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Katikati
Known as New Zealand’s mural town, Katikati has a warm, community feeling to it.
Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty is a great place to live, work, visit and stay. It has some exceptional scenery, beaches, visitor attractions and the famous Rotorua geysers.
For beach lovers there is the amazing Mount Maunganui Main Beach, and then the magnificent Mauao to walk up too. Pet owners love the open spaces of the Bay of Plenty, with some great horse riding and dog walking options, whilst there has been migration from Auckland as people seek a new lifestyle and first home buying choices. The Bay of Plenty is conveniently located if you want to head up to the beautiful Coromandel in summer, or inland for skiing in winter.
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My children and I lived on a 10 acre block in Waimauku for several years and car…
My children and I lived on a 10 acre block in Waimauku for several years and cared for a variety of animals including cats, dogs, hens, sheep, cows, and the occasional rabbit and duck! Because of Geoff's years spent at sea his opportunities to care for pets have been limited, but in his younger years his family owned cats, dogs and budgies. Geoff and I spend the summer months,October through to April, in New Zealand, which is when we are available for house sitting. We have a yacht berthed in Penang, Malaysia, and we are there during New Zealand's winter months. Geoff has spent nearly 13 years cruising in South East Asia, and I joined him in 2012. Geoff is a shipwright and is capable of servicing a wide range of appliances, machinery etc.He served in the New Zealand navy for 8 years and after leaving he worked as a commercial diver whilst building his first yacht. After sailing for many years in the Pacific, Australia, Africa and Europe, he settled in Brisbane, where he set up his shipwright business. He then built his second yacht and set sail for South East Asia. My previous working life involved a variety of positions, including working as a supervisor in a childcare centre in Waimauku, Auckland, and then as a sterile services technician at North Shore hospital in Auckland. I have two sons who live in the Netherlands and Belgium, and 1 grandson. Because of our lifestyle on the yacht we are organised and tidy in our habits. We enjoy exploring new environments, so house sitting promises to be a great way to meet new people, have some much-needed interaction with animals again, and reunite us with different parts of our country after being away for so many years. Although we are away from New Zealand at times, we are always able to participate in video calls via either Skype or What's App.
We always had dogs and cats when I was growing up so I'm comfortable with having…
We always had dogs and cats when I was growing up so I'm comfortable with having them around and looking after their needs. I house-sat for some friends and their two beautiful dogs over the winter of 2018 and decided I wanted to continue doing it for others. I'm a self-employed entrepreneur and can work online from anywhere. I enjoy the variety of moving around and experiencing different places. Because I work from home I'm able to be there a lot of the time to keep an eye on things and keep your pets company. I'm tidy, self-sufficient and responsible with other people's property. My motto is 'leave things the way I found them'. I look forward to meeting your beloved pets :-)
I am an American citizen. As a child I grew up in a family with a dog, part beag…
I am an American citizen. As a child I grew up in a family with a dog, part beagle. I sailed into New Zealand in 1980 on my yacht and immigrated. I am a permanent resident with a New Zealand drivers license. I lived and worked as an Occupational Therapist in New Zealand for many years. Since I lived on my boat I was available to house sit for friends. I’ve looked after dogs, cats, birds and pigs for friends. My husband and I were married in Pyes Pa, Tauranga in 1995. We continued our sailing adventures in the Pacific returning to New Zealand several times by sea. As we sailed around the world our trips to New Zealand were by plane. We returned to America due to my husband’s illness. He is now deceased. I wish to return to New Zealand for 5-6 months each year. As a retired person I can devote full time to the animals in my care. I am reliable, honest and conscientious worker who loves animals. I am in very good health and enjoy sailing, golfing, walking, reading and gardening. Having lived on a boat for the majority of my adult life I know the importance of being neat and tidy and keeping everything in its place.
I am a fit, energetic and healthy retired engineer, non smoker and no alcohol co…
I am a fit, energetic and healthy retired engineer, non smoker and no alcohol consumption. English by birth but a New Zealand citizen. I have one daughter at new plymouth high school who graduates in 2020 and another daughter at wellington university. A daughter occasionally accompanies me to help with and pamper pets. I have a lifelong experience with cats, dogs and farm animals (but I don't own any at present). I have recently sold a small holding in Taranaki. My personal interests lie outdoors; tramping, skiing, diving, swimming ... anything outdoors. And there are many past hobbies that have fallen by the wayside over the years but occasional opportunities still allow me to participate: caving, rock climbing, sailing, hang-gliding to mention just a few. I am a clean, tidy, respectful, trustworthy and honest gentleman. I provide you with daily updates on your house and loved ones entrusted to me. I house sit overy the whole of New Zealand, mainly in the North Island but also occasionally in the South Island. I love the travel! Kind Regards Len
Hi my name is Paul Julian. I work as a Counsellor at agencies in the Tauranga ar…
Hi my name is Paul Julian. I work as a Counsellor at agencies in the Tauranga area, including Waipuna Hospice. I have a great love for animals, each with their own personality and needs, much like humans. As a child I always had pets, most notably my cat Felicity who I got as a kitten when I was just 5 years old. She was a much loved companion until she passed away when I was 20. It was a sad time when we buried her in the back yard with much ceremony and respect. We also had my brother's German Shepherd ‘Dick’, who I loved very much and would give me wonderful hugs whenever I felt down. In later years I have had two brother terriers, called Scruffy and Rusty, and two cats from kittens named Ellabella and Pablo Picasso. I love being with animals, so caring for other people's pets is always a treat. My work as a counsellor is both demanding and very rewarding. I take great delight in helping people during challenging circumstances. My personal life style is fairly quiet. I enjoy art, reading, and biking. I am tidy, conscientious, and kind-hearted. I can be relied on to attend to pet needs and practical household tasks. I have successfully sat a number of homes and pets and always enjoy the experience. If you think I may be able to help in your situation then please contact me to discuss further. Kind regards Paul
My name is Vanessa and my partner is Marcel. We have decided to take a break fro…
My name is Vanessa and my partner is Marcel. We have decided to take a break from the routine of full-time employment, to have a new and exciting adventure which involves travelling around New Zealand to enjoy new experiences. We have spent the last three summers looking after the accommodation for a ski club lodge in Queenstown, and outside of this we would like to house sit and get to see new parts of the country. Vanessa grew up in Mount Maunganui and Tauranga but has lived in Otago for the last 15 years. Marcel has lived in Otago all his life. We both love dogs and cats and have had our own pets in the past. However, because of our new lifestyle, we cannot have pets at this stage and we miss having pets around us. Marcel has until recently had Labradors and a couple of cats. Vanessa has recently had both cats and dogs, Chocolate and Vanilla the cats. And Chico was a very much loved Tibetan Spaniel. Vanessa has studied the first year of Vet Nursing at Otago Polytech and gained a Certificate in Animal Care. We both love the outdoors hiking in summer and skiing in winter. We have a self contained caravan which we take with us and live in, between house sits. We own our own property so we are mindful that you expect us to look after your property and pets as if they were our own.
I am mature and trustworthy and enjoy house sitting while traveling in my motor …
I am mature and trustworthy and enjoy house sitting while traveling in my motor home. I have several clients whom I house sit for looking after cats and dogs and am comfortable around livestock. I enjoy property maintenance and have owned a hire-a-hubby business in the past. I enjoy looking after lawns and gardens as required. I am seventy years of age, physically fit and enjoy being occupied with chores as my age permits. I am a non smoker and social drinker. I am respectful and a clean tidy person and considered to be very caring in my everyday life.
Hi there, a trusty worth honest human, looking to leave a lighter tread on the p…
Hi there, a trusty worth honest human, looking to leave a lighter tread on the planet. I work from home and supposed to be travelling around the world teaching yoga right now but covid has changed a lot. To create my best work I like to be able live by myself, get out in nature and explore different areas. I housesat consistently for 2 years around 2014-2016 and am looking forward to doing this again since i am home in New Zealand. I love taking care of your animals, that's all the company I need. I have sat for & have experience with many different animals. Dogs = labradoodle, mini schnauzer, bernese mountain dog, border collie, boston terrier, wolf hound and jack russell, Cats = tabby kitten, burmese, persians, chartruese and more. Also have plenty experience with chickens, some house birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. I haven't had the experience of looking after horses or donkeys yet but I would love to and would love the opportunity. I grew up on a small farm, so all though its been a very long time, I have had some experience with stock and happy to learn if needed. I used to own a great dane, ridgeback cross until I left for overseas travel, so I am very comfortable with large breeds, he now lives with my best friend and her 2 boys where is well exercised, loved and I can see him anytime i'm in my hometown. I have always lived my life with the intention of leaving a profit, if I have the chance to housesit for you I will treat your home with love and respect and will leave it cleaner than I found it. Expect clear communication and reliability.
Hello, my name is Leeann I am a mature woman who has being a home-owner and also…
Hello, my name is Leeann I am a mature woman who has being a home-owner and also have rented out my house. I am honest and reliable and also have a love for animals of most walks of life. With many years experience with animals, from farm life to running a mobile dog washing franchise in Brisbane, which I loved it involved having a client base where I turned up at there property with my trailer bath and wash shampoo, and dry all types of puppy dogs from Great Dames to chiwawas, also clip there nails, generally the owners where at work and would leave me access to there property and out side water to pamper there pets. I so miss my own animals which have now passed on I had a German Shepherd named Zackaria Jeremia and a bitsa named Tramp and of course two cats in toe which were all spoilt rotten, at the moment my five year plan is to live in Brisbane for 6 months of the year and Rotorua for the other six months, as I have two older daughter's one here one there, so I love to house and pet sit to get my animaI fix so to speak. I have experience in house sitting and running a bed and breakfast in England. I also have references available on request. Please do not hesitate to contact me for availability.
We are Casey and Jen, a married, professional couple who are in the process of r…
We are Casey and Jen, a married, professional couple who are in the process of retiring. We are non-smokers. Jen has just completed treatment for early stage cancer. To celebrate the end of her treatment, we plan to visit different parts of New Zealand before settling into our own property in the Far North in late 2020. This retirement property is presently rented out on a long-term lease. We both were born in Europe (Scotland and Germany) and have post-graduate degrees. And with long-standing connections to NZ, we moved here from the UK in 2017 and were granted permanent residency in 2019. Our interests include outdoor sports, cooking and gardening (we have been members of our local landcare group in the Far North since 2015 and have volunteered with the World Wildlife Fund as well as a Wellington pest control group). We have owned pets (dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, chickens and fish) in the past, and we are dog and cat lovers. Casey grew up next to large farms for part of his upbringing. His father and uncle also co-owned a small sheep and cattle farm, where he spent a summer working in his mid-teens. Jen comes from a Scottish farming family. And while her parents lived in a village, with many pets, Jen spent all of her childhood holidays at her aunt and uncle’s farm. On the farm she was responsible for taking the eight working collie sheepdogs on daily walks and for tending to the chickens. With her uncle, a member of Scotland’s international sheep handling team, Jen’s also attended many sheepdog trials. We see house-sitting as a way to spend more time with domestic animals. This has not been possible for the past few years due to our work commitments. We also see house-sitting as a way to explore new parts of New Zealand. As remote property owners ourselves, we understand and respect the issues that homeowners face.
Hi there My name is Claire and I am currently travelling with my partner Peter a…
Hi there My name is Claire and I am currently travelling with my partner Peter around the North Island in our campervan. We are reliable and considerate people who love animals as much as the outdoors. I am especially 'that' person who can't help but pat your dog when you're out for a walk or spend suspiciously long at pet stores.... Last year we looked after two very sweet cats Roy and Floyd in Wellington for one month and later in the year, looked after a golden labrador called King Mosi in Zambia for one month. This was followed by a number of pet sits in London that included looking after two bunny rabbits and then travelling to Gillingham in the South West of England to care for two very excitable dogs in the countryside. We then came home before Lockdown 4 struck in NZ. We will ensure every animal is properly walked, fed, watered and cuddled. We both work online too however your pets will always be my top priority. We enjoy the outdoors and going out for walks however in the Winter we are definitely 'stay-in' people so your pets will get plenty of cuddles and play time. We look forward to meeting you and your pets! Nga mihi nui Claire and Peter
Hello to home owners and animal lovers..... If you have a home to be looked afte…
Hello to home owners and animal lovers..... If you have a home to be looked after and animals to be cared for, then look no further. My name Is Hinehau, I am a quiet and peaceful, warm natured person, who enjoys walks, healthy eating and peaceful surroundings. I am a caring house minder, who is clean, organised, reliable, and a friendly person who takes seriously the care and protection of folk's homes and pets. So if I can assist you in anyway to walk your dog, stroke your cat and feed them on time and keep your house spic and span then send me a message and I hope I will be free to help you. One of the many joys I have experienced with pets, would have been watching Bob and Betty, Bob is a little Jack Russel terrier who loves walks and food and also loves playing and tormenting his sister Betty (who is a short hair black and white cat) a most enjoyable pair to watch and care for Regards Hinehau Pepene
Hi there, Willie and I have recently retired, and are enjoying travelling around…
Hi there, Willie and I have recently retired, and are enjoying travelling around New Zealand housesitting for friends and homeowners. We have been house sitting for 16 months now and have met some awesome characters and cherished pets. Sometimes it’s hard to leave!! Prior to 2017 we lived in Australia for the last 35 years. We own a home on the Gold Coast that is tenanted and some land near Hervey Bay Qld AUS. Willie was born in Australia and I was born in Whakatane NZ. Willie was a jockey in Australia in the 80/90ies and then ventured into a lawn mowing business, and produce delivery amongst other things. I was working in the thoroughbred horse racing industry for 35 years. We enjoy walking, gardening, horse racing, and keeping fit and active outdoors. We both grew up on farms, so know how to ride horses, bikes, drive tractors, trucks etc. We are huge animal lovers, and have looked after many different animals over the years including dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, cattle, deer, horses, alpaca, goats, chickens, ducks etc. We are very adaptable to different situations and enjoy life’s challenges as they arrive. We are happy to work on properties if needed. Both fit, active, social drinkers and non smokers. We are very security conscious, and will treat your home and pets with great care and respect. We would be happy to drop you at the airport if needed. Look forward to hearing from you. Kind Regards Willie and Chris
Hi Siani and Guy here, happily marooned in New Zealand, the safest and most bea…
Hi Siani and Guy here, happily marooned in New Zealand, the safest and most beautiful country in the world, out of lock down, grateful to be healthy, fit and ready to help you with your homes and pets when you need. We are here for our first Winter in a few years comfortably travelling in own mobile home, “Lulu” the campervan. After living in Sydney for 30 years, we sold our apartment and have been following the summer around the planet for the past three years. Between New Zealand, Australia and Southern Spain. In fact normally, at this time of year , we'd be in a wee town in Southern Spain, working on an art project together and running a local guest house. The village is called Gaucin - a mountaintop Peublo Blanco in Andalucia - see here: https://www.andalucia.com/gaucin/home.htm . The guest house belongs to our friends a Dutch couple who have, moved back to Holland with their two young boys (now our god-sons). Happily, for the last two summer seasons, we’ve achieved a 5-star rating for them, which has led us to appreciate the responsibility of looking after someone else’s house & business. Guy has owned houses or apartments in Sydney and the UK, for over 40 years, & renovated 4 of them in that time, and our love of travel means that we have been on both sides of the fence, renting or arranging care for our own homes and pets while travelling elsewhere to do the same for someone else. We have always considered ourselves travellers rather than holiday makers, wanting to interact, get involved and experience local life wherever we go. We don’t have our own kids, so we have poured love into our pets. In Sydney it was Junebug (a small Abyssinian who ran the gauntlet of 100s of dogs being walked in the park next door, & thus became an extraordinary tree-climber) and in Spain it’s Mr Ripley - our jet black Spanish street rescue cat. ‘Señor Reeplee’ is a favourite with the kids on our tiny street because he’s like a dog - he wags his tail for joy. Rip also has a unique way of calming & befriending dogs… he sidles up then eases himself down in a relaxed & confident pose, unafraid to break eye-contact with the looming threat - it’s amazing to witness. (He also loves to ride inside Guy’s jacket, head only visible out the top, as he bikes down to our art studio… (there’s a photo somewhere, I think, on this site) After running our own businesses for twenty odd years in Sydney, Guy and I, now work together on our fine art and design projects . We are both used to working from home offices/ studios, are creatively minded about resolving problems and not shy, so we’ll be sure to make ourselves known to your local community/support, and ensure we have all relevant numbers for vets &/or for other social friends the animals have. We’ll keep in easy touch - as much as you wish - while you are away, so you can be reassured your property and loved ones are in the best care. What else? We both have a great love & appreciation of the outdoors and taking care of the environment. With Guy’s love of fly fishing (more like obsession) he & we have visited the central plateau area around Taupo, many times over the past 20 years. In fact Guy’s Aunt and Uncle once owned the wonderful Poronui - when it was a farm, and before it was transformed into the ritziest Trout Lodges in NZ. One sometimes needs good communication to navigate the conflicting cultures of farming & fishing, especially as each summer we're usually far up a mountain valley,on farmland, or river plains in ‘Lulu' - our vintage, self-contained, solar-powered campervan. Last year, we proudly became the first overseas members of the Gore Sheep Dog Trial Club (and the first without owning a dog) - T’was the best $4.00 we ever spent. I still love to watch country calendar whenever I can, but it’s a definite privilege to watch it live, and the characters you meet!… straight out of Footrot Flats. Sian herself is a proud Kiwi, growing up on the beach of Sumner in Christchurch before moving to a hobby farm in Whangarei. Her three younger brothers still all live in New Zealand with their families, and all of them with their own lifestyle properties. Sian is a graduate of Elam In Auckland University and continuing her art practise today, as well as being a qualified Remedial masseur and Pilates instructor, interested in all things healthy. So that’s more or less us, we look forward to meeting you and your pets in person or by zoom before any house sit you may require. Very warmest regards, Siani (& Guy)
Hi there Our names are Mike (61 years young) and Sandy (Actually young 51). Hi…
Hi there Our names are Mike (61 years young) and Sandy (Actually young 51). Hi I'm Mike and I am a professional musician, I have been involved with the music industry for 45 years here in New Zealand and in Australia. I was brought up on a farm in the Bay of Islands and went to school in Whangarei. Because of my touring lifestyle, pet ownership has not always been possible. However I did have a three legged dog named Pup when I was younger. Pup would ride everywhere with me on my motorbike. She actually toured all over NZ with me. I enjoy all animals, especially dogs and I have done plenty of house and pet sitting for friends over the years. Hi I'm Sandy. I have been working predominantly in the tourism/hospitality industry for the last 10 years. Presently based in the Bay of Islands I am originally from Raglan in the Waikato. I have had a variety of pets as a young child growing up. Cats, rabbits, birds, turtles, dogs and a horse. Most recent was Roxy a mixed breed dog and Dennis a Exotic Persian cat. Both of these passed away due to old age and health issues. We are now traveling NZ and would love to be able to help you out with looking after your house and pets while you are away.
I have relocated to the Bay of Plenty (from the Bay of Islands) to expand my bus…
I have relocated to the Bay of Plenty (from the Bay of Islands) to expand my business as a speech coach and communication trainer. I work with corporate and private clients, and teach courses and workshops in communication. I am checking out where in the BOP I might like to live permanently. I have some existing commitments in the Bay of Islands as I am a wedding celebrant and have couples to marry over summer. I have had the most amazing time house sitting in Kerikeri, Coromandel, Papamoa Beach, Welcome Bay over the past 6 months - love the different homes, different neighbourhoods and different pet personalities. I am comfortable with cats, dogs big and small, and would be fine with birds and guinea pigs as I've had them before. Having grown up on a farm I can care for horses, cows and chickens. I am a light traveller and a positive and happy person. I like yoga, meditation, healthy food, bush and beach walks, and prefer reading to watching TV. My pet charges get lots of walk time with me because I like to take breaks from work. I am so pleased with all my past house sits and animals and have received great reviews. I prefer longer stays of 2-4 weeks and am open to a longer term. As my car is quite new (and sometimes rather full) I prefer not to use it to transport pets. I have been given use of owners vehicles to do so and that has worked well.