• adventure locally

    adventure locally

    Details   in your own back yard
  • hands on experience

    hands on experience

    Details   empower + improve + together
  • grow

    grow

    Details   embrace nature

Adventure, learning & volunteer exchange

We invite application from motivated, passionate individuals or couples seeking to experience and participate in life on our permaculture lifestyle 'farm' in North Canterbury.

 

What's the deal, how does it work?

Open to: Motivated individuals or couples aged 18 - 39

Duration: By arrangement - 3 day minimum

What you get: We want your experience and memories of blockhill to be positive and educational.

  • Comfortable and funky private accommodation: Self contained modified shipping container house with enclosed outdoor kitchen
  • Private outdoor solar and wood heated shower, composting toilet and fire bath (not available over summer)
  • Educational experiences, discussions and dedicated learning activities such as flax weaving, bread making, plant identification, grafting...
  • Forage seasonal produce from the forest garden
  • Heaps of free time to explore, relax, enjoy and reconnect with the rhythms of nature
  • Friendly animal encounters (birds, pigs, ducks, chickens... maybe a possum)

Cooking: Wood fire with oven and cooktop (also for heating and hot water) and gas cooker

Food: You are responsible for all your own food. This means that you will need to bring food with you when you arrive.

What you give: We ask for your help with the common, day-to-day work of living in nature. This is usually 1.5 - 2 hours of work activities per day depending on the weather.

Activities may include:

  • Clearing paths and removing weeds
  • Making and improving gardens
  • Harvesting fruit and vegetables (mostly February - May)
  • Planting and pruning trees (mostly June - September)
  • Making firewood
  • Light construction

 

If you are interested in staying and working with us for a while, please complete the questions below. We will get back to you.

Personal information

Tell us your skills and experience

Cooking / food preparation
Lighting a fire
Firewood cutting
Gardening
Plant identification
Caring for animals
979c

Shipping container tiny house

Self contained modified shipping container house with enclosed outdoor kitchen

Embrace the concept of 'less is more' and experience a simpler, low impact, small footprint way of living. Making extensive use of recycled materials and low-tech solutions, the container house is comfortable with clever use of space. Enjoy lush views out the expansive windows into the forest garden, alive with birds and bees.

The shipping container offers both a double and single bed as well as a hammock for relaxing in the attached conservatory. A small but well equipped kitchen will allow for simple meal preparation. The kitchen includes a mini fridge and gas cooking. You can also make use of the wood fire oven situated in the container space. The wood fire also heats the water for both the kitchen and the outdoor shower. The outdoor toilet is a rustic little outhouse in close proximity.
  • Suitable for up to two people
  • Not suitable for young children
  • No wifi (cellphone and mobile data coverage)
  • No smoking anywhere on the premises

Eco-cabin tiny house - Premium solo or couples

Rustic cabin on the edge of the garden with plenty of privacy and amazing views.

Choose this option if you prefer to have space and time to yourself or if you are a couple who are signing up for the programme together.
  • Self contained kitchen
  • Easy access to an outdoor toilet and shower
  • Outdoor firebath for nighttime stargazing
  • Private deck overlooking the native bush