Explore rural New Zealand in the Southern Alps and learn a lot!

United Kingdom

4

It was a decent experience ☺️

4 months ago

United Kingdom

4

Thank you Simonetta! We had a great time staying at the lodge. 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 the lodge to other travelers, especially if they have their own transport. We'd happily visit again :) All the best, Jacob & Alex

4 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!

12 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 the lodge, 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.

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

Simonetta and Gary are the loveliest host ever! I really enjoyed my stay and can only recommend them. They are super friendly and always helpful with great local recommendations. The place is super peaceful and surrounded by a breathtaking view of the mountains. The chickens are a lot of fun and super sneaky :D saying goodbye to the dogs and the cats almost broke my heart! They are just as funny and lovely as the hosts! I would gladly go back there!

over 1 year ago

United States

5

Staying with Simonetta and Gary was a lovely experience for us. They have a stunning property and made us feel very welcome throughout our two-week stay. We helped by gardening, turning over the houses after guests left, and clearing a vegetable garden of weeds. They provided food for breakfast and lunch, and we had a home-cooked meal every night we were there! The food was great, and Simonetta and Gary were lovely. The area was stunning, but I recommend having a car. I recommend staying with them if you get the chance!

over 1 year ago

United States

5

Felt like being welcomed by a family. From the dogs greeting you to the chickens you feed every morning. As well as of course the hosts themselves Gary and simonetta I am forever grateful

over 1 year ago

United States

5

We had such a wonderful time staying with Simonetta, Gary, and all the dogs and chickens on the farm:) The work was so reasonable and varied, we had a cozy room with a great view of the sunrise, and yummy meals everyday. This was the perfect spot to slow down and reset while we were traveling around New Zealand and we would 100% recommend the experience to anyone.

over 1 year ago

Norway

5

I had a very good expirience at the lodge. I got to da lot of different tasks; taking care of the chickens every morning and afternoon, looking out for the dogs, doing carpentry and helping out with kleaning out the houses after guests had left. Simonetta and Gary made me feel very welcome. Simonetta made a lot of good food, and we ate together most afternoons. I stayed there for four weeks without a car, so I had a lot of time to relax and disconect. It is a beautiful property, and I was lucky to be able to go on a few outings. I will definetly go back next time i go to New Zealand.

over 1 year ago

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