We have had experience with most types of animals,
Jenny having owned sheep and pig farms when she was younger and operated dog boarding and breeding kennels. We even delivered pups at a farm sit.
We can handle covering horses, feeding bobby calves, moving and feeding out cattle and some lambing.
Graham having helped on sheep, cattle and deer farms, Haka Valley, View Hill Oxford, Parnassus, Pleasant Valley Geraldine.
We have looked after dogs and farm animals on Blue Mountain Station Fairlie, Rainbow Station Marlborough, Coleridge Downs Lake Coleridge and numerous farms and lifestyle blocks.
Preferred Locations
South Island: Canterbury, Nelson / Marlborough
Availability
NEXT 6 MONTHS Available Unavailable
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
2024: 14-25 Dec | 27 Dec - 26 Jan 2025 | 2025: 28 Jan - 2 Feb | 8-28 Feb | 15 Feb - 3 Mar | 11-28 Apr | 5-25 May 2025: 1 Jul - 17 Aug
On a house-sit right now
Farm sitters and minders SI NZ
Retired
Retired
Jenny and Graham are a non smoking, married, retired couple, with our own unit in Christchurch, but love to be out enjoying the countryside and farm animals. Available for house or farm sitting while you are away enjoying your holidays. 7 days to a maximum of 3 weeks.
We enjoy the outdoors, visiting new places, tramping, hunting, taking dogs for a walk and looking after animals. Jenny loves to potter in the garden.
We do have a web site which we are happy to share a link with you. It contains our information, photos from farm sits and references.
We prefer life style blocks, farms, large or small in Canterbury or any houses out of the city and towns. Feeding cats, dogs, hens, pigs, sheep, cattle, horses etc. Taking the dogs for a walk, moving a few farm animals or feeding out. Watering and looking after the gardens etc.
We have had experience with most types of animals, Jenny having owned sheep and pig farms when she was younger and operated dog boarding and breeding kennels. We even delivered pups at a farm sit. We can handle covering horses, feeding bobby calves, moving and feeding out cattle and some lambing.
Graham having helped on sheep, cattle and deer farms, Haka Valley, View Hill Oxford, Parnassus, Pleasant Valley Geraldine. We have looked after dogs and farm animals on Blue Mountain Station Fairlie, Rainbow Station Marlborough, Coleridge Downs Lake Coleridge and numerous farms and lifestyle blocks.
The benefits, knowing your house is safe, all the animals are fed, looked after and your house is treated as we treat ours.
Reviews (38)
Thank you so much for looking after our house and animals while we were away. We were absolutely blown away by everything you had done—it was such a wonderful surprise to come home to! Knowing that all the jobs were taken care of means I can head into Christmas without that extra workload, and I truly appreciate it.
Mila loved her daily walks, and it’s clear that the dog, cat, sheep, house, and gardens were all looked after with such care and attention. We are so grateful for everything ... MOREThank you so much for looking after our house and animals while we were away. We were absolutely blown away by everything you had done—it was such a wonderful surprise to come home to! Knowing that all the jobs were taken care of means I can head into Christmas without that extra workload, and I truly appreciate it.
Mila loved her daily walks, and it’s clear that the dog, cat, sheep, house, and gardens were all looked after with such care and attention. We are so grateful for everything you’ve done—it really means the world to us.
LISA (Leeston South Island, Nov 2024 - 1 week 1 night)
Graham and Jenny did a fantastic job of looking after our lifestyle property while we were away for 3 and a half weeks. The animals were very well looked after and the house and property was immaculate on our return which was greatly appreciated! We would highly recommend Graham and Jenny.
MELANY (Christchurch South Island, Sep 2024 - 3 weeks)
absolutely brilliant. highly recommend house super tidy they even did our washing. Dogs and cats very well cared for and they kept in contact to lets us know how they were and sent some photos, also fed our cows. lovely couple really enjoyed meeting them. will definitely use again if they will have us.
TRACY (swannanoa , Jul 2024 - 1 week)
This was our first experience with Kiwi House Sitters and the ease of using the website and finding sitters was very seamless. Graham and Jenny are a lovely couple who took great care of our 2 farm dogs and our home. We had regular updates from them when when we were away about the dogs and the weather which was very welcome. The house was immaculate on our return, our woodshed had been restocked along with other little jobs around the property which are all very much appreciated. Thank you ... MOREThis was our first experience with Kiwi House Sitters and the ease of using the website and finding sitters was very seamless. Graham and Jenny are a lovely couple who took great care of our 2 farm dogs and our home. We had regular updates from them when when we were away about the dogs and the weather which was very welcome. The house was immaculate on our return, our woodshed had been restocked along with other little jobs around the property which are all very much appreciated. Thank you very much.
JENNY (Okains Bay , Jun 2024 - 2 weeks 1 night)
Just amazing, everything perfect and gone way over and above every expectation we could ask for. Happy animals and birds and great to know all safe and sound while we were away. Thank you so much and look forward to next time.
VIV (Oxford , May 2024 - 1 week 2 nights)
Thank you Graham and Jen for looking after our animals and property .. I would thoroughly recommend you and would love to have you both back again another time.
BRIDGET (Ohoka , Feb 2024 - 5 nights)
Graham and Jen are amazing house sitters. After having them in our house for 3 and a bit weeks I certainly agree with all the other reviews and now know why they are such in demand house sitters. It was such a relief for us to know that our pets (dog and an elderly cat), sheep and house were being taken care of while we were overseas. Our house was incredibly clean and tidy to return to. Most importantly our pets were happy and very well looked after. Our dog was taken for a daily walk and ... MOREGraham and Jen are amazing house sitters. After having them in our house for 3 and a bit weeks I certainly agree with all the other reviews and now know why they are such in demand house sitters. It was such a relief for us to know that our pets (dog and an elderly cat), sheep and house were being taken care of while we were overseas. Our house was incredibly clean and tidy to return to. Most importantly our pets were happy and very well looked after. Our dog was taken for a daily walk and enjoyed having people around to keep him company. We appreciated the updates on what was happening and how our pets were when we were away. We would certainly be asking if Graham and Jen were free if we go away again anytime soon.
TANYA (Rangiora South Island, Sep 2023 - 3 weeks)
Graham and Jenny did a fantastic job of looking after the animals on our lifestyle block. They managed to cope with adjusting and changing coats on our three dairy goats. A feat that even we find challenging at times. My elderly, demanding cat who has to have medication immediately accepted them and behaved reasonably well. Jenny and Graham are competent rural house sitters with considerable experience and a calm, confident manner in dealing with the demands of a rural situation. They visited ... MOREGraham and Jenny did a fantastic job of looking after the animals on our lifestyle block. They managed to cope with adjusting and changing coats on our three dairy goats. A feat that even we find challenging at times. My elderly, demanding cat who has to have medication immediately accepted them and behaved reasonably well. Jenny and Graham are competent rural house sitters with considerable experience and a calm, confident manner in dealing with the demands of a rural situation. They visited us twice to meet us and find out about the animals, which we thought was amazing. They are excellent communicators sending information and pictures regularly to reassure us. The house was immaculate when I came home, fire going, wood in, washing done and a lovely note left. We can’t thank them enough.
HELENE (Darfield , Jun 2023 - 5 days)
Absolutely awesome, Graham and Jen were great, they looked after our small farm, dogs, cat, horse, chickens and cattle, nothing was a problem, Coming home to a tidy yard and a full wood pile was more than we expected and definitely appreciated. Great communication throughout and the house was sparkling when we returned. We will definitely be booking them in again.
SARAH (West Melton , Apr 2023 - 5 days)
This was our first time using Housesitters so we weren't sure what to expect, however we were so spoilt having Graham and Jenny here that we immediately asked for their diary to see when we could book them next! They communicated brilliantly before and during their stay so we felt very relaxed that the property was in very good hands. All stockwork done with a considered 'eye' and rather spoilt Labrador thoroughly indulged. Work dogs happy and chooks made comfortable with new straw laid. My ... MOREThis was our first time using Housesitters so we weren't sure what to expect, however we were so spoilt having Graham and Jenny here that we immediately asked for their diary to see when we could book them next! They communicated brilliantly before and during their stay so we felt very relaxed that the property was in very good hands. All stockwork done with a considered 'eye' and rather spoilt Labrador thoroughly indulged. Work dogs happy and chooks made comfortable with new straw laid. My house was sparkling on arrival home - not an easy task with the wet weather, they had dirty dog paws and firewood added to the mix! If you are lucky enough to book Graham and Jenny you will be very fortunate indeed. Thank you both so much, we hope to see you again in North Canterbury.
SUE & ALASTAIR (Hawarden , Mar 2023 - 1 week)
I cannot recommend Graham and Jen highly enough !!
We returned to an exceptionally clean and tidy house, and the animals were very well cared for. They did a lot of extras for us which was very much appreciated.
Thank you both and we would love to have you back!
HILARY (Amberley South Island, Dec 2022 - 1 week)
Graham & Jenny are the best housesitters ever. When we come back to happy animals, an immaculate and very clean house, and all those jobs completed that I just dont seem to have the time to get to, it finishes a great holiday break perfectly They are very good caring of the horses, our border collie, Jessie the cat and the hens. Thank you so much, Graham & Jenny you are two of lifes diamonds
MAREE & NEIL (Brighton Dunedin , Dec 2022 - 1 week - 1 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
I felt very lucky to get Jen and Graham to come and look after my place. There was a bit if work involved in looking after my stock which they did a great job of in terrible weather conditions. My pets were also well cared for. It was lovely to come home to a spotless house and some repairs done as well! I would highly recommend them as farm sitters.
LORETTA (Dromore , Jul 2022 - 2 weeks)
Jenny and Graham were so accommodating, and not only did they do a wonderful job of looking after my dog Missy, they also kept the house immaculate. They had set the fire and filled up the wood bins for our arrival home. They are wonderful and would not hesitate recommending them.
DEBBIE (Swannanoa , Jul 2022 - 5 days)
Graham & Jenny were WONDERFUL sitters. They were so easy to communicate with. The horses were fed and checked on with updates (Graham even caught the uncatchable one!) Jenny left the house so much cleaner than she found it. What a treat to come home, tired with a mess to unpack, and find Jenny had cleaned everything and there was plenty of areas well overdue for that. They had sorted out garden mess, watered and stacked wood.
We had a problem with a padlock that Graham sorted out.
I can't ... MOREGraham & Jenny were WONDERFUL sitters. They were so easy to communicate with. The horses were fed and checked on with updates (Graham even caught the uncatchable one!) Jenny left the house so much cleaner than she found it. What a treat to come home, tired with a mess to unpack, and find Jenny had cleaned everything and there was plenty of areas well overdue for that. They had sorted out garden mess, watered and stacked wood.
We had a problem with a padlock that Graham sorted out.
I can't wait to have them back and highly recommend them.
SUSANNA (Kimbell, , Apr 2022 - 1 week)
Graham and Jenny were outstanding with our arrangement. Georgie (dog) seemed ""happy as Larry" taking him walks and rides in the car, Communication was amazing. Our home was spotless on return. Washing done and everything replaced as was. I'd recommend them as cleaners anytime! I would also recommend them to anyone needing a house sitter A+++ Thank you for your time at our home. We will welcome you any time again.
JOCELYN (Geraldine , Apr 2022 - 6 days)
Graham and Jen were the best housesitters. They visited us before the house sit which was great to meet them beforehand. We went away on holiday knowing that our house and animals were in save hands. They sorted out a water peoblem that we had and kept all our animals and plants well fed and watered. The house was immaculate and much cleaner than when we left!! We would highly recommend Jen and Graham and hope they come back to house sit again.
RACHEL (Loburn Rangiora South Island, Jan 2022 - 2 weeks)
Graham and Jen are incredible house sitters. This is the second time they have sat for me. Excellent communication via texts while I was away letting me know that all was going well. I came home to a spotless home and tidy lawns, My animals were well cared for and happy. They won over my cats and had them sleeping on the bed. They did so much more than I asked and had cleaned my sheds and chicken coop. They made some useful and practical improvements to my coop which I'm still discovering. I ... MOREGraham and Jen are incredible house sitters. This is the second time they have sat for me. Excellent communication via texts while I was away letting me know that all was going well. I came home to a spotless home and tidy lawns, My animals were well cared for and happy. They won over my cats and had them sleeping on the bed. They did so much more than I asked and had cleaned my sheds and chicken coop. They made some useful and practical improvements to my coop which I'm still discovering. I highly recommend graham and Jen. I hope to book them again sometime if they can fit me in. Thank you again guys, I really appreciate all that you have done for me :)
MICHAELA (Govenors Bay , Dec 2021 - 6 days - 1 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
If you are fortunate enough to have Graham and Jennifer house sit for you, then you have found gold! They are fantastic house sitters and pet minders, going above and beyond while they stay at your home. My wee house has never looked so sparkling clean, the garage was tidier than ever and my two dogs were settled and happy. The dogs were leaked for daily walks and enjoyed being spoiled by these wonderful people. If you ever need a couple of angels, look for Graham and Jennifer!
I'd welcome ... MOREIf you are fortunate enough to have Graham and Jennifer house sit for you, then you have found gold! They are fantastic house sitters and pet minders, going above and beyond while they stay at your home. My wee house has never looked so sparkling clean, the garage was tidier than ever and my two dogs were settled and happy. The dogs were leaked for daily walks and enjoyed being spoiled by these wonderful people. If you ever need a couple of angels, look for Graham and Jennifer!
I'd welcome them back at any time.
ALISON (Hapuku South Island, Jul 2021 - 4 days)
I felt at ease with Jenny and Graham the day we met. Totally comfortable leaving my home and animals in their care. Came home to a lovely clean and tidy home and happy animals. They had filled the wood baskets, put the horse hay on the little truck and prepared the animals night feeds. Have already asked if they would come again. Wonderful caring people.
YOLANDE (Swannanoa , Jul 2021 - 1 week)
We would highly recommend Graham and Jenny. We meet them and felt confident that we had nothing to worry about. And the fur babies agreed as they didn't get them to hard of a time.
TRISH (Twizel South Island, Jun 2021 - 1 week)
Graham and Jen were fabulous house sitters. The house was immaculate when I returned. My young pup was well cared for and exercised. They let me know how she was doing every day, which put my mind at ease. I take care of 10 acres of trap lines which they took care of each day, sending me catches so I could record them. They did work in the yard as well, which was greatly appreciated. I was so pleased that I will make an effort to plan my next vacation for a time when they are available to come ... MOREGraham and Jen were fabulous house sitters. The house was immaculate when I returned. My young pup was well cared for and exercised. They let me know how she was doing every day, which put my mind at ease. I take care of 10 acres of trap lines which they took care of each day, sending me catches so I could record them. They did work in the yard as well, which was greatly appreciated. I was so pleased that I will make an effort to plan my next vacation for a time when they are available to come again!
LINDA (387 Kina Beach , Jun 2021 - 1 week 3 days)
Graham and Jenny are amazing house sitters. They have a lovely way about them and I felt very comfortable leaving them to look after my home and animals. One of my cats is a bit shy but with their gentle approach had him sleeping on the bed with them. It was so lovely coming home to happy animals and a house cleaner than how I left it. They went way beyond what I had asked of them. They tidied my car port and very kindly stacked my pile of fire wood and fixed my vacuum cleaner. I'm hoping to ... MOREGraham and Jenny are amazing house sitters. They have a lovely way about them and I felt very comfortable leaving them to look after my home and animals. One of my cats is a bit shy but with their gentle approach had him sleeping on the bed with them. It was so lovely coming home to happy animals and a house cleaner than how I left it. They went way beyond what I had asked of them. They tidied my car port and very kindly stacked my pile of fire wood and fixed my vacuum cleaner. I'm hoping to book them again sometime.
MICHAELA (allandale , Jun 2021 - 2 days - 2 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Thanks very much Graham&Jen.
It was lovely coming back to a very clean house with happy dogs and cattle.
And all the other work you have done around the place.
We are very happy to have you back again.
It's very nice to go away and not to have to worry if the animals and the place are alright.
JOHN&KAI (Ashburton , May 2021 - 2 weeks)
Fabulous sitters. Our house and garden were immaculate on our return. The pets were looked after really well and Graham mowed the lawns and Jenny did gardening. Communication was great with plenty of updates and a phone call when necessary. No hesitation in recommending them to anyone, we will certainly get them back.
MARGIE (Port Levy South Island, Dec 2020 - 1 week)
Outstanding housesitters - we have already booked them for next year. A dream come true for animal lovers and the house was very clean and tidy, Just cant so enough about them.
Merry Christmas
Ron and Beryl
RONALD CRAIG (Rolleston , Oct 2020 - 1 week 2 days)
"House sitters extraordinaries " I can't recommend this couple enough - updates sent to me of my fur babies and communication amazing. House in tip top shape and cleaner than I left it !! - Thank you both for adding to a a stress free holiday knowing our animals and home were in great hands.. :)
TINA & NIGEL (Fernside South Island, Oct 2020 - 1 week)
I can't thank these guys enough for what they did. Amazing. They did so much more than a house sitter.
Cleaned and tidied the house and other areas. and they are both just lovely Caring people. Kept in communication with us. Dogs were spoilt and it was so wonderful to have responsible caring people look after the property.
JACQUI (Rolleston South Island, Sep 2020 - 12 days)
Wow wonderful people. Great communication leading up to the holiday and updates throughout that our fur babies were safe and happy.
Jen even beavered her way around the grounds pruning. Graham had a accumulated wood at the back door for us to save us getting wet.
Would have them back at a drop of a hat.
Thank you so much Jen and Graham
ANITA & SHANNON (R.D.8 South Island, Jun 2020 - 5 days)
Graham & Jenny were just first class, from the first time they visited and they hit it off with our pets we just knew things would be in safe hands whilst we were away in the UK for our sons wedding.
They didn't hesitate when I asked if they were happy to feed calves and look after the sheep. I got them onto snapchat and they kept us up to date with what was happening whilst we were away, which was quite reassuring to see all was well. They coped with a couple of snow flurries and some early ... MOREGraham & Jenny were just first class, from the first time they visited and they hit it off with our pets we just knew things would be in safe hands whilst we were away in the UK for our sons wedding.
They didn't hesitate when I asked if they were happy to feed calves and look after the sheep. I got them onto snapchat and they kept us up to date with what was happening whilst we were away, which was quite reassuring to see all was well. They coped with a couple of snow flurries and some early lambs.
Great welcome home with the fire roaring, the house clean and tidy, the grass mown and all the animals happy.
I can't recommend Graham and Jenny enough, hope they are available next time I need to go away. Thanks again.
GARY (Staveley South Island, Sep 2019 - 3 weeks)
Excellent property sitters
We would recommend them but we think we should keep them secret so they are not booked up when we need them next haha
CHRISTINE (Loburn South Island, Sep 2019 - 6 days)
AAA+ Meeting Graham & Jenny the night before we went on holiday, we knew we could go away on holiday with no worries. The house was kept very clean, the animals all relaxed and happy when we returned. With 1 very busy border collie, a cat 3 horses & 6 sheep to care for they handled it all very well. Arrived home to a lovely meal waiting for us just finished the holiday perfectly. Wouldn't hesitate to have Graham & Jenny back again. Highly recommend them
MAREE & NEIL (Brighton Dunedin South Island, Aug 2019 - 2 weeks 3 days - 2 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Graham and Jenny were extremely attentive to all our pets ( of which there are many), left our home spotless, and took initiative with any problems they had to solve with the animals. An absolute pleasure to have housesit and we look forward to their return
LEONIE (Fairlie South Island, Jul 2019 - 3 weeks)
Graham and Jenny were the most fantastic house sitters. It was so nice to get updates on my dog each day. They kept our home spotless and animals all happy. Will definitely have them to house sit again
JUDITH AND DOUG (Cheviot South Island, Apr 2019 - 3 days and nights)
Graham and Jenny are awesome! It was our first time getting in complete strangers to look after our home and animals so I was a little hesitant at first, but Graham and Jenny are really lovely and took great care of all our pets. They even did more than they should have as I've noticed that they raked the garden paths and even washed a load of work clothes that I didn't have time to do! I can definitely recommend Graham and Jenny to look after your place as they do a great job and if we ever ... MOREGraham and Jenny are awesome! It was our first time getting in complete strangers to look after our home and animals so I was a little hesitant at first, but Graham and Jenny are really lovely and took great care of all our pets. They even did more than they should have as I've noticed that they raked the garden paths and even washed a load of work clothes that I didn't have time to do! I can definitely recommend Graham and Jenny to look after your place as they do a great job and if we ever get away again I'll certainly be in touch with them. Many thanks.
JENNIE (Oamaru South Island, Apr 2019 - 1 week 1 day)
Wow what can we say!! Graham and Jenny have been so amazing looking after our farm and animals... Even delivered puppies!! Brilliant to deal with and easy going! We felt really comfortable leaving home with them at the helm! Our house was sparkling when we got home. They are 5 star farm sitters... We have booked them again already!!
Can't thank them enough for all they did!
LIZ (Tasman , Jan 2019)
It was such a pleasure having Graham & Jenny house sit for me. I got home & the place looked immaculate and I'm not sure the dogs even missed me because they had such a good time. I would highly recommend this lovely couple and I hope they come and sit for me again.
LIZ (Fairlie South Island, Jan 2019 - 1 week 2 days)
Graham & Jenny have stayed with us twice now and are very reliable. There was a no hassle approach with anything we asked. They understand the runnings of a home and kept it neat as a pin when we returned. Often they would send a text to update us on my dogs, which was really appreciated. (even took a dog to the vet, when it needed attention). We would have no problem recommending them to anyone considering a homesit. Thanks a million Jen & Graham.
CAROLINE (Yaldhurst South Island, Dec 2018 - 1 week 4 days)
Green garden!
Make sure the garden and pot plants are thriving when you get back - get a house sitter.
Couple
Thank you so much for looking after our house and animals while we were away. We were absolutely blown away by everything you had done—it was such a wonderful surprise to come home to! Knowing that all the jobs were taken care of means I can head into Christmas without that extra workload, and I truly appreciate it.
Mila loved her daily walks, and it’s clear that the dog, cat, sheep, house, and gardens were all looked after with such care and attention. We are so grateful for everything ... MORE
