Is this for you?
Good Finds is built for people who have something genuine to share. That might be a skill you've spent years developing, a piece of land you know intimately, a food tradition you've grown up with, or simply a corner of New Zealand that you love and understand in a way most visitors never will.
You don't need to be a professional guide, a chef, or a business owner. What you do need is real knowledge, a genuine experience to offer, and a willingness to host small groups of people properly.
Good Finds is a curated platform. We accept a small number of new hosts each month and review every application personally. We're not the right fit for everyone - and that's intentional.
The host journey
Here's how it works from start to first booking.
Step 1 - Apply
Fill out the host application from the Apply page. The application takes 15–20 minutes. We ask about who you are, what you'd like to offer, and the practical details of your experience. Write as you'd talk - we're reading for authenticity, not polish.
We review every application personally and respond within 3–5 working days.
Step 2 - Get approved
If your application is approved, your account is upgraded to host status and you can start building your listing. Approval means we think you have something worth listing - it doesn't mean your listing is live yet.
While you're waiting, read the other guides in this help centre. The listing and pricing guides will save you time when you start building.
Step 3 - Build your listing
Once approved, go to your host dashboard and create your first listing. You'll describe what guests will do, when the experience runs, how many people you take, and what it costs.
Your listing goes through a second review before it goes live. We check that the description is honest and specific, the photos are good, the pricing makes sense, and the safety information is complete.
Step 4 - Complete the health and safety checklist
Every host must complete a Health and Safety checklist before their first listing is approved. This is a formal record that you've thought through the safety of your experience. See the Health and safety guide for full details.
Step 5 - Your first booking
Once your listing is live, guests can request to book. You'll receive a notification and have 24 hours to accept or decline. When you accept, the guest has 24 hours to pay. Once payment is confirmed, the booking is locked in.
Your first few bookings are the most important. Respond quickly, communicate clearly, and make sure the experience delivers what your listing promises. Early reviews set the tone for everything that follows.
What guests are looking for
Good Finds guests want access - to real people, real places, and real knowledge. They're not looking for a show. The experiences that perform best are personal, specific, honest, and small. Most run with 2–10 guests, allowing real conversation and individual attention.
What you'll earn
Good Finds charges a 15% commission on each booking. You set the price; Good Finds's fee is deducted from your payout. Payouts are processed after each completed experience.
A few things to know before you start
- You're responsible for your own tax obligations. Income from hosting is taxable. See the Tax basics in New Zealand guide.
- Public liability insurance is required before your listing can go live. See the Health and safety guide.
- All communication with guests should happen through the Good Finds platform. This protects both parties and ensures a clear record of what was agreed.
- You can set your own availability and block dates any time through your calendar.
Ready to apply? Head to the Apply page. The application is straightforward and we read every one carefully.