10 day silent meditation
Could you stop talking for 10 days while also spending 10 hours a day in cross-legged meditation? Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen discovers first-hand why the Vipassana 10-day silent meditation retreat is not to be taken lightly. What’s it like not speaking for 10 days while meditating all day, every day from 4.30am? […]
When wine left the bottle behind: Vino Wines
At last! Premium wine in lightweight packaging for your on-the-go pleasure. Neil Pattinson loves a good bottle of wine. He also knows the bottle has a few flaws. After years in wine, research and biotech, Neil, managing director of Whistling Buoy Winery, could see the category shifting. People still wanted quality, but they […]
Couch be tamed
Unleash your interior’s wild side with safari-inspired interiors. Sleek, chic styles lend themslves to a wintry palette, with a pinch of whimsy.
New season, new hair: Haar Design
Catch the light with a fresh brunette colour or sport a brand new bob this season. Master stylist Caro Haar offers up her expertise on bringing the latest trends to your locks. Glossy and gorgeous, brunette hair has become a big trend in Caro’s St Albans-based salon Haar Design. “Rich brunette tones add […]
Coffee and ocean views: Barista Binks
Superb coffee, a warm welcome and stunning ocean views make this Mt Pleasant community café a place you’ll love coming back to. In September 2024, Barista Binks opened its doors in the community centre of Mount Pleasant. It was the realisation of a long-held dream for owner Talen Hignett and in those first […]
PACKING a PUNCH
It’s easy to appreciate the appeal of a Mini, writes Metropol’s Ben Selby. While the current model has evolved considerably from the original design by Alec Issigonis introduced nearly 70 years ago, the qualities that define a Mini – its enjoyable driving dynamics, vibrant personality, and engaging experience – remain evident. In terms […]
Elevated home décor: Urbano Interiors
How do you bring timeless style into your home? A curated mix of artisanal pieces, bespoke furniture, and hand-picked heritage brands. For more than a decade, Urbano Interiors has been the home of upscale home design, furniture and décor. Showcasing ranges that celebrate style, high quality, and timeless New Zealand and International design, […]
Choose a trusted kitchen: Kitchen Studio
Building a house or renovating your kitchen? Why not partner with a kitchen designer voted most trusted in New Zealand for the 10th year? With over 40 years spent perfecting kitchen design and installation, Kitchen Studio creates bespoke kitchens crafted specifically for how you live. “Our process is highly customer-focused,” says Christchurch store […]
Canterbury’s finest flavours
Fourteen Canterbury food businesses have been named medal winners in this year’s Outstanding Food Producers Awards (OFPA). No matter which way you slice it, Canterbury food businesses have taken home a haul of medals from the latest Outstanding Food Producers Awards (OFPA). Now in its 10th year, this year’s head judge, internationally renowned […]
Apple crumble chia pudding with stewed apples, caramel & crunchy granola
This recipe for apple crumble chia pudding with all the lashings from Canterbury-based Good Puddings, is giving us ‘dessert-for-breakfast’ energy. “All the cosy apple crumble vibes, but layered into a creamy chia pudding you can prep ahead and keep in the fridge,” founder Laura says. Good Puddings was a 2025 winner in the […]
