World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a network that allows young travellers to help out at farms and organisations in return for food and board. As we had planned lots of jobs over the winter months, using „Wwoofers“ was an ideal solution for us. We had helpers from Germany, France, Hungary, Australia, Austria, USA and Switzerland who gave their all to help us and were able to achieve unbelievable results. Thanks again guys and girls! Apart from their active help, the Wwoofers also brought new insights and inspiration into Wairua which we really enjoyed and appreciated.
Germans Sebastian (l) and Konstantin are seen here building the boardwalk leading to the waterfall swimming pool.Frenchman Ben helped us replace the guttering around the Lodge.Aiden – a strapping farming boy from West Australia was a master with the chainsaw and helped us chopping down trees and building our beach! One of the bigger projects was the construction of the River Trail. Will (left) and Mac (right) are pictured here building some wooden stairs leading up to the waterfall. The Americans got some help from the Swiss when Marco Fuchs came for a quick visit while travelling through New Zealand. The River Trail had to have an official opening of course! Ernst, Mac and Will are seen here cutting the ribbon. The new trail markings were erected just in time for the summer season. As a certified architect, Hungarian Peter was the perfect man to plan and build the outdoor shower at the Wwoofer hut. This 2-person wooden hammock (design Ernst) is a great place to chill out down by the river. Guests seem to enjoy the „Giant Jenga“ game that Austrian Flora made. „Wairua Beach“ – an idyllic place to while away an afternoon! Ernst transported the sand on a canoe from further up the river. .Lucy and Paul (both from France) were some of our first Wwoofers and they were a great help setting up the lodge when our furniture arrived from Switzerland. We were able to enjoy some great meals as it became a tradition for our Wwoofers to cook something from their homelands. Mac and Will are seen here serving up their South Carolina lowcountry boil.
We called in the professionals when it came to the removal of a huge oak tree and 5 Japanese cedars. Chris and his team from Tricky Trees helped to bring light, sunshine and views into Wairua Lodge – now our guests can enjoy more spacious grounds and wonderful rainforest views. It was a painful decision to cut down the trees, but made easier as they were not native to the rainforest – the preservation of which we intend to foster sustainably.
Die Eiche im Vordergrund wurde zuerst gefällt und dann die riesigen japanische Kiefern im Hintergrund.
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