Bob and Colleen's

Hi World Packers. Welcome to the Far North, an ideal place to begin your New Zealand experience by starting at the Northern most point of the country and systematically working south in a way that lets you see it all.

Our property, a large multi-purpose farm, is situated close to many of the Far North's beautiful east coast beaches, Kauri forests, ninety-mile beach on the West Coast, less than a day's return visit to Cape Reinga, forty minutes-drive from Paihia or Manganui, and fifteen minutes-drive from Kerikeri. Tour buses to ninety-mile beach, West Coast sand hills, the Kauri Kingdom and Cape Reinga can be boarded from Waipapa and Paihia (we can drive you to and pick you up from the tour buses Waipapa pick up stop.)

Apart from those more northerly attractions there are many beautiful walks around Kerikeri itself, and of course the local waterfalls and Kauri forest - all of which we are pleased to show you and take you to. Help here is 20 hours per week, normally four hours each morning five days a week - but can be made up any way that suits all of us and allows for flexibility so that World Packers can explore the immediate area, the Bay of Islands and the far North etc if they wish to do so. A minimum 14-day stay is available (although many folk stay longer) for solo males or solo females only. We no longer host couples or groups of any description. A reasonable ability to converse in English is required.

World Packers will help both host and hostess around the property's main house and gardens, normally helping with food preparation/housekeeping for an hour each morning and then with outside work for the next three hours. The outside help is varied and interesting and depending on the season could include gardening, fencing, spraying, making concrete, building, path construction, brick laying, paver laying, weeding, helping with meal preparation, jam and jelly making, fruit preserving, pruning and grafting. Previous experience is not necessary - but willingness and a strong desire to learn new skills is. All food and accommodation is supplied in exchange for the 20 hours of help per week. We do not cater for specific gluten free, vegetarian, pescatarian, or vegan based diets - but do provide balanced, healthy, tasty meals with loads of home-grown fresh fruit and vegetables included.

Main house, grounds and garden include small orchard of many different kinds of fruit trees, large flower and vegetable gardens, full International sized petanque piste, heavy duty, free weights gymnasium, seven bay shed, concept 2 indoor rower, outdoor chess and other games and entertainments. World Packers have full free time use of all such facilities with (if desired) free instruction and training from Host - a former three sport National Champion. World Packers live in with host family.

In addition to meals and accommodation, World Packers have access to TV, DVD`s, library, washing machine, indoor and outdoor clotheslines and drying racks, free Wi-Fi and internet. So come on up to the winterless North, join the crew and have yourself a ball - we are looking forward to meeting you.

If you look at our video clips, we should perhaps explain that Bob is also a writer, cartoonist, lyricist and record producer. One of his professional pen names is Peter Prescott and that is the name used on You-Tube and therefore on these video clips. Cheers.

Helpers here are regarded as being part of our family. You will have your own room in our main house and live in with us. All meals will be provided and full use of library, laundry, games, gym, TV, and pastimes are encouraged. We love your participation.