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Alexandra
Alexandra in Central Otago is the place to be if you like distinct seasons and beautiful surroundings.
Otago
Otago seems to have it all, from beaches to mountains, to rivers, to adventure sports for adrenalin-seekers. The city of Dunedin has much Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and a vibrant student culture thanks to the esteemed University of Otago. The region’s landscape includes both hill country and the Southern Alps, which draw thousands of tourists to Queenstown, the heartbeat for adventure sports in New Zealand. Stay in Otago during all the seasons and you’ll experience hot and dry summers in Central Otago, and snowfall in winter. If you want to live rent-free by house sitting, Otago is arguably not only one of the most beautiful places to do it, it’s also one of the most welcoming.
Greetings! My name is Kim, I'm 60 years young and have been living in New Zeala…
Greetings! My name is Kim, I'm 60 years young and have been living in New Zealand since moving here from the UK in 1990. I am currently single, live a pretty quiet life and like to follow a healthy lifestyle. I have lived, worked and travelled in many countries around the world, and have experienced life in the country, the city and on board ships. I would therefore say I have a wide variety of life experience. LIFESTYLE / WORK I am a non-smoker and non-drinker and lead a quiet lifestyle. I am self-employed and work as a health coach from my home office (when I am not travelling and housesitting), working remotely with clients all over the world via internet. This means I am home quite a lot and am able to look after your house and animals very well. I live a simple lifestyle and only occasionally host friends at home. I go out occasionally socially and otherwise enjoy watching movies and dvds in the evening. I practice meditation and Qigong in order to stay healthy and on top of things. ANIMAL / PLANT / HOUSE-MINDING EXPERIENCE I am very tidy and like to keep a home spick and span. Whether I am renting, housesitting or own a home, while I am living there I respect the privilege of living in a beautiful home. I have high standards and like to keep a home clean and tidy. I enjoy keeping the garden tidy, weeding and pruning trees and plants. I can honestly say I will look after your home as if it were my own. I have a lot of experience looking after dogs and cats. Growing up we had 3 dogs (shelties) which I adored, and later for 16 years had 3 of my own precious cats whom I loved to bits. I owned 2 of my own homes in the UK and New Zealand, and have been renting for the past 10 years. Over the past 10 years I have often had housesitters myself to look after my cats, so I know what it is like from an owners perspective and what one looks for and needs from a housesitter - which is basically to know that you feel safe leaving your home and pets in the hands of someone else! For myself I needed to feel totally at ease to leave my house and animals in the care of someone else, to trust they would care for my cats, to trust they would look after the house and garden, keep things tidy, respect the contents etc. So I know exactly what you are looking for and I pride myself on being an authentic person. LOCATION I am very well travelled around New Zealand, my favourite spots being Queenstown and the South Island. For 30 years I lived in Auckland and relocated in 2020 to the South Island. REFERENCES I have uploaded a few references, and have more if you need them.
Hello, I'm Rosalind, a 34 year old graphic designer based in Auckland but origi…
Hello, I'm Rosalind, a 34 year old graphic designer based in Auckland but originally from Napier. I'm keen to house sit as I am in a flatting situation and it's a great opportunity to get out and stay in different parts of Auckland/New Zealand. I also love pet sitting as I miss having animals around as I grew up with an English Springer Spaniel and cat. I enjoy the arts, keeping fit and healthy and having a work life balance. My friends would describe me as caring and loyal. I love and enjoy walking so more than happy to take your dog for a walk!
Hello I am Jahn, My husband and I are a 'young' retired couple, grey around the…
Hello I am Jahn, My husband and I are a 'young' retired couple, grey around the edges but lively and interested in the things of life. Both of us have worked all our lives in various roles; Paul as a tablet maker, maintenance guy for several large companies, supervisor of the Tool Shop of a large international company, he excels in his ability to 'fix things' and is a very steady hand. I have experience in Office Administration and Community Support work, currently studying a Bachelor of Visual Arts and the Dunedin Art School. We have both travelled extensively and know what it is like to go away and worry about things at home. So, we are house sitters for people who want the assurance that their pets and their property will be cared for with love and diligence. We both have a wide range of experience in the care and handling of many different breeds of dog from a little Chihuahua up to a huge Great Dane and many other breeds in between, and we cannot forget those beloved friends of the mixed breed variety. Dont let us forget either our feline friends as well. My husband had the care of 20 + chickens at one stage, so we are fairly well versed in the care of domestic pets. Paul and I do regular house sitting for friends and acquaintances, who require pet sitting as their priority. One experience where there were two dogs and a cat, I ran the clothing alteration business (attached to the house and property) while Paul took care of the house and lawns etc for 3 months. Recently we were caretakers for a local holiday park for 3 months (over the Winter while the owners had a break) again where the large Labrador was our main priority,.while the owners were away. There have been many other placements, usually by referral. We are very hands on and can take care of pretty well everything that that requires attending to as well as keeping in touch with the owners, on a regular basis; for reassurance that all is well at home. We pride ourselves on careful attention to detail. We specialise in looking after pets, as well, which is why we have mainly been asked to step in, frequently at very short notice.
Hi there! My name is Frances and I live in central Dunedin. I am an Artist that…
Hi there! My name is Frances and I live in central Dunedin. I am an Artist that works from home. I find this works in well with offering my services as a house and pet sitter, not only does it allow me to regularly travel around both the South and North Island of New Zealand, but it enables me to spend quality time at home befriending and looking after your pets, giving them that one on one company, attention and continuity of care and routines that they are used too. I am a mature single woman, with no dependents and have an animal-loving personality. I come from a large Dutch, farming family from the Waikato, so from a young age I started house and pet sitting for family and friends. I am a very reliable, honest, clean and tidy person with good communication skills, with references that can verify this to put your mind at rest:) I have had many house sitting positions over the years, the most current being for Alan, in Otautau, Southland (see reference attached). This was a large property with one gorgeous dog and I cared for him for around three months. Over Christmas I house sat for Rosie and Ian in Christchurch for 6 weeks, they had one dog, two cats, a goldfish and a vege patch (see other reference attached). These were both very enjoyable experiences, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with their pets and sharing their spaces with them. I also have a picture of Casper the dog in my profile - as you can see, we are out taking him for a bit of a driving lesson :) As my references will tell you, I am a trustworthy and respectful person who communicates well. I am very reliable, clean and tidy and have been told by past home owners that what they appreciated most was not only did they come home to a clean and tidy house, but they could see that their animals were well cared for and loved. I am a bright creative friendly person who you will find a delight to have in your home. Thank you for taking the time to consider my online profile and feel free to call my referees, who will be more than happy to vouch for my character and skills as a house sitter and pet minder. I do hope to meet with you and your pets shortly. Warmest regards...Frances:)
Jan 2022 update: we are traveling and trekking in the South Island for the summe…
Jan 2022 update: we are traveling and trekking in the South Island for the summer. We are a caring, tidy, very responsible couple. Esther (46) retired after 22 years service in the Singapore Navy and Jamie (55) is a small business owner who works from a laptop. Esther is also a previous dog owner and simply loves all animals (especially cats) and sweetly cares for them. She also has an exceptional understanding of dogs and dog breeds, their needs and issues. She will put into practice and care for pets as if her own, such as establishing routine, maintaining structure by walking the dogs, being positive virtually all the time, and will love to go running with them (if suitable), perhaps the reason her Shetland sheepdog, lasted until 17. She has looked after many of her friends' dogs while they were on overseas vacation and on our toughest house sit on a farm in 2018, we looked after 12 dogs, including 6 big working dogs, caring for them all for two weeks, without incident - and lots of joy. Esther has also helped puppies socialize and looked after old dogs too. She is comfortable washing them, doing basic grooming, administering medications, and they certainly get a lot of TLC. We listen carefully and follow instructions. Jamie runs Project Himalaya organising treks in Nepal and India, but that is on hold due to covid and so we are glad to be home in NZ. Esther is also an enthusiastic gardener, and will love to care for your home and garden. We would be at your home most of the time. We live in Kerikeri (own our property) and house sitting is a way to experience other parts of New Zealand, and to care for pets as we don't have our own due to travelling lots. We look forward to caring for your precious pets and your home!
Single, professional, active female. Pet and plant lover. I am on the hunt to f…
Single, professional, active female. Pet and plant lover. I am on the hunt to find a permanent home, so I am available to house-sit your home and pets if need be! I am currently in an Executive Assistant contract till August. I take pride in keeping any house I have looked after to a clean and tidy standard and enjoy taking care of your pets, plants or gardening. I have previously house-sat in Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Queenstown, and Melbourne where I have looked after cats and dogs (and a Lizard in a glass cage even) plants, gardens and kept the household running with tradesmen coming and going, collecting post and running necessary errands. From me you can expect an open, friendly and communicative person. Besides loving to explore different regions, another reason why I house-sit is to one day have a house of my own. It is very difficult to save and get ahead when rent is so expensive, so I enjoy saving a lot this way.
My wife Jill and I retired in 2012. We have 9 grandchildren and have had lots …
My wife Jill and I retired in 2012. We have 9 grandchildren and have had lots of experience with cats, dogs , birds, rabbits and chooks. right down to being able to give them medication . We lived on our yacht, our playground was from Whitianga to Whangaroa for over 8 years. We have looked after three houses in Tauranga so far and the people have been happy with the result., We have come back to land to be closer to our grandchildren and want to see the country from the inside.
I am an active adventurous retiree who enjoys walking, cycling, gardening and me…
I am an active adventurous retiree who enjoys walking, cycling, gardening and meeting new people. I can adapt to most situations and remain calm and practical when the occasion requires it. I am trust worthy having keys to other properties when owners have been unable to return home during covid-19. Dependable, honest, tidy and I present myself well. I have experience mostly of caring for cats and dogs in Spain. I was a registered volunteer feeder of 2 feral cat colonies until I left Spain in 2021. I have very good rapport with animals and was a long time friend of Trixie, a horse. I am very reliable and compassionate with a caring nature.
Hi there, we are Richard and Nikki Taylor and have been housesitting in Australi…
Hi there, we are Richard and Nikki Taylor and have been housesitting in Australia for over 12 years in a variety of locations, looking after dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, fish, horses, snakes and even chooks! Growing up on a farm in NZ and having been a stock and station agent Richard has always had an affinity for animals all his life. Together with Nikki, we have had many pets and have always enjoyed our house-sitting adventures, especially when the animals have been rescued. We have always bonded very quickly with all animals and love exercising them when required. Originally from Christchurch, we are a professional entrepreneurial couple and together we work as Career Coaches on a remote basis, working via video and sometimes face to face. We both love to travel and work with our business on our laptops, allowing us to continue to work when required during our housesitting gigs. This way we get to be with your pets most of the time, making sure they are safe and comfortable in your space. In 2017 we spent 6 months housesitting for couples with pets in Victoria, staying close to their pets all day while we worked, and they loved it! Our references are amazing as we give endless love to your animals. We can be contacted anytime through the website, currently, we are based in Brisbane in our beautiful city apartment overlooking the Brisbane River, the city, and Mount Cootha. We are moving back to NZ on October 10th, we will be leaving MIQ on the 25th, and are both fully vaccinated. As a homeowner, you will get house sitters that treat your place just like it is our own, we can even do minor repairs, look after lawns, chooks, horses you name it!
Mature, sensible professional (semi retired) with partner, both with love for an…
Mature, sensible professional (semi retired) with partner, both with love for animals. Remko (originally from Holland back in 1972) and Caroline (from China). Both non smokers, enjoy clean living with clean criminal international and local records. We met in Malaysia while working as volunteers with cats and dogs for SPCA in early 2015. After that we did a period of volunteers with tigers in Thailand. Highlight of our lives. Great experience to be so close and intimate with a wild animals. Few scars but lived to tell all the tales. After we worked with them, cats and dogs are so easy. Next, hoping to spend some time with elephants. We have done home sitting in NZ as well as offshore in Europe and China as well as a 4 week stay in Malaysia. Although we like to travel, live clean and appreciate clean houses so your home will be looked after. Although not fantastic green fingers, we will happily mow your grass and pull a few weeds as required. As we both still work part time, appreciate wi-fi so we can still receive emails etc. Sky is not important cause we rather be outside enjoying open air as against watching TV. Also since 2017, a volunteer firefighter originally with Otorohanga but would consider helping any local volunteer brigade. Rem has in the past also looked after NZ Police dogs while their handler has gone on holiday so the average dog should be relatively easy. Happy to walk the dogs and where possible, take them to the beach if possible. Hopefully have secure parking for the BMW as well? Since Feb 2017 we have lived in Otorohanga and have looked after various local and surrounding properties. A 550 acre grazing farm and a very upmarket lifestyle house. Although its been fun here, we are ready for another area from now on. Long term housesits preferred but will consider short options as well.
Hi home owners with pets, I love animals, big or small particularly cats, I've…
Hi home owners with pets, I love animals, big or small particularly cats, I've had many. Lived on a lifestyle block for 20 years so fed my chooks everyday and attended to sheep, cattle and sheep dogs. I have general knowledge in small farming and care of stock. Capable of moving stock, checking troughs, feeding out hay, feeding pigs and chooks and of course taking doggies for runs and exercise and I love cats totally. I'm a keen gardener having worked as manager of a garden company for 10 years and have knowledge of plants. Could lightly look after a garden. Also worked in the dental health area for some years and loved it. My 3 adult children have flown and now is my time to help others and enjoy parts of NZ I'm not so familiar with. I'm reliable, trustworthy and energetic/fit, efficient, have a sense of humour, love music and books, tramping, biking and bridge and will look after your home as I do my own which is very tidy and clean! I'm comfortable in either country or city having grown up on a farm in a remote farming community and since adulthood, enjoy living in the big city and all that it offers. Along with my sister Rachel, we will be of loving help to your animals while you're away. If dogs, they will be walked daily or what ever is the usual for them and well petted as will your cats. We will love it! Also, while rather a small task, I feed my gold fish daily in 2 ponds I have in the garden! We are senior citizens but both very fit. I have just been a DOC hut warden for Nelson Lakes this April and still enjoy a good long tramp. Rose
I am a friendly caring person who has been house sitting for a number of years b…
I am a friendly caring person who has been house sitting for a number of years both in New Zealand and England. I love all animals and class myself as a person who respects other people's houses and belongings,plus of course the four legged pets,who resides in the home. Plus staying in different places to explore is a bonus. We have always had animals as part of our family life, but due to travelling around unable to have any at present. So the next best thing is to look after other peoples pets...
I am a professional women who has recently moved to Christchurch. Being the r…
I am a professional women who has recently moved to Christchurch. Being the responsible type I will be respectful of your home, property and pets. Given the nature of the work I have done for many years you will find me trust worthy. Although the garden I have now was designed to be very easy care and low maintenance, I have previously owned a property with many trees, a large garden and large lawns which I rather miss so I am happy to help take care of yours if you require that. I have one newish propertiy and one older property of my own which are short term holiday stays so you can be assured I have high standards of cleanliness. (One of the properties was my own home.) If you see my Airbnb guest reviews for my properties I think you will agree the guests have given me great reviews. One property is fully fence and secure so guests staying at that property are able to bring their furry family members with them. I have no pets of my own now, but cats and farm animals were part of my upbringing so taking care of your pets is not an issue. I frequently dog sit for my son or cat and house sit for my friends. I look forward to hearing from you. kindest regards Sandra
Kia Ora, we, that is Kat (41), Andy (42) and our kids Finn (6) and Zoë (4) hav…
Kia Ora, we, that is Kat (41), Andy (42) and our kids Finn (6) and Zoë (4) have immigrated from Germany in 2013 (both kids were born here). We now live in our own house in Rolleston/Christchurch and would be delighted to take care of your loved ones and/or look after your property while you are on holiday, so we can get to know the country and have some time off as well. So far, we have done six house-sits (also through other housesitting websites). Our responsibilities included caring for cats, keeping the garden nice and tidy, and managing an AirBnB while the homeowners were away. While we don't have pets ourselves; we do love them and like to do stuff whatever is required to keep them happy and entertained. Kat grew up on a farm, so we are 'trained' in lifestyle animals as well. The pets need to be comfortable around kids though. They, in return, are also very gentle to them. We are non-smokers and own a small house ourselves. It goes without saying, that we will take good care of your home while you are away. Having kids, we would be home most of the day and only out for a few hours, so good for pets that need company. We look forward to getting to know you through a Skype interview and vice versa. Cheers, Kat, Andy, Finn & Zoë
Our names are Ron and Rosalie, Both my partner and I have a lifetime of experie…
Our names are Ron and Rosalie, Both my partner and I have a lifetime of experience having owned farms and lifestyle blocks in the south Island of NZ. We have knowledge of sheep farming, cattle, and all the other associated animals including dogs, horses, hens, cats etc. We are experienced in the care, and are very fond of our furry friends. I (Ron) was raised in Christchurch but my passion was spending holidays in rural Canterbury. During my lifetime I have farmed and managed a shearing contracting business. I spent fourteen years in service with the NZ Police as well as many years in Search and Rescue in our beautiful country. My Partner (Rosalie) was raised in Rangiora NZ and spent many years farming in the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, and has a wealth of knowledge of all things related to farming. Latey, she has been involved in Wedding Planning, 15 Years with Harcourts in Real Estate and Property Management. We both love travelling to new places and meeting new people. We are responsible and respectful people who want to help out families by looking after their property and pets while they are away. We are also very friendly and trustworthy and your pets will enjoy our company just as much as we will enjoy theirs. Fitness is our priority and we enjoy excellent health. Please have a look through our references and feel free to call our referees who will be more than happy to vouch for our character and skills as housesitters and pet minders. We would love to meet you and your pets and hope that you will consider us as your housesitters.
Graham & I have done house and pet sitting in N.Z & the U.K . Sometimes doing r…
Graham & I have done house and pet sitting in N.Z & the U.K . Sometimes doing return sits. We can supply very good references. We both enjoy going to other regions/ travel. We own our own home but like the idea of enhancing someone's life by knowing that their pets and home are being well looked after while they holiday and we get a change of scene. We both have a back ground in farming, though that was some years ago. Sheep, beef and horses for Graham. Dairy for me. Animals have played a big part in our lives and that of our children. We have raised and enjoyed everything from pet rabbits, hen's, goats, calves and lambs, pups and kittens. Now that we are retired we only have a gold fish pond. Sadly after the loss of our last cat we have decided not to have another. I am a keen gardener, until 2 years ago we had a 1/2 acre property with lots of gardens and lawn. Having down sized considerably we now have time on our hands. Apart from spending time enjoying our blended family, grandchildren and gr/ grandchildren, our other love is travel. We enjoy meeting people and sharing experiences, though there are times when I go away doing a " sit" on my own while Graham looks after the " home front ".