Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
18 May 2025
Reply rate
86.1 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
36
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Pam and Chris are an older couple into our 70's but still active and Chris works part time. Pam is a retired teacher and Chris is an aviation consultant. We have a 1 ha lifestyle block on the edge of Arrowtown in Central Otago, NZ. We grow flowers, olives and vegetables and lots of grass. We stopped skiing last year and Pam has a new hip which limits her mobility which she has always had. I am a handyman and love old cars - we have a few, so any mechanical skills always welcome. I also pretend to restore old caravans. We can offer your own space and facilities in a modern house in return for 4-5 hrs a day and meals and a beer at the end of the day. Mainly garden work but the house always needs attention as does my 6 bay garage.
We are both immuno compromised, so we ask that you are Covid vaccinated.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We have an amazing view over the Queenstown Wakatipu Basin, and in the past we sold our produce at markets for fun. Nowadays we give most of our oil and flowers away and concentrate on our own vegetables. Chats around the fire at night a requirement.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Mainly garden work but the house always needs attention as does my 6 bay garage. Carpenter or joiner or mechanical engineer will always be welcome!
Couples are welcome as are singles and we can cater for most dietary requirements. We have spent some time in France so we enjoy French people. Pam has travelled extensively so loves travel conversations.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Accommodation
Modern house. Own separate facilities - Bathroom, Kitchen, living, TV, space.
What else ...
5 minutes from Arrowtown main street and 3 golf courses. Very private 1ha location. Many trails and walks and tracks at our back door and our local pub 'The Tap'. The Arrow river is right there - gold mining gear available with 101 lessons.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
No restrictions . We have inherited a cat 'Jack'
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 247329319949
Feedback (16)
21 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Camille & Valentin)
If you read their Profile that is what you get and much more....A very personable and able couple who are obliging and worldly. Camille was 'co-opted' to help Valentin with the main task to kick start my stalled old caravan restoration project. What a team and not a minute wasted before they departed and left a complete interior DONE. I promise I… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Camille & Valentin) for host
So many wonderful things to say about our time with Chris and Pam! We were looking for an urgent woofing opportunity because our car was stuck in the garage for over a week — and they truly came to our rescue. From the moment we arrived, we felt warmly welcomed into their home.
One of the absolute highlights of our stay was the food — we shared so… read more
One of the absolute highlights of our stay was the food — we shared so… read more
3 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lydia & Marie)
Marie and Lydia were a great couple of Workawayers from the States. Worldly and willing and task oriented. All those pre-winter jobs were nailed and the place looks like new. Nothing was a bother and they often worked on to get the job done for the day. Also, they did most of the cooking and are handy at 1st aid for cur fingers. Great discussions… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Katarina) for host
Such an amazing experience! Pam and Chris are a warm and welcoming couple, they took me in as a part of the family from day one and I really felt like home with them. They both had quite an interesting life, so you will hear many great stories.
I stayed for a week, but if not pressured by time I would have definitely stayed longer. They have a… read more
I stayed for a week, but if not pressured by time I would have definitely stayed longer. They have a… read more
Photos
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:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
21 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Camille & Valentin)
If you read their Profile that is what you get and much more....A very personable and able couple who are obliging and worldly. Camille was 'co-opted' to help Valentin with the main task to kick start my stalled old caravan restoration project. What a team and not a minute wasted before they departed and left a complete interior DONE. I promise I… read more
(Excellent)
20 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Camille & Valentin) for host
So many wonderful things to say about our time with Chris and Pam! We were looking for an urgent woofing opportunity because our car was stuck in the garage for over a week — and they truly came to our rescue. From the moment we arrived, we felt warmly welcomed into their home.
One of the absolute highlights of our stay was the food — we shared so… read more
One of the absolute highlights of our stay was the food — we shared so… read more
3 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lydia & Marie)
Marie and Lydia were a great couple of Workawayers from the States. Worldly and willing and task oriented. All those pre-winter jobs were nailed and the place looks like new. Nothing was a bother and they often worked on to get the job done for the day. Also, they did most of the cooking and are handy at 1st aid for cur fingers. Great discussions… read more
(Excellent)
29 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Katarina) for host
Such an amazing experience! Pam and Chris are a warm and welcoming couple, they took me in as a part of the family from day one and I really felt like home with them. They both had quite an interesting life, so you will hear many great stories.
I stayed for a week, but if not pressured by time I would have definitely stayed longer. They have a… read more
I stayed for a week, but if not pressured by time I would have definitely stayed longer. They have a… read more
11 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Héloïse & Elie) for host
We really enjoyed our stay with Pam and Chris! They are very kind and welcoming, they shared many things about their culture and life experiences, showed us the surroundings and gave us many good tips on where to go hiking. The place they live in is beautiful, surrounded by golf courses and mountains. The work was really fair and interesting, we… read more
20 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Héloïse & Elie)
These guys were just great. Heloise and Elie had a list of things to do and just got on with it. The list went down by the day and nothing was a bother even the prickly tree and the bonfire. On wet days we had a spring clean and windows and dry days all outside and they cooked at night as well. Thanks for the help with Pam and I can say you are… read more
(Excellent)
10 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Christian)
Thanks Christian, for all the specialist work you did. Christian is a professional welder amongst other things and that is exactly what I needed to fix all those jobs waiting repair. The trailer refurb is ongoing, but all the weld work is done!!! Hope you got to your next Workaway and gliding school and it is going well. All the best and thanks,… read more
(Excellent)
13 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Louise & Benoit)
What a couple! Lots of skills they did not know they had - both now chain saw and log splitting compliant. Let them cook and they will surprise you. All those small tasks around the place done plus the elephant in the room - the big pile of tree cuttings and special thanks for all the work you did on the last day when I was away. Have a good… read more
(Excellent)
5 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Raphael & Patricia)
Great work by Patricia and Raphael. The task I set them was not easy, but they got stuck in before their time was up. Good conversations and very good around the house. At the same time, they learnt new skills to take away with them. we wish them well in their travels and future life ahead. All the best from Pam and Chris.
(Excellent)
5 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Raphael & Patricia) for host
Our time with Chris and Pam was absolutely fantastic! We spent a week helping them clear branches, and they were incredibly warm and welcoming throughout our stay. We genuinely enjoyed every moment at their place and feel lucky to have met such wonderful people. The surrounding area of Arrowtown was an added bonus, making our experience even more… read more
3 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Fabian & Lisa) for host
Even though we just have been with Pam and Chris only for 10 days (we should have contacted you guys much earlier!), we really really enjoyed our full stay their and the company they had to offer. We didnt't expect such a great house and all the care that those two took, also for our dietary! Chris is so great and creative in the kitchen, you will… read more
21 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Fabian & Lisa)
What a great couple. The list on the door went down every day as they chugged throuhgh the jobs to get our place ready for summer. Trees, grass, banks, you name it they did it and way past their daily time we normally set.
I hope we meet your vegan expectations given we are novices at vegan cooking.....at least you survived. Special thanks for… read more
I hope we meet your vegan expectations given we are novices at vegan cooking.....at least you survived. Special thanks for… read more
(Excellent)
4 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jeroen) for host
Had a wonderful stay at Chris and Pam's house! They are both extremely warm people that went out of their way to make me feel part of the family. Chris and Pam have some amazing stories to share about NZ and local Arrowtown history. They were very accommodating, not only in terms of food preparation where personal preferences were taken into… read more
26 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jeroen)
I posted this before but it got lost. By far the best Workawayer we have had. Jerone has skills he does not know he has and carried out a magnitude of tasks and even got some snow board lessons in between. Our place has had a rubbish burn up, cars fixed, fruit trees pruned, olive trees cut and the garage tidied. Jeroen is extremely tidy and… read more
(Excellent)
10 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Johannes) for host
Pam and Chris are a lovely couple who are very welcoming and supportive. They made me feel at home right away and gave me tasks that we were able to really focus on. The work was enjoyable and the view from the property was amazing.
He showed me what I should focus on if i buy a car, that was very helpful. Chris has a huge knowledge about cars… read more
He showed me what I should focus on if i buy a car, that was very helpful. Chris has a huge knowledge about cars… read more
31 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Johannes)
Thank you, Johannes for all the work you did. From the wood to the clearing the banks, cutting down the branches, cleaning out the gutters, widening the drive and above all cutting down the Hawthorn hedge with all the thorns and dealing with the neighbour's 'advice', and all on his own initiative. J is now chain saw compliant and can sharpen and… read more
(Excellent)
4 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Leif)
How many engineers does it take to install a 4 post hoist? Well as it turns out, just two, as very able Leif and his good friend Jakob came with this job in mind. They also shifted a big lump of iron that nobody could lift using physics. As well they cleared the driveway and other jobs. Two very capable young skilled men who socialised with us and… read more
(Excellent)
1 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Leif) for host
Pam and Chris are very kind and supportive, welcoming and helpful. I can wholeheartedly recommend them as hosts.
And as a bonus is their place perfectly situated for daytrips to Queenstown, Arrowtown and even Wanaka. Plus I was allowed to use Chris's tools and workshop. It's a pity that I had to leave already but I would use every chance for… read more
And as a bonus is their place perfectly situated for daytrips to Queenstown, Arrowtown and even Wanaka. Plus I was allowed to use Chris's tools and workshop. It's a pity that I had to leave already but I would use every chance for… read more
9 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Emma & Jakobi) for host
Chris and Pam welcomed us into their beautiful home and made us feel at home right away. They cooked amazing food and gave us tasks that we were able to really focus on. We stayed for about a week and it was a great opportunity that we will always remember when we think of our trip to NZ! Thank you Chris and Pam!
21 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (SandrineYianni)
Well, Sandrine and Yianni did what we had been dreading for months - they shifted out big bookcase from one room to another. Much debate and planning and pushing (it was far too heavy) to find that Chris was 20mm out in his calculation. So off with the corner and I left Yianni to fix the damage. You would not be able to see where he has been. The… read more
(Excellent)
21 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Thank you so much for the work you did. The place has never been tidier. Both working in with Tristan and Karli when we had an overlap (our fault) and the trees came down and were chopped and stacked. and the weeds were all gone. I was fun for us and I am sure you enjoyed the visit as much as we did hosting you.ALl the best for your travels, Pam… read more
(Excellent)
10 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
We stayed two weeks with Pam and Chris and had a wonderful time there. The house is located on top of a small hill with a beautiful view over the basin. This makes working in the garden especially enjoyable. We did lots of little jobs around the garden. Pam and Chris were flexible with working hours so we could work a full day and have the next… read more
1 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Tristan & Karli) for host
Pam and Chris are a lovely couple in an amazing place with a beautiful property. If you stay with them you will enjoy first rate, private accommodation with ensuite bathroom (not to mention King sized bed). The view and sunsets from their property are magical at sunrise and sundown. The work that is asked is enjoyable, it is a real pleasure to… read more
28 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Tristan & Karli)
Tristan and Karli came to us with good credentials which turned out to be entirely correct. They took on a list of tasks and nailed them including felling, cutting up and stacking some pesky trees, cleaning out a garden, weed eating, pruning our olives, and Karli spring cleaned our rooms. A great couple with skills and commitment and the energy to… read more
(Excellent)
9 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Suze & Daan) for host
Pam and Chris are really lovely hosts. They welcomed us in their beautiful home on the hill and we had a great time together. The jobs were very clear and when we finished there was always a cold beer in the fridge and we got absolutely spoiled with amazing meals. Chris even checked a couple of things on our van before we hit the road again.… read more
8 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Suze & Daan)
Suze and Daan are a wonderful bubbly couple who fitted into our house like family. Great around the house cooking and tidying up, but outside they just nailed it. They tackled the really hard tasks outside that had been on the drawing board and made a huge difference to getting out place ready for winter. They are a very sociable couple who have… read more
(Excellent)
13 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Cate)
Cate came to stay and we organised general garden and clean up work for her and Lena who was also staying. They teamed up and added hand chain sawing, olive tree pruning and leaf blowing to their CV's. Young person with a can do attitude.
Great job and we got Kate's 'new' camper van home ready for her NZ adventure. Good luck with the travels. We… read more
Great job and we got Kate's 'new' camper van home ready for her NZ adventure. Good luck with the travels. We… read more
(Excellent)
13 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lena Theresa)
Great job Lena. Lena teamed up with Kate who was also staying and got stuck into the jobs that needed doing. She is independant and has her own camper and left us to walk the Milford Track. We arranged for both of them to move to a new host. Good willing workers and great around the house. The dish washer was empty before Pam and I even got up!… read more
(Excellent)
28 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucy)
Lucy spent a couple of weeks with us waiting for her Visa renewal. What a treat. We asked her to get on with a few jobs and left her to it. A great worker and well organised and tidy. Had some good conversations at night and on wet days she organised the house with Pam. Our (in)famous thyme bank has never looked so good and we promise we will keep… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Marie & Nicolas) for host
Our stay with Pam and Chris was awesome since the moment we arrived at their place! We've been warmly welcomed with a drink and a full tour of the house. We were lucky to be the first guests in their newly done bedroom, it was super comfy, private and we had our own bathroom.
The food was really good too, and Chris and Pam were always making sure… read more
The food was really good too, and Chris and Pam were always making sure… read more
27 May 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie & Nicolas)
What a team. Marie and Nico joined us just after we had cut down 15 trees so guess what their main job was....everyday the same and they nailed it the day before they moved on. The driveway has never looked so good and the place is ready for winter. Great around the house and cooked meals and put up with our 6 yr old g. daughter and all her… read more
(Excellent)
27 May 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (William)
This is a bit late but Bill sorted out all the jobs that I had not got to and made the place ready for winter. The workshop clean up was a bit daunting but the new shelves and organising the container made way for the car hoist which is underway. I was a bit busy but as Bill said I managed to break out of the office and annoy him on the job from… read more
(Excellent)
12 Apr 2021
Left by Workawayer (William) for host
Chris and Pam welcomed me into their home and provided exceptionally good accommodation. They are both hardworking individuals, resisting retirement and doing remarkable things. Most of my work was in-and-around the workshop, adding some finishing touches to a vintage caravan, building shelving and helping to reorganise a storage area, plus some… read more
23 Apr 2021
Left by Workawayer (Vincent & Meisha) for host
Pam & Chris were our first workaway hosts and we couldn't have been luckier. They are both extremely kind and welcoming and made us feel at home from the minute we arrived. To start with we were helping in the garden; pruning the olive trees, clearing old Autumn leaves and a general tidy up. After a week or so we were asked if we would like to… read more
25 Aug 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Vincent & Meisha)
Sorry this is a bit late but this couple were a delight. The kicked our place into shape with an extended stay and lots of clearing of trees and olive pruning. Vincent's hidden talent as a Joiner meant that our caravan restoration got a kick along after many years of delay. The interior is nearly finished after a lot of detailed work. They fitted… read more
(Excellent)
2 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Rachel & Harry) for host
Pam & Chris were the most generous, kind, and caring hosts. They immediately make you feel like family and welcomed us with smiles everyday. Our work was not too difficult and always appreciated! Mostly we worked tidying up the yard and preparing the flower boxes for spring. Help around the house was very much appreciated as well. The food that… read more
