Hosts details are entered into our booklet (North-South format is followed) with an updated issue out each month. Visitors buy a booklet for NZ$25 from FHiNZ and may use this to contact farms they wish to stay on. (Any hosts wishing to have their own copy of the booklet may do so for $10). Booklets are available from some visitor centres and through some overseas farming papers.
Visitors must give at least 24 hours notice before wishing to stay and farms have the right to decline accommodation at any time for any reason. Visitors mainly ring, though those still overseas often write. When a vistor contacts a host they would discuss the length of stay, type of work the farm may be carrying out, how they will get there and any other points the hosts feel need to be discussed.
On average, hosts receive 2-4 calls a month in summer, less in winter, though those in popular tourist areas get more. The most popular farms report 1-2 calls a week over summer, though they would not host this number.
In order, visitors are most commonly English, German, Swedish, Danish, Dutch, South African, Japanese, Canadian, American, Norwegian, Australian, Israeli, plus a few from other countries. About 1/3 are single travellers, 1/3 are two women together, 1/6 couples and 1/6 two men together. About 10 family groups have used the scheme. Most come from November to April.
Visitors must have a FHiNZ booklet to use the scheme, hosts are asked to check this.
Visitors will fit in with your family during their stay. They are expected to help with meal preparation, dishes, washing and household cleaning. They are responsible for their own bedroom(s) and for any special tasks the hosts set eg. firewood.
Each day they will help in whatever way you choose for 4-6 hours. This may vary depending on weather and the needs of the farm. If an 8 hour day is worked, it is suggested that a free day be given to balance this. You can charge a fee for times of the year when the weather or other factors prevent work being done. Just put this under 'comments'.
Some activities that we have found most visitors can do with a minimum of supervision are: firewood, tree planting, gardening, lawns, painting, cleaning sheds or equipment, hay, clearing electric fence lines, weed control, repairing rail fences, fixing gates, picking fruit, helping with stock, outside house cleaning.
Back to the Host Membership Form
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