First in first served: we talk to Mat Weir founder of (now international) table booking service with a twist First Table
The media is not always kind to millennials in this country, but the vision and expertise of Mat Weir of First Table will see them eating their words, as well as some very delicious dinners around the world. This innovative and actually useful (because let’s face it, not all of them are) Kiwi […]
Matrimonial magic awaits: we look to Clear Ridge in Hanmer Springs to help plan a destination wedding that is still close to home
A wedding day stands out as being an inimitable occasion; something the happy couple and their friends and family wish they could live over and over again. It makes sense therefore, to prolong the joy for as long as possible and introduce pre and post wedding events that make this momentous occasion even […]
Quality, comfort & style: Kjole in Hanmer Springs is a fashion destination
The classic, clean and contemporary collection at Kjole has a focus on timeless style, with its exclusive range of Scandinavian clothing. Kjole, meaning ‘dress’ in Danish, is located at the new Boulder Point Retail Precinct in Hanmer Springs. Mother and daughter duo Stephanie and Penny Suckling opened the store in December last year. […]
Exquisitely romantic: weddings at The Vineyard at Rossendale
The Vineyard at Rossendale is an exquisitely romantic wedding venue, created especially for the occasion. The ambience and space, flexibility and flow, are unsurpassed for a perfect day. Floor to ceiling windows form a vista through 10 acres of pinot noir grapes. With room for up to 200, the functional floorplan allows the […]
A healthy glow: getting your skin perfect for the big day with Caci Clinic
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! You’ve been planning since the proposal, now it’s time to start working towards healthy glowing skin for the big day. The team at Caci suggests beginning your pre-wedding regime six months prior. Start with a free consultation at a Caci clinic, where the team can recommend the best […]
Style & protection: women’s clothing should do both says active lifestyle brand Merrell
Embrace nature without sacrificing style in women’s clothing from Merrell. It can be challenging to find women’s clothing with the right balance of comfort, style and protection when facing competing elements outside – and of course style also matters when it comes to women’s lifestyle and active wear. “That’s why we make sure […]
Redefining lounging: Wilson & Dorset want to take people into a 21st century approach to living areas
Amanda Dorset and her husband Ben Wilson are on a mission to transform the way people live in their homes. Their business, Wilson & Dorset, aims to “redefine lounging”. “People follow this old-fashioned method of setting up their living space, with the traditional three-seater couch, two armchairs and a rug with a coffee […]
An exciting upward trajectory: the Southern Lakes are on the up and up
Adventure capital of the world; winter wonderland; jewel in the tourism crown. The superlatives trip off the tongue when describing the Southern Lakes region, which has long been lauded for its jaw-dropping scenery, adrenalin-inducing activities and fine wine and food. Whether you get your kicks bungy jumping from a great height; hurtling down […]
A coastal paradise: Kaikoura is an international destination (that you won’t need a passport to visit)
If a stunning peninsula town encircled by majestic mountains and life-filled craggy coastlines takes your fancy, a weekend getaway to Kaikoura is pure paradise – for all senses in all seasons. A $1.3 billion-dollar rebuild after the 2016 quakes returned its infrastructure and accessibility. However, the community’s vibrancy never really faded. Visitors are […]
What’s on: keeping the kids entertained
With little minds to inspire and little legs to tire out, the role of a parent can be beautifully relentless. We might not offer a babysitting service here at Metropol, but we do love to brainstorm on your behalf. Here are some of the fun things our city and surrounding areas are throwing […]












