Winter heat: Isaac Theatre Royal

Who says winter is for hibernation? The cooler months are sizzling with entertainment at Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal. This line-up of live music and performances will warm your soul, lift your spirits, and have you dancing in your seat – or at least humming all the way home. “July and August are absolutely […]

An evening with the Cowboy Junkies: Isaac Theatre Royal

Canadian alt-country pioneers Cowboy Junkies return to Christchurch this November to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen caught up with songwriter Michael Timmins. In 1988, when Canadian alt-country legends Cowboy Junkies released their slow, haunting version of Velvet Underground’s Sweet Jane, little did they know they’d still be playing it […]

Creativity cures

One of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists offers a master class in atmospheric realism. “If I’m not being creative, I feel like I’m missing something,” says Katie Trinkle Legge, an internationally-acclaimed artist who paints from her sunlight-bathed studio on Waiheke Island. It’s here she finds a cornucopia of colourful inspiration. Citrus trees surround […]

The next generation: The Piano

It’s now more important than ever to uplift Canterbury’s creative rangatahi. Music and the arts enrich the lives of many, and contribute to a vibrant and resilient city,” says Marcus Norman, Director of The Piano. “That’s why it’s so important our young people from all walks of life have access to great music […]

All that Jazz: The Isaac Theatre

Christchurch, you’re in for a razzle-dazzle treat. Get ready to paint the town rouge. The sexiest, sassiest, most scandalous musical of all time, Chicago, is strutting its way onto the Isaac Theatre Royal stage this August. Set in the smoky underworld of 1920s Chicago, this Broadway and West End juggernaut has it all: […]

Snow happy

Our best winter memories and cherished family photos often come from moments spent in the snow, so make the most of it before the spring nor’ westers arrive. In Canterbury, we’re surrounded by snow-capped mountains and snow-laden spaces perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. Trust us, treat your children to the ultimate […]

4 family-friendly snow spots

Ski, snowboard, or spectate while beautiful white peaks watch over you – discover the places Canterbury families favour when it comes to enjoying the snow. Mt Hutt Crowned New Zealand’s best ski resort at the World Ski Awards for 10 consecutive years, Mt Hutt understands the importance of a family-friendly snow experience. Four […]

Editor’s note: Snow’s the limit

Before Sukhi and Joanna Gill had Little India, one of New Zealand’s favourite spots for Indian cuisine, they had Sukhi’s mother’s recipes and familial passion for food. Betting on themselves, the pair built a legacy – one that still honours their founding values and faith in family. In her conversation with the Gills, […]

Hanmer hospitality: Alpine Winter Festival

The Hanmer Springs Alpine Winter Festival takes place this year from 28 June to 12 July, and it’s a great time to see everything the village has to offer. Thanks to the popular Alpine Winter Festival, the charming village of Hanmer Springs comes alive in winter. While there’s plenty to do and see […]

Free holiday fun: Christchurch Attractions

Take advantage of free entry for children at two of Christchurch’s favourite attractions during the winter school holidays. The team at Christchurch Attractions are offering an unmissable Kids Go Free deal at the Christchurch Tram and Christchurch Gondola over the winter school holidays in celebration of KidsFest. Hop on board the Christchurch Tram […]