Kiwi House Sitters

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Platinum (36mths+)
House Sitting Preferences
  • 0 - 1 week, 1 - 2 weeks, 2 - 4 weeks, 1 - 2 months, 2 months +
  • Dog(s), Cat(s), Fish, Bird(s), Rabbit(s)/Guinea Pig(s), Chickens/Ducks/Geese, Reptile(s), Farm Animals, Horse(s)
  • Born and raised in rural New Zealand, I have over 20 years of full-time farming behind me, 14 of those years in sole charge management of dairy farms. I have sound knowledge pertaining to milking, animal health, water supply, strip grazing, electric fencing, effluent control, and tractor work etc. I've also done plenty of work over the years with sheep and drystock cattle.

Preferred Locations
  • North Island: Taranaki, Waikato  
Availability
  • NEXT 6 MONTHS    
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  • 2024: 20 Sep - 13 Oct | 13-22 Oct | 25 Oct - 23 Nov | 15-27 Dec | 27 Dec - 11 Jan 2025 | 2025: 14 Feb - 1 Mar | 7-26 Mar | 18 May - 6 Jul
  • On a house-sit right now

Farm Sitter ~ House Sitter

51, Relief Milker, Farm Sitter

House sitter and farm sitter since 2005. The right choice for farms and lifestyle blocks. I come from an extensive farming background and bring to each property sound knowledge pertaining to animal health, water supply, strip grazing, electric fencing, effluent control, motorbike and tractor maintenance etc.

I have been minding properties since 2005. I love the lifestyle and the regular change of scenery it offers.

I have over 20 years of full-time dairy farming behind me, 14 of those years in sole charge management of dairy farms. The ideal minder for house sitting/farm sitting/relief milking combos. I've also worked with sheep, goats, and drystock cattle.

On past house sits/farm sits I have looked after a wide variety of animal and bird life including cats, dogs, deer, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, alpacas, rabbits, chooks, ducks, turkeys, doves, and frogs. I'm particularly fond of cats - you won't find a better cat sitter.

I'm a non-smoker and a quiet individual who is not into boozing, parties, and noise. I'm also a confessed homebody who prefers pottering around the property as opposed to galavanting about the countryside, so the homes and animals in my care are under constant watch.

Clean, trustworthy, tidy, practical, adaptable, and with a good ounce of common sense, initiative and No.8 wire mindset. No task is too big or small.

During my stay at your place, I will be in regular contact with updates and video clips of your pets so you can be assured they're getting well looked after, if not a little spoiled. :-)

I cover all my own groceries and toll calls, and I have my own transport, complimented with a clean driver licence. Under my contents insurance I'm covered for legal liability in case of any accidental damage. In all my years of housesitting, I have never had to use that insurance. Nevertheless it's there - for peace of mind for both parties.

I have two rental houses of my own. I thus know what it's like to hand the keys over to other people, and trusting them to look after your property while they're living there.

My preferred locations are rural and coastal properties, though I do enjoy the occasional suburban assignment for a change.

I don't charge anything for looking after houses or lifestyle blocks, however there is remuneration involved for looking after commercial interests, i.e. farms, orchards etc...

With 18 years of house sitting experience under my belt, there's very little about house sitting I don't know.

Current Location: Levin

Reviews (50)
Craig was an excellent choice for a house sitter and I highly recommend him. We had an early plane to catch but he wanted to meet up before we left so he could meet our cats when they weren’t stressed by our departure. Considering this was at 4.30 am I call that pretty darn committed! When we were away Craig sent through regular updates about my cats (who are very important to me), looked after our house plants, mowed the lawns, fed our tropical fish and was prompt in all his communication. We ... MORE
 
CATHERINE (Hamilton North Island, Sep 2024 - 6 nights)
When we saw the reviews, we had to try get Craig to look after our property and animals.. And he did not disappoint! What a lovely, gentle person.. Took great care of our old cat (who misses him), our chickens, our house and gardens. We couldn't be happier and will use him again. We have also recommended him to all our friends. Thanks again, Craig!
 
MARINA (Te Pahu , Jul 2024 - 1 month 1 week)
Craig has done a fantastic job of looking after our home and animals. We came home to find our house clean and tidy and gardens well maintained. The animals were happy and content. Communication was great during our time away. What more can you ask for? We highly recommend Craig to look after your home and animals .
 
JULIE (Levin North Island, Jun 2024 - 4 weeks)
Craig did a truly amazing job of looking after our home, pets and grounds. We had various little things come up during our 6 weeks away that Craig took in his stride, sorted out and dealt with. He went above and beyond all our expectations. The communication was fantastic. We felt really confident having Craig look after things for us. Our home including our windows were spotless when we returned and there was even a meal prepared in the fridge. Thank you so much.
 
TRACEY (Tuakau North Island, Apr 2024 - 1 month 1 week)
Craig is everything you could ask for in a Housesitter. Good communication and left my house and garden better than when I left it. Clean windows, mowed lawns, I wouldn’t have known he’d been if it wasn’t for the improvements. Would definitely have him housesit again, if he’s available. I would think he’s in big demand when you read his references which I can now say have been proven to be true.
 
DIANE (Cooks Beach , Apr 2024 - 2 weeks)
Craig did a wonderful job of caring for our young cats, two ponies & small flock of pet sheep while we were away. We returned to a lovely clean home and happy animals who didn’t seem to miss us! His communication was great while we were away and we were very happy with his care of our newly renovated home. We’d have him back in a flash!
 
CATHY (Rural Riverhead , Aug 2022 - Two weeks)
Craig recently house sat my Ragdoll kitten so I could visit family in Australia. This was my first experience having a house sitter, but all the reviews reassured me that all would be well, though we'd not get to meet prior to my leaving. Phone contact and video updates were excellent and I could see that my little furry friend was having the time of his life while i was away, in fact he missed Craig terribly for the first few days after I arrived home. My windows were sparkling clean, ... MORE
 
ALLISON (Marton , Jun 2021 - Two and a half weeks.)
Thanks Craig for your help in taking care of our house and pets while we were away The house was cleaner and better looking when we returned It's good to see that you love what you do Would love to have you back whenever we need and you're available
 
SUDESH (Helensville North Island, Jun 2021 - 15 days)
Craig looked after our house, puppy and cat for 3 weeks and when we got back the house was spotless and the animals were well cared for. He communicated often with pictures and videos of the animals so we could see they were getting the love and care needed. I couldn't be more happy with how he looked after our house and animals and would definitely recommend him and will be in contact next time we go away
 
SAM (Tirau North Island, Jan 2020 - 3 weeks)
Craig was our first house sitter through kiwi house sitters. And he truly exceeded our expectations. Our house was left cleaner and tidier than when we left. The garden looks more lush, and our pets were happy healthy and well cared for. Our diabetic cat (who requires medicating twice daily); was in perfect health on our return. As were our other two cats. Burmese are very needy and seem not to have fretted at all. We did not get to see Craig on our return but he left a lovely note and a ... MORE
 
ALICE (Te Aroha North Island, Jan 2020 - 4 days)
The reviews are true, believe the hype-Craig is fantastic! Our cats were super loved and pretty unimpressed when we got back I think! The gardens were immaculate and Craig even cleared an overgrown piece that I'd been meaning to get to for ages. Our windows had been cleaned, bedlinen washed and put back on bed, it was spotless-felt guilty making any mess when we got back! Craig emailed asking us what we would like picked up from the supermarket for when we got back and there was even a box ... MORE
 
SARAH (Reporoa North Island, Nov 2019 - 1 month 2 weeks)
We could not recommend Craig enough. He did everything we wanted and more, from build homes for surprise duckings to mow and strumming. Everything was done to a great standard and our dog loved him. The house was left cleaner and tidier than when we left. Will definitely use Craig again if we can.
 
GUY (whangarei North Island, Nov 2019 - 4 days)
We highly recommend Craig. He has great communication, is punctual and left our home sparkling clean. Craig took great care of our dogs and our home while we were away.
 
MARICA (Tuakau North Island, Nov 2019 - 2 days)
Craig looked after our property and assorted animals for three weeks in early winter. The weather wasn't great, and the horses needed covers changing regularly. Craig also continued to treat a foot infection on one of the horses. All the animals were very well fed when we got home - certainly nothing had wasted away due to the stress of missing us! The house was clean and tidy, and I keep on finding little jobs that Craig had done - window washing, cupboard cleaning, patio weeding.... ... MORE
 
VERONICA (Pyes Pa North Island, May 2019 - 3 weeks)
We found Craig not long before our month long holiday and he was just great. All his review read well and we felt reassured leaving him in charge of our home. We were not disappointed and have even requested a return visit. Thank you Craig, you really made such a difference to our 1st experience of a house sitter
 
JOHN (Edgecumbe RD3 , Apr 2019)
We have used Craig as our house and pet sitter on several occasions, this last time from 12 March to 10th April 2019, but previous times have been up to 8weeks. We always feel happy leaving our home and animals in Craig's care as he is capable of looking after the range of animals we have, manages to keep our lawn tidy and our house always looks immaculate on our return. Our cat looks for him several days after he has left. Craig also sends us regular updates while we are away and nothing is ... MORE
 
SANDY (Waimana North Island, Mar 2019 - 1month)
Thank you, Craig, very happy with the video updates and photos of the cats whilst we were away. We knew they, and our home, were in good hands, as per other's reviews. Clean house, clean car (!) Craig was the ideal person with his farming background, to look after our stock on the farm with drought looming and keep an eye on the water troughs, sorting out a minor problem with a waterline. Happy for Craig to come back to furbaby sit again some time soon.
 
JILLIAN (Atiamuri North Island, Feb 2019 - 4 weeks)
Superb housesitter! We will be arranging our holidays around Craig's availability in future. Our animals (cows, ducks, chickens, pigs, sheep and our dog) were very well cared for, our home left immaculate. Craig was very friendly, helpful and took massive pride in his week house/farm sitting for us. Would not hesitate to have Craig back for us :)
 
KATRINA (Waiuku North Island, Jan 2019 - 1 week 1 day)
Craig did an excellent job of looking after our lifestyle block with veggie garden, calves, chickens and our beloved cat. We came home to a spotlessly clean house, a thriving hot house, a happy cat and a box of chocolates! We can highly recommend Craig as a very reliable, responsible house sitter and will definitely be calling on him in the future.
 
MARGARET (Oropi North Island, Jan 2019 - 1 week)
Craig cared for our 2 cats. While we were away Craig sent us regular updates which was much appreciated. When we returned the house & garden were immaculate. Craig had washed & remade his bed, bathroom cleaned & towels washed & folded.The house was spotless inside & out. Very impressed & a big thank you Craig. Would definitely have Craig return & can recommend him as a first class house/animal sitter. Thanks Margaret & Doug, Gus & Toby
 
MARGARET (Waiuku North Island, Oct 2018 - 1 week 2 days)
Craig looked after our property beautifully and our animals loved him. Couldn't have asked for better.
 
ODETTE (Pukekawa North Island, Sep 2018 - 3 weeks)
No rating Thanks Craig for taking such awesome care of our pets and home whilst we were away. Absolutely no hesitation in having you sit for us again nor recommending your professional services to others. A++++
KATH (Tauranga North Island, Sep 2018 - 2 days)
Craig is an outstanding sitter.. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone as Craig took care of my home and pets as if it were his own. The house was cleaner than it has ever been, and the paddocks, chooks, cows ,watering system,, you name it had , had all been attended to. And,, a really heartfelt gift on my return . Something so thoughtful which I am eternally grateful for. Craigs communication and trust gives you absolute assurance that everything will be better when you get back. Thanks ... MORE
 
BRENDA (Omanawa North Island, Sep 2018 - 2 weeks 2 days)
No rating Craig took great care of our home and cat and made the whole process easy as. The place was even tidier than we left it, happy cat, plus chocolate to welcome us home again. Would totally recommend to others.
MIRIAM (Henderson , May 2018)
No rating Craig looked after our house and dog for a week and a half. Graig is a fantastic person, I would highly recommend. We arrived home to an IMMACULATE house. Not to mention our family dog, Storm (a german shepherd) looked for Craig for a few days after we returned. Showing us that Craig obviously spend a lot of time with him. Dogs don't speak but think if Storm could of he would have asked for Craig to return. Thank you so much Craig for all you did. Much appreciated. (oh and the unexpected ... MORE
JENNY (Te Puna North Island, Mar 2018 - 1 week)
No rating Craig is the housesitter you want! He really cares for your dog and cat. Leaves the place really tidy, including sparkling windows, cleaned up a tree fall while we were away. Highly recommended sitter. Thanks Craig!
INGE (Te Puru North Island, Mar 2018 - 2 weeks 1 day - 1 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
No rating We feel super lucky to have had Craig house sit for us for 5 weeks. He took amazing care of our 2 cats, a pet bird, and both the house & property. Communication was great, and it was especially brilliant coming home to a spotless house, plus some touch ups around the garden. Everyone else seems to have said it already - but he goes above and beyond in looking after all the bits and pieces you don't even think about. Thanks again Craig!!
ROCHELLE (Putaruru North Island, Jan 2018 - 1 month 1 week)
No rating Everything others have said about Craig is true! He was easy to communicate with, very helpful with things that came up while we were away, mowed the lawns, cleaned the house and offered to get a few groceries for us for our return. Sadly, he stole my cat's heart and now I'm getting the cold shoulder.. fickle cat! Craig is the perfect house sitter. He is security conscious and very considerate. We really appreciate everything you have done for us Craig! Many thanks
PETER (Bombay North Island, Dec 2017 - 4 weeks)
No rating Sit dates: 26 Oct 1017 to 8 Nov 2017 Craig came to look after our home and 2 dogs while we went to visit our daughter in Australia. We hadn't met him prior to him arriving to start the housesit, so had a fairly brief meeting with him before we headed off. But from the get go we felt comfortable with him as did our dogs. Craig is very pleasant and has an air of calm and competence about him. On our return, we found our both our house and dogs in great condition. Craig had gone above and ... MORE
GILL & MARTIN (Waipu North Island, Oct 2017 - 1 week)
No rating Craig housesat for us for 2 weeks in October 2017. He took Good care of our dog Max and sent us updates of how he was going. The house was immaculate on our return, we've never seen the house so clean ! Would recommend Craig as a sitter to anyone.
LEONIE (Waiuku North Island, Oct 2017 - 1 week 4 days)
No rating I have never used the services of a house sitter before - so it was with some trepidation that I handed the keys and responsibility of my home and also the care of my pets over to a complete stranger. I went away for a week's holiday overseas, and while I was away I wondered if everything was going O.K,and if everything would be O.K upon my return.I returned today to find my home sparkling clean - like never before, and my cat was obviously very well fed and happy as well!Craig treated my home ... MORE
PAUL (Whakamarama North Island, Sep 2017 - 1 week)
No rating Hi! Just want to say we are so super grateful for all the care you have provided for our animals and property. All the animals were so happy on our return. You managed the medication and the care with our old pony so well! And it was not easy with all the mud and rain! The house was absolutely spotless and tidy! And finding some supplies in our fridge and pantry was even a bigger surprise! We feel very lucky we were able to have you to look after our animals and property and it made such a ... MORE
ANNEMARIE (Pokuru North Island, Aug 2017 - 3 weeks)
No rating Craig was amazing - communication in advance of the house sit was great and he arrived really promptly and was super prepared. We got good communication while we were away giving us updates on the animals and he even went out of his way to buy extra dog food when we ran out. Our elderly dog loved the attention of walking and swimming each day and the kitchen was cleaner when we came home than when we left! Really reliable and trustworthy housesitter and I would definitely use Craig again!
JO WEDLOCK (Puhoi North Island, Jul 2017 - 4 weeks)
No rating Craig was our house sitter for 12 nights, from 19 March 2017. This was no ordinary house sit, as we have many furry and feathered friends, including 6 cats, 2 dogs, a highland cow, and 2 sheep, not forgetting a huge array of birds, ducks, chickens, geese, a magpie and a pet pukeko. There is a lot involved in looking after these guys, 2 of the cats are nearly 17, and a lot of the birds need special attention, This was the first time we have had a house sitter, and I was nervous, until Craig ... MORE
ANNETTE (Palmerston North North Island, Mar 2017 - 1 week 5 days)
No rating Craig did a awesome job looking after our place and animals. Made going away so much easier. Would recommend Craig for any future house sitting he did a fantastic job. Thanks for a awesome housesit Craig.
SHANNON (Paeroa North Island, Dec 2016 - 1 week 4 days)
No rating To other house owners, Craig housesat for us for 2 months, looking after our dog, cat and property. He did a brilliant job, tending wonderfully to the pets and giving our dog his daily walks as requested. The house was spotless, the lawns done and much more. We would fully endorse Craig as a reliable, trustworthy and caring housesitter. Thanks craig for a worry free period. Sincerely, Inge
INGE (Te Puru , Oct 2016 - 2 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
No rating Many, many thanks Craig for the house sit. It was lovely to get back to a clean house, weeded gardens and the huge lawn mowed to perfection. And, to two happy cats and to the hens laying better than they had for months. We hope you enjoyed the stay too.
GERALDINE (Whakamarama , Jul 2016 - 1 month 3 weeks)
No rating I highly recommend Craig as a house sitter, he took great care of looking after my Kitten & labrador. My house was spotless, lawns mowed, windows cleaned & food in the fridge. Thankyou so much : )
JULIE (Maketu North Island, Jun 2016 - 1 week 6 days)
No rating Craig stayed at our place for 7 weeks while we were overseas. It was great to come back to a very clean and tidy house. The lawns were mowed and I could tell that our cat had been well looked after as she was not stressed at all when we arrived home. Hopefully Craig will be available next time we go away. Mary
JOHN & MARY (Waitara , Mar 2016)
No rating Craig house sat for us for a month. He looked after our alpacas, sheep, chickens and cats. Mowed the lawns and kept the house in perfect condition. He even cleaned all out windows inside and out. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone and would gladly have him back again. Thanks again Craig.
CHRISTINE (Whakamarama , Jan 2016)
No rating We had Craig stay and take care of our place for 5 weeks. We live on a rural section, so wanted someone with some common sense just in case there were any problems and understood the sometimes unique issues of living in the country (tank water!). I saw Craig's profile and he looked ideal - even better he loved cats. We have 2 cats, one which is quite nervy and easily stressed. Well, I think Molly may have found the love of her life! She was incredibly relaxed when we got home and apparently ... MORE
FIONA (Te Pahu , Dec 2015)
No rating Thank you Craig. I had Craig come in and house sit my lifestyle block... he did a great job... the house was spotless, he even cleaned all my windows and the pond... the farm animals well fed and looked after... he did everything plus more , Special thanks Glenys & Lilly
GLENYS (Hikurangi, North Island, Dec 2015 - 3 weeks)
No rating We hired Craig to look after our home and lifestyle block. Our pets and livestock all looked superb upon our return, and the house was a lot cleaner than how we left it. We've always used female housesitters in the past believing they were naturally tidier and cleaner than the guys. But Craig has turned that idea upside down. He left the place looking better than all previous sitters. Craig cleaned all the windows and even our gungy oven - none of the ladies did that. Our home was immaculate. ... MORE
STEWART (Wellsford, North Island, Nov 2015)
No rating Having Craig as a house sitter has spoilt us for any future sitters. The property was immaculate inside and out, lawns mowed, and sprayed for flat weed, edges trimmed, stock and fences looked after. We had fresh food in the pantry and fridge, the house clean and tidy and anything used was replaced. We would have no hesitation recommending Craig in any situation.
KEVIN (Pukekawa, North Island, Oct 2015 - 5 weeks)
No rating I can fully recommend Craig as a house sitter, house was a pleasure to come home, animals well looked after. we would gladly have him back.
LYNN AND GEOFF (Stratford, North Island, Sep 2015 - 2 weeks 6 days)
No rating Well its all very well booking the tickets, packing the bag and getting on the plane . . but a holiday for me is only as good as the ability and helpfulness of the person left behind to look after the farm and all the animals. This was the second time Craig helped us out with 2 weeks of farm sitting and once again we were able to completely forget about our responsibilities at home in the complete and certain knowledge that Craig had everything in hand. A couple of 'update' txts ensured an ... MORE
REBECCA (Tauranga, North Island, Jun 2015)
No rating Craig is everything we could have wished for in a house sitter. When we came home after six weeks away the house was warm, tidy and cosy and our pets, and four hectare property were in perfect condition. He mowed the lawns, answered the phone and sent me regular emails while I was away. If we ever need a house sitter again he would definitely be my preferred choice. Craig exceeded expectations and I would have no hesitation in recommending his services.
PHILLIPA CAMPBELL (Whangarei, North Island, Jun 2015)
No rating Craig came to look after our grazing block, home, gardens and many 'pets' for 2 weeks while we took a much needed holiday over Christmas. Not only was there the usual assortment of animals to feed but a few days before Craig arrived our two cats produced 10 kittens between them just to add to Craig’s responsibilities!! It is the first time we have used the Housesitter service and not only did we have a completely stress free holiday returning to happy animals, a spotless house, watered gardens ... MORE
REBECCA (Tauranga, North Island, Jan 2015)
No rating Craig house-sat for us this year for 8 days. I was nervous about leaving all our animals (cats, horses, goats, ducks, chickens), especially our young 8 month old German shepherd. We’ve had people house sit for us on our lifestyle block before, but it has always been people we knew well. This was the first time we’d used someone solely based on references and after a brief meeting. When we returned home we were delighted to find the animals very happy and well cared for and our home immaculate. ... MORE
SUSAN (Tauranga, Dec 2014)
No rating Craig would have to be the very best of the best! He was punctual, pleasant, reliable, considerate! And thats just for starters. My cat absolutely adored Craig and missed him when he left. Craig is house and garden savvy and he did more than asked. How much more could a person ask for? A happy pet and a happy home to come back to. I would wholeheartedly recommend Craig to any person looking for their pet and property to be taken care of while they are away. Thanks Craig we sure do look forward ... MORE
TILLY (Glenholme North Island, Nov 2014 - 1 week 5 days)
 
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