lauren

After a quick trip To NZ in 2009 to do Ironman NZ (taupo), I knew I'd return with more time. That time was January 2020. I returned for what was intended to be an 8 week bicycle tour. And then Covid. I was a lucky one, and spent lock down in Oamaru before finally returning to the USA in august of that year. I'm coming back! I biked 5000k + in 2020, staying in 63 different places. And I still haven't seen everything or everywhere, I have friends throughout NZ and am looking to do 5-7 day house sitting gigs. Ive had dogs all my life until last pup passed shortly before kids flew the nest (as an adult I've had jack Russells, tho had three English bulldogs as a kid;). I have several friends' pups that I watch in my home with regularity. Photos below are rusty and Benny. I also care for corina, Baxter, mini and a few others. I am a "certified" vetted foster care taker for my local humane society, where I always choose the pups who love the really long walks! I'm not great w plants but can try. Cats are fine (grew up with cats and my daughter has two, one of which lived with me for 2 years). I'll walk your pup/s all day if they want! Am a responsible home owner, and like to keep things tidy, but not anal. Have many kiwi references upon request. I come w bike and small bag, and prefer to be within 5k to a grocery,shops (I don't drive in NZ tho I have a license). No smokers homes, please. I arrive into wellie on December 1; hope to stay there up to a week then am flexible, spending my 90 days on both North and South islands. Be in touch! I look forward to watching your house and critters so that everyone is happy while you are on holiday! (Will consider longer stays in places that I'm familiar with).

I spent 87/90 days permitted by my USA visa in NZ in December 2023- march 24 and will be back on/around january1, 2025. Looking for a longer (2+ week) gig in the Nelson area between January 1- march 31. I have many local (NZ) references, and for your fur babies who like their long walks/hikes, I’ve many happy tails and belly rubs on my cv!
Have not yet booked my summer 2025 tickets yet, but have applied for my visa and looking for great opportunities to care for your fur babies and ride my bike (after morning walks/feeds of course). Hope to stay 90 days again, per my visa.