There is a cheerful band of holidaymakers who far away and rarely pay for their accommodation.
Prices for a week’s holiday in New Zealand, even if you’re staying in an Airbnb or a home owned by a local owner, can go up temporarily, the New Zealand Herald reported.
However, Australian couple Christopher Ojala and Andrew Redfern did it 3 times, all paying a penny for their accommodation.
Australians are housewives, who have traveled through New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom and Mexico, while tending to the homes of foreigners.
“Taking care of the home gives you something absolutely different than going somewhere as a mere tourist,” says M. Ojala, who also runs the 17,000-member House Sitting World Facebook group.
“You can see new selling options from a local’s point of view. “
I know that feeling. As a caretaker, I woke up overlooking the Firth of Thames, a giant bay on New Zealand’s North Island, and watched yellow-eyed penguins arrive from the sea as part of my nighttime regimen at Catlins on New Zealand’s South Island.
I’ve stayed in potholes facing the sea (a kiwi holiday home), small cottages and urban mansions, and all I’ve had to do in return is take care of your pets.
This is where the hook is. Most housewives do not take care of houses at all, but are caregivers of puppies in someone else’s house.
As this is beneficial for both parties, cash rarely changes hands.
Instead, it is a formula based on acceptance as true among foreigners, which is also why the parent network is thriving in New Zealand, in particular.
“In New Zealand, other people accept others as true much more than in many other countries,” says Mr Ojala.
“Other people don’t mind having strangers in their homes. While in the United States, you almost have to pass several police checks just to be taken into account.
In my experience, kiwis are too generous.
In addition to sharing their homes, they are also interested in introducing visitors to other aspects of their lives, so they can live like a local.
I’ve noticed that the owners share the loot of their gardens, lend me their kayaks and cars, and even write me guides to their favorite places in the city.
Still, the biggest home childcare sale is its affordable value, but it’s not just an activity for moneyless backpackers.
According to Nick Fuad, founder of Kiwi House Sitters, around 25% of home caretakers on the platform are over the age of 60.
It’s also an inexpensive family vacation option, especially vacation periods when camps are full and hotels charge maximum seasonal rates, as Nancy Mcallister learned.
Originally from Canada, Ms. Mccallister met her longtime husband while tending their home in the South Island.
Since moving to Dunedin and settling down, he hasn’t given up on his favourite of exploring the country. Today, he takes his partner and 6-year-old son on his adventures.
“It’s a wonderful way to travel,” Mccallister says.
The couple sits in Queenstown and Wānaka and even made a house facing the sea during the school holidays in their hometown.
For your partner’s child, the position does matter.
“He just thinks he’s somewhere else. There are other toys and that makes it kind of a fun vacation,” she says.
In short, caring about other people’s little furry ones is a serious commitment and care of the house for everyone.
But those who do have a tendency to love it so much that they hardly need anyone else to know.
“My spouse says, ‘Tell anyone,'” Mcallister says with a smile.
However, it’s a secret she must share: “Home care can open doors for trips around the world you never imagined. “
How to get started as a spatial caregiver in New Zealand
Surveillance posts are advertised on platforms such as TrustedHousesitters. com, HouseCarers. com, but KiwiHouseSitters. co. nz is by far New Zealand’s most active surveillance site.
Regardless of which platform you choose, expect to pay around NZ$85 to NZ$150 according to the year.
If you are not in a position to pay the club fee, concerts are also posted on the House Sitting New Zealand Facebook group.
Once you’ve discovered a potential home, host a virtual or in-person assembly with the owners and their pets.
At a minimum, talk on the phone so that either party has a chance to ask questions.
“Do the homework you start,” advises Ojala.
Don’t have any experience? Do not worry.
Instead of home care referrals, offer to provide private or professional referees or a police certificate.
Even without references, your facilities will be requested if you plan to stay at home for a period of school holidays.
A quick investigation by KiwiHouse ters. co. nz shows upcoming holiday remains ranging from a three-week stay in the Mackenzie region in a sprawling rural space with an on-the-ground pool, to a little closer to the house, where five days ago at the artist’s home in Titirangi, with the use of kayaks.
Remember: the love of animals is a desire that “Home Guard” is a little out of place: it deserves to be called “pet care”.
Very rarely will you see an ad for pet-free homes, the amount of time you spend worrying about animals can vary.
Be sure to ask owners what the daily routines and jobs are, as well as how long they feel comfortable with their pets alone.
If you plan to spend long days at the beach or in nearby art galleries, horses and dogs and look for a cat instead.
After all, while taking care of the home is the best way to immerse yourself in a new place, it’s not quite a vacation.
This article appeared in the New Zealand Herald and has been republished here with permission.