Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
28 Sep 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
46
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Kia ora Workawayers,
Welcome to our home in sunny Tasman village. We live on 2.4ha (6acres) of organically managed forest and garden and have a small flock of chickens.
Our business is a family run cafe. The cafe is now only open on Fridays.
We have built all the eco buildings on site ourselves over the last 34 years and our business has a strong ecological foundation. We also have accommodation in a Giant Boot.
We require help in our organic gardens and other projects, including art and natural building.
We are a hard working and fun loving couple and are looking for the same ethos in our volunteers.
We have separate sleepout accommodation for volunteers with shared camp style facilities i.e you have to go to a seperate building for shower and the composting toilet. You will be expected to share cooking of evening meals together.
You are expected to provide your own breakfast while we provide lunch and dinner during the week in return for your help. In the weekend you’re free to explore the area.
Tasman village is close to beaches and on route to the Abel Tasman National Park, and only 10 minutes from Motueka.
Your own transport a definite advantage although there is now a bus service which stops at Tasman Village, 500metres away.
We will endeavour to reply to all emails within 2 days and we expect the same so we can efficiently manage volunteers, thanks.
Nga mihi nui,
Steve and Judy
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Fashion or beauty
Farming
Events & social
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Art & design
Architecture
Nature
Hiking
Camping
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Get to live with a Kiwi couple in our art filled life. Experience a life lived for fun and happiness.
“If it’s worth doing , it’s worth doing humourously”
Help
We require help in our organic gardens and with other projects
There are opportunities for sculptors and artists to stay and create works.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Private sleep out with double bed
What else ...
There is now a regular bus service from Nelson to Motueka that runs Monday to Friday . The closest stop is at the Tasman store, about 500 metres away.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 2341278294ad
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+20
Feedback (28)
13 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Stella Rebecca & Matteo) for host
Big thanks to Judy and Steve for hosting us in there little (actually big) paradise they built! We stayed for about 2 weeks to help them on their property. Work included mostly work in the garden, weeding, picking fruit, but also helping out in the cafe. It was a welcomed mix, definitely a lot of hard work but very enjoyable as you could see the… read more
16 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Geanne) for host
I stayed 4 weeks with Steve and Judy. It was a lovely experience! its hard to put into words. It felt like a learning exchange. I worked mainly alongside steve, he communicates really clearly and has a lot of patience. He is a really inspiring person to me, and cares for his community and the environment. By stepping into steve and judys life, I… read more
14 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Geanne)
Geanne stayed 4 weeks with us and was everything we were looking for.
She was curious and asked interesting questions, and listened to answers. She got on well with everyone around her and our grandchildren adored her.
And she loved to get jobs finished, even when they were difficult and took longer than expected.
Geanne, we wish you well for your… read more
She was curious and asked interesting questions, and listened to answers. She got on well with everyone around her and our grandchildren adored her.
And she loved to get jobs finished, even when they were difficult and took longer than expected.
Geanne, we wish you well for your… read more
(Excellent
)
4 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gerard & Laraine) for host
Sorry for the delay with this feedback, but now wrapping up all our loose ends in NZ
We were made very welcome by Steve and Judy to their amazing property, and a workaway which turned into a housesit.
A lovely unique hand built by owner home with amazing features, we haud a really good time looking after their beautiful playful kitten Andorra, we… read more
We were made very welcome by Steve and Judy to their amazing property, and a workaway which turned into a housesit.
A lovely unique hand built by owner home with amazing features, we haud a really good time looking after their beautiful playful kitten Andorra, we… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+20
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
13 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Stella Rebecca & Matteo) for host
Big thanks to Judy and Steve for hosting us in there little (actually big) paradise they built! We stayed for about 2 weeks to help them on their property. Work included mostly work in the garden, weeding, picking fruit, but also helping out in the cafe. It was a welcomed mix, definitely a lot of hard work but very enjoyable as you could see the… read more
16 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Geanne) for host
I stayed 4 weeks with Steve and Judy. It was a lovely experience! its hard to put into words. It felt like a learning exchange. I worked mainly alongside steve, he communicates really clearly and has a lot of patience. He is a really inspiring person to me, and cares for his community and the environment. By stepping into steve and judys life, I… read more
14 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Geanne)
Geanne stayed 4 weeks with us and was everything we were looking for.
She was curious and asked interesting questions, and listened to answers. She got on well with everyone around her and our grandchildren adored her.
And she loved to get jobs finished, even when they were difficult and took longer than expected.
Geanne, we wish you well for your… read more
She was curious and asked interesting questions, and listened to answers. She got on well with everyone around her and our grandchildren adored her.
And she loved to get jobs finished, even when they were difficult and took longer than expected.
Geanne, we wish you well for your… read more
(Excellent)
4 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gerard & Laraine) for host
Sorry for the delay with this feedback, but now wrapping up all our loose ends in NZ
We were made very welcome by Steve and Judy to their amazing property, and a workaway which turned into a housesit.
A lovely unique hand built by owner home with amazing features, we haud a really good time looking after their beautiful playful kitten Andorra, we… read more
We were made very welcome by Steve and Judy to their amazing property, and a workaway which turned into a housesit.
A lovely unique hand built by owner home with amazing features, we haud a really good time looking after their beautiful playful kitten Andorra, we… read more
28 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Daniel & Cleo) for host
We had a lovely week staying at Steve and Judy's where we helped with gardening, picking fruit, and even helping out at the cafe on Friday. The accommodation in the Wigglybog felt a bit like we were living in Hobbiton, in the best ways. We enjoyed many great meals and conversations during our stay and were also able to easily go out and explore… read more
29 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Lillimare)
We picked up Lisa and Damian two days before lock down with Covid 19 which was a very unsettling time for everyone.
Lisa and Damian immediately chose to stay and help us as they had arranged and we're so pleased they did. Their company through the 8 weeks they stayed was always interesting and their enthusiasum more infectious than covid..we all… read more
Lisa and Damian immediately chose to stay and help us as they had arranged and we're so pleased they did. Their company through the 8 weeks they stayed was always interesting and their enthusiasum more infectious than covid..we all… read more
(Excellent)
25 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Lillimare) for host
We were so lucky to stay at Judy&Steve’s place in their home and the place during the lockdown. Thank you so much to Judy&Steve, and to their very good friend Drew, for letting us be a part of your family! We were the happiest people to be in such a wonderful family. We were supposed to be there for just a short time, but ended up staying for two… read more
22 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (David & Flore) for host
Judy and Steve hosted us when the situation was complicated for us. We were well welcomed. We stayed 6 weeks there and we felt like at home, a comfy bubble. Most of our job was around the chesnut lodge (weeding, pruning..) and some other tasks in the garden (which changed completely) and for the chicken house. We also enjoyed the delicious cakes… read more
24 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Tom & Diana)
Tom and Diana stayed with us for 2 weeks and were great guests and volunteers. They did a variety of jobs from chopping and stacking wood to cleaning our accommodation. They were happy to help with what ever we asked and always finished the job with a smile. Thanks very much for the exchange
(Excellent)
15 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Bruna & Andre) for host
Spending three weeks with Judy and Steve was amazing, we have one of the best times ever in New Zealand with them! The atmosphere at the place is very contagious and makes you feel better since you step in. We loved every minute of it helping in the office, in the house, in the restaurant, and in the workshop. Steve and Judy are always making sure… read more
31 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Marina & Ivan)
Marina and Ivan have restored our faith in volunteering. They were independent and straight forward. Ivan’s work was not a trouble at all and they both had energy and enthusiasm for whatever help we needed. We wish them happy travels and thoroughly recommend them as volunteers..
Judy and Steve
Judy and Steve
(Excellent)
13 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Julien & Lea) for host
We spent nearly 4 weeks here and that was amazing. We worked mostly outside (fruits picking, painting, blackberries fighting, and also repairs the green roof) and we made some small wood buildings. We appreciate the friendly atmosphere, the clear organisation and the fact that there is all the tools you need to work. Thus, it was a real pleasure… read more
26 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Audrey) for host
Judy and Steve are wonderful, both fun and hard working people. I really enjoyed staying at the volunteer village for 10 days. Helping at the café with the dream team, raking up the leaves, painting, picking fruits...and having family dinner every evening was great! I felt really at home...even home with a special accent ;-) this is a magic place… read more
9 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Yoann & Aurelie)
Yoann and Aurelie stayed with us for 2 weeks. We really enjoyed their company and their help. Yoann loved making fantastic desserts including my four tier birthday cake! Their English improved alot while they were here and they were always keen to try new experiences and "get jobs done'. Thanks very much.
(Excellent)
8 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Yoann & Aurelie) for host
Judy and Steve are wonderful hosts : kind, generous, funny, dynamic... I could go on for a long time to list their qualities. We spent for 1 month with this lovely couple whom allowed us to share their daily life, meet their family and their friends. They are very involved in their project. Moreover, the café is an amazing place not to be missed… read more
9 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Brent & Jordan)
Jordan and Brent stayed with us for 10 days and we really enjoyed there company. Jordan is a wizz at social media marketing and Brent was motivated and extremely competent at all manner of woodworking. We loved their energy and enthusiasm and wish them well with their future dreams.
(Excellent)
10 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Michelle) for host
An absolutely awesome place, Steve and Judy were so welcoming and made me feel that I was part of the family. The cafe, house and gardens are all amazing, like something out of a fairy tale! I mostly helped out in the cafe which was a lot of fun and I even picked up some recipes :). Great accommodation, great food, definitely recommended!!
9 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Mai Loan & Kevin )
Mai and Kevin were wonderful helpers. They are a lovely, friendly and caring couple who fitted right in with whatever was happening and were able to turn there hand to any task. Kevin loves kitchens so expect to eat really when you let Kevin loose in yours!
(Excellent)
9 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jemma & Luke)
Jemma and Luke were fantastic helpers. There worked really hard and did all sorts of things with minimal supervision. They were independent, friendly, and fun. We'd love to have them back any time.
(Excellent)
7 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Jemma & Luke) for host
Had an amazing 3 weeks with Steve and Judy.
They are great hosts. There house, business and food is all amazing.
So kind, welcoming and friendly. They really do make you feel at home.
Great opportunity to learn new skills and get work experience in a whole range of different areas.
Great place to visit and you will have a fun time throughout… read more
They are great hosts. There house, business and food is all amazing.
So kind, welcoming and friendly. They really do make you feel at home.
Great opportunity to learn new skills and get work experience in a whole range of different areas.
Great place to visit and you will have a fun time throughout… read more
2 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew)
We had a lovely fortnight with Andrew. He fitted right in and was happy helping in the garden all day. His plant and garden knowledge is considerable, to say the least. Also a lovely guest and full of interesting conversations. Thanks again Andrew.
(Excellent)
2 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Dorothy)
Dorothy stayed with us for two weeks and was a lovely helper. She was confident with all the jobs we gave her to do alone but was also happy to just muck in with the team doing the dishes in the cafe. Good luck with your 'Gap life' and you're welcome back anytime.
(Excellent)
21 Jun 2016
Left by Workawayer (cat25bes) for host
It was very nice to stay at Steve and Judy's place.
It is so original, so full of creativity and ideas, and close to nature (besides, compost is the master word, including for dry toilets).
The help needed was very various, from feeding the chicken or cooking the evening meal, to paint giant playing cards. The garden is wonderful with so many… read more
It is so original, so full of creativity and ideas, and close to nature (besides, compost is the master word, including for dry toilets).
The help needed was very various, from feeding the chicken or cooking the evening meal, to paint giant playing cards. The garden is wonderful with so many… read more
2 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Alexis & Clémence ) for host
Thank you so much Steve & Judy! We spent two amazing weeks . You are so enthousiastic and generous. We did many jobs. Every day was different and we liked that (fruit picking , at the cafe, cleaning the house and the boot ,taking care of chickens and pets, making great dinners with the kitchen's cafe....) It was the best volunteering we did and… read more
12 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Katharina) for host
I spent three weeks at Judys and Steves café. It was a really great time at this amazing Place with the wonderful Hosts Judy and Steve...
- lots of different work e.g. helping in the Café, gardening, painting
- amazing staff
- Great private accomodation
- Great Food
... perfect! Hope to See you again!
- lots of different work e.g. helping in the Café, gardening, painting
- amazing staff
- Great private accomodation
- Great Food
... perfect! Hope to See you again!
20 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Alexander) for host
staying with the lovely folks has been such an experience, a very enjoyable exchange. through being actively involved in several projects, from cafe work to gardening, i am very happy to have developed new perspectives and interests! everyone was incredibly welcoming, there were several projects to work on, the area is both beautiful and… read more
18 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Aude & Marion)
Aude and Marion were great helpers, mature, willing and hard working. What feasts we had! Thanks for the bread, blackberry grubbing and good times. Steve
(Excellent)
18 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Aude & Marion) for host
Our staying at Judy and Steve's was such a good experience! We only shared few days together, it was a short time but a good one! We met through them kind and interesting people that we intend to keep as our friends (les savoyards!!!).
The cafe is a real inspiring place that we highly recommend to discover! We wish you all the best to both of you… read more
The cafe is a real inspiring place that we highly recommend to discover! We wish you all the best to both of you… read more
29 Apr 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Angela)
Angela stayed a week with us and was a very pleasant guest. Her art skills were amazing, she made some posters and other promotional material for the cafe that are fantastic. Thanks very much
(Excellent)
19 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (Angela) for host
This was my first Workaway experience and I couldn't be happier.
Steve and Judy were incredibly kind in so many different ways, even before I started working there (they put me in touch with some lovely friends who could host me for an extra week).
They built this wonderful quirky place from nothing, and I loved listening to their stories. They're… read more
Steve and Judy were incredibly kind in so many different ways, even before I started working there (they put me in touch with some lovely friends who could host me for an extra week).
They built this wonderful quirky place from nothing, and I loved listening to their stories. They're… read more
29 Apr 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (David & Linda)
We could only host David and Linda for 1 week unfortunately as we would have loved them to stay longer. David was great a fixing ANYTHING and Linda was a great help in the cafe and the house.
They were hard working and good company, thanks very much.
They were hard working and good company, thanks very much.
(Excellent)
22 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (David & Linda) for host
This was great! Never a dull moment and an endless list of plenty to do. For me, David, the shop had most every tool a man needs. And Linda was happy in the garden, cafe or the "Boot". Work is work, doesn't matter to us what it is, we will do it; however, we do have a new appreciation for "compost". ;) Steve is a wonderful chef, but who knew… read more
1 Jan 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Miroslaw)
(Negative)
3 Oct 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie Claude)
Marie stayed with us for 4 weeks and fitted in with our busy schedule well.
She was self contained ,interesting, and a good house guest. If she stays ask Marie to make her Mousse au chocolat....... it's very good.
She was self contained ,interesting, and a good house guest. If she stays ask Marie to make her Mousse au chocolat....... it's very good.
(Very good)
3 Oct 2014
Left by Workawayer (Marie Claude) for host
I had a very interesting experience with Judy and Steve and the whole lovely team. Working in the kitchen and as a waitress in front, doing some cleaning in the house and gardening too. If you want to see a lovely eco place, an amazing fulfilled project...If you are an adaptable workalcoholic and don't mind spending 7 hours at work....this place… read more
8 May 2014
Left by Workawayer (Ben) for host
Thank you so much for having us and letting us work in such a special place. The creativity and enthusiasm at this workaway was great and we enjoyed your company. Best wishes, Christie and Ben
6 May 2014
Left by Workawayer (hspooner) for host
An all around fabulous experience! It was great to cross paths with Steve and Judy at this stage in our travels. Sorting through some of our own thoughts about "what we want to be when we grow up," it was incredibly satisfying to work alongside two people who have a genuine passion for what they do in both their personal and professional lives. … read more
4 May 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Miquel)
Miquel and Juli were great helpers and Juli made the best ever tortilla which I have been trying to replicate. Helpful and considerate. Thanks guys, I hope your trip around the south wasn't to wet!!!
(Excellent)
28 Apr 2013
Left by Workawayer (Jan & Yvonne) for host
Amazing place, lovely people, nice work, delicious meals, good and funny conversations :) We had a great week! Thanks, everybody. Love, Jan and Yvonne
19 Apr 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Jan & Yvonne)
Thanks Jan and Yvonne for all your hard work and good company.Regard ,Steve
(Excellent)
19 Apr 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Susanna was lovely company and an energetic worker .lovely to have to stay.
(Excellent)
17 Apr 2013
Left by Workawayer (Dieter) for host
We are looking forward to see Steve and Judie again....
It was not just "excellent" it was FANTASTIC - like a big family ...
The work was always different - it is a really unique place.
We had our own privacy and lived in the paradise.
Hopefully we have the chance to come and work again...
Thank you for the great time
It was not just "excellent" it was FANTASTIC - like a big family ...
The work was always different - it is a really unique place.
We had our own privacy and lived in the paradise.
Hopefully we have the chance to come and work again...
Thank you for the great time
5 Mar 2013
Left by Workawayer (inabridges) for host
Steve and Judie are excellent hosts, hard working, enterprising and have created a beautiful and inspiring place to stay and work. accommodation is unique and comfortable and the food coming mainly from their garden and surrounding area is wholesome and nutritous. in such a busy and exciting place jobs can be quiet varied, i helped build straw and… read more
28 Nov 2012
Left by Workawayer (Fransi) for host
My friend Liv and I had the most amazing time here, a very special and magical place. Judy and Steve are very helpful and kind and fun to be with. The jobs we had to do were not too bad, either (I still don't like blackberries, though ;)) and the food - what can you expect, when you live at a cafe with a pretty good chef?! :D
We started every… read more
We started every… read more
12 Jul 2012
Left by Workawayer (Imke) for host
Hi
first impression: special place, nice people, lovely houses, sheds and garden, even in wintertime a busy place (cafe), sustainable life style. I liked it from the beginning!
I mostly did "outside jobs" like spreading sawdust all over the orchard, making piles of firewood, raking leaves. Inside I did clean ups (guesthouse, house, cafe) and… read more
first impression: special place, nice people, lovely houses, sheds and garden, even in wintertime a busy place (cafe), sustainable life style. I liked it from the beginning!
I mostly did "outside jobs" like spreading sawdust all over the orchard, making piles of firewood, raking leaves. Inside I did clean ups (guesthouse, house, cafe) and… read more
25 Mar 2012
Left by Workawayer (Panchusa) for host
Hello Steve and Judy!!!
First of all thanks a lot for hosting us in your magical place.
We had an amazing two weeks with you, that we will always remember.
We had to work from 4 to 6 hours a day in exchange of food and accommodation.
The tasks were very diverse from helping in the restaurant, gardening, helping with the building and helping… read more
First of all thanks a lot for hosting us in your magical place.
We had an amazing two weeks with you, that we will always remember.
We had to work from 4 to 6 hours a day in exchange of food and accommodation.
The tasks were very diverse from helping in the restaurant, gardening, helping with the building and helping… read more
