Glen and Carol Cunningham, AirBnB - Manawatu Conversations

Object type

Audio

Description: Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 23rd December 2025.
The Cunninghams built a small dwelling on bare land before their main house.
A house sitter suggested their cosy sleep-out could become a B&B.
Airbnb was growing, so they tried listing affordable accommodation.
Bookings arrived within days, including guests from Denmark.
They learned from reviews and refined hosting practices.
Their point of difference was meeting friendly farm animals.
Visitors, including city dwellers, loved interacting with alpacas and sheep.
Some guests even explored lifestyle-block living after staying.
Word of mouth grew, and repeat NZ travellers returned.
They later added pet-friendly stays, which worked well.
COVID brought strict cleaning rules, but they adapted easily.
After nine years, they ended the Airbnb and gave the sleep-out to their grandson.