The battle to build In Queenstown, Wanaka, Tekapo and Twizel: Paul Reed Homes
With the building boom in Queenstown and Southern Lakes putting pressure on the industry, Master Builder Paul Reed Homes has shared some ‘Insider Tips’ to help you avoid some of the stress and hidden ‘financial traps’. Beware of low-ball quotes that are full of substitutions to the original specs. Under-pricing often […]
Marking winter’s end: Alexandra Blossom Festival
Spring has sprung, and the Southern Lakes region has awoken from its winter slumber. What better way to mark the end of our seasonal hibernation – and make the most of longer, warmer days – than by attending the Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival. First held in 1957, it’s the longest-running […]
Power of poetry: At the Drop of a Hat
It’s poetry, but not as we know it. Three Southern Lakes literary identities are taking great delight in turning the traditional concept of staid poetry readings on its head. Liz Breslin, Laura Williamson and Annabel Wilson are bringing their unique show, At the Drop of a Hat, to Queenstown. The […]
The Grape Debate: There’s a battle brewing within the Central Otago wine industry
There’s a battle brewing within the Central Otago wine industry, but it’s for a good cause. And there shouldn’t be any ‘sour grapes’ at the end of it. Following the success of similar events in Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough, the Colliers International Grape Debate comes to Southern Lakes this month. […]
All things entertaining: All things entertaining in Ashburton.
In rural mid-Canterbury’s largest town – with the biggest heart – it’s not only the spring lambs that are in a playful mood. The social calendar for all things entertaining is hotting up in Ashburton. Celtic Illusion – Saturday 15 September A fantastical fusion of mesmerising Irish dance, conjures with magic, […]
A Dramatic Transformation: The Birdwood
Located off the well-trodden path of most new hospitality ventures in Christchurch today, this recent winner of the ADNZ – Canterbury/Westland: Commercial Interior Design Award, The Birdwood is comfortably nestled into the heart of suburban Beckenham. This re-purposed old building has two establishments consisting an eatery and a pizzeria. Both […]
A tipple of truffle: The whopping 1.37kg black Périgord truffle
It’s bottoms up as a record-breaking New Zealand truffle has infused a tasty new brew. The giant truffle unearthed in North Canterbury has found its way into a special-edition local ale. The whopping 1.37kg black Périgord truffle was dug up by Jax Lee, General Manager of Kings Truffles in Waipara, […]
Addington’s local: Milieu
At 112 Wrights Road there is a well-known café that people in the Addington area flock to, Milieu. With freshly made scones and muffins, and stunning C4 Coffee made by great barristers, it’s no wonder its reputation for the place to meet for business or pleasure is so highly respected. […]
Star light star bright: Oxford Observatory
On Friday, 7 September, when North Canterbury skies will be their darkest under a new moon, the Oxford Observatory at Oxford Area School will host a public open night to view our closest celestial neighbours. Between 7pm and 10pm, anyone can view four planets up close. On 31 July, Mars […]
To market to market: Markets around you
When the weekend hits and the sun is shining, there’s nothing more fun than taking a stroll and browsing the stalls at your nearest market. Luckily for you, North Canterbury is the home to a wide range of tasty and tempting options, from farmers’ markets to local arts and crafts […]
