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Trace & Rob

Honest & dependable couple

Picture of House Sitter, House Minder and Pet Sitter at Kiwi House Sitters, New Zealand. User Honest & dependable couple
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About us

groupCouple

62, Global freelancer

67, Global freelancer

Hi,

We're Trace & Rob. We've been travelling the world for several years. We're thinking about settling permanently back in NZ or Australia soon and we'd like to reacquaint ourselves with some of the regions. What better way than house-sitting in different areas!

We're self-employed in the digital marketing/web design sector, so can work from anywhere there's available internet. With mostly offshore clients, we have pretty flexible work hours, so we're free during the day to do whatever ... Read moreHi,

We're Trace & Rob. We've been travelling the world for several years. We're thinking about settling permanently back in NZ or Australia soon and we'd like to reacquaint ourselves with some of the regions. What better way than house-sitting in different areas!

We're self-employed in the digital marketing/web design sector, so can work from anywhere there's available internet. With mostly offshore clients, we have pretty flexible work hours, so we're free during the day to do whatever is needed for your pets/farm/home.

We are non-smoking and outdoorsy - we love fly fishing, hiking and camping. One of our passions is gardening and Trace is a hobby beekeeper.

Both of us have extensive experience with caring for pets, including cats and dogs, cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, fish and chooks.

We'd welcome you getting in touch any time and hope you'll consider us for your pet and house sit.

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Pet care

We’re lifelong animal lovers with broad experience as owners and sitters. We’ve owned and cared for dogs of all sizes – from German Shepherds, Dobermans, and a lively English Springer Spaniel to a cuddly Cavalier King Charles – along with plenty of cats and kittens. We’ve also raised sheep, cattle, ... Read moreWe’re lifelong animal lovers with broad experience as owners and sitters. We’ve owned and cared for dogs of all sizes – from German Shepherds, Dobermans, and a lively English Springer Spaniel to a cuddly Cavalier King Charles – along with plenty of cats and kittens. We’ve also raised sheep, cattle, chooks, and ducks, and sat for many other animals, so we’re confident with everything from energetic pets to farmyard flocks. And Trace is a registered beekeeper. Most importantly, we love animals and treat every one as our own.

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petsWilling to care for these pets

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

agricultureFarm experience

We’re happy to farm sit, especially smaller blocks. Having previously owned a lifestyle block with cattle, sheep, chooks, and ducks, we’re confident caring for stock and poultry as well as pets. We’re vigilant about checking water lines, troughs, and fences (and can handle minor fixes). While we’re ... Read moreWe’re happy to farm sit, especially smaller blocks. Having previously owned a lifestyle block with cattle, sheep, chooks, and ducks, we’re confident caring for stock and poultry as well as pets. We’re vigilant about checking water lines, troughs, and fences (and can handle minor fixes). While we’re not trained for serious animal treatments or major repairs, we’re practical and will flag any issues quickly so you can decide next steps.

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Trust

Gold member24 months
reviews5 star reviews

Availability

eventNext 12 months

Aug
Sep
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Apr
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eventCurrent bookings

2026: 13 May - 31 Aug

event_busyAlso Unavailable

2026: 9 Sep - 31 Jan 2027

chairOn a house-sit right now

Preferences

scheduleHouse sit duration

0 - 1 week, 1 - 2 weeks, 2 - 4 weeks, 1 - 2 months, 2 months +

where_to_votePreferred locations

Anywhere in New Zealand

Reviews (28)

Rob and Trace were the best house and pet sitters!! We couldn’t have asked for better. They both came by to meet us before the house sit and it honestly felt like we were leaving the place to be looked after by friends! They communicated with us so well all the way through so we felt totally confident that our cat and house was well looked after. Our cat was SO happy - I think she likes them more than us now! She’s a timid little one and they looked after her so well! They left our house ... MoreRob and Trace were the best house and pet sitters!! We couldn’t have asked for better. They both came by to meet us before the house sit and it honestly felt like we were leaving the place to be looked after by friends! They communicated with us so well all the way through so we felt totally confident that our cat and house was well looked after. Our cat was SO happy - I think she likes them more than us now! She’s a timid little one and they looked after her so well! They left our house in pristine condition - to be honest, cleaner than we left it! They washed all the bedding and towels (bliss after we got back from a holiday with laundry) and left us flowers! A dream! We would love to have them house/pet sit for us again!! Thank you so much!

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Aw, thanks so much! It was totally our pleasure to stay with Issy in your beautiful home! Hope the tropical holiday memories don’t fade too fast and the jet lag isn’t too bad xxxxx
Trace and Rob were fantastic house sitters. They were incredibly easygoing and kept up great communication throughout the stay. We especially appreciated them stepping in at the last minute to help us out. It was a huge relief knowing our home and cats, Sammy and Lavender, were in such good hands. We returned to a spotlessly clean house. We would highly recommend them to anyone!
1 of 3 reviews from this owner
I was thrilled to have Trace & Rob return for the Easter `break, think its the 3rd time they have helped me out. It makes the whole departure and arrival home super easy as they know the dogs, the house & I can leave minimal instructions. They helped out hugely with the robot mower, its more problematic in the wet with clogging up and slipping, and I requested for it to be restarted the following morning and they even went out in the dark to do it then and there. Recommend these guys and ... MoreI was thrilled to have Trace & Rob return for the Easter `break, think its the 3rd time they have helped me out. It makes the whole departure and arrival home super easy as they know the dogs, the house & I can leave minimal instructions. They helped out hugely with the robot mower, its more problematic in the wet with clogging up and slipping, and I requested for it to be restarted the following morning and they even went out in the dark to do it then and there. Recommend these guys and obviously always will have them back!! Even came home to easter eggs for the kids - a special touch that the kids were stoked about! thank you. Hope to have them back again!

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Thanks Stephanie! It was a pleasure, as always, to stay and we love Echo & Luna. Easter in Matakana was really lovely, thanks for sharing your lovely home :-)
Trace and Rob were put to the test by our naughty dogs and handled it with aplomb! Great sitters who we would be happy to see return. They made the effort to meet with us and the dogs prior to their stay and that was greatly appreciated.
Trace and Rob have been wonderful. I was away for more than a month and they looked after my house, but more importantly my cat and my dog. Their communication over the whole time was wonderful, and I'm so pleased that they got on really well with the neighbours, to an extent I think they have made lifelong friends. I can't recommend Trace and Rob highly enough if you want absolute peace of mind at your house and your pets will be really well looked after. Thank you so much. I'm so grateful
Trace & Rob are a very lovely cuple. Our dogs were looked after and happy when we got home. Their communication was great, always sharing updates. We would be happy to have them back any time and would highly recommend them to others as housesitters.
From Aussie House Sitters
Trace and Rob are wonderful house sitters. My cat Tanzy loved them. They are excellent at communication both pre and during the sit. They drove me to the airport and piked me up which was a fantastic bonus. The house was spotless and they had tidied various kitchen drawers and the linen cupboard!!! I’d love to have them house sitters again and strongly recommend them to others.
Trace and Rob were an amazing couple that took care of our girls, they were sending updates very often with photos, communication was very easy and they clean the house too, easygoing personalities that the girls felt comfortable with them. Thank you for your help, hope we meet again.
Thanks you two! We really had a lovely stay with the girls, they are adorable! Happy holidays to you both !
2 of 3 reviews from this owner
I was so thrilled to have Trace & Rob return for a repeat sit! These guys are awesome. Their com's are fab, they genuinely enjoy the dogs & being with them! Rob was amazing with the robot mower, it was a bit wet when we were away so makes the mower more problematic and he was all over it and kept it going so the lawns didnt get out of control with warm wet weather! House sparkling, very happy dogs - just hope can get them back again for future dates! Thanks Trace & Rob!!
Aww Stephanie, it was absolutely our pleasure! Echo & Luna are really special dogs, we LOVE them! So nice to spend some time there again. Thanks so much for sharing your lovely home xx
Trace and Rob were super easy to communicate with, responsive to Sophie's needs. Left the house immaculate and sheets washed and fresh ones on bed! And came home to a happy doggo :) Wouldn't hesitate to recommend!
We were delighted with our house sitters Rob and Trace - such lovely friendly people who we were instantly comfortable with. They took fantastic care of us our dogs, who clearly became very attached to them (and vice versa). The house was left spotless, and we came home to find beautiful fresh flowers waiting for us. Rob was great at sorting out the little glitches that occur with a house as well as getting the lawn mower robot going. We would happily have them sit again for us and we ... MoreWe were delighted with our house sitters Rob and Trace - such lovely friendly people who we were instantly comfortable with. They took fantastic care of us our dogs, who clearly became very attached to them (and vice versa). The house was left spotless, and we came home to find beautiful fresh flowers waiting for us. Rob was great at sorting out the little glitches that occur with a house as well as getting the lawn mower robot going. We would happily have them sit again for us and we recommend them without hesitation.

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We couldn’t have asked for better house sitters! Trace and Rob were absolutely amazing — the house was left in beautiful order, our cats were so well cared for, and communication throughout was lovely. It was such a comfort knowing everything was in great hands. We’d welcome them back anytime and can’t recommend them highly enough!
Thanks Sasha, we had such a lovely time. It was so nice to meet you all in person! Thanks so much for the recommendations for cafes etc. Thanks again for trusting us with your beautiful home and furry family xx
Rob and Trace were the absolute best possible house and pet sitters. After 3 1/2 weeks away, our pets are relaxed and happy, and our dog even got a bath! Our house is in pristine condition - possibly cleaner than we left it, and my houseplants are looking beautiful and well-cared for. They communicated really clearly from the get-go, so we felt totally confident the entire holiday that our pets and house were in good hands, and we were not let down. They even left us milk and bread for our ... MoreRob and Trace were the absolute best possible house and pet sitters. After 3 1/2 weeks away, our pets are relaxed and happy, and our dog even got a bath! Our house is in pristine condition - possibly cleaner than we left it, and my houseplants are looking beautiful and well-cared for. They communicated really clearly from the get-go, so we felt totally confident the entire holiday that our pets and house were in good hands, and we were not let down. They even left us milk and bread for our return. They both seem to be very kind and caring people generally, and we would have them house/pet sit for us again in an instant!!

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Thanks for your lovely review and sharing your lovely home with us. We absolutely adore Lally and Jolie and would love to look after them any time! Hope you’re all settled back in and enjoying the sunny weather! xx
We couldn't recommend Rob and Trace more highly. It was though we had good friends looking after the place while we were overseas for 10 weeks. They are a caring, practical couple who made being away worry-free. They are great problem-solvers, excellent communicators and spoiled our dogs rotten :-) As well as ensuring our livestock, chickens and ducks were fed and watered, they went beyond expectations with grubbing thistles, splitting wood, checking water lines on our 64 acre block. We were ... MoreWe couldn't recommend Rob and Trace more highly. It was though we had good friends looking after the place while we were overseas for 10 weeks. They are a caring, practical couple who made being away worry-free. They are great problem-solvers, excellent communicators and spoiled our dogs rotten :-) As well as ensuring our livestock, chickens and ducks were fed and watered, they went beyond expectations with grubbing thistles, splitting wood, checking water lines on our 64 acre block. We were welcomed home with food and wine, and a spotless home. We look forward to seeing them again.

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Mark & Thomas! You're too kind! It was an absolute pleasure to stay in your wonderful, magical home. We miss the tranquility and beautiful views! And we miss the dogs terribly! Will see you again next time we're in the district ❤️❤️
3 of 3 reviews from this owner
A short weekend sit - great comms. Happy dogs. Would recommend!
Trace and Rob were fantastic pet sitters. They made the effort to visit us beforehand so we could talk them through the property and animals. Their communication was great and it was nice to know the pets were in good hands. The house was spotless when we returned and I'm sure the dog missed them being around!
Thanks so much for sharing your lovely home. We miss Neve alot, such a lovely girl!
We couldn’t have asked for better sitters! They made the effort to visit us in advance, so our dog already knew them on the day we left, making for a smooth handover. Our dog went straight over to say hello, demanding cuddles – always a great sign! Their communication was excellent, with regular updates and photos that reassured us our dog was happy and well cared for. She enjoyed plenty of walks, cuddles and attention. They also checked in about minor health concerns, handling everything just ... MoreWe couldn’t have asked for better sitters! They made the effort to visit us in advance, so our dog already knew them on the day we left, making for a smooth handover. Our dog went straight over to say hello, demanding cuddles – always a great sign! Their communication was excellent, with regular updates and photos that reassured us our dog was happy and well cared for. She enjoyed plenty of walks, cuddles and attention. They also checked in about minor health concerns, handling everything just as we would, which was very reassuring. Not only did they take fantastic care of our dog, they also left our home spotless! We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them – anyone lucky enough to have them as sitters can rest easy knowing their pet is in the best hands!

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Wow thanks Kirstin & David. We loved staying with Lola and will definitely catch up when we’re back in Dunedin xxxx
Trace and Rob were absolutely superb housesitters in every way. From the very beginning the communication was concise and timely. They left our house in a perfectly clean and tidy state and did a great job of looking after our large menagerie. It enabled us to have a relaxing holiday, secure in the knowledge that everything back home was well and truly under control. We had complete confidence in Trace and Rob’s capabilities and would highly recommend them. Thanks so much you two. All the best ... MoreTrace and Rob were absolutely superb housesitters in every way. From the very beginning the communication was concise and timely. They left our house in a perfectly clean and tidy state and did a great job of looking after our large menagerie. It enabled us to have a relaxing holiday, secure in the knowledge that everything back home was well and truly under control. We had complete confidence in Trace and Rob’s capabilities and would highly recommend them. Thanks so much you two. All the best in your travels! R&V

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Thanks so much! It was honestly a huge pleasure to stay and look after everyone. Have now added Arapawa goats to our long list of must-haves!
Great house sitters, great communication. Our house was well looked after, even a little more organised than I left it! Our pets were well looked after and our dog seemed to have a great time with them.
Trace and Rob were the perfect housesitters. We got regular updates on our pets and the house was spotless on our return. Even the sheets were washed and on the clothesline! The garden was well watered and looked after. Super nice people too. Totally recommend Trace and Rob and we’d have them back in a heartbeat.
Thanks so much, we had such a lovely time looking after Daisy, Cricket & Nutmeg ❤︎❤︎❤︎
Trace & Rob were outstanding. They looked after our pets like they were their own, our house was spotless when we returned. Their communication was excellent and kept us up to date on our pets' antics. Was a shame we didn't get to meet them in person, but we would love to keep in touch. We would have them back in a heartbeat. Thank you again so much.
Recommend Trace & Rob without hesitation. Great communication, fantastic care of our property. Sadly our precious Belle passed away just before they came to pet sit but as experienced fellow animal lovers they were very understanding and willing to help. Thanks!
Rob & Trace have just completed a house sit for us for 4+ weeks on our small farm at shortish notice. This was our first experience with Kiwi HS & the journey started so well when they took the time to visit Hawkes Bay specifically to meet us, so we could show them around the property to explain how things worked. The communication during the stay was great & although there were a couple of typical farm type situations (no water in troughs due to a water leak), they took it all in their ... MoreRob & Trace have just completed a house sit for us for 4+ weeks on our small farm at shortish notice. This was our first experience with Kiwi HS & the journey started so well when they took the time to visit Hawkes Bay specifically to meet us, so we could show them around the property to explain how things worked. The communication during the stay was great & although there were a couple of typical farm type situations (no water in troughs due to a water leak), they took it all in their stride. We were really comfortable going overseas knowing they were coming to stay & look after our place. It seemed from our communications that they really enjoyed being here, which is great when you are so far away from home. We thoroughly recommend them to anyone looking for a good reliable sitter!

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Thanks Bec’s, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at your lovely property. Was an absolute pleasure to be there. And thanks for all of your advice and great communication. Best wishes, Trace and Rob
We cannot recommend Trace and Rob highly enough, they were so lovely to deal with and a pleasure to have staying! Our fur-baby was so happy with them and we had no worries while we were away on holiday. We came back to the house spotless and everything where it was when we left. Thank you again Trace and Rob!
Only 2 words is only really required 'Amazing brilliant. We cannot thank Trace & Rob enough for looking after our house and pets. From the first communications they were wonderful to deal with, help us through the whole process as seasoned housesitters, they found the time to come and meet prior to me leaving the country to join my Wife and daughter in Germany and from that meeting was like meeting long lost friends. There communication was amazing while I was away and was always updated on any ... MoreOnly 2 words is only really required 'Amazing brilliant. We cannot thank Trace & Rob enough for looking after our house and pets. From the first communications they were wonderful to deal with, help us through the whole process as seasoned housesitters, they found the time to come and meet prior to me leaving the country to join my Wife and daughter in Germany and from that meeting was like meeting long lost friends. There communication was amazing while I was away and was always updated on any issues and on my return the house was as it was left and all animals very well looked after. I can't recommended Trace & Rob enough as amazing house sitters and we definitely hope to meet them again once they have finished there own international travels. We wish you the very best and thanks again.

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Trace and Rob were amazing house sitters, they went far above and beyond our expectations. Our dogs were very happy and well looked after. Thanks again guys, we hope to see you soon in the near future.
Can't recommend Trace & Rob enough, really down to earth couple who are easy to get along with. Our dogs and cat were extremely well looked after and they kept in regular contact. The house was left absolutely immaculate (better than when we left). Would 100% have them back.
Thanks! We loved it :-)
Trace and Rob were fantastic in caring for our home, garden and chickens. We had regular contact with updates on how things were going. The garden flourished under their care and the chickens were all happy and well looked after. The house was left immaculate when we arrived home. Would highly recommend Trace and Rob and would be happy to have them looking after our place anytime in the future.
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