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 […]

Calling all sushi lovers: Nori Table

Nori Table is Christchurch’s very own home of high-quality sushi and an excellent hangout spot – a must visit for all sushi lovers. First opening in 2019, Nori Table now has two locations: The Tannery in Woolston, and Williams Street, Kaiapoi.   Nori Table is the creation of owners and operators Jini […]

Seeing the northern sights

Just passing through or navigating to a destination, there’s many a sight to see as you head north from Christchurch. Here’s Metropol’s picks of places to check out in North Canterbury.   WAIPARA The heart of the region’s food and wine scene. Stop off at one of the award-winning wineries to sample […]

A place of passion: Tait Gallery

Visit the beautiful alpine village of Hanmer Springs, park your car and take a stroll up Conical Hill Road to Tait Gallery. Take time to browse and chat to the gallery owner, William Taylor – his passion for the arts is infectious and his gallery is full of colour and vitality. You […]

Just the essentials: Kjole Style

Finding the perfect pair of jeans can leave one feeling a bit like Goldilocks; one’s too short, one’s too long. With their expanding jean range, handpicked to fit lots of different body shapes, Kjole Style can help you find a pair ‘that’s just right’. We caught up with Stephanie Suckling about two […]

A decade after disaster

It’s crazy to think that the September 2010 earthquake that rocked the nation and brought so much destruction was a decade ago. The little town of Kaiapoi seemed to receive the short end of the stick, as one of the most damaged areas in the greater Canterbury region.     Current affairs […]

Chasing Waterfalls

Despite what the popular girl group TLC told you – sometimes it is appropriate to go chasing waterfalls. In this case, it’s the beautiful waterfalls dotted around North Canterbury, all just a short drive away.     Whether you’re looking for a reason for exercise, an excuse to get out of the […]

There’s a time & place

Queenstown has become the go-to getaway for New Zealanders from all the way up north to the bottom of the south. While the town offers amazing attractions year-round, when there are events on, it gives you all the more reason to head there. Metropol has collated some of the most exciting upcoming […]

Luxury in Hanmer: Village Lake Apartments

For the ultimate luxurious getaway, set in the heart of beautiful Hanmer Springs, one simply cannot overlook Village Lake Apartments, where exceptional hospitality awaits.   The modern spacious apartments are the perfect place for any occasion, whether a romantic getaway, family escape or even a corporate meeting.   Village Lake Apartments provides […]