Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
17 Jul 2025
Feedback
53
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (4)
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Details
Description
Our property is on the shore of the Waimea Inlet near Māpua Village. The estuary is home to many wading birds and most of our work is restoring the intertidal estuary margin and regenerating coastal forest. Our project is to increase numbers of endangered wading birds by restoring their natural habitat and trapping predators. We also have an ever expanding vegetable garden and home orchard.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Farming
Art & design
Plant care
Music
Books
Hiking
Nature
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers can learn about our habitat restoration project, and about the birds and plants around our beautiful tidal inlet.
Help
Autumn/Winter tasks is planting and weeding around the inlet shore and in the coastal forest. Spring/Summer there is more vegetable gardening.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We have a comfortable caravan with heating and good internet. Also a separate bathroom and kitchen. We buy all food. Also there are lots of fresh herbs and vegetables and fruit in the garden, especially in summer. Volunteers cook for themselves in their own kitchen.
What else ...
We have bicycles you can borrow to go to the village or to explore the area. There are 3 National Parks nearby for helpers who like to go tramping . (Abel Tasman, Kahurangi, Nelson Lakes). Also beaches and rivers within easy driving distance. Also kayaks and paddleboards for using on the Inlet.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have good internet speed, and there is plenty of space to work.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 744782495714
Feedback (25)
12 Jul 2025
Left by Workawayer (Ruth & Buzz) for host
We stayed with Elspeth for about 3 weeks back in April. They were very accommodating hosts, Elspeth was very generous with her time and property, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Elspeth was incredibly knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna and we really enjoyed getting to plant native species and learn about the area.… read more
18 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Jacob) for host
We stayed with Elspeth and Kim for a week total and it was a great way to learn the native vegetation and the impact invasives have on the environment. Elspeth was very educational and even showed us the progress of the property over the years which was really neat. It's so rewarding working with hosts that strive to make a difference for the… read more
14 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Jacob)
Sarah and Jacob were really excellent volunteers. They were with us for a week...we wish it had been longer!
They did a lot of weeding and planting.
Jacob is experienced with machinery, and was a great help with tree removal and mulching.
Sarah is a talented and skilled graphic designer and helped me with website and social media stuff on rainy… read more
They did a lot of weeding and planting.
Jacob is experienced with machinery, and was a great help with tree removal and mulching.
Sarah is a talented and skilled graphic designer and helped me with website and social media stuff on rainy… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host
Our stay with Elspeth and Kim was great, their home is gorgeous and it’s very pleasant to work and enjoy the calm around the estuary. Lots of birds to spot. Work was varied, well explained, sometimes in autonomy and sometimes all together. Elspeth knows a lot about native plants and the ecological projects around the estuary. Thanks a lot for the… read more
14 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
Sarah and Jacob were really excellent volunteers. They were with us for a week...we wish it had been longer!
They did a lot of weeding and planting.
Jacob is experienced with machinery, and was a great help with tree removal and mulching.
Sarah is a talented and skilled graphic designer and helped me with website and social media stuff on rainy… read more
They did a lot of weeding and planting.
Jacob is experienced with machinery, and was a great help with tree removal and mulching.
Sarah is a talented and skilled graphic designer and helped me with website and social media stuff on rainy… read more
(Excellent
)
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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
12 Jul 2025
Left by Workawayer (Ruth & Buzz) for host
We stayed with Elspeth for about 3 weeks back in April. They were very accommodating hosts, Elspeth was very generous with her time and property, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Elspeth was incredibly knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna and we really enjoyed getting to plant native species and learn about the area.… read more
18 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Jacob) for host
We stayed with Elspeth and Kim for a week total and it was a great way to learn the native vegetation and the impact invasives have on the environment. Elspeth was very educational and even showed us the progress of the property over the years which was really neat. It's so rewarding working with hosts that strive to make a difference for the… read more
14 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Jacob)
Sarah and Jacob were really excellent volunteers. They were with us for a week...we wish it had been longer!
They did a lot of weeding and planting.
Jacob is experienced with machinery, and was a great help with tree removal and mulching.
Sarah is a talented and skilled graphic designer and helped me with website and social media stuff on rainy… read more
They did a lot of weeding and planting.
Jacob is experienced with machinery, and was a great help with tree removal and mulching.
Sarah is a talented and skilled graphic designer and helped me with website and social media stuff on rainy… read more
(Excellent)
18 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host
Our stay with Elspeth and Kim was great, their home is gorgeous and it’s very pleasant to work and enjoy the calm around the estuary. Lots of birds to spot. Work was varied, well explained, sometimes in autonomy and sometimes all together. Elspeth knows a lot about native plants and the ecological projects around the estuary. Thanks a lot for the… read more
14 Jun 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
Sarah and Jacob were really excellent volunteers. They were with us for a week...we wish it had been longer!
They did a lot of weeding and planting.
Jacob is experienced with machinery, and was a great help with tree removal and mulching.
Sarah is a talented and skilled graphic designer and helped me with website and social media stuff on rainy… read more
They did a lot of weeding and planting.
Jacob is experienced with machinery, and was a great help with tree removal and mulching.
Sarah is a talented and skilled graphic designer and helped me with website and social media stuff on rainy… read more
(Excellent)
15 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Sixtine & Pierre) for host
We stayed here for a week and had such a wonderful time. Elspeth gave us great advice about what to do and see nearby, we could even borrow her car and the plus was that the property itself was an incredible treasure, from the native forest to the cottages. The work was great, we got to plant trees to take part in this amazing reforestation… read more
8 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Sixtine & Pierre)
Sixtine and Pierre were with us for a week and were wonderful volunteers. They did a huge amount of planting and weeding, and were always cheerful . They are very lovely people and very highly recommended!
(Excellent)
4 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lou)
Lou was with us for a week and was was an excellent volunteer. She did a lot of weeding, and also was super-helpful with some computer work and doing some video work for instagram reels. We really enjoyed hosting Lou and would absolutely recommend to others.
(Excellent)
26 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Solène & Antoine)
Antoine and Sólene were with us for 2 weeks. They were excellent volunteers and tackled a huge amount of weeding and other garden tasks like mowing. They are a lovely couple and we really enjoyed hosting them. Top rating!
(Excellent)
6 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Juliane)
Juli and Lena were with us for nearly a month and were absolutely fabulous volunteers. They are incredibly good workers and super cheerful and friendly. We loved hosting them and miss them already. If you get the chance to host these 2, take it!
(Excellent)
17 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Zeki & Emma) for host
Elspeth and Kim are lovely people and run a beautiful small bit of land growing a mixture of fruit and vegetables, as well as restoring some natural forest and wetland.
As we visited during the quiet season, Elspeth let us stay in one of the cottages usually let out to holiday guests, a cozy little studio apartment. They kept us well stocked with… read more
As we visited during the quiet season, Elspeth let us stay in one of the cottages usually let out to holiday guests, a cozy little studio apartment. They kept us well stocked with… read more
28 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Zeki & Emma)
Zeki and Emma were with us for 3 weeks. They are absolutely incredible volunteers and we loved hosting them. They are very knowledgeable about conservation and gardening in general, and very hard workers. They did all kinds of tasks while they were here.... planting, weeding, building new vegetable beds, chopping kindling, taking cuttings,… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Maxime) for host
I felt part of the family with Elspeth & Kim.
They're really welcoming, friendly and always in a good mood. They trusted me with the tasks I had to carry out independently, and I appreciated the fact that I could share certain meals with them, as well as having my own personal space with the independent kitchen.
Mapua is a cute little town with… read more
They're really welcoming, friendly and always in a good mood. They trusted me with the tasks I had to carry out independently, and I appreciated the fact that I could share certain meals with them, as well as having my own personal space with the independent kitchen.
Mapua is a cute little town with… read more
15 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Maxime)
We loved hosting Maxime. He was with us for 3 weeks, and was a huge help. He did a lot of weeding and many other gardening jobs ... always with a smile! If you have the opportunity to host Maxime you should take it. He is a really nice person and and got on very well with everyone. A top Workawayer for sure....
(Excellent)
15 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Maddie)
Maddie and Anna were excellent volunteers. They were super enthusiastic and hard working, doing lot of hard work digging and planting native trees. They are great company - very entertaining and intelligent. We loved having them here and would absolutely recommend to other hosts.
(Excellent)
11 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maddie) for host
Thank you Elspeth and Kim for a wonderful workaway stay! Lovely accommodation, great food, breathtaking location. We learned lots about native wading birds and their habitat during our stay, and helped out with planting natives and removing invasive species. The work was clear/structured, and so rewarding!! Elspeth even took us to a community… read more
11 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Carla Lucy) for host
I had the best time working alongside Elspeth, Kim and other workawayers! Thank you for the most amazing experience. It was great to be able to contribute to a local conservation project. I learnt a lot about the estuary from Elspeth, and Kim gave great recommendations on which places to visit on days off. The work was as described on the profile… read more
29 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Klaudia) for host
We had a truly awesome time with Elspeth and Kim! We worked 5 hours a day, 5 days in a week and we received lovely, private accommodation and plenty of high quality ingredients for our meals. Elspeth invited us sometimes for a dinner, which was always very tasty. We were also able to use kayaks in our free time. The work was always clearly… read more
8 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Klaudia)
Klaudia, Michal and Antonia were with us for 2 weeks. They are a truly fantastic team.....hardworking, cheerful, independent, and really nice people. They did a whole lot of weeding, mulching and planting native trees.
Highly recommend hosts to say yes if you get the opportunity to host these 3!
Highly recommend hosts to say yes if you get the opportunity to host these 3!
(Excellent)
31 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Işın)
Isin was with us for 2 weeks. She was part of a group of workawayers who did a great job weeding and planting trees. Isin was really helpful and cheerful and worked really with well the rest of the team. She also helped with social media for our business which was great.
(Excellent)
29 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Kelsey & Christopher) for host
We had such a wonderful time staying with Elspeth and Kim on their beautiful property in Mapua! There is always loads of meaningful work to be done along the estuary, and we enjoyed the variety of tasks and projects each day. Some of the work we did included native tree planting, weeding/tree release, potting, firewood splitting/stacking, fruit… read more
25 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Kelsey & Christopher)
Chris and Kelsey were with us for a month. We were very very lucky to have them here. They are a really great couple...super hard working, multi skilled and great company.
In their profile they mention that Chris can fix just about anything...this is absolutely true!
They did a huge amount of weeding, wood stacking, hole digging and (Kelsey's… read more
In their profile they mention that Chris can fix just about anything...this is absolutely true!
They did a huge amount of weeding, wood stacking, hole digging and (Kelsey's… read more
(Excellent)
24 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Aurélien )
Aurélien was with us for about 2 weeks. He was a great help as part of team of workawayers who did a huge amount of weeding, harakeke pruning and wood stacking.
Aurélien is a very talented artist and a lovely person...we really enjoyed hosting him and would absolutely recommend to other hosts.
Aurélien is a very talented artist and a lovely person...we really enjoyed hosting him and would absolutely recommend to other hosts.
(Excellent)
21 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (SandrineYianni)
We were very fortunate to have Sandrine and Yianni here for a couple of weeks, helping out with our vegetable garden and a coastal revegetation projects. Between them they have many skills (as per their profile). They are multi-talented, creative, hard working and generally marvellous to have around. Top rating!
(Excellent)
20 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (SandrineYianni) for host
We spent a couple of weeks at Elspeth and Kim's and cannot recommend this workaway enough! The work was varied and fair. The volunteers space is comfortable and the wifi is good if you need to work. Elspeth and Kim were so welcoming and the surroundings were just stunning!
Thank you so much to the both of you!
Thank you so much to the both of you!
10 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sam & Lily belle ) for host
We spent 2 weeks with Elspeth and Kim. They have a beautiful home by the water, the garden is rich in fruit, vegetables and wildlife. It was a joy to work in the sunshine, weeding, wood stacking, mulching and collecting pine cones. In your spare time you can take the paddle boards out and go for a swim. The caravan was very comfortable and the… read more
9 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sam & Lily belle )
Sam and Lily Belle were fantastic volunteers. We loved having them here. Don't be put off by their age...they are super reliable, hard working and a pleasure to host. If you get the chance to host these two you should do it!
(Excellent)
1 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
Hannah stayed here for a couple of weeks and we wished it had been longer! She's a great gardener, and a hard worker. Also a really nice person. If you have the opportunity to host Hannah, do it!
(Excellent)
9 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ellie)
Ellie was an excellent volunteer. She did a huge amount of rather repetitive weeding very cheerfully, and was a very good and fast worker. She also helped in the kitchen making jams and preserves. She's very good company, totally recommended!
(Excellent)
4 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ellie) for host
I had a great week at Elspeth's Workaway. From the start communication was really clear and we agreed on jobs to do every morning - Elspeth is a great host and I really enjoyed the work! I learned a lot about native bush and the rewinding being done in New Zealand, as well as having the opportunity to get to know the area (which is absolutely… read more
6 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Katie & Megan )
Katie and Meg were excellent volunteers! They worked really hard, and did a great job. Lots of weeding and using a brush cutter. They are very good company and we we really enjoyed having them here. Highly recommended.
(Excellent)
30 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Gisele) for host
I spent around 10 days in Elspeth and Kim's place and it was a really great time ! I did gardening and I learnt a lot from their birds and native plants conservation project. I really enjoyed working there and the location is wonderfull. Lot of beautiful landscapes around the town, and a beautiful view from the property.
Elspeth and Kim are both… read more
Elspeth and Kim are both… read more
29 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Gisele)
Gisele and Marie were with us for 2 weeks. They were really good workers, lots of weeding and scrub cutting.
They are really good company and we thoroughly enjoyed hosting them.
They are really good company and we thoroughly enjoyed hosting them.
(Excellent)
10 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea)
Andrea was with us for 3 weeks. She was a great help and a very good gardener. She's very thoughtful, with a quiet and gentle exterior, but also a great sense of humour and a wide range of interests. We really enjoyed having Andrea here and would highly recommend her to other hosts.
(Excellent)
10 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Andrea) for host
I had a lovely time staying on Elspeth and Kim's property for 3 weeks. They are kind, hospitable hosts and made sure I had everything I needed to fully enjoy my stay. I worked in the garden or tending to the estuary restoration project; weeding, transplanting and potting up native plants. It was lovely to see the dedication Elspeth has to… read more
3 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Justin)
Justin stayed with us for several weeks was a really excellent volunteer. He is skilled, practical, and hardworking. He's also really good company, cheerful and really nice to have around. We feel lucky to have had Justin's help and would welcome him back any time. If you get the opportunity to host Justin, do not hesitate!
(Excellent)
18 Feb 2021
Left by Workawayer (Justin) for host
This was a great place to spend a few weeks. Everything you would need is provided in a beautiful and relaxing location right on the estuary.
My tasks included weeding, mowing, potting and some track building and maintenance around the impressive restored native planted areas.
Elspeth and Kim are great hosts, easy going & generous. Elspeth's… read more
My tasks included weeding, mowing, potting and some track building and maintenance around the impressive restored native planted areas.
Elspeth and Kim are great hosts, easy going & generous. Elspeth's… read more
26 Aug 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin & Mandy)
Benni and Mandy stayed with us for 3 months as volunteers for our conservation projects. We loved having them here, they are a wonderful team.
During their time with us they planted hundreds of native trees, shrubs and grasses as part of our restoration project to restore the native habitat on the shore of the Waimea Inlet where we live.
As well… read more
During their time with us they planted hundreds of native trees, shrubs and grasses as part of our restoration project to restore the native habitat on the shore of the Waimea Inlet where we live.
As well… read more
(Excellent)
22 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Benjamin & Mandy) for host
Elspeth and Kim - we can not thank you enough! From the very first moment, we felt so welcome and understood with our circumstances traveling after NZ lock-down. We ended up staying for 3 months and could have easily stayed on or even moved in 😉 We could not have thought of a better place to combine our interest in New Zealand Conservation with… read more
17 Aug 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Petr)
Peter and Veronica were with us for several weeks, and were wonderful helpers. As well as being incredibly good workers they were also really cheerful and good company. Very nice to have around. They did a lot of hole digging and tree planting while they were here, also a lot of weeding. Everything they did was with very good humour and… read more
(Excellent)
13 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Petr) for host
We had absolutely fantastic time spent - the place where is the property of Elspeth and Kim. We stayed roughly 1 month in winter time (June). It was a pleasure to be involved in many outdoor tasks.
Ranging from digging holes, re/planting trees and veggies, weeding, mowing, trimming, weedeating, helping around rental cottages, landscaping,… read more
Ranging from digging holes, re/planting trees and veggies, weeding, mowing, trimming, weedeating, helping around rental cottages, landscaping,… read more
29 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Alexandria & Joel) for host
We absolutely loved our time spent with Elspeth and Kim on their beautiful property in Mapua. Would highly recommend this as a workaway experience! Thank you again Elpeth & Kim for your lovely hospitality :)
29 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexandria & Joel)
Alex and Joel were an absolute pleasure to host. Fantastic workers and really nice people. Recommended!
(Excellent)
29 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sam)
Sam and Stella were excellent volunteers. Really nice people and very good workers. WE really enjoyed having them here and would definitely recommend to others.
(Excellent)
2 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Elsa & Pierre) for host
Elspeth and Kim !!!!!!! We miss you so much !!
It was such an amazing and beautiful experience to live all this time with you.
Elspeth is just amazing, she makes sure we always have everything we need, always providing delicious food...
She's a very energetic woman, never out of ideas, full of amazing projects, and have lot of knowledges about… read more
It was such an amazing and beautiful experience to live all this time with you.
Elspeth is just amazing, she makes sure we always have everything we need, always providing delicious food...
She's a very energetic woman, never out of ideas, full of amazing projects, and have lot of knowledges about… read more
21 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Elsa & Pierre)
Elsa and Pierre are absolutely wonderful volunteers. They are a lovely couple and very artistically talented as well as hardworking in the garden. They stayed with us for a few months, and we got so much done with their help. If you have creative design projects these two are perfect helpers! We loved and having them here and will miss them.
(Excellent)
21 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren)
Lauren and Ivan were fantastic volunteers. Super helpful, hard working and very nice to have around. They did a great job.
Thank you Lauren and Ivan!
Thank you Lauren and Ivan!
(Excellent)
20 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lauren) for host
We enjoyed our stay in Nelson with Elspeth. The work was in the garden, mostly weeding but a few other odd jobs. We started at 8am and worked for five hours. The accommodation is very comfortable, we had our own little caravan to sleep, and a separate kitchen, bathroom and living area. Elspeth was always appreciative of our work, and always made… read more
25 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ninja & Denis) for host
We had two amazing weeks at Elspeths place. We lived in our own caravan near the garden. Elspeth and Kim invited us from time to time for a delicous dinner and on the other days they provided the food we could use for cooking (also vegetables from the garden). The work included weeding, planting, watering, mowing. The property is directly at the… read more
10 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ninja & Denis)
Denis and Ninja are really great helpers and very good people. They helped us here for a few weeks and were wonderful workers. Very motivated, and also extremely knowledgeable about gardening. And good company too. Very highly recommended!
(Excellent)
11 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Merlin) for host
Elspeth and Kim are both very welcoming and warm people. I enjoyed our dinner conversations, and Elspeth's cooking is delicious! I also very much appreciated having my own space in the lovely caravan, and picking vegetables from the garden to cook meals for myself, Elspeth kindly made sure I had everything else I needed. The beautiful, peaceful… read more
4 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Eliza) for host
Loved staying in here for a week! Wholesome, peaceful location right next to the water, comfortable and cosy accommodation with bikes, kayaks and paddle boards to borrow. Elspeth was an amazing host, great cook and always made sure you had everything you needed, I felt right at home here. Would highly recommend for other workers and travellers,… read more
27 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (James) for host
I had a fantastic time here. The location is peaceful and serene, it's great to be able to go out on the water. Elspeth was a marvelous host and very generous. The accomodation was cool and had everything you could want. I highly recommend as it was a beautiful experience spending time here.
