Gunyah Country Estate

You won't find any place like this in New Zealand- it is unique. It is a heritage property in rural Canterbury and it runs as a family home as well as luxury lodge and farm. Location is perfect for the traveller and there are lots of things you can do in this area, from skiing to fishing to bush walks, sightseeing or just relax in our beautiful grounds. You will learn a lot here.And we are friendly folks!
Be aware though that there is no public transport here, the nearest is a bus 28 km away weekdays only at 7 am to Christchurch and back so you really would need your own wheels because once you are here with us, you are sort of stuck here. This is not like the countryside in Europe or USA (a village every 2 kms...), it is totally rural, gravel roads etc. Mountains, rivers, fields, snow, sheep, trees, clear skies and loads of stars...That is why the area is beautiful!

One is a farmer and builder who also helps with the lodge. The other is a teacher of European languages, landscape designer and the business manager of the lodge. We are very organised folks, we are friendly, easy going people, flexible and we work hard- - we expect the same from our volunteers. Make sure to bring clothes you can work in that could get dirty. We do not take smokers, nor vegetarians/vegans/gluten-free or special diet as we cannot cater for that. At the moment we are particularly looking for carpenters and bricklayers to help do up a cottage.


Reviews

5.0
(20 reviews)20

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

United Kingdom

4

It was a decent experience ☺️

3 months ago

United Kingdom

4

Thank you Simonetta!

We had a great time staying at Gunyah. We did have some issues with rodents in our accommodation which took a little while to address, and we found getting a practicable wifi connection a challenge, but overall our stay was excellent.

Simonetta was a great host - communication was great, the work was fair and engaging, and we were given a degree of agency as to how we managed our time. I'd certainly recommend Gunyah to other travelers, especially if they have their own transport. We'd happily visit again :)

All the best,

Jacob & Alex

3 months ago

Canada

5

This was the first place I stayed in New Zealand and I loved it! Simonetta and Gary are welcoming, kind and knowledgeable. The food is amazing and the work is good. I loved learning how to take care of the chickens and about the history of the property. Would definitely recommend!

9 months ago

United States

5

Very peaceful experience. Definitely recommend having a car so you can explore the nearby towns. We stayed for three weeks and had a cozy cabin with a wood fired stove. Warm dinners every night and very generous time off. Thank you Simonetta and Gary!

11 months ago


Simonetta replied

Thank you Louise and Marty for all your help! The chickens and the dogs miss you!
And I thought of you this morning while using the superbly polished silver... Hope you are having fun in your travels.

United States

5

Gary and Simonetta are great. They are both very busy with their Estate, so there is plenty to get involved in and learn about. And, the surrounding countryside is beautiful. This is a great place to disconnect from the city. There is plenty of potential if you are willing and ready to learn and work together. I am grateful for this time here- my first Worldpackers experience- it was wonderful. Would absolutely recommend.

about 1 year ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Business

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

Mountain

Family