Toys and treasure: The Toy Shop – Hanmer Springs

A toy shop is a treasure chest of variety – one that empowers children to explore and build their confidence and there’s none better than this Hanmer Springs toy haven. Children learn through play, and toys are gadgets that encourage them to discover the world. To pinpoint that treasure chest is to wander […]

Trade Me Property Gavin Lloyd: Cashmere property searches hit record highs

The numbers are in and five Christchurch suburbs are top of the property pops. We’ve crunched this year’s data to ascertain the most popular areas, with five stand-outs emerging. The top spot, and the most popular, as measured by searches on Trade Me Property, is Cashmere with over a million searches this year […]

ChristchurchNZ CEO Alison Adams: Christchurch’s cleantech future is here

Need an ice-breaker at dinner parties? Hydrogen fuel and rocks are the talk of the town. You might not think hydrogen fuel and olivine rock make for great dinner conversation – but in Christchurch, they’re sparking something bigger: a cleantech movement that’s at the heart of our city’s future. For more information, go […]

The coast with the most

From fresh coastal air to dolphins and llamas, Kaikōura has all the ingredients for making lasting memories. Found yourself with three days to spare? Here – you’re welcome. DAY 1: Wave goodbye to traffic lights and head north, to a place of natural beauty, incredible wildlife and fun-filled family experiences. Follow the coastline […]

Love for long-stays: SPCA

Adoption by donation until 21 September for SPCA long-stay animals. It’s been a tough year for animals needing homes. According to SPCA general manager of animal services Corey Regnerus-Kell, even the cutest and most outgoing animals are staying in their care longer than last winter. “While some find their homes quickly after coming […]

Totally pawsome: Kuri City

Only the best for you and your dog is the mantra at the city’s only daycare for small dogs. When you walk through the doors of Kuri City, you’re not just dropping off your dog, you’re stepping into a community designed entirely for dogs and the people who love them. With 184 reviews […]

5 ways to well-being

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 in New Zealand will be held from 6 to 12 October and the theme is ‘Top Up Together’. A ccording to the latest well-being figures from Stats NZ, more women in New Zealand report experiencing poor mental wellbeing, at 31 per cent, compared with 22 per cent of […]

Great homes for great hounds

As the racing ban takes effect, 2500 greyhounds will soon need a place to call home. After years of controversy and mounting animal welfare concerns, greyhound racing in Aotearoa is officially coming to an end. The Government has announced that by 31 July 2026, all racing will cease, and with that decision, around […]

Energise little explorers: Christchurch Attractions

Little explorers are right at home in Christchurch. Secure an annual pass from Christchurch Attractions and never worry about where to take your children when school holidays come around. For just $240 per family of two adults and up to three children, enjoy unlimited entry to the iconic Gondola and Tram experiences. Between […]

Clever clogs: The evolution of the Croc

Metropol editor Nina Tucker investigates… are Crocs cool again? I didn’t want to believe it either. That was, until deputy editor Tamara Pitelen and I were in Merivale research-gathering – otherwise known as window shopping – and there they were. A pair of sparkling, embellished, platform Crocs sitting on the shelf of a […]