish, good in the kitchen, happy to go with the flow, willing to try anything, surfing in hardly any surf. She even came geocaching with me. I would recommend her to any Workaway host, and as she says in her profile, is willing to get her hands dirty. So… read more
(Excellent)
14 mars 2019
Laissé par le workawayer (Eszter & Andreas) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda,
we had a great time at your orchard! We can fully recommend them as hosts! Our family of 6 had our own house at the orchard with plenty of room for all of us. There were even enough toys for the kids. The work was fun and we had plenty of free time to explore the Kapiti Coast.
If you come to Germany, just let us know!
we had a great time at your orchard! We can fully recommend them as hosts! Our family of 6 had our own house at the orchard with plenty of room for all of us. There were even enough toys for the kids. The work was fun and we had plenty of free time to explore the Kapiti Coast.
If you come to Germany, just let us know!
11 mars 2019
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Eszter & Andreas)
What a fabulous family! I basically left them with an orchard and a few ideas of the volunteering work that I would like them to do. I popped in one day to find Andy and the three eldest kids all busy working away at the area I suggested they could clear. What a difference! When I decide what to do with the newly cleared ground, I will name it the… read more
(Excellent)
14 févr. 2019
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Charlotte)
Charlotte was a great workawayer, both at our house in Wellington and our orchard. She is a lovely person, on the journey of a lifetime. We were very happy to have met her.
(Excellent)
8 févr. 2019
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Natalia)
Natalia was a joy to have as our wwoofer, both at our orchard and at our daughter’s house, where she transformed a tatty picket fence into a work of art. At our orchard, she got stuck into the weeding and gardening, and did everything we asked.
(Excellent)
3 avr. 2018
Laissé par le workawayer (Carina & Ann-Marie) pour l'hôte
We stayed for one week together with Roger and Brenda. We was mostly working in the garden. The grapfruit was great. The surroundings are beautiful and we borrowed bicykels and went to the beach. The house is close to a fruitmarket and a lokal pub (free wifi) Roger and Brenda is such a nice cuple, and we really had a nice time. We hope to see you… read more
15 mars 2018
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Carina & Ann-Marie)
Carina and Ann-Marie are such a friendly, outgoing pair, and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting them, and getting to know them. They ripped into the wwoofing with gusto, and did everything we asked, including tidying up the messy linen cupboard. We enjoyed having them stay, and wish them well for the remainder of their stay in NZ.
(Excellent)
15 mars 2018
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Alex & Alfie)
Alex and Alfie were great volunteers at our orchard, and did everything we asked of them, including zapping a wasp nest. It was a pleasure to host them, and also introduce them to NZ style rugby - they enjoyed accompanying me and my friend Richard to Westpac Stadium to watch the Hurricanes beat the Crusaders. They did a great job at our Wellington… read more
(Excellent)
15 mars 2018
Laissé par le workawayer (Alex & Alfie) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda were fantastic hosts. They were extremely friendly and kind, and even invited us to stay in their house in Wellington for a few days in order to give us the opportunity to look around the city. Food was plentiful and the area around Manakau is beautiful! The work was very enjoyable and easy to get on with. We would definitely… read more
19 janv. 2018
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Linda)
It has been an absolute pleasure to have Linda with us for the past few days. She was great value up a ladder helping my friend Richard and I clear some creeper away from some old dead trees in my back yard.
We had a plan to kayak out to a little island near our place, but an equipment failure and sudden onset of bad weather meant that we never… read more
We had a plan to kayak out to a little island near our place, but an equipment failure and sudden onset of bad weather meant that we never… read more
(Excellent)
14 janv. 2018
Laissé par le workawayer (Leoni & Rebecca) pour l'hôte
We really enjoyed our stay at Rogers and Brendas home. Plum picking an selling was great fun (It's raining plums). They both are lovely hosts and we always felt very welcomed. We also liked playing games with them and sharing stories.
Thanks for you being our kiwi grandparents for the 10 days!
Thanks for you being our kiwi grandparents for the 10 days!
14 janv. 2018
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Leoni & Rebecca)
Rebecca and Leoni were really great, and without them, we would still be picking plums! They were right on time when they said they would be at Harbourside Market in Wellington, and helped us with the marketing ("try a free plum?", selling ("would you like a $3 bag or a $5 bag") and picking ("it's raining plums!!).
They were also good at playing… read more
They were also good at playing… read more
(Excellent)
1 mars 2017
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Sophia)
Sophia was a delight to host for three weeks, during the plum season and then afterwards doing some orchard maintenance. She wasn't scared to undertake any work needed, despite some pretty awful weather at times. Thanks Sophia - all the best in Australia! :) Roger & Brenda
(Excellent)
1 mars 2017
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Judith)
Judith is a delightfully cheerful young lady and worked well with my other wwoofers, Sophia and Inja doing orchard maintenance. I would be happy to have you back later in the year, Judith, if you return to Wellington. Roger & Brenda
(Excellent)
1 mars 2017
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Inja)
Inja and another workawayer Judith worked well together doing some gardening and maintenance on my orchard. They are a couple of good workers! Inja is a delightful young lady and did all asked of her. Best wishes for the rest of your NZ experience, Inja. (Remember I still have your tin mug if you come back this way.)
(Excellent)
5 févr. 2017
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Richarda)
Ricci was/is a perfect workawayer - she is a delightfully frank and free-spirited young lady. She did everything we expected, from climbing plum trees, picking plums, shaking the trees to harvest the unreachable plums, to helping prepare our plums for selling at the farmers market.
She is a happy and co-operative wwoofer. I am happy to… read more
She is a happy and co-operative wwoofer. I am happy to… read more
(Excellent)
17 janv. 2017
Laissé par le workawayer (Steven) pour l'hôte
Roger and Brenda
Gosh where to start. Roger and Brenda made me feel at home. They really are awesome people and they share experiences they have had in New Zealand and the world. Brenda is an amazing chief and her meals were amazing. I got three meals plus a day plus seconds and they were all great. They gave me sheets and a towel to use… read more
Gosh where to start. Roger and Brenda made me feel at home. They really are awesome people and they share experiences they have had in New Zealand and the world. Brenda is an amazing chief and her meals were amazing. I got three meals plus a day plus seconds and they were all great. They gave me sheets and a towel to use… read more
15 janv. 2017
Laissé par l'hôte pour le workawayer (Steven)
Steven was great value for the nearly two weeks he was with us. He was great picking plums and doing weed-eating on our orchard, and then selling plums at the farmers' market. His height was a great asset, especially for the plums at the tops of the trees!
Thanks Steven - hopefully you will enjoy the rest of your NZ experience; All the… read more
Thanks Steven - hopefully you will enjoy the rest of your NZ experience; All the… read more
(Excellent)
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