Destination Dunedin
Rich in heritage and richer in a bounty of things to enjoy, Dunedin is an easy escape just hours away. Discover the city’s storied history with a four-day itinerary to take you back in time. DAY 1: Stay at one of Dunedin’s beautifully restored heritage accommodations – Bell Hill (with views of First […]
Local Lincoln gem: The Sparrow
Serving refined fusion flavours, this neighbourhood eatery is already a firm favourite. Just seven months ago, The Sparrow spread its wings in the heart of Lincoln and is already a dining destination making locals proud. Born from the success of its sister restaurant Amore in Halswell, this is where fine dining meets the […]
Married with mead: Colony
Celebrating a wedding involves many traditions. One of the oldest relates to the drinking of mead, or honey wine, in celebration of the joyful occasion. The term ‘honeymoon’ is said to originate from the 5th-century custom of giving a newly married couple enough mead to last them one moon cycle, about a month. […]
Island nuptials in Niue
Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded clifftop as the sun sets over the endless Pacific, or saying “I do” beneath a canopy of lush rainforest, with the sounds of nature as your wedding music. Niue, the “Rock of Polynesia,” offers an intimate, unspoiled paradise for couples seeking a truly unique and breathtaking wedding […]
The perfect partnership: The Hilltop x 5th Street
After years of extensive renovations, Brent and Kim Robertson stood at The Hilltop, admiring the view while enjoying a celebratory glass of bubbles, and asked the big question: who’s going to do this place justice? The answer was obvious: 5th Street Restaurant. It’s a partnership that makes sense. The Hilltop has the jaw-dropping […]
Wired for sound: OEM Audio
Driving with your favourite sounds is one of life’s great pleasures. If you’re on the road daily, it’s worth investing in the quality of your audio. Upgrading your car audio is easy. OEM Audio leads with products that look factory-fitted yet deliver next-generation technology. “We have our own branded audio units through to […]
Your stress-less sidekick: On the Day Events
The mission is simple: To make your day flow like Champagne – smooth, sparkling and stress-free. If you’re busy juggling logistics, timelines and vendors, it’s hard to imagine truly enjoying your wedding day. On the Day Events manages the setup, liaises with your vendors, oversees the runsheet, and troubleshoots any issues that could […]
Top wedding fails
A wedding planner reveals the most common mistakes couples make when planning their big day. I’ve seen it all over the years,” says wedding planner and stylist Suzanne Carson. “Weddings that went off without a hitch and others where, if something could go wrong, it did. The Christchurch earthquakes are a good example. […]
“I knowingly take you”: New Zealand Celebrant Jenni Gibson
Jenni Gibson has been a marriage celebrant for more than 16 years, performing at wedding ceremonies South Island-wide for couples from New Zealand and beyond. “I truly love what I do and believe your wedding day, planned well, should be one of the most enjoyable milestones in your lifetime. No matter what venue […]
European elegance here at home: French Farm Estate
A Mediterranean-inspired wedding venue on the beautiful Banks Peninsula. Nestled on the stunning Banks Peninsula, family-owned French Farm Estate offers a breathtaking backdrop for intimate weddings of up to 130 guests from spring 2026. The venue can accommodate smaller weddings as early as this season. Currently undergoing complete renovation, the main lodge will […]
