Craft and Christmas cheer – Mickey Raes

Forty years ago, Wendy Lamont was a schoolgirl making wedding accessories. Her business quickly grew into a thriving home-based venture, then expanded online. Today, Wendy is the proud owner of the beloved Mickey Raes retail store in Hanmer Springs – and after five months of weather-related delays, she’s delighted to finally open the […]

Growing community

An outdoor fanatic. Nature lover. Water enthusiast. And a mother to a young family. These are just a few of the characteristics that define Sarah Wiblin – the new manager of Hanmer Springs’ Thermal Pools and Spas. Just seven months into the role and getting to know the Hanmer Springs community, Sarah (pictured) […]

Your guide to what’s on in the West Coast

26 & 28 DECEMBER: WESTPORT TROTTING CLUB CHRISTMAS MEETING Gather all your family and friends to watch some horse racing. With ten different trotting and pace races each day, there will be plenty of high-speed equines to admire. 30 DECEMBER: REEFTON TROTS Get ready for Reefton’s largest annual race event. Pack a picnic […]

Lover’s retreat

Romance in the West Coast is right at your fingertips. Bursting with creative finesse, painted from a palette of emerald tree canopies and sapphire coastline, Hokitika is the small town that captures people’s hearts. Stay For a cosy, romantic séjour, stay by the sea at the Beachfront Hotel Hokitika. Choose from modern ocean […]

Cycle the wild – West Coast

Why ride the West Coast Wilderness Trail? Why not. Tumbling rivers, fresh rainforest, unspoiled open waters backdropped by the Southern Alps – the Wilderness Trail offers the best of New Zealand bundled up into one great experience. Divided into sections, it’s one of New Zealand’s most accessible trails with the option to tackle […]

Wild Food Fest – Hokitika

Celebrate all things wild, weird and wonderful when Hokitika comes alive on Saturday 14 March, 2026, with the legendary Wildfoods Festival. This iconic West Coast event continues to draw thousands of adventurous foodies, music lovers, and partygoers from across Aotearoa and beyond. Whether you’re brave enough to try a huhu grub or mountain […]

Destination West Coast

The West Coast’s slogan is ‘untamed natural wilderness’, and for good reason. It’s a playground of coastal landscapes, spectacular views, iconic landforms and curious wildlife – and a region which enjoyed record temperatures last summer. Stay a while this season and soak up the sun. Start with your own two feet and make […]

Soul revival: Amuri Estate

Come for the adventure and stay for the luxury in Hanmer Springs. The next time you consider a day trip to Hanmer Springs, turn a day of fun into a long weekend of luxury with Amuri Estate. The region offers highly attended summer events like the Hurunui Garden Festival, while mountain bike events […]

Get your togs on: LifeStyles Hanmer

It’s swimwear season, and one bathing suit just isn’t going to be enough. Just like other types of clothing, different swimsuits are needed for different situations. For example, if you do a lot of active swimming for exercise, then you need chlorine-resistant swimwear specifically for that. After all, you wouldn’t wear a party […]

Luxury in bloom: Village Lake Luxury Apartments

Treat yourself to a renewing and luxurious weekend away in the gorgeous Hanmer Springs village. Whether you enjoy spring through picnics and boutique shopping, or nature walks and cycle trails, Village Lake Luxury Apartments is the ideal place for your weekend away. Perfectly positioned for guests to enjoy the best of spring, Village […]