WWOOFing in New Zealand
An Alternative Way to Travel
In today’s gloomy atmosphere of global recession and environmental meltdown travel has taken somewhat of a battering. It’s not green to travel anymore and it’s expensive. The WWOOF exchange scheme allows participants to make a positive contribution to places they visit, meet very interesting people and learn new skills. And it costs next to nothing...
What is WWOOF?
Started in England in 1971, WWOOF is a loose affiliation of alternative life-stylers, farmers and ecologically-minded organic growers who offer accommodation on a variety of eco-friendly farms, homes, and communes, in return for a little work. Originally WWOOF was an acronym for “Willing Workers on Organic Farms”, but WWOOF soon became World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, and as the name suggests, became a global phenomenon.
Despite its name, WWOOF is much more than a co-operative of far-flung farmers around the globe. Guests can expect much more than a bed and meal for the night in exchange for their work. The whole ethos behind WWOOF is that of an exchange between people, a sharing of expertise and knowledge, and an opportunity to experience alternative ways of living.
Working On Farms in New Zealand
New Zealand is the perfect place to travel as a wwoofer. Its small, transport is good, there are lots of hosts and alternative life-stylers spread all over the islands – and of course the scenery is stunning. A major factor for many wwoofers in choosing a host is location – many farms are in places that most visitors just wouldn’t normally get to. The areas around the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island, and Golden Bay on the South Island, are real hotspots for alternative communities in New Zealand and offer a wealth of opportunities. The 1970’s saw an explosion of small holders setting up independent farms and alternative homesteads throughout the country.
What to Expect From Wwoof Hosts In New Zealand
The basic premise is that you will contact a host, by phone or email and arrange a stay. It may be a week, or two, or a month, or even longer. Its best to try and find out what’s expected of you before you get there – everywhere will be different. You may be weeding a veggie patch one day, milking a cow the next. Light chores are often expected around the place, maybe some repairs to the woodshed, or a bit of cooking and cleaning. Most people will expect around four hours work a day for your bed and food. Remember that many places are remote, so make sure you have the little extras you need before you go. It’s all based on mutual trust and understanding, the more you put in the more you get out.
Like the work, accommodation is varied; anything from a room in the host’s house, to a tepee in the woods. Cabins, old vans, buses, tents, yurts, are all common-place in New Zealand and will often be referred to as the “wwoofery”. Check before you get there if you have any concerns.
Information On Wwoofing In New Zealand
To participate in the scheme you will need to get the contact details of wwoof hosts in New Zealand. This can be obtained for $15 from the wwoof New Zealand website. It has all the information online too (you still have to join).
For global opportunities under the scheme see the main wwoof website, with details of hosts in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
For an entertaining tale of one kiwi giving up the rat-race for a small patch of land in 1970’s Collingdale get Swamp Fever: A Golden Bay Memoir by Gerard Hindmarsh.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
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