Bright & vibrant in Rangiora: The Station
A curated selection of giftware, clothing and jewellery bring a fresh offering to Rangiora at The Station Café and Shop. The former train station turned café and beautiful gift store is under the new ownership of Steve and Vivienne King who have lived in and loved the North Canterbury area for […]
Crafters’ paradise: Mickey Raes
If you’ve been thinking on how to support local while getting out of the city for some well-deserved R and R, there are plenty of reasons to head to Hanmer Springs. The jewel in North Canterbury’s crown, Hanmer has long been the destination for adventure junkies and those craving an escape, but […]
Hidden hikes of Hanmer
You know about the hot pools, you know about the adrenaline activities and you know about the quaint village – but did you know about the plethora of hikes and tramps awaiting at Hanmer Springs? PARK PARADISE Hanmer Forest Park is a walker’s paradise. The indigenous forest and a small […]
Mountains of modernity: Hanmer Springs Scenic Views Motel
Tucked into the Hanmer Springs village, Hanmer Springs Scenic Views Motel is a tranquil place to relax, unwind and enjoy an alpine escape in modern self-contained accommodation. Just 400m from the famed hot pools complex, the motel is also a stone’s throw from the quaint village’s collection of cafes, restaurants, […]
Ohoka oasis: Oakhampton Lodge
Take a walk on the wild side, or more specifically, the four acres of spacious lawns and gardens in the Ohoka countryside at Oakhampton Lodge. After welcoming hundreds of international guests to their unique boutique accommodation for several years, with the interruption to world travel owners Jackie and Angus Watson are […]
Kick it in Kaiapoi
Just a 20-minute drive north of Christchurch, Kaiapoi is a picturesque town on the banks of the mighty Waimakariri river and just waiting to be explored. Here’s Metropol’s picks of what to do in Kaiapoi. ON THE WATER Get amongst Kaiapoi’s aquatic activities. Try a river cruise on the replica paddle […]
Luxurious alpine escape: Village Lake luxury apartments
Nestled against Hanmer’s picturesque mountainscape, Village Lake luxury apartments offers a 5-star alpine getaway. Modern and spacious, each stylish apartment contains everything you need to escape the city and soak in the alpine surrounds. Each apartment includes a gas fire to cosy up in front of, along with a balcony or […]
Gardens, gifts and café in one: Lushingtons Gardens, Gifts and Café
Spring is a time of renewal. It’s also a time to explore, to do something different, to find somewhere new to enjoy. There can be few more alluring places for a new experience than Lushingtons Garden, Gifts and Café at Tinwald, Ashburton. It’s the perfect stop for lunch and a leg stretch […]
A crafty business: Mickey Raes
“What a time to celebrate being open for two years – right in the middle of lockdown!,” says Wendy Lamont, who can hardly believe that two years have passed since, encouraged by her mother-in-law Pauline, she exchanged her home-based handmade craft business for the beautiful sunlit store called Mickey Raes in Hanmer […]
New venture adventure: Salt n Pepper Cafe
Buying a hospitality business during the Covid-19 lockdown could be seen as a risky venture. That is, however, exactly what Dharambir Judge did when the opportunity arose to purchase the Salt n Pepper Café in Hanmer Springs. “Certainly, I had some sleepless nights about it,” says Dharambir. “But I concentrated on […]
