Free room for rent but here’s the catch . . .

A skipper is looking to for a flatmate to live on their yacht and cruise the upper North Island with them.

According to an ad posted on Trade Me, the person would get free accommodation on the 13.7-metre (45ft) ‘‘luxury’’ yacht, as long as they were willing to do some chores and painting.

The listing said the only expenses would be food, the cost of which would be shared with the ‘‘happy-natured, intelligent’’ skipper.

It described the spot on the yacht as ‘‘a lifestyle opportunity’’ and a ‘‘fun adventure with experienced blue water skipper’’.

Cruising took three days on average and could include stops at Kawau Island, Great Barrier, the Bay of Islands and Mangawhai Harbour.

According to the listing, the yacht has two bedrooms and one bathroom.

The flatmate could use the fishing and snorkelling gear provided and there was a ‘‘fun puppy on board too’’.

The advertiser said their ideal flatmate would be ‘‘into scenery, sailing, cooking, she loves to explore, hike’’.

The ad requested prospective flatmates email the advertiser for more information and said including photos would be appreciated.

Stuff has contacted the advertiser for comment.

The Trade Me listing was by no means the first flatmates wanted ad to offer an unconventional living arrangement.

In another listing, which has since been deleted, a man was seeking a European woman flatmate to help with housework and look after his dog in exchange for reduced rent.