For the young & young at heart: Chipmunks Playland Rangiora
Keeping the little ones entertained is easy when you take them to an indoor playground designed for hours of non-stop play. But to keep you entertained, how does a nice cup of coffee sound? Whether you’re a parent planning your child’s birthday party, a grandparent looking for a fun school holiday activity, or […]
Apron strings and Path finders: Hawarden and Waikari
Preserving the history of Hawarden-Waikari in a series of autobiographical books has been a labour of love for a group of determined North Canterbury locals. For 124 years, Doc Sidey’s family has lived on their farm near Hawarden, about an hour’s drive north of Christchurch. Now aged 81 and still living on that […]
Canterbury rally
Starting in Rangiora and finishing in Christchurch on King’s Birthday weekend, the 2026 Canterbury Rally promises action-packed fun. With more than 50 years of history across Ashley Forest and North Canterbury roads, the Canterbury Rally is one of New Zealand’s most iconic motorsport events. The 2026 edition forms part of the New Zealand […]
Style your eyes: Eye-dentity Optical
Looking for a family owned, independent optometrist and some stylish new glasses? Eye-dentity Optical is a locally owned optometry practice based in Rangiora. The experienced team specialises in a range of eyecare services, catering to the key eye health problems they see in the region. “North Cantabrian’s often suffer from dry eye, as […]
Snapped! Local street style
What inspires the style of North Canterbury’s most fashionable ladies? Metropol’s Zoe Fenton took to the streets and played paparazzo to three locals that caught her eye. Celine Graham, shop ambassador at Louis Who “My style is eclectic and affordable. A mix of new and old. My big thing is you don’t have […]
High tea & hot spots North Canterbury
Want to take mum somewhere special for Mother’s Day? This is our pick of the best North Canterbury options. The Gateway Tavern afternoon tea, Hanmer Springs A special Mother’s Day event, The Gateway Tavern is taking bookings for afternoon tea designed to celebrate mum. Enjoy lemonade scones with jam and cream, lamingtons and […]
Creamy carrot & bacon soup recipe
Perfect for those wintry days, this heart-warming soup from the new book by Sue Heazlewood, Tangleby Everyday Recipes Book Two, is a delicious lunch when served with buttered and grilled ciabatta. Head along to the book’s launch on 21 May at North Canterbury Books. Ingredients | Serves 4 150g bacon, diced 1 tbsp […]
Shear joy
Words: Nina Tucker | Images: Dorothy McLennan Beverley Riverina Forrester’s award-winning wool fashion business was born from her rural North Canterbury farm and innovative, optimistic mind – a venture that took garments to New Zealand Fashion Week and international runways, and knitting kits to the world. I had to wade through sausage-making courses […]
The chamber calls
String music brilliance returns to Rangiora with a powerful programme celebrating storytelling through sound. This year, the New Zealand String Quartet returns to Rangiora for the first time since 2008 with their 2026 season tour: Storytellers. On Thursday 7 May and during NZ Music Month, the concert will showcase a vibrant programme titled […]
Clean that carpet: Chemdry
In an instant, food, drink and everyday life find their way onto furniture, upholstery, and carpet. It’s one of life’s biggest frustrations, and more than that, it can impact the health of your home. A build-up of dirt, dust, bacteria and allergens sits deep within fibres, beyond the reach of regular vacuuming. That’s […]
