Are you familiar with WWOOFing or HelpX (more common in Australia)? These two networks allow you to stay and eat with locals in exchange for a few hours of daily work on organic farms, smallholdings, or in private homes. It's a great way to create lasting memories and save money during your Working Holiday Visa . However, be aware that these platforms won't help you earn money for travel... or support yourself in the long term!
Before heading to New Zealand on a Working Holiday (to find out who I am, check out the team , Benjamin is me 😉), like any self-respecting Working Holiday Visa holder, I carefully did some research to find the best deals. WWOOFing quickly emerged as one of the solutions: discovering a country and its people without spending too much money . And I must say, the theory lived up to my expectations: from a WWOOFing experience on the southernmost farm of the South Island, working among the animals, to another in the Coromandel, living with a dozen other travelers (lively evenings guaranteed), to hunting in the middle of the night in Golden Bay at Puponga… let's just say the experiences were fantastic! Whether it was to explore a region or to settle down and take a break to feel a bit "at home" with a family, I have to say this approach has many advantages.
But there's another point worth emphasizing. WWOOFing and HelpX aren't about earning money , which is essential if you're planning unforgettable experiences or, more pragmatically, buying a car or van. In other words, if you're counting on odd jobs to sustain your adventure, you'll need to alternate between the two. That's what I personally chose to do, working fruit picking and even in a supermarket to cover the ski season in Wanaka, a small town an hour from Queenstown and just as close to the slopes.
Regardless of the network, expect a minimum of five days for each WWOOFing or HelpX project, and up to several months if you get along well with your host. In other words, this service isn't just for a one-night stand. Also, keep in mind that you're free to leave at any time since you're not bound by any contract (and this applies both ways). Barring any issues with the host's availability, you'll usually share meals with them and their family. A great opportunity to cook them a meal now and then (Belgian food preferred 😉).
As for accommodation, anything is possible (trust me on this): from a dormitory with other WWOOFers to a barely furnished caravan at the bottom of the garden to a room with a private bathroom. Finally, regarding tasks, they will most often involve gardening (repairing fences, clearing fields, etc.), working with animals (feeding them, looking after them, etc.), childcare, or even small construction projects.
Whether it's HelpX, WWOOF, or WorkAway, volunteers pay a membership fee before contacting hosts. But what exactly differentiates them?
HelpX is simply a database of hosts looking for volunteers to help them with a wide variety of projects: accommodation (farmstays, B&Bs, etc.), work in a private home, on a farm, and more. You create a profile and send messages to the hosts you'd like to volunteer with. According to the site, the standard arrangement is 4 hours of work per day in exchange for food and accommodation. It's always wise to verify this arrangement beforehand to avoid any unpleasant surprises. A 2-year membership fee of €20 is required.
Another option is Workaway , which operates on the same principle. Workaway's basic arrangement is 5 hours of work, 5 days a week, in exchange for food and accommodation. A two-year membership costs €29 for individuals and €38 for couples and friends. As with HelpX, once registered, you create a profile explaining your previous experience and skills, then start browsing the list of hosts. You can email hosts who interest you and begin a conversation to see if you're a good fit.
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) originated the concept of work exchange and was founded in 1971 in England. Today, it operates in over 100 countries. As its name suggests, WWOOF is a database that connects organic farms and smallholdings owned by people willing to provide food and accommodation in exchange for 4 to 6 hours of volunteer work per day. There are some differences with HelpX, such as the clear focus on learning sustainable farming practices as opposed to performing more basic tasks in HelpX .
WWOOF is more oriented towards organic farming, organic farms, and permaculture, but in reality, this difference tends to diminish over the years, as I've observed. Its main drawback remains that each country has its own WWOOF organization, and you have to pay a membership fee for each one. If your trip takes you to several countries, the membership fees can add up quite quickly. Membership ($40 in New Zealand, $90 in Australia) is valid for one year and gives you access to all member profiles, photos, contact information, maps, calendars, and reviews.
In addition to these three main networks, you can also try the Volunteers Base , a free exchange network where hosts needing help and volunteers can contact each other at no cost. The projects vary enormously: agriculture, construction, hostels, language teaching, domestic or community work, crafts, and more.
A good profile will help you find someone faster
Note that it's important to take the time to create a good profile, with decent photos of yourself. An incomplete or poorly written profile won't help you get accepted. Furthermore, the vast majority of hosts aren't looking for qualified individuals, so it's up to you to show that you're dynamic, motivated, and trustworthy, because remember that the host is welcoming a stranger into their home. Don't hesitate to contact several hosts to maximize your chances, ideally two or three weeks in advance. In any case, remember to personalize your messages to show that you've read their profile and the tasks involved. And above all, enjoy! 😉
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
