The Mobius course liberated my inner passion for form and beauty. To be able to create such objects of fascination has opened a whole new world of enjoyment. Hape, our tutor, is one of a kind.

-June 2026 Advanced Mobius Carving, Richmond, Nelson.

Once again Hape has really helped me to improve my skills & vision. I hope to keep working with him in the future.

-June 2026 Advanced Mobius Carving, Burnham, Christchurch.

Great environment , as always !

-May 2026 Ashburton, NZ.

Great jig making course. We left with 6 jigs that we will use during most projects . Stuart was a great tutor, busy & patient.

-May 2026 , Christchurch, NZ.

From the tutors to the locality, this is a one of a kind experience. I learnt a lot, but it is also a great break from the commercial realities of working with timber : to focus on the craft and without commercial noise.

Feb 2026 Mount Pleasant , Christchurch.

Great experience learning about how machines can play a role in fine woodworking, offering knowledge and instruction on a variety of machines & techniques. Going from panels of wood to pieces of furniture was a fun and informative experience.

Feb 2026 Machine Joinery, New York, USA.

Best Fine Woodworking course ever!! Good experience, great people & so much knowledge to soak up!!

-Feb 2026 Intro to Fine Woodworking, Western Springs, Auckland.

An amazing learning environment that introduced me to all things woodworking and fine furniture making. Great Tutors, great instruction, great knowledge and great fun.

-Feb 2026 Intro to Fine Woodworking, New York, USA.

Had a lovely time, group size was perfect.

-Feb 2026 Intro to Fine Woodworking, Freemans Bay, Auckland

Course was excellent & very engaging. Tutors were very helpful and I feel like I was learning something new every session. The perfect introduction to Fine Woodworking.

-Jan 2026 Woodworking Basics, Morpeth, United Kingdom.

Very happy with the total experience. Constantly challenged to explore new and different design ideas.

- Jan 2026 Aled Lewis Residency Course, Taman Yarl, Kuala Lumpur.

Attending a CFW course is a wonderful experience, greatly extending my skills, surrounded by such a supportive community of enthusiasts.

-Jan 2026 , Takaka, Nelson

Fantastic course. Lloyd is a generous and patient teacher. The community at CFW is second to none. Everyone is approachable and great to be around. The course was fun!

_ Oct 2025, Coffee Table, Wellington, New Zealand

Yet another fantastic week at CFW. I can’t recommend this experience enough. I’ll be back soon!

~ Oct 2025, Coffee Table, Sumner, New Zealand

I’ve had a wonderful time. The course has bolstered my confidence to keep learning and making with wood. I am now quite happy to get in there and give anything a go. Thank you.

~ August 2025, Woodworking Basics, Auckland, New Zealand

I honestly never imagined I could craft something so beautiful. It definitely has imperfections, but that is my learning. Thank you so much for your energy, enthusiasm & moraki tanga.

~ August 2025, Woodworking Basics

“This was a defining moment in my life. The tutor was great, kind and really forthcoming with her knowledge.”

~ August 2025, Woodworking Basics, Nelson, New Zealand

“The Centre provided a wonderful opportunity to improve my woodworking skills and confidence in my ability to tackle the next project in my workshop. The Mark of a Well Made Drawer course honed my approach and ability to hand cutting dovetail joints with confidence.

The quality of instruction was excellent both in terms of the technical teaching and method of delivery. Stuart’s approach was the right mix of professionalism and encouragement. His willingness to share information in a tireless manner was really appreciated.”

~May 2025 Drawer Making, Greytown, New Zealand

“I am completely in love with this woodworking school”

~ May 2025 Drawer Making, Arrowtown, New Zealand

“From the moment I arrived I felt welcome. Great equipment and tutoring. Such a fun and encouraging space to be in.”

~ March 2025 Woodworking Basics, JA, Dunedin, New Zealand

“My tutor Tony is a legend. Tony made this course an unforgettable experience.”

~ March 2025 Woodworking Basics, SRN, Auckland, New Zealand

Had a lovely time. The group was wonderful and I was so excited to come in everyday and learn something new.

~ March 2025 Woodworking Basics

“The Intro to Fine Woodworking course was great! You arrive with a small passion for woodworking and it’s amplified by the enthusiasm of the teachers and technicians. It makes you want to move in.”

~ March 2025, Intro to Fine Woodworking

“The most interesting, instructive, and productive two weeks I’ve had in years, maybe ever.”

~ Feb 2025 RV, Waikanae Beach, New Zealand

“I felt like a child playing. Thank you to the school for bringing Yuri to NZ. I loved this course for it’s creativity and focus on sculpture as well as technique. Thanks to the school for the excellent facilities, tools, and machinery. A rewarding experience.”

~ Feb 2025 LS, Auckland, New Zealand

“The Dovetail Box course was an amazingly effective means to build confidence in my use of hand tools. Lou is a consummate instructor and a passionate woodworker. The enthusiasm really came through in the instruction and I feel like I advanced my woodworking skills in one week farther than I would have in years working off You Tube Videos alone.”

~ Feb 2025 Featherston, New Zealand

“Lou was an absolutely legendary tutor! She exudes energy and imbues it into those around her. I left CFW with a full cup. Inspired, motivated, challenged, enthused, connected, respected, grounded and intentional. Couldn't be more stoked to have made new friends and learned a tonne in the process. I've been assembling a workshop for myself since getting home, and I'm enjoying starting some commissions that are in the pipeline. Definitely wouldn't have been bold enough to take the leap without this school. My love to everyone who makes CFW tick.”

~ Dec 2024 Ky R., Auckland, New Zealand

‘Clearly world class tuition and facilities.”

~ Peter, Nelson, New Zealand

“On my way home now after six weeks in Nelson for a fabulous woodwork course with an amazing group of like-minded people, guided by a woodworking Maestro from Canada. The place has such a beautiful vibe, the time just flew by and suddenly we were all gone back to our little corners of the world - America, Sweden, France, Australia and New Zealand. We are all now inextricably linked by our time together, learning, teaching and exchanging ideas in what has been called “The greatest little wood school in the South Pacific. Long may these valuable connections endure””

~ Allan W., Perth, Western Australia