WWOOFING Your Way Across The World
As environmental issues race up the agenda, many tourists are looking for ways to continue enjoying their holidays while reducing the accompanying carbon footprint. Some go even further, and combine a trip abroad with a stint spent conserving or helping to protect the environment.
New Zealand has targeted prospective do-gooders like these by inventing a revolutionary new concept – WWOOFing. Standing for ‘Willing Workers on Organic Farms’, the scheme attracts volunteers who wish to live and learn on an organic farm.
Food and accommodation is provided, so WWOOFing is popular among British travelers. It’s also a good way to educate yourself about environmentally sustainable farming methods in New Zealand while having a great time, as British student Paddy McQueen discovered.
“I went WWOOFing a number of times while travelling in New Zealand,” he says. “There are hundreds of places to WWOOF. I generally spent a week in each place which was a great antidote to constantly hitching here and there. You can unpack, get to live with a family, get some decent food inside you and not worry about where you’re sleeping the next night. What’s more, you’ll learn about sustainable methods in farming, new ways of maximising energy and conserving the environment.
“One place I WWOOFed at was a dilapidated house in the middle of nowhere on the rugged West Coast which ran on solar power, had no running water and a compost toilet out the back. It was one of the most peaceful times of my life spent with one of the most interesting, warm and intelligent people I’ve had the honour to meet – a great way to spend your
holidays."
It’s possible to WWOOF your way across New Zealand carrying nothing more than a backpack and a few travellers cheques, but you’ll need to arrange your accommodation in advance. Websites like Travel Zoo or On The Beach will help you find late holidays to the Land of the Long White Cloud, and also provide you with accommodation options in case you get stuck between WWOOFs. Make sure you pack plenty of warm clothing and your own bedding – WWOOFING is great fun, but you can find yourself staying in relatively basic conditions.