Camping fail – by Pattie Pegler

I want to like camping. It sounds so fun and carefree, pitching your tent, enjoying the great outdoors. But I am a camping failure. Admittedly, I was a late starter, I grew up mostly in cities where camping options were thin on the ground. But when I was 23, on a trip to […]

One year on: A celebration of past, present and future – Isaac Theatre Royal

The heart of Ōtautahi keeps beating. One year ago, on 17 November 2024, the Isaac Theatre Royal opened its doors for a once-in-a-lifetime night. “Glittering under the chandeliers, we gathered to celebrate a decade since the Grand Old Lady’s post-earthquake reopening – ten years of healing, artistry, and the unwavering aroha of Ōtautahi,” […]

Bowled over: Lawn bowls

Christchurch is set to host the Summerset Bowls New Zealand Singles and Pairs Competition from 2 to 9 January 2026. Head along and see what lawn bowls is about, while supporting some of Canterbury’s own bowlers. “It is an honour that bowling clubs within Canterbury have the opportunity to host the Bowls New […]

Glitterbug – by Nina Tucker

Show up to the New Year’s party. Shine.

Golden agers: Transition Navigators

Older life brings major changes, and one Christchurch company is on hand to help make these transitions as smooth as possible. F rom making the decision to downsize and sell the family home to suddenly finding yourself single after decades with the same person, older age introduces several major life events. To navigate […]

Popular pastry: Gorgeous Food

How do you spot a popular bakery? Find one with a door constantly opening and closing as a steady unstoppable stream of customers enters. T hat is certainly the case at Gorgeous Food, the family-run specialty bakery on Springs Road. Home to the same tried and tested home recipes for nearly 20 years, […]

Summer fun – camping tips

There’s something about summer in North Canterbury that makes packing the tent, lighting the camp stove and slowing right down feel like second nature. The Good Camping Guide Camping comes with its challenges, but it’s always worth the effort. In North Canterbury, find a range of fabulous spots to set up camp during […]

NZ greenshell mussels in coconut broth

Like most seafood dishes, mussels are best prepared simply, with a flavourful broth for dipping. INGREDIENTS 20 greenshell mussels, scrubbed with beards removed 1 Tbsp oil 3 spring onions, sliced 1 large garlic clove, crushed 1/2 a red chilli, seeded and finely chopped 1 cup coconut cream 1/2 cup of water (more for […]

Play local: Lawn bowls

In New Zealand, 43,000 registered members and 126,000 casual participants across more than 450 clubs enjoy a game of lawn bowls – and you could be one of them. O riginating in ancient Egypt, and played in England since the 13th century, bowls has been a popular sport in New Zealand since 1861 […]

Understanding SPF

Warm weather means the topic of sunscreen loops back into everyday life. Contributor Ellie Lovegrove breaks it down – slip, slop, slap and wrap just got simpler. Yes, we should be applying SPF 365 days a year, but selecting the right one can be an overwhelming experience amidst a sea of options. Staring […]