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
(15 reviews)15

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

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!

20 days 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!

about 2 months 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

about 2 months 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.

3 months ago

Norway

5

I had a very good expirience at Gunyah. I got to do a 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.

3 months ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Business

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

Mountain

Family