Profile information
Host rating
Not yet rated
Last replied
3 Jul 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
-
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We’re looking for helpers who enjoy the outdoors and don’t mind physical work. Much of the help we need involves clearing blackberry, digging holes, pulling weeds, tidying up the orchard, and general land care. It’s hands-on, often physical, but really satisfying work — especially if you like seeing the impact of what you've done by the end of the day.
You’ll be working in a peaceful olive orchard nestled in a Gisborne valley, surrounded by trees, birdsong, and the occasional sheep. It’s a quiet, natural setting where you can unplug, breathe fresh air, and spend your days working under open skies. This is a great place for people who enjoy nature and aren’t afraid to break a sweat.
Gisborne town is just a short drive/bike ride away, with beaches, surf spots, vineyards, and local markets to explore. We have bikes available for you to use!
We’re especially keen to host people who are self-motivated, dependable, and don’t need too much direction once they understand the task. Couples or friends who work well together tend to thrive here (we prefer couples as it's more fun working with another person!). We love sharing the space with capable people who genuinely enjoy this kind of lifestyle.
You'll stay in your own private, self-contained cabin. It features a comfortable double bed, kitchen, hot shower, Wi-Fi, and a cozy wood fire for the cooler months.
Please note: the toilet is an outdoor long-drop (composting style), so you’ll need to be comfortable with that. Food is self-catered. The cabin has a well-equipped kitchen, and we’ll supply pantry basics like rice, flour.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Interests
Nature
Cycling
Sustainability
Farming
Culture
Plant care
Animals
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our place offers a quiet, nature-focused lifestyle—but when time allows, we love connecting with Workawayers over a cuppa and good conversation. Nigel and Sue are both musicians with a passion for music and creativity, and while they lead busy lives working in education, they're always happy to share their world when the opportunity arises.
You’ll mostly be working independently, but there are chances to chat, swap stories, and learn from each other. We're always curious to hear about where you're from, your experiences, and the skills you bring. If you're musically inclined, you might even find a moment to share a tune!
We’re also happy to share what we’ve learned from years of land restoration, growing olives, planting native trees, and running a small, mixed-use farm. At the same time, we value learning from our visitors—whether it's a new idea, a different way of working, or just getting a window into another way of life.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We’re after practical, independent helpers who are comfortable with physical outdoor work and happy working on their own once shown the ropes. The tasks vary with the seasons, but most of the work is hands-on and quite active — ideal for people who enjoy staying busy and getting stuck in outside. We prefer couples as it's more fun working with another person!
Typical jobs include:
-Clearing blackberry and overgrown areas
-Weeding around young native and fruit trees
-Digging and preparing ground for planting
-Planting native trees and orchard trees
-Cutting back or removing small trees and scrub
-Picking fruit when it’s in season
-General farm maintenance and tidying
Each morning we’ll go over what needs doing, and then you’ll have the freedom to work through it at your own pace. We don’t micromanage — we rely on helpers who are self-directed, ask questions when needed, and take pride in doing a job properly.
We’ll do our best to match tasks to your strengths, and if you’ve got skills in things like building, landscaping, or tool maintenance, even better — let us know!
Work is usually 4 hours a day, leaving you time to rest, explore the area, or just enjoy being in nature. This is a quiet, peaceful place surrounded by trees, birds, and sheep — perfect for those who enjoy their own company and the satisfaction of honest, physical work in the fresh air.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Maori: Intermediate
Accommodation
You’ll have your own private, self-contained cabin—a beautifully restored spot with plenty of charm. It features a comfortable double bed, kitchen, hot shower, flushing toilet, Wi-Fi, and a cozy wood fire for the cooler months. The interior is lined with dark timber, giving it a warm and peaceful feel—perfect for relaxing after a day on the land. Please note you'll have a outside toilet that is a long drop, so you'll need to be ok with that.
The cabin is set apart from the main house, so you’ll have plenty of privacy and space to yourself. We provide clean bedding, towels, and everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Food is generally self-catered, and the cabin is fully equipped with basic cooking gear. We’ll stock you up with essentials like oil, flour, rice, and some fresh produce from the farm when available. Occasionally, we might share a meal or a cuppa, but most of the time you'll cook and eat independently.
This setup suits people who enjoy their own space and a quiet, nature-filled environment. You’ll have the time and freedom to settle into a rhythm that works for you while still being part of a wider land restoration project.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
