Brushes behind the brides

The makeup you wear on your wedding day is crucial. It carries us through the best day of our lives, the smiles, laughs, and tears. It’s what you’ll stare at in your wedding photos for years to come. Just as crucial, is the person applying it. Local makeup artist Kasia Stanicich shares her tips and […]

Chateau charm, a dream wedding venue: Chateau on the Park

Situated amidst five acres of whimsical gardens, Chateau on the Park, Christchurch – A DoubleTree by Hilton, is an ideal location for creating everlasting wedding day memories. The Chateau on the Park’s graceful architecture exudes an old-world charm that sets the stage for an incredibly unforgettable celebration. Enveloped by a certain ambiance, the Chateau features […]

Caitlin Crisp’s fairytale wedding

Earlier this year, New Zealand fashion designer Caitlin Crisp tied the knot with Andrew Vincent, in the garden of his childhood home. Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker caught up with Caitlin for all the details. Like all good fairy tales, there’s a lot of thought, time, creativity, and planning that goes on behind the scenes […]

Quaint and quirky in Little River: SiloStay

The lovely town of Little River is just 30 minutes out of Akaroa – the perfect base for you to target the picturesque Banks Peninsula. Whether you’re heading out of Christchurch for a romantic getaway or a weekend adventure, it’s a wonderfully quaint spot to stop. The region is rich in history and boasts beautiful […]

Locally loved cafe: Red Post Cafe

One of the true delights of a road trip is pulling up to a local cafe to sample its coffee brew and baked goods. If from the road you can see groups of people enjoying themselves in a picturesque garden, you’ll think to yourself, “This place is popular.” For some 16 years under the ownership […]

Editor’s note: Tipping trends

More than a quarter of Kiwis (28%) have felt pressured into leaving a tip when presented with a tip screen at payment time, according to a new report. A survey of 1020 New Zealand adults, conducted by the personal financial information website Banked, found that while 47% see tipping as a good thing, a significant […]

Anytime fun: Christchurch Attractions

Visit the Christchurch Gondola for loads of fun with friends and family. Offering stunning 360-degree views of Christchurch, Lyttelton, and beyond to the Southern Alps from the viewing decks after a 10-minute cableway journey, the summit station complex also provides access to various walking tracks throughout the Port Hills. You’ll find a child-friendly café, an […]

Lapping up Lyttelton

In just over two weeks, Lyttelton Harbour will come alive for the spectacular SailGP. Now is the time to think ahead, and plan an itinerary to enjoy and explore the village for all those moments in between the action. An exercise escape Treat yourself to a dopamine rush with one of the many walking tracks […]

More attractions, more adventure: Jurassic Adventure

Laser tag and jungle jeeps are the latest additions to Christchurch’s dinosaur-devoted theme park, right in time for family fun at Easter. An excited Aaron Keown, co-owner of Jurassic Adventure with Peter Gatonyi, says “The park just keeps on growing.” The laser tag, which takes place inside the popular Raptor Run attraction, brings a new […]

Investing in the future: Riccarton House & Bush

Many people think only in terms of the next financial year or, at the most, about the next few decades. The effects of climate change are one result of this type of short-term thinking. For years, people have prioritised making a quick buck, which research shows has led to long-lasting consequences for our planet; consequences including increased air […]