A Te Moata WWOOFer experience is truly a unique opportunity in a remarkable place filled with special energy. During your stay, you will immerse yourself in retreats and projects, becoming an integral part of the Te Moata community. You’ll have the chance to assist our talented French chef in the kitchen, where you’ll learn valuable culinary skills while contributing to the retreat experience.
One of the most enriching aspects of this journey is the opportunity to participate in teachings offered during your free time, particularly during meditation retreats. This allows you to deepen your understanding and connection to the practices while enjoying the serene environment. It’s not just about work; it’s about growth, learning, and being part of something truly special.
Please read about the retreats on our website, fill out the WWOOFer form below stating clearly if you are applying for a two or four weeks stay. Your preferred start and end dates must be in between retreats we are hosting.
WWOOFers and Service Teams have their own fully self contained 6 bedroom cottage. All Wwoofers are expected to share the responsibilities of keeping the cottage clean and tidy, and share cooking in between retreats.
Between retreats WWOOFers cook for themselves, we supply the food basics so unless you eat luxury foods there is no need to bring food. If you are gluten free you will need to supply your own bread or specialist foods between retreats. During retreats you can eat gluten free/vegan/other cooking from the chef. Please bring your own plunger coffee as we do not provide this. Te Moata is strictly vegetarian.
We are off the grid so our power is solar – conservation of resources is very important. We do have cell phone reception Spark and Skinny are best, worst case scenario is that you’ll need to walk up the driveway to get reception. There is free internet access at Tairua library, even when it’s not open.
After the work’s done there is lots of time to enjoy the sanctuary of Te Moata. There is plenty of opportunity for reflecting, walking the Labyrinth, tramping in the bush, swimming in the stream, discovering the waterfalls or staying overnight in one of the remote huts. And don’t forget an evening walk up the valley to check out the glow-worms! Te Moata is only 10 minutes drive from wonderful Tairua, spectacular beaches, including famous Hot Water beach and Cathedral Cove.
If you volunteer to work during a retreat as ‘service team’ you will be on a roster assisting the chef in food preparation and doing dishes cleaning the kitchen. There is a lot of spare time to sit in on the sessions offered and time to explore the nature sanctuary that is Te Moata.
Every WWOOFer stay begins with a 4-day mutual trial period when you get to know Te Moata and we get to know you, and we see if that works for all. We try to book woofers for roughly 3 weeks when possible. All woofers have a start and finish date prearranged, and this is sometimes negotiable once you are here.
Many international WWOOFers identify Te Moata as their “home” in New Zealand and return, often bringing friends or family with them. We love welcoming our Wwoofers back, and they do come back again and again.
Please fill out the application form on this site and send it in so we have a good idea of your skills and your preferred dates to stay.
