High teas and sunset sessions: Chateau on the Park
As the weather gets warmer, a luxurious and leisurely high tea makes for a magical afternoon. Offering one of Christchurch’s most beautiful outdoor seating areas, High Tea at the Chateau on the Park, a DoubleTree by Hilton, is a ritual of refinement. Picture delicate savouries like cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, brie and […]
Queen of the screens: Antonia Prebble
Beloved actress across Australasia, mother, podcaster, and two-time charity ambassador, Antonia Prebble has earned a platform she now uses to give back. Metropol editor Nina Tucker caught up with the Outrageous Fortune and Westside star ahead of her role emceeing for Breast Cancer Cure’s Fashion for a Cure charity event in October. When […]
Sweet like chocolate: Sarah Adams of Queen Anne
In 2025, Christchurch company Queen Anne Chocolates is celebrating its 100th birthday. Owned by the granddaughter of one of New Zealand’s most iconic bakers, Ernest Adams, Sarah Adams tells Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about this hard-won milestone. The year is 1921, and a bright-eyed, young Ernest Adams is striding up Tuam Street […]
Meet the Fullers
If there’s any pair who know how to host, it’s Marty and Naomi Fuller, and it’s not all they can do. The trophy cabinet of one of Christchurch’s best hospitality duos holds more than a few shiny awards – it’s home to something you can only win after running all seven of the […]
Shoe business: Issimo Christchurch
There’s no business like shoe business and no-one knows that better than Belinda Blanchfield. With an obsession comparable to that of Sex of the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, Belinda was born to surround herself with shoes. With her family, she opened Issimo Christchurch in Merivale, a women’s footwear and fashion accessory boutique. Stocking brands […]
Let’s par-tee!
Searching for a way to get fresh air, exercise and social interaction all in one (sometimes frustrating) fun activity? Join your local golf club. Offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes across 400 courses nationwide, it’s no wonder thousands of people choose to play golf each year. New Zealand has been known as […]
Entertaining? Easy. Total Food Equipment
Silly season is approaching – formal parties, casual get-togethers and all the before-and-afters of events. Here’s a hack to the hosting: Total Food Equipment. The kitchen and homewares store on Moorhouse Ave is home to hundreds of ways to make your life easier when guests arrive in spades. Stocking classic and coveted brands […]
Cycling for child cancer: Nuk Korako
At age 71, former MP Nuk Korako is back on his bike to raise money for children with cancer. He’s no stranger to pedalling for a good cause. Former MP and Ngāi Tahu Canterbury Regional Councillor Nuk Korako (pictured) is well-known for his community-driven charity rides. He has already cycled 1417km this year […]
Move over Martha – The Hungry Cook
Want to give hosting queen Martha Stewart a run for her money? This recipe for a buttercup squash and brown rice salad from The Hungry Cook by Olivia Galletly is sure to impress. The generous amount of fresh herbs enhance the flavour of the sweet baked squash and the mild spices mean the […]
Jandal scandal
Flip-flop, jandal, thong – call them what you want – this is the shoe you’ll be seeing all season. An icon of the summer wardrobe in New Zealand, these classic sandals are proving they can be both basic and beautiful. Whether Havaianas or a pair much more embellished, what we’re seeing styled on […]












