Eric and Bruce arrived in the latter part of the New Zealand summer from freezing cold Quebec for a stay of about ten weeks. We had bought a car in Auckland and drove down to Waipawa to be met by Margaret at Taurimu Farm.

It has been a great and varied experience: feeding out to the horses and cattle, gardening and mowing lawns, collecting the dung from the paddocks to put on the gardens, feeding the pigs and hens, and so on.

Margaret is a great cook, so be prepared to eat! It is intensive farming and there is always a lot of hard work to do - so don't come expecting the Club Med! The accommodation is comfortable, clean and tidy, with a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom as part of the stable complex. This is away from the house and accommodates two people.

We highly recommend this experience, so read the information below and send Margaret an email!

One of the ways of signing up for the Taurimu Farm Stay experience is through FHINZ (Farm Helpers in New Zealand). More details about this organisation can be found HERE.

The FHINZ book has the following description of Taurimu: "Waipawa. Small farm rearing calves (Jul-Oct), kept till 2 yr old. Also small riding school and pony stud of 20 horses (2 stallions). Work varied: gardening, weed pulling, painting, cleaning horse gear, dung removal, feeding stock, moving animals, helping in stable. Accommodation in new semi-self contained flat with own bathroom. All meals provided unless not working. Happy to take visitors places with us including shows during season. Non-smokers and drinkers. Collect from Waipawa 3 min away, 40 min south of Hastings. Can take people at short notice if room available or if one is happy to share."

Another way of signing up for the Taurimu Farm Stay experience is through WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms). More details about this organisation can be found HERE.

The WWOOF book has the following description of Taurimu: "Region: Hawkes Bay. Persons: 1, (maybe 2). All year: Yes. Area: 20 ha. Principal Activities: Cattle farming, rearing calves, riding school, pony stud, vege garden setting up to sell, make hay. Details: I run a very smart, tidy business on my small holding. The horse manure is used on the vege & flower gardens. Paddocks are kept clean by harrowing or picking up. Thistles are chipped out. I make hay and balage to sell on. Careful with water use and what goes down the drains & what goes onto the pasture. I like people who are hard working, willing, like country life, understanding. I do not mind limited English. Will have your own small flat-type room which is new, clean and comfortable. With own bathroom, fridge, sink, hotplate, microwave. You will have most of your meals with me. Organic Principles: Return what comes from the soil back to the soil."

A new website is about to hit the Net! It will enable travellers and hosts to make contact with each other, without first having to pay exorbitant prices. It will be a cheap online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&B, inns, backpackers hostels and others who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation.

In the meantime, if you wish to be included on this new site, contact the web master HERE.

It is easiest to make initial contact with Margaret via EMAIL. If you phone, it is best to make contact in the evenings (New Zealand Time).

Regarding horse riding: at times there is the opportunity to have a horse ride. But if you wish to take riding lessons it is at your own expense.

Some farming clothing is supplied. Remember that the New Zealand climate is varied and unpredictable and the seasons are opposite to the northern hemisphere.

There is a television in the accommodation. A good internet connection is available. Cellphone coverage is average.

No one likes "rules", but below is more of a guide as to what is expected:

1. You must make prior arrangement with host before any stay. Hosts accept visitors at their discretion. We advise that you ask many questions in order to establish expectations from both parties. Hosts often have their own guidelines and you may wish to ask what those are.

2. If you cannot make an arranged stay then you MUST let the host know. It is very unfair on hosts to prepare for a helper's arrival who then fails to turn up. You may also be preventing another helper from staying in your absence.

3. You will generally be helping on average between 3 to 6 hours per day depending on host's needs. Be prepared to work hard.

4. You are expected to show your passport or other suitable ID that is acceptable by host.

5. We recommend that you bring along your own sleeping bag or bedding. If not, you are expected to let the host know in advance.

6. If helping in a foreign country you must obtain appropriate visas or permits prior to arriving in that country to allow you to be a volunteer helper. Help Exchange or any of its listed hosts can not assist with your visa or permit applications or contribute towards your travel expenses.

7. We highly recommend that you have some kind of personal / travel insurance prior to staying with a host. You may wish to check your insurance policy to see what kind of cover they provide for working on a host property.

8. Finally, no experience is required, just enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

It is hoped in the future to have available an independent flat/accommodation for paying guests who wish to experience life at Taurimu.

Backpackers are most welcome to hire the stable farm stay accommodation when it is not in use.