Welcome to Mahoe Hills
Creative Workshops
Mahoe Hills offers creative workshops from their farm studio. All workshops are underpinned by principles of using local and recycled materials. You can make unique items for your home or wardrobe.
Our most popular workshop is felting. You will learn wet-felting techniques and can make a cushion cover, scarf or bag. Felting
Eco-dyeing and eco-printing are less well-known techniques. We use plant materials to completely transform textiles. Eco-dyeing
Another choice of workshop is mosaics. We have an eclectic variety of recycled tiles, crockery and ornaments to create beautiful mirrors, frames or pots. Mosaics
Half-day workshops
We also offer half day craft sessions for individuals or small groups by appointment. In as little as three hours you can learn the basics of felting or mosaics and make a small item. Eco-dyeing takes a full day and is not available as a half day workshop. Click here for more info Half day workshops
Mahoe Hills
Mahoe Hills is a lifestyle farm located in a quiet valley between Brightwater and Wakefield, south of Nelson. Mahoe Hills is set within a backdrop of steep hills and native bush. Our native bush and wetlands are QEII protected. The hills are home to our friendly alpacas. We have 24 alpacas including white, fawn, brown, grey and black. The alpacas provide us with soft, luxurious fibre for spinning and felting.
We are keen gardeners and grow fruit, vegetables and nuts in our organic gardens.
More about Mahoe Hills Alpacas
There are extensive native and edible gardens surrounding the 100-year old restored cottage. The craft studio is a more recent addition and we welcome visitors by arrangement. We do offer garden and studio tours for groups interested in organic gardening and eco-crafts. We sell eco-printed upcycled clothing from our studio and are open by appointment.
Nutrition Matters
Marion is a former Dietitian and experienced cook and gardener. Marion now specialises in nutrition that is good for health and good for the planet. Nutrition workshops and education sessions are available on request. Nutrition Matters
Inspiring, creative felt and mosaics workshops
Felting
Felting is an ancient craft and the possibilities are endless. You can learn how to felt a scarf, hat or bag. The materials include farm-grown alpaca, local merino and recycled silk fabric.
Mosaics
With mosaics the possibilities are endless. You can use tiles, glass, old crockery, beads and ornaments. You can make something in your own style and taste whether it is classic, modern or eclectic.
Eco-dyeing
Eco-dyeing is an environmentally friendly method of printing and dyeing textiles. Mahoe Hills has a dye garden and throughout the year we offer eco-dyeing workshops. You learn how to make eco-prints and dye-baths with everyday flowers and leaves.