Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
8 Dec 2025
Reply rate
85.7 %
Usually responds within 14 days
Feedback
34
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Our property is located in Christchurch, on the banks of Heathcote River. We are 12 minutes from the Heart of Christchurch, with bus stops only 3 minutes walking. After 23 years in the Wairarapa we relocated to Christchurch.
I’m a Ceramic and Mosaic Artist, with a passion for glazing and teaching - I often need an extra hand with the following:
* Organising my Studio (Pottery & Mosaic Projects ),
* Keeping the garden, and house tidy.
* We always love hosting a good cook -
* A tech savvy helper is always welcome. I also appreciate a little help with social media posts for my pottery studio.
We have a small dog, Merlow who thinks he is King of the Castle, he is very friendly and loves walks.
We enjoy tasting meals from other cultures,, having moving nights and day trips to interesting places.
You will have your own warm, spacious bedroom and bathroom - in a large four bedroom, single story modern home.
For the adventure seekers out there:
The beach is a mere 15 min drive from our home, and you'll have a selection of two to choose from. There are incredible walks up the Port Hills, close to our home. As well as climbing spots, if you know where to look. There are also millions of lush hikes just an hours drive away from the city centre.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Pets
Movies & TV
DIY & crafts
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Hiking
Fitness
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We cook meals together or take turns cooking and enjoy eating together.
We go on day
Learning about Mosaics and Pottery, depending on how long you stay.
Help
I am in the process of restructuring my mosaic studio so I need help in my studio.
We need help in and around the house.
Building a Deck and staining the deck
Our small dog Merlow loves going for walks next to the Heathcote river across the road.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
You will have your own bedroom and bathroom.
What else ...
Christchurch is a beautiful and vibrant City, with lots of Art Galleries, day walks and Beaches. Our property is close to the port hills with heaps of hiking tracks.
Christchurch offer a good bus network with a bus stop at our doorstep.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Merlow
Host ref number: 324685494294
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+11
Feedback (19)
30 Nov 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)
Marie spoiled us with great cooking, the best cottage pie I ever tasted. Merlow, our Dog loved her. She always played with him, took him for walks and gave him heaps of belly rubs. She helped to clean the house, did gardening and helped me in my pottery studio for a few days. We went away in our Motorhome for a few days and she looked after our… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Nov 2025
Left by Workawayer (Chiara & Stefanie) for host
What we are going to write is not meant as a defence on our behalf regarding what happened, nor a criticism, since usually the truth is never entirely on one side, but rather a suggestion and recommendation for future Workawayers, so they can avoid finding themselves in the same uncomfortable situation that we unfortunately experienced. And we… read more
16 Nov 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Chiara & Stefanie)
On arrival I was informed that they CAN”T COOK and don’t like it (at the time their profile stated that they prepare meals).
They agreed to do the cleaning in the house. They vacuumed the house the day they arrived and the day they left. (Because I asked).
They stayed for 25 days.
The first week was fine, they cleaned the kitchen, laundry, lounge… read more
They agreed to do the cleaning in the house. They vacuumed the house the day they arrived and the day they left. (Because I asked).
They stayed for 25 days.
The first week was fine, they cleaned the kitchen, laundry, lounge… read more
(Neutral
)
14 Nov 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Makena)
Makena stayed with us for over a week and it was a pleasure to host her. She helped in the garden, water blasting the deck, and helped sanding it. She tackled every task with enthusiasm, and completed it to a high standard.
She loves to cook and surprised us every night with an amazing dinner. I was sick while she was hear and really appreciate… read more
She loves to cook and surprised us every night with an amazing dinner. I was sick while she was hear and really appreciate… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+11
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.6)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.7)
30 Nov 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)
Marie spoiled us with great cooking, the best cottage pie I ever tasted. Merlow, our Dog loved her. She always played with him, took him for walks and gave him heaps of belly rubs. She helped to clean the house, did gardening and helped me in my pottery studio for a few days. We went away in our Motorhome for a few days and she looked after our… read more
(Excellent)
19 Nov 2025
Left by Workawayer (Chiara & Stefanie) for host
What we are going to write is not meant as a defence on our behalf regarding what happened, nor a criticism, since usually the truth is never entirely on one side, but rather a suggestion and recommendation for future Workawayers, so they can avoid finding themselves in the same uncomfortable situation that we unfortunately experienced. And we… read more
16 Nov 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Chiara & Stefanie)
On arrival I was informed that they CAN”T COOK and don’t like it (at the time their profile stated that they prepare meals).
They agreed to do the cleaning in the house. They vacuumed the house the day they arrived and the day they left. (Because I asked).
They stayed for 25 days.
The first week was fine, they cleaned the kitchen, laundry, lounge… read more
They agreed to do the cleaning in the house. They vacuumed the house the day they arrived and the day they left. (Because I asked).
They stayed for 25 days.
The first week was fine, they cleaned the kitchen, laundry, lounge… read more
(Neutral)
14 Nov 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Makena)
Makena stayed with us for over a week and it was a pleasure to host her. She helped in the garden, water blasting the deck, and helped sanding it. She tackled every task with enthusiasm, and completed it to a high standard.
She loves to cook and surprised us every night with an amazing dinner. I was sick while she was hear and really appreciate… read more
She loves to cook and surprised us every night with an amazing dinner. I was sick while she was hear and really appreciate… read more
(Excellent)
29 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Abby & Alexander) for host
We had a lovely time at Zelda’s home and pottery studio. Tasks included insulating the garage walls, tidying the studio & home, organising, weeding/gardening, washing windows, cooking, baking, making pottery leaves. The work was fun and not difficult.
She was very generous, taking us on days out & for food in beautiful places around… read more
She was very generous, taking us on days out & for food in beautiful places around… read more
31 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Veronica)
We hosted Veronica for almost 2 weeks and it was a pleasure to host her. She helped me prepare for a Mosaic Workshop and is the kind of person who goes the extra mile with everything she does. She spoiled us with Yummy Italian food, the best Lasagna I ever tasted. I never had to ask her to do anything, she took initiative and did things if it… read more
(Excellent)
7 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ella) for host
I stayed with Zelda for two weeks and had a lovely time. Zelda and Matthew made me feel at home straight away. The accommodation was probably the nicest that I have experienced so far and the food was great! During my stay Zelda and Matthew were in the middle of selling the property and so we had to prepare the house to a few open homes so lots of… read more
20 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alima & Andrew) for host
Zelda & Matthew are one of a kind! We loved our time working around the house, cooking some meals, sorting through the garage and taking their little puppy Merlot out for walks. Zelda & Matthew have hearts of gold and made us feel so welcome straight away! We enjoyed our conversations together, Matthew is so knowledgable about engineering and we… read more
4 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lucile) for host
Well, we had an AMAZING time with Zelda, Matthew and Merlow !
Such kind and interesting persons. We will definitely miss Zelda's spicy sense of humour !
The perfect place if you wanna work on artistic projects, have some time with awesome people and know a bit more about New Zealand.
We won't forget anything of this beautiful experience !… read more
Such kind and interesting persons. We will definitely miss Zelda's spicy sense of humour !
The perfect place if you wanna work on artistic projects, have some time with awesome people and know a bit more about New Zealand.
We won't forget anything of this beautiful experience !… read more
20 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Oskar)
Oskar and Maggie stayed with us for 3 weeks and it was a pleasure to host them. They helped us to do a big garden cleanup and helped in my Art Studio. They are 2 exceptional young people, hardworking and very dedicated to complete a task. We will welcome them back anytime.
(Excellent)
1 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
I had a great time with Zelda & Matthew.
They are welcoming, kind, supportive, and very easy to communicate even English is not your first language.
I helped them with packing, cleaning, and cooking.
On day off, they showed me around the area and let me try some art projects.
I definitely recommend this place.
Thank you Zelda and… read more
They are welcoming, kind, supportive, and very easy to communicate even English is not your first language.
I helped them with packing, cleaning, and cooking.
On day off, they showed me around the area and let me try some art projects.
I definitely recommend this place.
Thank you Zelda and… read more
30 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Makina stayed with us for over three weeks and it was a pleasure to host her. She was a great help decluttering my studio, packing things in boxes. I could not have done the project without her help. She always helped preparing meals and cooked some Japanese meals for us. She helped to keep the house clean and tidy. Makina is a very friendly and… read more
(Excellent)
6 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Thea)
Thea stayed with us for two weeks and it was a pleasure to host her. She is friendly, dedicated and extremely hardworking. We had to clean up after a tenant moved out and I could not have done it without her help. Thea is an exceptional young woman and we wish her all the best with her studies. Thea, thanks again for all your help, enjoy the nest… read more
(Excellent)
1 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Thea) for host
I stayed with Zelda and Matt for two weeks. We worked in the garden, organized Zelda's mosaic studio, cleaned the entire house and the stables and gave the two bedrooms in the stables a complete makeover.
Zelda and Matt are incredibly kind, generous and warm. Matt told me a lot about New Zealand and its history and Zelda showed me how to decorate… read more
Zelda and Matt are incredibly kind, generous and warm. Matt told me a lot about New Zealand and its history and Zelda showed me how to decorate… read more
6 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Ebru) for host
Zeldas unique place was a very creative experience for me and just what I was looking for. She made sure to give me tasks that I can learn from and that I enjoy. My stay happened during the second lockdown in New Zealand and like every traveller I was a little worried. At the end I extended my stay, cause I was very interested to complete our… read more
7 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Karolina) for host
I have no words to describe my gratitude to Zelda and Matthew for welcoming me to their house. I had the most amazing time and felt very comfortable and taken care of the whole time I was there. All the projects we worked on were very interesting and there's no day that's the same. Renovated stables are very beautiful and the property is also… read more
22 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Delphine)
Delphine stayed with us for 2 weeks and it was a pleasure to host her. She helped me with a mosaic project in my art studio and showed creative flair and attention to detail. She helped preparing meals and always helped to tidy the kitchen afterwards. We will welcome Delphine back any time.
(Excellent)
2 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Delphine) for host
2 weeks spent at Zelda's where i discovered the mosaic for the first time. We cannot imagine the time it takes (around 50h for two to make 3 giant chessboard pieces) and at the end we savor the rendering and the work done, if we can call it work 🙂.
I was the only volunteer. So it was a luxury for me to have the studio upstairs only for me ! Those… read more
I was the only volunteer. So it was a luxury for me to have the studio upstairs only for me ! Those… read more
26 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Josh & Aurea) for host
We arrived in March and wanted to stay for a month and as lockdown happened, Zelda and Matthew offered us to stay. We were busy every day doing lots of different tasks as painting, mosaic, fixing, gardening, cleaning ...We have learned a lot over there and had a great time, we were able to cook so many different good dishes and nice dessert ,… read more
25 May 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Josh & Aurea)
Josh and Aurea stayed with us during the Lockdown period, so they were here for more than two months. It was a pleasure to host them. We got so much done during the time they were here. They helped me with so much, from spring cleaning to gardening. We also got a lot done in my Art Studio, creating ceramic mosaic tiles, which can be very time… read more
(Excellent)
18 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Celine)
Celine and Alfonso stayed with us for about 2 weeks. They created a video for my website and designed a logo for my business. The video is really great. They also looked after our house and cat while we went away for about a week.
They are both very creative and talented. Communication was a little difficult as they are still improving their… read more
They are both very creative and talented. Communication was a little difficult as they are still improving their… read more
(Excellent)
15 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Celine) for host
I had a really pleasant stay at Zelda and Matthew’s place, for about 2 weeks. They are welcoming, interesting and easy going people.
With another travel mate we enjoyed a lot making a video and some graphic/web design for a mandala mosaics project which was satisfying.
We had our own privacy in the separate stables with a nice fire place to get… read more
With another travel mate we enjoyed a lot making a video and some graphic/web design for a mandala mosaics project which was satisfying.
We had our own privacy in the separate stables with a nice fire place to get… read more
7 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Joanne & Niko) for host
Our stay with Zelda and Matt very enjoyable. We helped Zelda reorganize her studio and created a new website for her. This was a new and interesting project for us and Zelda let us take the lead but we were all learning in the process. We all shared interesting stories and insights from our respective countries over dinner which was very welcomed.… read more
23 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Joanne & Niko)
Joanne and Niko stayed with us for almost two weeks and it was a pleasure to host them. They helped to organise my Mosaic Studio, created a new web site and helped to finish a few mosaic projects. They are hardworking and complete every task to a high standard.
We highly recommend Joanne and Niko, they go the extra mile. We will welcome them… read more
We highly recommend Joanne and Niko, they go the extra mile. We will welcome them… read more
(Excellent)
23 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Domagoj)
Domagoj stayed with us for a week and it was a pleasure to host him. He helped us grout big wall mosaics and did a great job. He worked well as part of a team, always helped in the kitchen with meal preparation and tiding up. He taught us Tai Chi in the mornings which was a new experience for us. He is friendly, helpful and a pleasure to have… read more
(Excellent)
21 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Domagoj) for host
This was my first experience with Workaway and it was awesome! Zelda and her husband Matthew were extremely welcoming people with warm and open hearts. I really appreciate all the kindness and generosity I experienced while staying with them. Zelda is such a nice and cool person and working with her was so awesome. It was a pleasure helping Zelda… read more
15 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Bruna & Andre) for host
We spent two weeks with Zelda and Mathew and it was an amazing experience. Most of the time we were with Zelda but every time Mathew was at home he tried to make sure we were well served and cosy. The whole time with Zelda was just incredible, we learned a lot about South Africa, mosaics and we had a great opportunity to build a wooden wall to… read more
9 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Bruna & Andre)
It was a pleasure to host Bruna and Andre. They stayed with us for two weeks and helped with so many projects. Andre build a fence to hide the water tank, he did the hole project, from design to finish and it looks stunning. Bruna did a Mosaic Project with lots of creative flair. Every project they did with enthusiasm and dedication. They also… read more
(Excellent)
12 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Hanna & Joanna) for host
We stayed 10 days at Zelda's home and we really enjoyed the time there. We helped her with preparations for an Art and Music Festival. Our work was mainly painting walls, making decorations, finishing mosaic piano (which went for charity auction), preparing meals or doing some cleaning. The work was fun, it wasn't hard and never boring!
During… read more
During… read more
9 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Hanna & Joanna)
Hanna and Joanna stayed with us for about two weeks helping us prepare for our Art, Music and Food Fair. Every task they tackled they did with dedication and perfection. They took initiative and did things that needed to be done without waiting for instructions. They helped to complete the Mosaic Piano, took the photo's at the event, which are… read more
(Excellent)
11 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Adrien & Laura) for host
I had a great time at Zelda and Mathew. Interesting person with various topics of discussion. The work was good and i could easily find some things to do. The accommodation is very good and the kitchen is perfect for the taste buds. The fact is we are 8 volunteers was a good time. I just think there is a lack of communication sometimes between… read more
5 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Adrien & Laura)
Adrian stayed with us for almost 3 weeks and is extremely hardworking. He tackled all his jobs with enthusiasm and will carry on until it is done. He did so much cleaning and tidying up as we had a dead line to have the house presentable for our open home. He cooked amazingly tasty meals and always left the kitchen tidy. He cleaned the fridge and… read more
(Excellent)
1 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Florence Potvin) for host
I stayed for around 2 weeks at Zelda’s house with other helpers and i really liked my experience. The work was nice to do, we did activities and explored around, we went to the pub & river next to the property. I had lovely conversations with Zelda and appreciate my stay! Thank you
21 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Miguel) for host
Thank you Zelda for welcoming me to your home and giving me your friendship. I only stayed 10 days in your house, enough to know that you are a great person and a wonderful artist. I hope your projects keep moving forward
