Managing muscle soreness
More people are hitting the gym and engaging in strength-based training than ever before. Exercise New Zealand findings show that in the first half of 2024, the industry saw a surge of new members, with most clubs reporting a 5% growth compared with 2023. The most common activity is strength training, followed closely […]
Celebrating creativity and community: Isaac Theatre Royal
As we cross the threshold into mid-2024, the Isaac Theatre Royal team reflects on a decade of resilience and renewal since the rebuild in the heart of Ōtautahi. The past year and a half have been radiant, with the historic stage echoing vibrant creativity and the deep connections that bind our community.Central to […]
Food & fantasy: The Rabbit
By day, it is a picturesque café serving up homemade desserts and artisanal coffee. By night, the space transforms into a dinner destination and bar offering premium sushi and a range of elegant cocktails. Nothing sounds better. Located in the heart of Ashburton, The Rabbit is new to town, yet is already making […]
Hydroponic house plants
Several times a week I visit a Mandeville Street café, memorable for great coffee, fab food, and a biophilic wall of house plant cuttings growing in test tubes. By Lynda Papesch. While travelling overseas recently, I also noticed a similar trend, with cafés, restaurants, and large multi-national hotels all growing house plants in […]
Christchurch choir boy takes on the opera
Cathedral choir director Nicholas Forbes has a lifetime dedication to choir. He tells Metropol writer Daniella Judge about his involvement in the upcoming New Zealand Opera show Le comte Ory. Nicholas’ exuberant personality and excitement over Le comte Ory are infectious. It’s easy to imagine him happily leading a team of opera singers, […]
From classics to culinary creations: The Pedal Pusher Rolleston
Onward and upward for Rolleston’s culinary scene with an inviting restaurant under new ownership. Just a short drive from Christchurch city, it offers a revamped menu and hosts a variety of events. Located in Faringdon, Rolleston, The Pedal Pusher is now guided by Renee Norrell, who purchased it last year. The restaurant’s name […]
Matte black details
Labelled as the “hottest home design trend for 2024”, by Forbes, matte black is the design finish making its way into all the home spaces lately. Experts say its versatility is why it has remained such a popular finish in bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Other interior designers add it has been a favourite […]
A grand transformation: Jim The Builder
What would you add to the home that has everything? One Christchurch house already possessed a premium address, an important historical pedigree, and a fabulous modernisation and refurbishment process that enhanced both its form and function. The only thing left was to recreate the outdoor living with a home gymnasium, a pavilion space […]
Metropol Inspire: Embrace wellbeing
Welcome to the first of our fortnightly Metropol Inspire pages. Our aim is to bring you inspirational stories, and advice to help you discover the magic of expectation, learn how to ground yourself, and more. Each fortnight, Metropol Inspire will help you nourish your mind, body, and soul, passing on advice from experts […]











