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personHouse sitter

Colin

Rural or Town Sitter

Picture of House Sitter, House Minder and Pet Sitter at Kiwi House Sitters, New Zealand. User Rural or Town Sitter
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About me

personSolo

72, Retired

Full-time pet loving sitter who gives 100% commitment to assignments I undertake, with excellent communication while you are away. Your pets will thank you for confirming me as their carer.

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favoriteWhy I love house sitting

Experiencing new areas of New Zealand, or perhaps locations I have not visited for some time. I especially love "adopting" your pets for the duration of my stay. Your pets quickly become my best friends, and me theirs. I also enjoy making friendships with some incredible home and pet owners.

I am full-time house and pet sitting, a lifestyle which I enjoy greatly. I do not charge for this service, and likewise, I do not believe homeowners should expect a pet and house sitter to pay them. House sitting is a reciprocal arrangement: a win-win for everyone involved, most especially the pets and other animals.

I frequently get booked up well in advance, but usually there will be short gaps that remain to be filled. I currently have bookings for more than a year ahead (to September ... Read moreI am full-time house and pet sitting, a lifestyle which I enjoy greatly. I do not charge for this service, and likewise, I do not believe homeowners should expect a pet and house sitter to pay them. House sitting is a reciprocal arrangement: a win-win for everyone involved, most especially the pets and other animals.

I frequently get booked up well in advance, but usually there will be short gaps that remain to be filled. I currently have bookings for more than a year ahead (to September 2027).
At this point, the periods I have available are:

1A. Update - I could consider a sit from later into August until 8 September due to an unexpected change to my schedule. Please message ASP if this might suit you (Canterbury region). Thanks.

1. Mid-January until 2 February (I am awaiting confirmation of the January date for the previous sit conclusion). Location - South Island. I am due in Nelson by 3 February.

2. Late March until late April. Location - South Island.

3. Mid-May until 19 June (approximate dates). Location - Whangarei to North Shore, Auckland.

Advance bookings (i.e. months ahead) should preferable be for longer periods of time, unless I have a gap in my schedule. My ideal sits are for the duration one to several months. I will also consider "caretaker" type roles. While I am particularly interested in long term arrangements, I will consider short sits (even a weekend) if I am available now or very soon, otherwise short sits best suit me when I have a gap between booked sits.

Guaranteed to take exceptional care of your property, pets and other animals. I've completed many house/farm sits over the past 14 years and loved looking after an assortment of pets and animals. I will also keep in regular contact with you while you are away.

I'm a very honest, trustworthy, respectful, responsible and house-proud man. Non-smoker. I'm quite at home living in rural areas - yes, I come equipped with gumboots, raincoat and rural common-sense, having grown up on a farm in Hawke's Bay. I am a qualified horticulturist, plus have an environmental management degree. I've never smoked nor used drugs. and drink minimal alcohol. I generally spend my 'idle hours' reading or writing, and love walking in nature. No worries if your home is without a television - I'm unlikely to watch it anyway.

I finished writing the third novel of a trilogy (3 novels) in 2025, which I have self-published on Amazon Kindle (eBooks), together with my latest non-fiction book which I have very recently finished and self-published. I am now working on my next.

I live alone, though my Auckland based partner (of 15 years) might join me on occasional weekends or for short holidays - so I trust you will be happy for this (I will let you know if that is likely to occur).

I can be depended on to keep your home and property in excellent order, as if it was my own. On your return, your home will be clean and tidy, as you left it. I owned my own rural home until 14 years ago.

I adore pets, and they adore me: I will take excellent care of your pets and other animals. Dog walking is no problem, provided your dog/s are under good control. Unruly dogs who lack training and control can make caring for them rather tough going. I prefer to avoid steep terrain as my body now tends to say "No!" I've had my own pets nearly all of my life, but now happy to care for your pets as if they were my own. Pets must be able to be left alone for at least part of the day, and preferable dogs are securely fenced on your property. For transporting dogs for walks, my preference is for a vehicle to be provided for this, most especially for larger dogs, and dogs who are not calm in a car. Having said this, in an emergency I would not hesitate to use my car to take a dog to a vet.

My preference is for your home to be tidy (no need for a palace), and it is essential your home is warm during the colder months and be clean. I much prefer a non-smoking home. Access to either broadband or excellent mobile and data coverage is essential. My mobile uses the Spark network.

Once I accept a house-sitting commitment, you can be assured I will not break that commitment and leave you in the lurch. It would be only dire circumstances where that could happen. I expect this commitment to work both ways, with homeowners not changing their mind without decent prior warning. Of course, unavoidable circumstances can cause holidays to be cancelled. Being a full-time house sitter, having cancellations thrown at me without good notice period causes unnecessary stress and disruption. Additionally, I am likely to have turned down other sit requests for that period. I don't have an alternative home to detour to.

I do request that you triple check your scheduled dates of departure and return home, as incorrect dates can and do cause complications when I have other bookings before or following. Thank you.

I repeat: PLEASE TRIPLE CHECK YOUR DATES!

I have excellent references available.

After spending last summer in Tasmania, where I completed 3 months of pet and house sitting, I am now back in New Zealand, where I have commitments for many months ahead in South Island up until May 2027, after which I will definitely return to the North. I am especially keen on some time in the Whangarei area so I can be close to my grandchildren for a while during May and June. From 20 June 2027 I will be in Thames until September.

I look forward to hearing from you.

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Pet care

Far more than a decade, taking care of a wide assortment of pets and other animals, from the far-north to the deep south of New Zealand, and in Queensland and Tasmania.

petsWilling to care for these pets

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

agricultureFarm experience

I grew up on a farm and have completed a few farm sits over the years.
I will consider farm sits with minimal farm duties involved. but no longer keen for active management of cattle, horses or goat.

Trust

Platinum member36 months+
reviews5 star reviews

Availability

eventNext 12 months

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

eventCurrent bookings

2026: 8-23 Sep | 24 Sep - 22 Jan 2027 | 2027: 3-21 Feb | 23 Feb - 25 Mar | 1-16 May | 21 Jun - 8 Sep

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

travelTravel plans

After spending three-month completing sits in Tasmania over the summer, I have now returned to New Zealand and will be based in South Island until May 2027. I hope to spend time in the Whangarei area during May and June 2027, where I can be close to my family for a time.

Reviews (45)

Delightful... Entire experience - from initial communications and meeting, to the care of our home, plants and most especially, our pups - was delightful. If his schedule works with your plans, book him! We certainly will again. (Thanks Uncle Colin, from the pups :)
Thank you Colin. You were just the right person for the job. Molly and Maggie were so relaxed and happy when we got home, which is all we wanted. Colin is a no-fuss gentle human who loves house sitting, it's so evident. You can rely on him to be there for your animals and ensure the house is well looked after. Would definitely recommend but get in quick he's well sought after.
Colin was a great house sitter and took such lovely care of our Buddy cat. We came home to a very clean house too which was appreciated. We are very happy we had Colin come stay while we were away.
Colin maintained communication throughout the housesit which made us feel more at ease for our first time using a house sitter. Our house was left clean and tidy. Dogs and house plants looked happy and healthy! Colin went above and beyond with some challenging weather conditions experienced while we were away. We would certainly welcome Colin back for any future housesit.
I was away nearly 3 weeks and Colin kept me up to date with messages and photos. I would recommend Colin to house sit as my home was left very clean and tidy and my pets were happy and well looked after . Thanks again Colin. Hope to catch up when you are back this way . I Would ask Colin again.
Colin is a great house sitter. The house was left very clean, he was creative ie/ making a fence to stop hawks getting the chook eggs, and most importantly he developed a good relationship with my precious Misty dog. Highly recommended.
From Aussie House Sitters
Colin looked after our house and pets well. Left the house very clean and we appreciated the bed being stripped/washed. He struggled with the dogs a bit (one of our dogs had a fright from the new kitchen floor). They also have a few extra war wounds from too much rough play alone outside. He was lovely regardless and our american staffy pups maybe too boisterous.
From Aussie House Sitters
Colin was a great house sitter. Dogs loved him, and he took great care of them, the house and garden. Lovely, friendly person. Highly recommend.
From Aussie House Sitters
All three dogs loved Colin, the house is exactly as I like it, all the plants are alive; who could ask for more? Side note, the dogs are missing him.
Colin looked after my home and animals wonderfully with regular updates. I absolutely recommend him to other people seeking a responsible house sitter.
Highly recommend Colin, he kept in regular contact with us, made sure our dogs were happy, all food and medication was given as requested. House was clean and tidy, grass mowed, couldn’t ask for a better Housesitter.
We were very happy to have Colin looking after our pets, Evie and Vinnie. We received one update while away which was sufficient for a 5 day stay. Our house was clean & tidy when we returned, and our pets happy. That's all we could ask for!
Colin is a 5 star housesitter. Right from the outset his communication was outstanding. He made a couple of visits before we left to ensure both humans and dogs were familiar with him. During his stay we had updates and photos reassuring us all was well. On his departure the house was immaculately clean. All plants and animals were well cared for. I would welcome him back anytime and highly recommend him to anyone.
Colin is a wonderful dog and house sitter. Great communication and updates while we were away. We came home to a very happy well looked after dog and an immaculate house. Teddy will miss you. Thank you Colin for giving us peace of mind while we were away.
From Aussie House Sitters
We would highly recommend Colin to house and dog sit, Colin cared for our dog like he was his own, we came home from our trip to a happy dog and clean house, thanks Colin
It was wonderful having Colin caring for our two girls, (dogs) Roxy and Tia for 10 days. Colin has a heap of experience with animals and it shows. Nothing is a problem, the dogs were very well looked after and were happy. We would definitely recommend Colin as a pet and housesitter. Also, we got home and the house was spotless. Thank you so much Colin. We will be in touch for our next Roxy and Tia sit.😊
I would highly recommend Colin. Colin would keep me updated regarding my pets. Looked after them really well. I came home to a clean tidy home, and my lawns. Thank you. Would have Colin back any time.
Colin was a great house and pet sitter. They loved him and our very timid cat Missy came straight in and said hello to him. So Colin has that special contact with animals. Colin kept in contact with us about our babies and was never a problem for us to ring him anytime. We got home to very happy animals and a very clean house and property. We would highly recommend Colin to anyone for a house and pet sit here is very friendly and obliging Thanks again Colin we will keep in touch for next year
Colin was great. Jeanie the cat brought in a great number of little treasures from outside that had to be dealt with. Colin to the rescue! Chooks also well looked after! House was spotless and plants watered. Would happily have Colin back anytime he is free.
Brilliant house sitter and thoroughly recommended. Colin was very responsive, caring of our home and pets and a pleasure to deal with. He just hit the right note for us - we felt completely confident leaving everything in his hands. He kept in touch perfectly and we returned to a clean, tidy and well tended home. Thanks Colin - we totally endorse all the other great reviews. And a special thank you for a picture of the Aurora and a comet in our night sky!
Colin is the perfect house sitter. So passionate and caring. He is so easy to get on with and really does look after your house. We returned to a beautifully mowed lawn, plants looking better then when we left and a warm smile. I’d be happy to invite Colin back again and recommend him to anyone looking for a good house sitter.
Colin recently looked after our two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for 5 1/2 weeks while we were away in Europe. He provided excellent care of our fur babies and we arrived home to two very healthy and happy pups. Communication was excellent with regular updates and photos which gave us peace of mind that our fur babies were being well looked after. Colin was very respectful of our house and it was immaculately clean and tidy on our return which was wonderful after a long journey. Thanks again ... MoreColin recently looked after our two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for 5 1/2 weeks while we were away in Europe. He provided excellent care of our fur babies and we arrived home to two very healthy and happy pups. Communication was excellent with regular updates and photos which gave us peace of mind that our fur babies were being well looked after. Colin was very respectful of our house and it was immaculately clean and tidy on our return which was wonderful after a long journey. Thanks again Colin, you did a fantastic job and we're really grateful for the wonderful care you provided for Archie and Georgia.

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Colin was the perfect house sitter great communication leading up to sit, looked after my house dog & seedlings fabulously - thanks Colin :)
Colin was a super house sitter. He looked after our home and the dogs with great care and detail.His communication before the sit and during the sit was outstanding. Would fully recommend Colin for any House sits. Thanks Colin.
Overall a very positive experience with Colin our first house/ pet sitting. Good communication between us through out his stay. Colin arrived promptly and was right at home with our 2 1/2 year old White Swiss Shepherd . He had to deal with a couple of issues caused by one of our neighbours who put some stock on one of our fields without telling us first (normally not a problem when we are around) as our dog got a bit over excited but all resolved quickly. The house was scrupulously clean ... MoreOverall a very positive experience with Colin our first house/ pet sitting. Good communication between us through out his stay. Colin arrived promptly and was right at home with our 2 1/2 year old White Swiss Shepherd . He had to deal with a couple of issues caused by one of our neighbours who put some stock on one of our fields without telling us first (normally not a problem when we are around) as our dog got a bit over excited but all resolved quickly. The house was scrupulously clean when we returned so much so that our cleaner complained she had nothing. Colin helped with a couple of garden issues that came up and kept an eye on things . Our dog was happy and healthy and we bumped into people on our local river walk who commented they had often seen the 2 of them on a ramble.

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Colin houses at for us for 7 weeks over December and Jan, and was fabulous! We will ask him to care for our dogs and home again next time we go away, they loved him and he took excellent care of them. One dog had a vertigo attack, Colin cared for him brilliantly, took him to the vet and communicated with us about it also. I was very much comforted by the amazing good care he took of them, I think they are now missing him! I have no hesitation recommending Colin, and we will definitely ask ... MoreColin houses at for us for 7 weeks over December and Jan, and was fabulous! We will ask him to care for our dogs and home again next time we go away, they loved him and he took excellent care of them. One dog had a vertigo attack, Colin cared for him brilliantly, took him to the vet and communicated with us about it also. I was very much comforted by the amazing good care he took of them, I think they are now missing him! I have no hesitation recommending Colin, and we will definitely ask him for our next holiday too. Thank you so much Colin.

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Colin was a fantastic house-sitter and and I can’t call him a dog sitter, more like a surrogate parent when he took care of our dog Sally while we were overseas. We will definitely be asking him to look after her again in the future. The house was immaculate and the lawns done upon our return.
Thank you Colin it was reassuring with regularly updates to know that while we were away that our home and pets were well looked after. It was great to come home to happy pets and clean and tidy home Thx Wayne & Colleen
Awesome sitter and Jed certainly missed him when I got back. Highly recommend Colin
Colin looked after our house and two cats while we were away in Europe for six weeks. Colin was easy to communicate with which made it easy to set up the house sit and made himself available to come and see us and introduce ourselves prior to the sit. Colin turned up just before we left which gave us a peace of mind someone was there and the place was being looked after. Colin was easy to communicate with during the house sit, answewred any messages promptly and relayed any minor issues or ... MoreColin looked after our house and two cats while we were away in Europe for six weeks. Colin was easy to communicate with which made it easy to set up the house sit and made himself available to come and see us and introduce ourselves prior to the sit. Colin turned up just before we left which gave us a peace of mind someone was there and the place was being looked after. Colin was easy to communicate with during the house sit, answewred any messages promptly and relayed any minor issues or concerns so they could get sorted. Colin left the house immuculate for when we returned which made a huge difference after long flights home. Would highly recommed Colin, who is an experienced house sitter with a proven track record.

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Colin was a breeze to deal with - great communication and organisation. He took great care of out house and our (rather full-on) dogs. Colin kept us up-to-date on how the dogs were doing while we were away and the house was immaculate when we came home. Would very happily have Colin back again!
Having Colin to look after our pet babies and the house was the best choice, we came back to a clean spotless house and happy animals. He took so much care of everything that we, actually, had holidays without worries. He answered all my calls and text and animals where very happy when we returned. Thank you very much for all, and we are very happy to have you back any time and recommend you.
Colin house and pet sat for us for 2 months over a wild west coast winter! He took great care of our dog Macy who can be very reactive, and also our bossy cat Mo! Despite the weather he made sure Macy was regularly walked and our home was spotless on our return. He was great at keeping in touch with what was going on and it was clear to us he really cares about his housesitting work. Happy to recommend, very grateful for his commitment to our home and pets.
Much appreciated the care of my animals and house Colin. Great communication...Always welcome for a cup of tea if you are around this part of Northland...Thanks Karen and critters.
Colin sat for our very affectionate Tonkinese cat and house minded our large spacious home and garden in Whangarei. Ludo loved him, he could not have left the house and cat in better shape. We would have him back in a heart beat if he was available for our next sit.
Colin looked after our house and cat for about 2 1/2 weeks. There was good communication and we came home to a very tidy house which was much appreciated. Would definitely recommend Colin to anyone needing a house sitter.
I came home to a very clean and tidy house and all wildlife well cared for. Colin was easy to communicate with before, during and after the sit.
Hi, Colin Thew house sat for my partner and I for about two and a half months. We were both very impressed. His follow-up and communication on a problem we had with our cat was magnificent. He was reliable, understanding, responsible and flexible. Hopefully we will see him again soon.
Colin looked after my property/house & did a great job. Colin was excellent with all communication & also went out of his way to stay a extra night, which really helped me out. Colin was very good with looking after animals, and left the house clean and tidy. Colin was friendly & easy to get along with & I'd definitely have Colin stay again.
Colin was an amazing house sitter, one of our best and we had many. His communication was excellent, he went out of his way to meet us prior to the sit. Our two whippets well very well looked after and Colin emailed or texy us updates each day. The house clean and as we left it and he even left us fresh milk in the fridge for our return home. We would highly recommend Colin for any house sit for any length of time. We would use him again in a heart beat.
Colin took great care of our coastal property and home. The dogs, cats and hens are happy . The lawns have been mowed and everything is tip top. I 100% recommend Colin as a house sitter.
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Colin was an incredible house sitter. He looked after our house and our three cats so beautifully. We had lots of great contact with him while we were away and we came home to an immaculate house. We would certainly be very happy to have him house sit for us again.
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Colin looked after our home and garden very well. We returned after two weeks to a warm, clean home. We met up with Colin before our trip away to show him around and found him intelligent, friendly and sensible. We had no reservations leaving our home in his care and our trust was completely rewarded on our return.
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Colin took very good care of our home and pets, really going 'the extra mile' when one of the pets got unwell. The house was clean and tidy on our return (even with fresh milk in the fridge). Colin kept in touch with us during the trip as needed. I can confidently recommend Colin as a house sitter!
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Colin cared for our house and pets for 2 months and did a wonderful job. My wife and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to other people looking for a great house sitter.
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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