A beautiful boutique: a visit to Marmalade Clothing in Oxford
Deliciously warm autumn colours at Marmalade Clothing and Curiosities are a reflection of Oxford’s misty mornings, harvest time, vast open landscapes and woodland walks. The hues of heather, moss, lichen, copper, cranberry, blackberry and indigo all feature strongly amongst the natural fibres. Marmalade is well known for catering to lovers of Tencel, modal, […]
Where function meets style: Dakins’ posh solution to your practical wedding day needs
A couple’s wedding day is arguably the holy grail of any possible event. The true definition of a celebration, each and every detail comes together to create memories that will last a lifetime. Behind the glitz and glamour of the day itself, are key essentials fundamental to the success of the day. Few […]
Community driven success: Twiss Keir Realty gives credit for achievements to the support they get from locals
The growth of the Twiss Keir Realty team is impressive. Established more than 30 years ago, it recently boasted five branches – Hanmer, Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Belfast and The Palms. With the recent purchase of Four Seasons Realty – with offices in Hornby and Rolleston – there are now seven offices, 91 salespeople, 33 […]
A dining destination: a visit to Culverden’s Red Post Cafe
Someone wise once said, life’s a journey, not a destination. On the journey to Hanmer, there is a great place to stop in Culverden at the Red Post Café’. It has a fantastic cathartic old-style cottage garden to relax in and partake in some wonderful home baking and savouries that make it one […]
Music at Lansdown
After Mozart’s Don Giovanni on St Patrick’s Day, ‘Lansdown Summer’ concludes its 5th festival at the beautiful heritage property at 132 Old Tai Tapu Road, with its second ‘narropera’ – a narrated format of opera. Weber’s ‘Der Freischütz’, The Devil’s Marksman will be held on 25 and 31 March. Narropera reduces an opera […]
Building hope in the Himalayas: how four people set out to make a difference in Nepal
Just when it seems the world is suffering a surfeit of doom and gloom stories, along comes a story big-hearted enough to illuminate the entire universe. Along comes Project EBC and four fabulous people – Mike Lowden, Bette Chen, Tina Morrell and Fergus Flannery. Project EBC (Everest Base Camp) was born from the […]
Historically Unique: The Tai Tapu Hotel’s rich heritage
The Tai Tapu Hotel, or ‘The Tap’ as it is better known, has been at the forefront of social activity within Tai Tapu ever since inception way back in 1856. Strongly rooted in the history of Canterbury, The Tap has been the definitive place for eats, drinks and functions. Talking of functions, the […]
A Darfield attraction: The Oaks of Darfield aims to impress
Since inception back in 2004, The Oaks of Darfield has become a major attraction as both a place of fine dining and quality accommodation. Located at 2171 Clintons Road, Darfield, the historic Canterbury property – surrounded by a large stand of mature oak trees and a large garden with sunny courtyard – is […]
A super special Sunday: The uber cool North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival
When it comes to the hit events on the Canterbury social calendar, the North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival is right up there with the best. Set under the picturesque oaks of Glenmark Domain in Waipara Valley, the festival is back next weekend Sunday 11 March to celebrate the local bounty of the […]
Magical Music: Narropera at Lansdown
March is a musical month at Lansdown, with its festival tradition of presenting opera as entertainment and enjoyment. Short-winded and mesmerising, this is ‘narropera’ – narrated opera presented in word and song for 85 minutes. Enjoy Mozart’s magical Don Giovanni, on 11 and 17 March; revel in Weber’s wonderful romantic opera Der […]












