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Annette & Charles

Croccies - conscientious carers

Picture of House Sitter, House Minder and Pet Sitter at Kiwi House Sitters, New Zealand. User Croccies - conscientious carers
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About us

groupCouple

65+, Retired Nurse

65+, Retired/self employed

Experienced, mature, reliable, conscientious carers for your home and animals.

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favoriteWhy we love house sitting

We enjoy exploring our beautiful country and house-sitting enables us to have the luxury of spending time in an area as well as meeting homeowners and their pets.
We love to visit our grandchildren and friends, and find house-sitting close by perfect to do this.

Practical, mature, couple of retired Kiwis.
We have experience house-sitting in NZ and Australia, having spent a year in Australia house-sitting 2017-2018, a further 3 months in 2022, and again in 2024 and 2025.
We own a small lifestyle block in the Tararua District and have a Shih Tzu-poodle called Buddy. We have used house-sitters when we go away so appreciate your apprehensions.
Charles has retired from careers in teaching and retail sales, and now has a small on-line business. Annette is ... Read morePractical, mature, couple of retired Kiwis.
We have experience house-sitting in NZ and Australia, having spent a year in Australia house-sitting 2017-2018, a further 3 months in 2022, and again in 2024 and 2025.
We own a small lifestyle block in the Tararua District and have a Shih Tzu-poodle called Buddy. We have used house-sitters when we go away so appreciate your apprehensions.
Charles has retired from careers in teaching and retail sales, and now has a small on-line business. Annette is enjoying being retired from nursing.
We are non-smokers, enjoy an occasional wine in the evening, are reliable, clean & tidy living. We are conscientious and will care for your property and animals as if they are our own. While we love and enjoy pets in the home, cleanliness is important to us.
We will take dogs on walks and excursions as they like. We try to maintain your pets' usual routines and lessen their anxiety with you being away.
We will respect your privacy and not have anyone else in your home, without your prior permission.
We have our own vehicle, and may have our caravan with us, if there is room to park it.
We will have Buddy, our well-behaved Shih Tzu-poodle, with us. He is used to other animals, is quiet and gentle, and socialises well.
We enjoy caring for and having the companionship of animals, and have owned and worked lifestyle farms most of our lives. Over the years we have had a cat, two chocolate Labradors, a pony, a miniature horse, pigs, goats, white rabbits, hens, budgies, cattle and sheep.
We are happy to do light gardening, lawns, light property maintenance and security. We have also enjoyed hosting guests in our Bed and Breakfast.
After many busy years of raising families, full-time careers, and lifestyle farming, we're ready for new adventures.
We have family near Whangarei so house-sits in that area are of special interest, enabling us to be independent but visit with them.
We are currently planning to be away from home for a year or so from July 2026, traveling and exploring more of Northland to begin with, then wherever we find house sits that appeal.
We have many references and endorsements, and police checks available.
Personal contact details can be provided on request.
Thank you for reading our profile and reviews.
We hope to hear from you.
Charles and Annette (& Buddy)

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Pet care

We have many years of caring for a variety of pets and domestic animals. We have owned lifestyle blocks for many years, and have cared for other peoples pets and livestock while house sitting over the years.
Please see our full profile which describes our extensive pet sitting experience.

petsWilling to care for these pets

DogsDogs
CatsCats
FishFish
BirdsBirds
Rabbits/Guinea PigsRabbits/Guinea Pigs
Chickens/Ducks/GeeseChickens/Ducks/Geese
Farm AnimalsFarm Animals
HorsesHorses
ReptilesReptiles

agricultureFarm experience

Annette grew up on a dairy farm. Charles grew up on a commercial chicken farm.
We have owned several lifestyle properties with sheep, cattle, pony, horse, pigs, hens. We farmed rabbits and chickens at one time. We are able to drive small farm machinery only, able to move and feed a few stock. ... Read moreAnnette grew up on a dairy farm. Charles grew up on a commercial chicken farm.
We have owned several lifestyle properties with sheep, cattle, pony, horse, pigs, hens. We farmed rabbits and chickens at one time. We are able to drive small farm machinery only, able to move and feed a few stock. Not farmers but country people with common sense.

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Trust

Platinum member36 months+
reviews5 star reviews
diagnosisReferences

diagnosisAbout our references

We have many positive references available from house sitting in NZ and Australia. Some are ... Read moreWe have many positive references available from house sitting in NZ and Australia. Some are attached to this profile, others we can supply privately, as well as referees.

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Availability

eventNext 12 months

Aug
Sep
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eventCurrent bookings

2026: 14 Jul - 23 Aug | 29 Aug - 29 Sep | 3-25 Oct | 25 Oct - 23 Nov | 21 Dec - 5 Jan 2027

chairOn a house-sit right now

Preferences

scheduleHouse sit duration

2 - 4 weeks, 1 - 2 months, 2 months +

where_to_votePreferred locations

North Island: Auckland (Great Barrier Island, Waiheke Island, Waitakere), Bay of Plenty, Northland, Taranaki, Waikato  

travelTravel plans

We prefer quiet locations. Remoteness is not a problem.
We like to be based somewhere and explore the local area on day trips. Care of your home and animals is the priority, but we like to be away some days, returning for the night.
We will have our caravan with us.

petsBring own pet

Reviews (19)

Annette and Charles were just brilliant. Everything went smoothly; they communicated really well, and I hope they come again. If you have the opportunity to book Annette and Charles, I'm 100% sure you would be very pleased with the level of care and service they offer. Thank you.
Thank you Ali!
From Aussie House Sitters
Firstly, what a pleasure it was to meet and share an evening with Annette and Charles before we left on our holiday. They are a warm, easygoing couple with a friendly manner and a genuine interest and appreciation for loved pets and exploring new regions. Our little dog greeted them like long lost friends. I knew instantly that she would be loved and cared for while we were gone. We were away for a month and during that time, Annette kept us informed of their excursions (most including ... MoreFirstly, what a pleasure it was to meet and share an evening with Annette and Charles before we left on our holiday. They are a warm, easygoing couple with a friendly manner and a genuine interest and appreciation for loved pets and exploring new regions. Our little dog greeted them like long lost friends. I knew instantly that she would be loved and cared for while we were gone. We were away for a month and during that time, Annette kept us informed of their excursions (most including Judy) and shared photos showing one very happy puppy! Upon arrival home, it was obvious that both Judy and our home were well cared for in our absence. Everything looked in better shape than we had left it! We consider ourselves fortunate to have had such excellent sitters, ones we now consider friends.

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Thanks Margy for the kind comments. We have such lovely memories of meeting you three and our time in Wallagoot. Hope we'll meet again.
From Aussie House Sitters
It was lovely to meet Annette and Charles who house sat for us for one week. They took care of our dog who needed a daily walk and our cat while we were away. We returned to happy animals and a spotless house. Annette and Charles were the ideal housesitters and we would highly recommend them.
Thank you Marita. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Bentley and Liffy in your lovely home.
From Aussie House Sitters
What a wonderful couple we were lucky enough to have them Housesitters for us. We came home to a spotlessly clean home, a very spoilt little Roxi and a delicious meal waiting for us. They sent pictures of there stay showing a very happy puppy, I would have no hesitation in recommending them.
Thank you Sandra. Please give Roxi a cuddle from us both. Kind Regards, Charles & Annette
Annette and Charles did such a wonderful job looking after our property and our fur babies and feathered babies. They were challenged with the effects of the cyclone - no power and no water to the house, but were able to troubleshoot and manage in the most difficult of circumstances. Nothing seemed to worry them!! Ruby (Retriever) loved having Buddy to play with and was obviously happy and settled with her temporary caregivers, as was Bo (Siamese) - although he wasn’t too thrilled with ... MoreAnnette and Charles did such a wonderful job looking after our property and our fur babies and feathered babies. They were challenged with the effects of the cyclone - no power and no water to the house, but were able to troubleshoot and manage in the most difficult of circumstances. Nothing seemed to worry them!! Ruby (Retriever) loved having Buddy to play with and was obviously happy and settled with her temporary caregivers, as was Bo (Siamese) - although he wasn’t too thrilled with another dog running around!! Would love to have them back, and would totally recommend them as housesitters.

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Thank you Rose.
We felt very comfortable leaving our home with this lovely couple. Annette and Charles looked after our home,dog and fish for 2 weeks while we went to bali. We came home and everything was tidy and our Judy dog was very happy. Couldn't recommend them more. They even sent updates with cute photos of Judy.
Hi Angel. Thanks for the review. Kindest Regards, Charles & Annette.
From Aussie House Sitters
Annette and Charles are the perfect dog/ house sitters. They are a very level, caring and responsible couple. Bonnie seemed very pleased and they left the cottage exceptionally clean and tidy. They communicated as required…. keeping us informed of issues as needed.
Thanks Fiona. Best wishes.
From Aussie House Sitters
Annette and Charles are a wonderful couple who took so much care and kindness of our home and our Puppies. We would use them over and over again
Thanks for your review Ronen. Charles & I did enjoy our time at your lovely home and have good memories of your 'kids'. Annette.
From Aussie House Sitters
Annette and Charles stayed in my home and cared for my numerous animals, home and 5 acres for a week, as if they were their own. They were easy to Communicate with, my home was super clean and tidy with fresh flowers picked from my property and even some windows were cleaned. My animals were all cared for, my horses feet were cleaned daily and regular updates during their stay. Definitely recommend this couple for any kind of house sit large or small in the future. Thank you so much.
Thank Lee-Anne for your review. We have fond memories of our stay at your home with your animals. Thanks for briefly sharing it with us. Regards, C&A.
From Aussie House Sitters
Annette and Charles were everything we had hoped for and more. From the initial inquiry right through to completion communication was easy and we're able to negotiate outcomes for us . Annette kept in touch throughout the sit and updated me on my pets well-being. We returned home after Annette had departed and our home is just as welder it and a contented pet. Would recommend Annette and Charles to anyone considering them for a housesit.
From Aussie House Sitters
Annette and Charles did a great job caring for home and pets. I recommend them and wouldn't hesitate to have them sit again.
From Aussie House Sitters
I felt very comfortable with Annette & Charles in our home looking after our elderly fur babies, they sent updates and kept our home in perfect condition, we would gladly welcome them back for another stay and appreciate the little extras they did for us. Anyone who has the pleasure of Annette and Charles house sitting their home will be very happy. xxx
From Aussie House Sitters
Annette and Charles were the perfect house sitters. Our house was sparkling and our pets content. While caring for our home the weather was shocking and our fence blew over in the wind. Charles and Annette fixed it all and were very gracious about the whole thing. Telling us not to worry.Our home and pets were very safe in their capable hands.
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From Aussie House Sitters
Annette and Charles house sat for us for 12 days. The communications before the house sit and during the housesit was wonderful. The house was beautiful and clean and the lawns mowed. Our animals were well looked after and happy. I would highly recommend Annette and Charles to anyone. Just beautiful genuine people.
No rating
From Aussie House Sitters
Charles and Annette were excellent house sitters. They were calm and easy going with a no fuss attitude which was greatly appreciated. Our small dog Bobby was very happy when we arrived home and our house and gardens were left in an immaculate condition. Annette and Charles took Bobby for a walk each day and watered the garden when we had a dry spell. We arrived home to a cooked meal, milk and flowers on the bench. Thank you for taking wonderful care of our precious little companion animal and ... MoreCharles and Annette were excellent house sitters. They were calm and easy going with a no fuss attitude which was greatly appreciated. Our small dog Bobby was very happy when we arrived home and our house and gardens were left in an immaculate condition. Annette and Charles took Bobby for a walk each day and watered the garden when we had a dry spell. We arrived home to a cooked meal, milk and flowers on the bench. Thank you for taking wonderful care of our precious little companion animal and we highly recommend them as house sitters.

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No rating
From Aussie House Sitters
Annette and Charles are a lovely couple who did a great job looking after our property, home and animals. Our home was spotless top to bottom when we returned and a tasty dinner was cooked in the fridge. We really enjoyed their company and we felt totally at ease while we were away that our property was being cared for. This was our first time utilising "house sitters" and Annette and Charles certainly gave us confidence in the service. We have no hesitation in recommending them for future ... MoreAnnette and Charles are a lovely couple who did a great job looking after our property, home and animals. Our home was spotless top to bottom when we returned and a tasty dinner was cooked in the fridge. We really enjoyed their company and we felt totally at ease while we were away that our property was being cared for. This was our first time utilising "house sitters" and Annette and Charles certainly gave us confidence in the service. We have no hesitation in recommending them for future house sitting roles and we would happily have them return to our place.

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No rating
From Aussie House Sitters
Charles & Annette did a 2 week house sit for us while we were away on a cruise and having some time out from our busy lives. We had dinner with Charles & Annette before hand and we found them very lovely and they are just 2 wonderful people who enjoying house sitting. We left knowing the house and pets would be well looked after. They even came and picked us up from the airport on our arrival home and that was lovely.. The house was left in an immaculate condition with even the sheets washed ... MoreCharles & Annette did a 2 week house sit for us while we were away on a cruise and having some time out from our busy lives. We had dinner with Charles & Annette before hand and we found them very lovely and they are just 2 wonderful people who enjoying house sitting. We left knowing the house and pets would be well looked after. They even came and picked us up from the airport on our arrival home and that was lovely.. The house was left in an immaculate condition with even the sheets washed and bed remade. Also they provided us with dinner on our return so that was superb as we didnt have to think what we were going to do. Would definitely recommend Charles & Annette to anyone looking for house sitters. We would use them again. Thank You to you both x

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No rating
From Aussie House Sitters
Annette & Charles were the perfect housesitters. Our home, and pets were looked after perfectly. A lovely meal was waiting for us on our return and a beautiful clean house. I can't thank them enough.
No rating
From Aussie House Sitters
Annette & Charles exceeded my expectations of caring for our little hobby farm. My paddock animals (horses, chooks & ducks) we're fed, watered locked up & let out as lovingly as I'd hoped for.They sent me regular photos & updates whilst on my holiday. They also cared for my elderly Mum. She had a lovely dinner prepared for her & was very comfortable with them here. She felt very safe & secure in the knowledge they were staying here. Annette's Nursing experience wasn't needed but we all slept ... MoreAnnette & Charles exceeded my expectations of caring for our little hobby farm. My paddock animals (horses, chooks & ducks) we're fed, watered locked up & let out as lovingly as I'd hoped for.They sent me regular photos & updates whilst on my holiday. They also cared for my elderly Mum. She had a lovely dinner prepared for her & was very comfortable with them here. She felt very safe & secure in the knowledge they were staying here. Annette's Nursing experience wasn't needed but we all slept well knowing she could be called on if required. Our swimming pool & garden was beautifully maintained. Even our 4 (quite bi-polar!) inside cats were happy to have them stay. I'm delighted to recommend them & would love to have them back.

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Peace of Mind

Happy you!

With a house sitter looking after your pets, house and garden - you can really relax. Happy days.

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