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.

Top Host
This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.

Reviews

5.0
7 reviews7

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

Peru

5

Nice experience! Beautiful place to stay!
Every morning Simonetta give you the task list and explain everything very well.
Different tasks to do: feeding the chickens, gardening, tidying, cleaning, painting, etc.
Besides the chickens, there are a small of flock of sheep , 2 lovely and playful dogs: Bell and Luigi and 2 fluffy cats ❤️

3 months ago


Simonetta replied

A wonderful couple staying, we certainly would have you back any time, Kaori and Andres! The projects continue...

Uruguay

5

Fue nuestra primer experiencia en Worldpackers, y no pudo haber sido mejor :)
Simonetta y Gary son excelentes anfitriones, muy amables, nos sentimos muy bien recibidos, y muy cómodos con el alojamiento recibido.
Las tareas a desempeñar fueron muy variadas, como toda granja siempre hay tareas a realizar, en nuestro caso nos tocaron todas al aire libre porque el clima ayudó, y tuvimos mucha autonomía para realizarlas.
Súper agradecidos por la experiencia.

4 months ago


Simonetta replied

Thank you Andres and Kaori for all your help. It was great hosting you and yes...the projects continue here so you are most welcome to come back!

United Kingdom

5

had a great time at Mt hutt

4 months ago

United States

5

Simonetta and Gary were great hosts. The animals were very friendly. Thank you for my amazing experience. I loved seeing the beautiful mountains outside my bedroom window .

5 months ago


Simonetta replied

and we enjoyed having you, thank you for your help in all the bits and pieces around here! Also loved to hear a bit about Tennessee!
Good luck in all your adventures, and Happy birthday for the 30th.

Germany

5

I had an amazing time at Gunyah Country Estate. There are many different tasks to do and you never get bored. Gary and Simonetta are lovely people and make you feel at home. The food was very delicious and accommodation was amazing. I can really recommend this volunteering 😊

8 months ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Business

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

Mountain

Family