Latest Articles
From the editor: 16 September 2021
Kia kaha Ōtautahi. Once again Covid-19 has shown the fragility of life and the uncertain times in which we live. The latest outbreaks have brought with them more tough times for people, businesses and organisations, yet it has also brought people closer together again. The stay safe, be kind, and look after one another messages […]
The man and the dog
Queenstown artist Ivan Clarke is the painter behind New Zealand’s much-loved Lonely Dog paintings. Julia Strelou finds out what he’s currently up to. Wondering what his own dog did when left at home, painter Ivan Clarke soon found a novel way to express what he thought they might be doing, creating what has become a […]
Little River’s little gem: Little River Cafe
A short 35 minute drive from Christchurch awaits Little River Café, the perfect and most delicious stop on the way to Akaroa and surrounding bays. Whether you are passing through or taking a scenic drive, a coffee and freshly baked scone, or big hearty brekkie are all waiting to be enjoyed at this little gem. […]
Full of special treasures: Pot Pourri
Discover the extensive array of beautiful homewares, fashion, gifts and local delights at Pot Pourri. Located on beautiful Akaroa’s main road, the cosy store is stocked with a combination of contemporary and classic items, as well as the latest trending gifts and homewares. For the perfect spot of weekend shopping, Pot Pourri offers choice with […]
Beaufort House Akaroa
Luxury Boutique Accomodation – Step back into another time and pace Beaufort House Akaroa offers luxury accommodation in an idyllic setting – with all the heritage, charm and character of a bygone era. There are tranquil views from each of the five bedrooms – whether it be the vineyard, surrounding hills, our garden or the […]
For the love of cheese: Barrys Bay Cheese
Rich in taste and heritage, Barrys Bay Cheese are well-known local cheesemakers with a history spanning 125 years. The cheesemaking season has officially begun this month at Barrys Bay. The much-loved Canterbury business is busy making cheese five days a week, at their factory near Akaroa. They’ve also been busy developing some fresh new packaging […]
Glamping under the Big Sky
Want to spend the night in a yurt overlooking Akaroa Harbour? Come and enjoy a peaceful stay at Big Sky – a unique, hosted eco-farm stay with accommodation in two beautiful yurts at French Farm, Banks Peninsula. Owner Dave Dunlay likes nothing better than to fire up one of his half a dozen BBQs and […]
Trust your gut instinct
Ruth Coppard was diagnosed with breast cancer last October, aged 61. Now in recovery, she shares her story to encourage other women to be proactive about their breast health. Coming face to face with the issue of my mortality was my first hurdle. I loved and wanted to be with my grandchildren in their formative […]
Hidden oasis in Bishopdale: Accacia Beauty
Imagine escaping to a place where your wellbeing is the only thing that matters; floating weightless in space, with nothing but the stars surrounding you or just in a peaceful room with soothing music, completely relaxed and carefree. That’s what you can experience at Acacia Beauty, built on the dream of two vivacious sisters Azita […]
Full-blooded and feel good: The Court Theatre
Spring’s here, and it’s time to escape! Where better than somewhere you can laugh, meet new people and forget reality? The Court Theatre has you covered, because Seymour, Audrey and Audrey II are going to transport you away. Larger than life and twice as fun, Little Shop of Horrors* is the full-blooded, feel-good hit of […]
Read the latest issue
Cuisine
Little River’s little gem: Little River Cafe
A short 35 minute drive from Christchurch awaits Little River Café, the perfect and most delicious stop on the way to Akaroa and surrounding bays. Whether you are passing through or taking a scenic drive, a coffee and freshly baked scone, or big hearty brekkie are all waiting to be enjoyed at this little gem. […]
Indulge and unwind: White Rabbit Cafe
En route to Akaroa, the White Rabbit Café is serving up wholesome, homemade delights in a warm, welcoming environment. The perfect spot to take some time out of your day to relax and unwind, while enjoying delicious food made with a whole lot of love, and the friendliest service to match. The menu is full […]
For the love of cheese: Barrys Bay Cheese
Rich in taste and heritage, Barrys Bay Cheese are well-known local cheesemakers with a history spanning 125 years. The cheesemaking season has officially begun this month at Barrys Bay. The much-loved Canterbury business is busy making cheese five days a week, at their factory near Akaroa. They’ve also been busy developing some fresh new packaging […]
Tempt those taste buds: Big Daddy’s Liquor
Metropol writer Nicholas Henare gets in early with some Christmas options on offer from Big Daddy’s Liquor this month. Big Daddy’s exceptional taste in beverages is bringing Canterbury whisky sommeliers, and those with a refined taste for the best spirits from around the world, some tempting options at great prices; perfect Christmas gift ideas for […]
Fashion & Beauty
Hidden oasis in Bishopdale: Accacia Beauty
Imagine escaping to a place where your wellbeing is the only thing that matters; floating weightless in space, with nothing but the stars surrounding you or just in a peaceful room with soothing music, completely relaxed and carefree. That’s what you can experience at Acacia Beauty, built on the dream of two vivacious sisters Azita […]
From sporting to frivolous: The Fitting Room
Lingerie and lockdowns – what’s the link? Confined to homes and professional lives experienced through video meetings changed the way women like to feel. Non-wired bras and sports bras have increased in popularity exponentially since the pandemic. As daywear became more comfortable and tailoring languished in the closet, bras followed suit becoming an extension of […]
The secret to luscious locks
Exfoliation is not a new word in the beauty industry. The tried-and-true practice is a staple in many skincare routines and for good reason. Smooth, clean and healthy is the result of regularly removing dead skin from the face and body, and this is no secret. Removing dead skin cells from the scalp is key […]
Nailing it: Feet First Podiatry
Whether you’re toeing the line or dragging your feet with regards to specialist care, feet are more than a metaphor, and deserve professional attention, especially with debilitating toenail pain. Prolonging unhealthy toenail conditions causes significant complications and adversely compromises wellbeing, regular activities, and footwear compatibility. A professional diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan is essential. Common […]
Home & Living
Full of special treasures: Pot Pourri
Discover the extensive array of beautiful homewares, fashion, gifts and local delights at Pot Pourri. Located on beautiful Akaroa’s main road, the cosy store is stocked with a combination of contemporary and classic items, as well as the latest trending gifts and homewares. For the perfect spot of weekend shopping, Pot Pourri offers choice with […]
Flowers by you
Floral arrangements create a beautiful burst of colour in any room and add a little something special to a home. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at creating your own pretty arrangements, Metropol has a few top tips to get you started. Selection When selecting your flowers, try choose a range of […]
The language of flowers
For many centuries, flowers have been used to convey various messages such as love and hope. During the Victorian era saying it with flowers became a fine art with nearly all homes having a guidebook to help send the right message. Flowers were often used to deliver messages that couldn’t be spoken out loud, and […]
Spring into the garden: Kiwiflora Nurseries
With the welcomed arrival of spring, it is the time when people start thinking about their gardens and what to plant for the season ahead. Growing plants and trees at home takes the right knowledge, and a little help from the experts is never a bad idea. Kiwiflora Nurseries have an ever-changing range of plants […]
Build
Creating homes that last: DJ Hewitt Builders
“This house is still like the day it was built,” say the very happy owners of a Merivale home, seven years on. This would be the timeframe when many homes would start to show wear and tear. However, they knew well that in the end, you get what you pay for, and more. The pitched […]
Working with natural beauty
Timber cladding has seen a sharp rise in popularity over the last decade, used by leading architects and seen in incredible designs across New Zealand, in new and inspired ways. The natural material has always been used in building, but like all trends has dipped and risen over the decades. The latest, strong comeback for […]
Summer fun poolside
As thoughts turn to summer and warmer days, many also turn to swimming; taking that first dip in the sea or better yet frolicking in your own pool. Always wanted a pool but don’t know where to start? Christchurch has numerous expert pool companies who’d be happy to talk about requirements and set the project […]
Award-winning contemporary cabin
Accolades continue to roll in for Christchurch architectural designer Barry Connor and his Skylark Cabin project. During the recent 2021 Canterbury/Westland ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards, his design for the cabin was highly commended in the Residential New Home up to 150m2 Category. Skylark Cabin (pictured), nestled among the foothills of the Ben Ohau Range, […]