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Brian & Gemma

Professional Full Time House Sitters

Picture of House Sitter, House Minder and Pet Sitter at Kiwi House Sitters, New Zealand. User Professional Full Time House Sitters
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About us

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36, Licensing Specialist - Remote

37, Payroll Administrator - Remote

Hi!

We're now into our fifth year as full time house sitters as we absolutely love animals and exploring communities all over NZ. It's a big part of our lives so you can be assured we take your trust in us to look after your home and pets seriously. You'll be getting a professional level service with a reliable and personable approach. We've even launched our own website, Bestish Life, to help encourage new house sitters to explore NZ.

We're very experienced, have great reviews and ... Read moreHi!

We're now into our fifth year as full time house sitters as we absolutely love animals and exploring communities all over NZ. It's a big part of our lives so you can be assured we take your trust in us to look after your home and pets seriously. You'll be getting a professional level service with a reliable and personable approach. We've even launched our own website, Bestish Life, to help encourage new house sitters to explore NZ.

We're very experienced, have great reviews and police checks are available upon request, so you can be confident that you're in good hands. Our goal is to give you absolute peace of mind while on holiday.

We're extremely well organised, tidy, honest, reliable and caring. You can expect to return to your home as clean as you left it (although we try for cleaner! haha) and with very happy pets. We've never pulled out of a sit as the last thing we'd want is for you to have an issue before you go on holiday. Many of our homeowners go on holiday regularly so we've been lucky enough to house sit for them on multiple occasions every year.

We've looked after various property types before, anything from bungalows, multi-story homes with gardens and pools, a secluded colonial era bed and breakfast amongst native bush and kiwis, all the way to rural lifestyle blocks with farm animals and living partially off grid. Our main speciality has been large lifestyle blocks as we love the peace and quiet of the countryside and access to exploring nature. We use eco-conscious products for using off-grid/septic systems.

We've house sat for various time periods up to 6 months and will only consider house sits of 3 weeks or more. We're total cat people, having owned and fostered cats our whole lives. We've also looked after a wide variety such as rabbits, chickens, goats, alpacas, sheep, cows and tortoises. We won't be considering sits with dogs.

Experienced in garden and lawn care, spa and pool maintenance, rain and bore water tank system monitoring and pest control. As previous homeowners, we have enough common sense to know when to tackle any maintenance issues that arise and when to request advice. We're also happy to discuss a turnover service if you operate an active AirBnB on your property.

We simply require an unlimited internet connection as we work remotely and off street parking for our car. As non-smokers we're not interested in any sits where you normally smoke or vape indoors.

We can also be found on Facebook & Insta @bestishlife for a light hearted glimpse into our travels and lifestyle :)

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Pet care

petsWilling to care for these pets

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

Trust

Platinum member36 months+
reviews5 star reviews
demographyCR check
diagnosisReferences

Availability

eventNext 12 months

Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul

eventCurrent bookings

2026: 2 Aug - 4 Sep | 4 Sep - 4 Oct | 4-18 Oct | 18-28 Oct | 28 Oct - 2 Dec | 2-9 Dec | 9 Dec - 20 Jan 2027 | 2027: 27 Mar - 5 May | 5 Jun - 28 Aug

chairOn a house-sit right now

Preferences

scheduleHouse sit duration

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

where_to_votePreferred locations

Anywhere in New Zealand

Reviews (22)

Brian and Gemma are next level! They take the role very seriously and are so thorough in their approach - from initial communication right through to our arrival home. They loved our cats - and our cats loved them! The house was immaculate when we got home and Gemma had left really useful notes for us. While we were away they caught a possum which was up in the roof and disposed of it. Thank you!!! There was a bit of a problem with the irrigation, and they got in touch and using FaceTime ... MoreBrian and Gemma are next level! They take the role very seriously and are so thorough in their approach - from initial communication right through to our arrival home. They loved our cats - and our cats loved them! The house was immaculate when we got home and Gemma had left really useful notes for us. While we were away they caught a possum which was up in the roof and disposed of it. Thank you!!! There was a bit of a problem with the irrigation, and they got in touch and using FaceTime managed to fix it. Our tunnel house with lots of tomato plants was really well looked after & consequently we have a huge crop to look forward to. Brian and Gemma are very professional and they cover every base so that they, and the house owner have the best experience. A thoughtful, outstanding couple.

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Brian and Gemma are the best sitters we have had and we have had some good ones. The house was left immaculate and the rest of the property was in great condition too. Margaret has really high standards regarding cleaning etc and she was full of praise for them. Windows were even cleaned inside and out. Wilbur the cat seemed to enjoy their company and appears to be fatter than normal! We would have Brian and Gemma back anytime.
Brian and Gemma were a delight house sitting and caring for our tortoiseshell cat, Flicka. Tops in their care for the house. They even washed our windows inside and out. The house was in prime condition on our return. They drove our cars around the block, looked after the house plants and most importantly established a great relationship with Flicka who seemed totally unconcerned about our return (which is unusual). Their weekly updates included photos of Flicka and they communicated any other ... MoreBrian and Gemma were a delight house sitting and caring for our tortoiseshell cat, Flicka. Tops in their care for the house. They even washed our windows inside and out. The house was in prime condition on our return. They drove our cars around the block, looked after the house plants and most importantly established a great relationship with Flicka who seemed totally unconcerned about our return (which is unusual). Their weekly updates included photos of Flicka and they communicated any other information they considered we might need- which was very helpful. We have booked them for a further house sit in the middle of the year and hopefully at the end of the year and will be recommending them to friends and neighbours. We can't imagine anyone better than these two professionals.

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Brian and Gemma were great. They were very organised, with a pre-stay meeting and lots of communication throughout the stay. They made every effort to help our cat with her fussy eating habits and make her feel comfortable with them. They mowed the lawns for us and left the house clean and tidy. We would be very happy to have them sit for us again.
Brian and Gemma did a great job looking after our two cats. Couldn't ask for more. The cats were in great condition on our return. We had regular contact and photos of the "babies" to reassure us. Thank you for mowing the lawns and tending to the vege garden during some unseasonally hot weather. Clearly very experienced and organized house sitters. Great job and thank you. Certainly very happy to work with you again.
Brian and Gemma were exceptional house sitters. They took great care of our home, the cows, and our cat Izzy. We came home to a spotless house and a very tidy garden, Gemma even went the extra mile and weed-whacked the edges. They also looked after the robot mower and kept it running smoothly. A few things came up while we were away, including a fairly major water leak, but Brian and Gemma handled everything calmly and took initiative to get issues sorted without us having to worry. ... MoreBrian and Gemma were exceptional house sitters. They took great care of our home, the cows, and our cat Izzy. We came home to a spotless house and a very tidy garden, Gemma even went the extra mile and weed-whacked the edges. They also looked after the robot mower and kept it running smoothly. A few things came up while we were away, including a fairly major water leak, but Brian and Gemma handled everything calmly and took initiative to get issues sorted without us having to worry. Communication was excellent throughout, with Gemma sending us little updates and photos of what our daughter’s toys had been “up to”, which was incredibly sweet and always made us smile. We felt completely comfortable leaving our place in their care and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

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We were very happy with the care of our place and pets by Gemma and Brian. They were both responsible, capable and good carers who kept us informed how things were during our time away so we could enjoy our holidays without a worry. They sent photos and obliged wherever they could. Our cats loved them and were sorry to see them go! We would happily have them house and pet sit again for us.
Thank you for the kind review but we don't feel that being marked down on the garden care is fair given the context of what was requested of us. The ad stated this would be 'minimal'. The initial in person meeting request was only to do the lawns and watering and not to worry about the rest. ... MoreThank you for the kind review but we don't feel that being marked down on the garden care is fair given the context of what was requested of us. The ad stated this would be 'minimal'. The initial in person meeting request was only to do the lawns and watering and not to worry about the rest. The list of instructions increased in the written handover and then again at the final handover meeting. We still happily kept up with everything requested - the mowing, weeding of particular areas, ensured all plants were regularly watered, and did the rotation of the amaryllis including labelling and staking them. We also went out of our way to do some extra bits of weeding - From our perspective we did everything that was asked of us and more.

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This was our first time using Kiwi House Sitters and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Brian and Gemma were amazing. We came home to one extremely happy dog and an immaculate house. Even had a few pics sent through of our dog having the best time which was really cool. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Brian and Gemma to anyone looking for reliable and friendly house sitters. Thanks so much!
Brian and Gemma are highly experienced house sitters, with a very professional approach. They took excellent care of my home and cat, leaving everything clean and tidy. They also capably dealt with unexpected and simultaneously occuring situations involving a faulty toilet, injured gardener (with Brian administering first aid) and a vomiting cat! They were responsive to communications. Highly recommended - your home is in safe hands with these guys.
We had such a wonderful holiday because of Brian and Gemma. They took such good care of our home and loved our two kitties like they were their own. We wish Brian and Gemma could be our own personal house sitters forever but they are in such high demand as their reputation just keeps on growing. The communication we had with them while we were away was really appreciated, especially the photos and little stories about the kitties. It was also so lovely to be invited onto their Facebook page ... MoreWe had such a wonderful holiday because of Brian and Gemma. They took such good care of our home and loved our two kitties like they were their own. We wish Brian and Gemma could be our own personal house sitters forever but they are in such high demand as their reputation just keeps on growing. The communication we had with them while we were away was really appreciated, especially the photos and little stories about the kitties. It was also so lovely to be invited onto their Facebook page and see them enjoying the area where our home is situated as much as we do. Thankyou both so very much, and we hope to be able to use your services again in the future. Lesley and John. Tauranga.

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Excellent housesitters - very organised with great communication. House was clean and tidy with happy animals. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for housesitters 👍🏻
Brian and Gemma were lovely and professional from initial contact through to the house sit end. They took amazing care of my cat George (whom I'm pretty sure misses them!) and it was lovely to come home to a relaxed and happy cat. The house was lovely and tidy and well looked after. I would happily have Brian and Gemma back again thats for sure and would highly recommend them to anyone else considering them. They are professional, caring and keep in touch with updates and pictures. Thanks so ... MoreBrian and Gemma were lovely and professional from initial contact through to the house sit end. They took amazing care of my cat George (whom I'm pretty sure misses them!) and it was lovely to come home to a relaxed and happy cat. The house was lovely and tidy and well looked after. I would happily have Brian and Gemma back again thats for sure and would highly recommend them to anyone else considering them. They are professional, caring and keep in touch with updates and pictures. Thanks so much for ensuring my time away was not spent worrying about the house or my cat :)

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Brian and Gemma were the perfect house sitters and lovely people. The house was spotless on our return, and they went above and beyond what we expected of them. Their previous experience at house sitting was very evident. They had to deal with a number of house problems that became apparent, and they communicated exceptionally well with us. They were willing to contact our preferred contractors to deal with the issues. They formed very close relationships with our 3 cats - who were looked ... MoreBrian and Gemma were the perfect house sitters and lovely people. The house was spotless on our return, and they went above and beyond what we expected of them. Their previous experience at house sitting was very evident. They had to deal with a number of house problems that became apparent, and they communicated exceptionally well with us. They were willing to contact our preferred contractors to deal with the issues. They formed very close relationships with our 3 cats - who were looked after incredibly well. This was also made evident by the cat’s not being that thrilled about our return after the 5 weeks I would be very happy to have them look after our place again should the need arise, and strongly recommend them to anyone else.

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Brian and Gemma exceeded all our expectations as housesitters. They were excellent with their communication both before and while we were away, sending updates and photos of our 2 cats and garden. The house was spotless upon our return, and garden looked great also. You can tell they take great pride in their work as housesitters - they were true professionals. I cannot recommend them highly enough!! We wish them all the best in their house sitting journey for 2024, and hope to see them again ... MoreBrian and Gemma exceeded all our expectations as housesitters. They were excellent with their communication both before and while we were away, sending updates and photos of our 2 cats and garden. The house was spotless upon our return, and garden looked great also. You can tell they take great pride in their work as housesitters - they were true professionals. I cannot recommend them highly enough!! We wish them all the best in their house sitting journey for 2024, and hope to see them again in the future.

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Gemma and Brian were great. We were away for 5 weeks and we’re not concerned about our cat at all. Communication was very clear and concise and we knew exactly what we were getting. The fact that they both worked from home was a plus because it meant the cat was never without someone in the house. We got regular updates while we were away and they left the house in great condition. They cat was totally chilled when we got home so he was obviously well looked after. I would have no hesitation in ... MoreGemma and Brian were great. We were away for 5 weeks and we’re not concerned about our cat at all. Communication was very clear and concise and we knew exactly what we were getting. The fact that they both worked from home was a plus because it meant the cat was never without someone in the house. We got regular updates while we were away and they left the house in great condition. They cat was totally chilled when we got home so he was obviously well looked after. I would have no hesitation in using Gemma and Brian again

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Brian and Gemma are fantastic housesitters. They cared for our home and pets exceptionally. They communicated really well and we won't hesitate to have them back in the future. We recommend them. They gave us total peace of mind to be away from our home.
What a wonderful couple. we were new to house sitting but Brian & Gemma were the perfect couple to leave our house with. They kept us well informed about their expectations before and during their stay and communicated with through out the stay. The hose was in pristine condition when we got back and the gardens and vegetable patch were watered and kept very tidy. We had a great first experience and will do it again and would have no hesitation in having Brian & Gemma back or recommending ... MoreWhat a wonderful couple. we were new to house sitting but Brian & Gemma were the perfect couple to leave our house with. They kept us well informed about their expectations before and during their stay and communicated with through out the stay. The hose was in pristine condition when we got back and the gardens and vegetable patch were watered and kept very tidy. We had a great first experience and will do it again and would have no hesitation in having Brian & Gemma back or recommending them in the future. A really great couple. Thanks from the Cats( and Holly!)

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Brian and Gemma were very reliable in their communication. They made sure that we all had clear expectations of the house sitting and they were very organised in the lead-up. Their care for our house and animals during our absence confirmed that very positive impression and it was a relief knowing that we did not have to worry about anything. Their communication was clear and to the point. We appreciated that they took initiative for several issues and it was obvious that the house and animals ... MoreBrian and Gemma were very reliable in their communication. They made sure that we all had clear expectations of the house sitting and they were very organised in the lead-up. Their care for our house and animals during our absence confirmed that very positive impression and it was a relief knowing that we did not have to worry about anything. Their communication was clear and to the point. We appreciated that they took initiative for several issues and it was obvious that the house and animals were in good hands. Our cat was very content with their care and it was also lovely to come back to a veggie garden that was not only maintained but also stocked with new seedlings. All in all, Brian and Gemma made the house sitting a great experience for us and we would love to have them returning

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We returned home from a month in UK visiting family to find our home had been very well looked after by Brian and Gemma. Our cat was obviously very comfortable with them and well loved. Our property is quite large and they made a good job of maintaining it while we were away, doing weeding, grass cutting and some work on our grapevines so all the new growth was kept tied up so it didn't get broken by strong winds we believe they have had. Communication from Brian was excellent by eamil and ... MoreWe returned home from a month in UK visiting family to find our home had been very well looked after by Brian and Gemma. Our cat was obviously very comfortable with them and well loved. Our property is quite large and they made a good job of maintaining it while we were away, doing weeding, grass cutting and some work on our grapevines so all the new growth was kept tied up so it didn't get broken by strong winds we believe they have had. Communication from Brian was excellent by eamil and some problems dealt with promptly. Many thanks for all your hard work .

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Easy to deal with, Brian and Gemma were good at communication before, during and after the sit. They asked for clarification of our farm animals needs when a couple of unexpected issues popped up while we were away and dealt with these issues for us, letting us know the outcomes. We came home to a clean and tidy home and property. Definitely would recommend them to other home owners.
Brian and Gemma are exceptional house sitters. They are really well organised from before the sit, clarifying details with clear and friendly communication, and then kept us well informed during their stay. They took care of our house, garden and animals (sheep and chickens) for five weeks and dealt with a couple of unexpected issues that came up. Everything was in spectacular order to come back to, better than we left it, all the animals were very happy and the garden was super tidy, they ... MoreBrian and Gemma are exceptional house sitters. They are really well organised from before the sit, clarifying details with clear and friendly communication, and then kept us well informed during their stay. They took care of our house, garden and animals (sheep and chickens) for five weeks and dealt with a couple of unexpected issues that came up. Everything was in spectacular order to come back to, better than we left it, all the animals were very happy and the garden was super tidy, they even planted some vege seedlings and potted up some seeds to get a head start before we returned, it was so nice to come home to. Brian and Gemma are such a great team, I could even plan my holidays around their availability, so if you're looking for good house-sitters, I can't recommend them enough.

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Brian & Gemma were the perfect house sitters and we'd highly recommend them. They looked after our large house and garden in Russell for several months while we were on holiday and we're already hoping to book them again next year. They kept the garden immaculate - weeding and mowing the lawn and looking after all our fruit and veggies. Due to illness we had to return early but Brian & Gemma were super accommodating. The house was extremely clean and tidy on our return (probably cleaner than ... MoreBrian & Gemma were the perfect house sitters and we'd highly recommend them. They looked after our large house and garden in Russell for several months while we were on holiday and we're already hoping to book them again next year. They kept the garden immaculate - weeding and mowing the lawn and looking after all our fruit and veggies. Due to illness we had to return early but Brian & Gemma were super accommodating. The house was extremely clean and tidy on our return (probably cleaner than when we went!) They were extremely respectful, trustworthy and reliable and we got them to check our mail and email us anything important. Their communication was very responsive and we felt that we had left the house in very good hands and didn't once worry about it while we were away.

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