We have experience of moving stock, feeding out, drystock including sheep, beef and equine studs .
Previous sits include sheep stations and mixed drystock farms along with equine studs. We also do pest control work in a number of private blocks and farms.
Preferred Locations
North Island: Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Northland, Waikato
58, Retired Teacher, gardener & all round handy man
58, Retired Pool/Gym Manager/Owner
We are the perfect Kiwi/English combo. We have been having a ball pet/house/farm sitting fulltime since early 2015, completing more than 100 sits so far. We delight in adapting to anything and everything our wonderful lifestyle has to offer !
Lucky to retire young, we are both fit, healthy and adventurous. We will spend plenty of time at home with your precious pets giving them as much ( if not more!) exercise, play and cuddles as they are used to. Walking dogs is never viewed as a chore but more an opportunity to discover all the local environment has to offer. As passionate travellers we love the fact that house and pet sitting provides a local base with friendly neighbours and a chance to experience the community as a local rather than a tourist.
We bring many skills and knowledge to sitting opportunities having lived in different countries and experienced much . As keen gardeners we are happy to keep the outdoors under control in your absence, and with James' handyman skills, we bring peace of mind to fixing practical problems that may arise in your home in your absence. We are also happy to help you out with extra DIY jobs, painting, deep cleans etc, at a mutually agreed rate, while you are away. Having owned our own and managed others' businesses, we are highly organised and thorough in our communication both before and during our sits including sending you pics of your happy and relaxed pets. We have looked after farms and small holdings with cattle, horses, donkeys, pigs, sheep, chickens and goats and are experienced at feeding out and paddock rotation. We are experienced in living off-grid and are both fit, healthy, clean living, non smokers intent on leaving the smallest possible footprint wherever we go .
We both have clean car and motorbike licenses and during our housesitting adventures we have had occasion to drive a wide variety of vehicles including cars, 4X4, tractors, boats, quad bikes and motorbikes .
Having owned homes in both NZ and the UK, we are fully aware of the responsibilities home ownership entails and we are quick to identify and sort out any issues that arise whilst sitting. We have never had to interrupt our homeowners' holidays as we are mindful it is your break.
Follow us on our house and pet sitting journey around the world:
***You can take a look at our Resume & full list of over 100 References. Please contact us for the link
***You may also be interested in our house and pet sitting blog Please contact us for the link
*** Our Facebook page James and Clare, Coddiwomplers Inc
We can send you links to or copies of our current IDs should you require.
Reviews (36)
We have had the great pleasure of leaving our home and dogs in James and Clare's wonderful care for the past week and could not be more delighted with the whole experience. We had easy and regular communication throughout with wonderful photo updates of our pup Ace and 7 year old dog Roxy who were clearly thriving in the company of two animal lovers. Our home was clean and tidy when we arrived home, even the bed sheets were freshly washed, dried and folded, and the vegetable boxes planted out ... MOREWe have had the great pleasure of leaving our home and dogs in James and Clare's wonderful care for the past week and could not be more delighted with the whole experience. We had easy and regular communication throughout with wonderful photo updates of our pup Ace and 7 year old dog Roxy who were clearly thriving in the company of two animal lovers. Our home was clean and tidy when we arrived home, even the bed sheets were freshly washed, dried and folded, and the vegetable boxes planted out (twice thanks to Ace's puppy antics!), but most importantly, our dogs were really, really happy and in great shape. I don't think we could find better house/pet sitters if we tried! Thank you so much Jim & Clare - it was great meeting you and I hope our paths cross again.
KAREN (West Melton Rural South Island, Nov 2021 - 7 days)
We were very fortunate to have James and Clare look after our precious fur babies while we were away. They were very comfortable with our dogs from the first meeting and the feeling was mutual , definitely wonderful animal people . They also kept an eye on the farm animals , alerting us to a steer in the wrong place on their first visit and sorting out an orphan lamb while we were away. Great communication all the way through with photos of very content, happy dogs. We also came home to a ... MOREWe were very fortunate to have James and Clare look after our precious fur babies while we were away. They were very comfortable with our dogs from the first meeting and the feeling was mutual , definitely wonderful animal people . They also kept an eye on the farm animals , alerting us to a steer in the wrong place on their first visit and sorting out an orphan lamb while we were away. Great communication all the way through with photos of very content, happy dogs. We also came home to a lovely loaf of Clare’s fresh sourdough bread. We would welcome James and Clare back anytime and highly recommend them . Thank you so much once again .
SHARON AND ROGER (10 mins from Ohope Beach North Island, Jul 2023 - 2 weeks)
James and Clare did fulfilled their side of our sit in grand style. Our pets were visibly content when I got home. The house was clean and welcoming to come home to.
Highly recommend and hope they can sit for us again next year.
SAM (Ohope beach North Island, Jul 2023 - 6 days)
A full five star rating all round. James and Claire have been fantastic in looking after my home, my garden and especially my pets, indeed so we'll that one of my cats is still grieving letting them go. I can highly recommend them and would love to have them sit for me again. Thanks again for being so awesome
LENA (Karamea South Island, Apr 2023 - 10weeks)
Clare and James looked after our house, garden and our busy dog for the past two weeks. It was fantastic meeting you prior to the house sit to show you around. Your attention to detail and passion for Bella was outstanding. The house was lovely and tidy and the garden etc well looked after. The communication was fabulous. We thank you both very much.
RIKE (Riverton South South Island, Jan 2023 - 2 weeks)
We were so lucky to have Clare and Jim to house sit for our 13 dogs, whilst we were out of the country for 2 weeks. They were amazing with them even the more challenging characters! Dog whisperers lol. They sent us photos while we were away and communicated when needed. We came home to tidy house, happy dogs, mown lawns, fresh baked cake and even a meal in the fridge. Great characters and interesting experiences. Love to see Clare and Jim for a visit again and so would our furry friends. Thank ... MOREWe were so lucky to have Clare and Jim to house sit for our 13 dogs, whilst we were out of the country for 2 weeks. They were amazing with them even the more challenging characters! Dog whisperers lol. They sent us photos while we were away and communicated when needed. We came home to tidy house, happy dogs, mown lawns, fresh baked cake and even a meal in the fridge. Great characters and interesting experiences. Love to see Clare and Jim for a visit again and so would our furry friends. Thank you so much
JUSTINE (Otautau South Island, Dec 2022 - 2 weeks)
James and Clare are obviously very experienced house sitters who knew the questions to ask and we had full confidence in them adapting to our needs and especially to our dog, Lola. On return, Lola was happy and we could tell an especially good bond had developed, the house was clean, garden and courtyard well kept, and extra jobs done. Very friendly and helpful people, and we loved the surprise baking we came home to. We'd definitely invite them back for more house sitting in the future.
ANNA AND DAVE (Lake Hawea , Nov 2022 - 2 weeks (late Feb 2023))
James and Clare really looked after our fur babies and went the extra mile to make sure they were happy, exercised and safe.
Great communicators, always responsive and sent me animal pics.
Left the house how they found it, clean and tidy.
We would happily welcome them again.
EMMA (Otumoetai North Island, Oct 2022 - 10 days)
Well what can we say...... arrived for a week and stayed for a month! :)
James and Clare are animal mad and all of our farm and pet animals were loved to pieces.
Nothing was too much trouble and came back to fresh bread and a sparkly house.
Highly recommend.
SARAH (Albury South Island, Feb 2022 - 2 weeks all up!)
James and Clare are wonderful house sitters. We went away on holiday knowing that our house and farm were in save hands.During the 10 days that we were away James and Clare kept us informed as to what was happening at home and assured us that our home and farm were in good hands. On returning home we found everything just as we left it. They were very respectful of our home and we have full confidence in recommending them to others. Thank you James and Clare.
BOB (Ashburton , Feb 2022 - 10 Days)
Great couple, very good communication and accommodated all our requests on the home front. Clare and James were very kind and thoughtful. Thanks for caring and entertaining for our energetic and cheeky pup!
ANNA (Lake Hayes South Island, Jan 2022 - 1 week)
Clare & James were excellent house sitters . They took fantastic care of our dog (daily walks ) and cat (groomed every day ) . House was beautifully clean on our return. Great at communicating whilst we were away . Would recommend 10/10
LOUISE (Queensberry South Island, Dec 2021 - 1 week 3 days)
We were stuck in Australia due to covid lockdowns and Clare and James came to our rescue with very short notice, to care for our house and dogs. Very thankful!!
LORNA (Whakatane North Island, Jun 2021 - one week)
Clare and James are a reliable, enthusiastic couple who are prepared to handle whatever comes their way. When asked is they would be able to arrive earlier than planned they replied with a yes without hesitation. When Clare counted the sheep one day and found one was missing she searched until she found it. Her communication with us whilst we were away was excellent. Also, she wrote a daily diary with reference to the animals. I couldn't ask for more.
When we arrived home the house ... MOREClare and James are a reliable, enthusiastic couple who are prepared to handle whatever comes their way. When asked is they would be able to arrive earlier than planned they replied with a yes without hesitation. When Clare counted the sheep one day and found one was missing she searched until she found it. Her communication with us whilst we were away was excellent. Also, she wrote a daily diary with reference to the animals. I couldn't ask for more.
When we arrived home the house was clean and tidy.
Thank you Clare and James
SHARYN AND NEVILLE (Kaituna Blenheim South Island, Feb 2021 - 9 days)
Fantastic!. Clare and James are truthworthy, reliable and caring house sitters. They arrived a day early to get the low down on the property, took everything in their stride and did all we asked of them.
They cared for our animals, dog, parrot, pony, sheep and chooks like their own. Relaxed and enjoyed our home.
We came home to a lovely home cooked meal and tidy house and property. We would have them back in a heartbeat. Safe travels.
WENDY (Kerikeri , Feb 2021 - 3 months)
Clare and James were a perfect choice for my first house sitters. They have a broad experience of previous sits so were familiar with all the aspects involved with looking after ducks, chooks and dogs, as well as being comfortable with my other livestock (sheep, cattle and horse). After a 2 day transition period I left knowing that Clare had paid close attention to all the little details that were important to me, and that my loved animals were in good hands. In fact Clare was so caring and ... MOREClare and James were a perfect choice for my first house sitters. They have a broad experience of previous sits so were familiar with all the aspects involved with looking after ducks, chooks and dogs, as well as being comfortable with my other livestock (sheep, cattle and horse). After a 2 day transition period I left knowing that Clare had paid close attention to all the little details that were important to me, and that my loved animals were in good hands. In fact Clare was so caring and loving to them all that she spent hours just hanging out with them because she is a true animal lover and that was her happy place. When I returned home the house was lovely and clean. Thanks guys!
CHRISTINE (Makarora South Island, Jan 2021 - 2 weeks 2 days)
James and Claire were fabulous! Highly recommend!
Our animals and home were cared for perfectly . Thankyou both so much .
Happy travels .
JULIE (Hanmer Springs South Island, Jan 2021 - 3 days)
Claire and James were a great pleasure to have as sitters. They looked after our house, cat and small garden with outstanding care and attention. The house was spotlessly clean on our return, the cat was relaxed and happy, and the garden was thriving. Communications with them were prompt and easy throughout the whole process. We were absolutely thrilled with them, and our only regret is that they won't be around to come and stay at our house again! Many thanks!
SUSAN (Enner Glynn South Island, Dec 2020 - 9 days)
James and Clare did a fantastic job looking after our house and cats. They were very easy to get along with and we felt that our place and pets were in safe hands. It was lovely to find a apple crumble baked for us on our return. Highly recommend them.
LINDA (Nuhaka North Island, Oct 2020 - 2 weeks and 3 days)
James and Clare were great house-sitters. The pets were very well looked after, and the house was clean and tidy when we came home. We highly recommend them.
CAROLYN (Tauranga North Island, Sep 2020 - 5 days)
Recently we had James & Clare housesit our home and cat for 10 days. They have huge experience in housesitting here and overseas which shows in the way they do the job. Being keen fishers the cat was all smiles when we got home. The house was spotless so we were all smiles as well. They are lovely down to earth people and we give them a ten out of ten
JIM (Whangamata North Island, Sep 2020 - 10 days)
Excellent house sitters. We posted an add just a few days before the sit and it was easy and efficient to organise this house sit. Thanks a lot for taking good care of Chula.
SHARN (Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa North Island, Mar 2020 - 3days)
James and Clare are so kind to our Pets and Farm stock .They Fed out to the Horses and Cattle ,also mended water pipe. Would not hesitate to recommending them to house and farm sit
Thank you so much for house setting.
Till next time
SANDY (Raglan , Mar 2020)
Thanks for sitting for us. All the cats and dogs were happy to have all the attention. Communicated with our farm staff really well. Always good to have someone keeping the house look lived in while we are away.
Thanks, Andrew & Chris
ANDREW & CHRIS (Te Puke North Island, Feb 2020)
James and Clare were excellent house sitters. They looked after our two dogs like they were their own and left the house spick and span. Would absolutely have them back in a heartbeat. I think May and Bee miss them already!
ANGELA (Reikorangi North Island, Jan 2020 - 9 days)
We are very happy with Clare and James as house sitters. We posted our request very late and for a short period but Clare and James responded directly. The house, garden and animals have been well looked after and the house was immaculate when we returned. Would recommend James and Clare for future house sits
ESTHER (Carterton North Island, Jan 2020 - 4 days)
James and claire have just looked after our house cat and dog for a month. We are so grateful for the immaculate way our property has been left. Lawns and garden perfect house cleaner and tidier than we left it!! AND fresh baked bread and Afghans made. The pets were sad when they left I am sure. Thanks so much. Highly recommend.
SANDRA (Otaki North Island, Dec 2019 - 1 month)
Really great, very friendly, caring and clean. I can highly recommend James and Clare.
DAVID (Mt Eden North Island, Nov 2019 - 4 days)
James and Clare came to house and farm sit for us in April for two and half weeks while we finally had a holiday.
Jobs were to take care of the farm dogs and run daily, cat and chickens and check water and troughs daily along with the sheep and cattle. Take messages mail,etc. Watering the gardens, and keep everything running smoothly which was done perfectly. All stock and animals happy. They even mowed the lawns for us. Very happy and hope they can come back again at some stage.
SHERYL (Porangahau North Island, Mar 2018 - 2 weeks 4 days)
What a wonderful easy going couple!!
We had never used house sitters before, so this was all new to us.
But James & Clare were totally at ease with the whole process.
NOTHING was a bother.
We left them to care for our 2yr old black lab who thoroughly enjoyed her daily swimming in the nearby river. And a collection of vegetable & native seedlings in the garden to tend to. All of the above were in great condition. Our home felt like we had never left. Everything just how we would ... MOREWhat a wonderful easy going couple!!
We had never used house sitters before, so this was all new to us.
But James & Clare were totally at ease with the whole process.
NOTHING was a bother.
We left them to care for our 2yr old black lab who thoroughly enjoyed her daily swimming in the nearby river. And a collection of vegetable & native seedlings in the garden to tend to. All of the above were in great condition. Our home felt like we had never left. Everything just how we would have had it. They sent us pictures of Pepa (our dog) enjoying herself and several texts during our time away. All of which put us at ease to be able to enjoy our holiday.
But the real icing on the cake, (so to speak) was Clare's AWESOME assistance making us all (7 of us) lunch on the day we were busy packing!
AND then when we returned home at the end of the holiday after a long travelling day, to find they had left us a pre cooked meal in the fridge AND homemade biscuits!!! What an utter GEM.
Thank you so much James & Clare!
AL & TANYA (Ngatimoti / Motueka South Island, Jan 2016 - 2 weeks 5 days)
James and Clare housesat for us over Christmas 2015. From the moment we met this charming couple we knew our home and most importantly our animals would receive very good care. James and Clare epitomise the true meaning of professional housesitters. I had read in a reference that James has been likened to to a dog whisperer and could sense that ability from the moment we introduced our 2 Labradors Boom and Bolt, along with Sambo the cat who actually is the boss (and as Clare noted has many ... MOREJames and Clare housesat for us over Christmas 2015. From the moment we met this charming couple we knew our home and most importantly our animals would receive very good care. James and Clare epitomise the true meaning of professional housesitters. I had read in a reference that James has been likened to to a dog whisperer and could sense that ability from the moment we introduced our 2 Labradors Boom and Bolt, along with Sambo the cat who actually is the boss (and as Clare noted has many dog like behaviours!)
We returned briefly midway through the sit and could see how happy the animals were - so much so - they basically ignored us! Upon our arrival home, our home was beautifully clean and tidy, our gardens and lawns well looked after. James and Clare had undertaken extra gardening to a very high standard, and James improved our vegetable plots, with supports for our bird netting. If only the animals could talk they would tell you first hand the wonderful time they had with James and Clare! The photos and video on their blog at our property give you a glimpse of the care they will give to your animals and home. We only wish they lived closer so we could have them more regularly, but we're hoping our paths will indeed cross again, and would gladly welcome them
back to our home.
LIZ (Winton, South Island, Jan 2016 - 1 week approx)
Clare and James were great farm sitters. They filled us with confidence from the first moment we talked to them. They showed initiative and did more than we expected with the animals. They coped with cats, a dog, sheep and alpacas and even the birth of a cria (a baby alpaca)! The house was well looked after and it was lovely to come home to fresh-baked scones. We would have them back in a flash.
SUE (Waimate, South Island, Dec 2015 - 2 weeks 1 day)
James and Clare minded our house and dog over the Easter break and they were the best house sitters we've had so far (out of 3 experiences).
Spikey our dog couldn't care less when we left and obviously got al the love and walks needed while we were away.
The house was left in a very clean state with fresh sheets and wine awaiting our return.
If you have the chance of having them available to mind your place, grab it.
ISABELLE BOULLIAT (Westmere, Auckland, Apr 2015)
James and Clare housesat for us while we were away overseas for 4 weeks. We were thrilled to find the animals and the house in excellent condition upon our return. We would not hesitate to have them housesit for us again and would certainly recommend them to others
LYNLEY (Arkles Bay, Sep 2014)
James was an awesome house sitter. House left clean and tidy and he took really great care of our dog. Happy to use him again and to recommend him to others. Lovely bloke.
SARAH (Manly, North Island, Apr 2014 - 1 week)
Fab! We left our precious cats and house in the exceptionally capable hands of James. It was a 6 week period whilst we were in Europe..We were nervous as first time using sitters we hadn't met. But was wonderful! Our rather standoffish cat ended up on his lap - we were very jealous! House immaculate and tidier than when we left it. Wanted to use again but booked up.
PENNY (Mairangi Bay, North Island, Jun 2013)
Safe house!
There is nothing more secure than having people at home while you're away. Get a house sitter.
Couple
We have had the great pleasure of leaving our home and dogs in James and Clare's wonderful care for the past week and could not be more delighted with the whole experience. We had easy and regular communication throughout with wonderful photo updates of our pup Ace and 7 year old dog Roxy who were clearly thriving in the company of two animal lovers. Our home was clean and tidy when we arrived home, even the bed sheets were freshly washed, dried and folded, and the vegetable boxes planted out ... MORE
We were stuck in Australia due to covid lockdowns and Clare and James came to our rescue with very short notice, to care for our house and dogs. Very thankful!!
