Eyes on the fries: Makikihi Fries

Kiwis love their hot chips. From a classic fish and chip dinner to a late-night hot chip run, they are a staple across New Zealand. Consumers and businesses are always on the hunt for the perfect crunch and salty flavour to top the lists and satisfy that inevitable craving. The team at Canterbury’s Makikihi Fries […]

Waste not, want not: Gordon’s Pickles

Recycle, re-use, re-purpose. In these tight financial times many of us are looking for ways to eliminate waste and to repurpose materials. It is also surprising just what can be put to another use. How many of us are guilty of throwing away the juice or brine from a jar of pickled onions or gherkins? […]

12 hours in North Canterbury

Stave off the cold weather blues with a day trip dash to the charm of North Canterbury. Take it easy, enjoying the simple things in life, food and company. Morning Pack a picnic first, and plan to leave home around 8am. On the drive up, stop for a bite at one of the local culinary […]

Where to Wellington

Gardens galore, native wildlife, magical movie experiences, culinary excellence, boutique shopping, and trails to suit any exercise level. Wellington deserves more credit than simply its notorious wind. See Head to one of the many spots offering animal encounters or gorgeous gardens, such as Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne. These experiences often make a great day […]

Passport not required: Stay Geraldine

Ask a Christchurch resident what they know of Fiery Peak, and chances are, they will guess a volcanic hot-spot on some far-flung continent. Uh-uh. Guess again. Fiery Peak numbers alongside the many mountains of our own Southern Alps, and can be appreciated in all its splendour while breakfasting in bed. Stay Geraldine’s new luxury accommodation, […]

Hike in Hanmer

If you’re spending the weekend, start a Hanmer hike before the rest of the world wakes up. Chatterton Track A quieter hike, the Chatterton Track starts at the car park from Chatterton Road end, and follows the Chatterton River through beautiful beech forest. Described as moderately challenging, this is a roughly 4km return track, averaging […]

Exceptional food, impeccable service: No.31 Restaurant

Hanmer Springs is known for its many attractions, such as thermal pools, jet boating on the Waiau River, bungy jumping in the Waiau Gorge and many more adventures besides. So it is hardly surprising that there is a multi-award winning restaurant in the village as well. No. 31 Restaurant is located in a quaint, charming […]

Book it in: Mickey Raes

The cooler months are a time to break out the knitting needles, jigsaw puzzles, and books, and rug up warm inside. If craft of any sort takes your fancy, in Hanmer all roads lead to Mickey Raes, a treasure trove of creative ideas. Owner Wendy Lamont has been supplying customers with their craft needs, haberdashery, […]

Hanmer for the holidays

If you are in desperate need of a spot that fosters relaxation while stimulating adventure, Hanmer Springs has it all. For a week, a weekend, or just a day, it is a quintessential Canterbury holiday location, one we will never get sick of. Serenity and leisure make up the atmosphere in Hanmer, while the thrill […]

Art for acquiring and admiring: Tait Gallery

A piece of art or original design, whatever medium it takes, is something to take pleasure in and treasure for years to come. It might be an original painting, a piece of jewellery or a sculpture that attracts you, but you will know immediately a piece that must come home with you. Galleries that exhibit […]