New Zealand adventure! Help us with houskeeping and reception.

United States

5

The lodge was a wonderful way to see the beautiful West Coast of New Zealand! We typically worked 1-2 hrs/day doing basic housekeeping chores. In our off-time, Chris often took us on amazing adventures to "secret" local spots with his hilarious dog Marley. We were lucky enough to see glow worms, starfish, penguins, caves, eels, and seals. Chris was so flexible and understanding that he let us take a few days off to hike the nearby Paparora Track! Overall, this shared housing experience was a great way to immerse yourself in New Zealand's nature and also get to know the other travelers. 11/10.

10 months ago

Canada

5

The lodge has been a great experience for the 5 weeks that I was there. The hours of work were very minimal (max 2 hours a day unless James brought us on a side quest) and the work itself was very easy. When I first applied, I was scared that I would feel stranded there since Punakaiki is so small, but that could have not been further from the truth! Christ would constantly bring us on adventures and explore the surroundings. The volunteers also have access to a car for whenever they need something into town. Thank you for the amazing opportunity!

11 months ago

Austria

5

This experience exceeded all my expectations. I had such a wonderful and memorable time. Chris is an outstanding host and will always go the extra mile to make you feel welcome and comfortable! He's also great at showing you all the gems the surrounding area has to offer. I met amazing people and made some lifelong friends. The work is minimal and what you get in return is so worth it. There's also two adorable doggies living at the lodge that will never fail to put a smile on your face. Absolutely recommend this to everyone!

11 months ago

United States

5

This has been the best volunteer experience I could have imagined. I met so many other amazing people volunteering here and had a great time living with them. Chris is an amazing host and is always willing to show you around Punakaiki, and it's always easy to get into town for groceries. The work is very fair, we only worked for about half an hour each day cleaning and making beds. I recommend the the lodge to anyone who is looking to escape into nature and make genuine connections with other travelers!

11 months ago

Germany

5

I had two great weeks with Chris and I am very grateful that I was able to spend this time there! Chris is super friendly and helpful and shows you great places in the beautiful Punakaki area and tells you interesting stories about it. The cabin - where you live with the other volunteers - is super cosy and lovingly furnished and you immediately feel at home. I had a really great time and would definitely recommend it!

11 months ago

Brazil

5

I stayed with Chris for two weeks, i shared a cozy cabin with the other volunteers, which was lovely. You can tell that it is designed with care and thought, in order to make you feel right at home. Chris was the most gentle host: from the moment I arrived I felt welcomed immediately, he makes sure you have everything you need, you can come to him anytime with questions, he even took us to his favourite spots around the stunning area and had loads of interesting stories to tell! Since I stayed in the off-season the work was minimal and super relaxed. I would definitely recommend coming here!

about 1 year ago

United States

5

My time at the lodge was incredible!! Chris was the best host anyone could have asked for. He provides you staff housing with the other volunteers and you're never working more than 2 hrs a day! He will give you a day off you just have to ask :) He is super flexible to your needs if you need a morning off but also needs the help. He always invites you on adventures with his dog to the beach, car rides to the grocery store and around town in the car. Chris and the lodge is the most welcoming place. Punakaiki is such a gem! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Thank you Chris & to the other volunteers😊

about 1 year ago

United States

5

The lodge is a beautiful and special place. The work is as listed: housekeeping for no more than two hours a day. During off season, we usually started at 10am and ended just before 11am. Great gig, awesome backpackers cabin with kitchen, Chris is incredibly kind and generous, beautiful nature all around you. Definitely recommend bringing a few groceries on arrival since closet grocery store is 40 minutes away. Chris goes into town every few days so you can tag along if you need more. Highly recommend this experience! I so so enjoyed my time here. Enjoy your adventure!

about 1 year ago

United States

5

I absolutely loved my time at the lodge—and I'm actually still here as I'm writing this. The work is jokingly easy, no more than an hour every day. Chris is an amazing host! Very funny and if you have any sense of humor, you'll get along well. He loves taking the volunteers to his different secret spots along the coast, and it's really great to have a personal tour guide and the local's side of view on everything. I can't recommend this experience enough. If you're on the fence, just do it!

over 1 year ago

United Kingdom

5

I had the best time here, Chris is very hospitable and the I met some amazing people. There's not heaps to do around the area and so the company was what made my experience worthwhile, i can imagine that in summer this place is beyond beautiful and a great place to work, chores are quick and easy and the accommodation felt like home :)

over 1 year ago

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