Rich and indulgent: Japanz Bakery

It doesn’t get much better than fresh quality-baked eats. From sweet treats to savoury snacks and everything in between, bakeries deliver the goods to get your tastebuds excited. As far as amazing bakeries go, you can’t go past Japanz Bakery at South City Shopping Centre. Operating in Christchurch for almost 20 years, they have mastered […]

A homestead with heart: Ilam Homestead

We have a secret to share with you; it’s a gem of a venue – Ilam Homestead. Tucked away at 87 Ilam Road, it’s a venue with sweeping lawns to the river, stunning rhododendron gardens to walk through, and old-style charm from the early 1900s. There’s room for every type of function: cocktails for 20-30 […]

Break out the bowls

Warming, nourishing, and comforting, soup might almost be the perfect meal. At home, work, and even exploring Canterbury’s great outdoors, soup is a highly versatile meal, making it great for any weather, and particularly welcoming during autumn and winter. Soup makes excellent use of leftovers, and can be cooked in large batches and frozen for […]

Comedic cancer survivor, Dr Jo Prendergast

Lyttelton psychiatrist, comedian, author and cancer survivor, Dr Jo Prendergast explains her special brand of “tumour humour” to Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch. Witty, a bit silly, and fairly dead pan are apt descriptives for Jo Prendergast’s special brand of humour. Known as a ‘clean’ comedian, Jo explains that her comedy seems to be relatable to […]

People, places, photos

Freeze in time one of the best days of your life, all with a fabulous photographer. To remember the people, the places, and the intimate moments that you shared throughout your day. Capturing their memories, many just-married Cantabrians have called on the expertise of local photographers to forever remember their weddings. Between the planned shots […]

Top Marques with Niki Mills: Ice speed record

Back in 2007, four-time World Rally Champion, the original “Flying Finn” Juha Kankkunen attempted to break the World Ice Speed record in his privately owned, stock-standard, Bentley Continental GT on the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea. He succeeded with a blistering 1km average of 321kph, an astonishing result from a road-legal vehicle on ice. […]

Editor’s note: Happily ever after

Twice a year, Metropol publishes its popular wedding supplement, featuring many of the local retailers who support this lucrative industry. Bringing bridal parties and wedding suppliers together is a marriage made in heaven for many parties. Ten years ago, the wedding industry in New Zealand was estimated to be worth $58 million annually. Now, a […]

Wedding-wear ready: Darcy Boutique

If the happy couple has nominated a dress code, whether it be the newly trending monotone and dark edit or classic floral patterns and bright hues, the quintessential look will be waiting for you at Darcy Boutique. Main image: Drama the Label Eden summer garden dress darcyboutique.co.nz

Something fun, something new: Riverside Kitchen

A wedding is often not simply about the marriage ceremony itself. Many events before and after the big day contribute to creating the memories couples talk about for years to come. Everything needs to be just right. The hen party is one such event. Bridesmaids can experience stress when planning and thinking of something different […]

Kitchen things

Setting up a tablescape to entertain friends is as exhilarating as exercising in new workout gear, when you have updated utensils and décor to accessorise with. Utilising the kitchen colours of the season, sage greens, calming neutrals, and natural woods, you can bring together a beautifully styled kitchen just like you would a new wardrobe. […]