Spring into winter R&R

When a warming winter break is on the agenda, head to Hanmer Springs, located a mere 90 minutes by road from Christchurch. The beauty of a holiday in Hanmer is that you can don your activewear and roll up the sleeves, or simply fold out a deck chair and open that book you have been […]

Holistic, healthy Hanmer

Simply escaping from the craziness of the city is holistically beneficial for us, so Hanmer must be a wellness bundle with bells on! Even driving through serene Waipara valley, on route to the heavenly haven, renews and relaxes all the senses.   We can’t take a pilgrimage to famed spa sanctuaries of the world just […]

Akaroa’s Top Eats

Need a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of city life? Head out to our favourite little slice of French paradise – Akaroa.     1. Rona’s Head down to Rona’s at 74 Rue Lavaud; find a spot in the garden, sit back in the sun and enjoy a light breakfast or lunch, or […]

The Old Stone House

Character and ambience: The Old Stone House

Providing a unique, picturesque setting for your special day, the Old Stone House is a beautiful historic building at the foot of the Cashmere Hills.     Perfect for intimate gatherings of up to 100 guests, the venue offers an inimitable character and ambience, as well as the freedom for couples to create their own […]

The George

Timeless Romance: The George

Your wedding planned to perfection; an intimate ceremony and romantic reception with timeless classic details to your exact requirements.     From vintage textures to on-trend splashes of bold colours, you will be spoiled from the moment you arrive to when your guests say farewell. Enter The George, where your personal wishes and vision are […]

Wigram

Mix of old & new: Wigram

Wigram is expanding, not only culturally and historically, but geographically too. Awatea Green, a new living place, offers shared green spaces, playgrounds, meandering pathways and cycle lanes to take you all the way to the city. Wigram Primary School’s new campus is open and exciting. New restaurants, retail outlets and community services are operating and […]

Lake Hood development

Living the dream: Lake Hood Project

As the growth of mid-Canterbury’s picturesque Lake Hood development continues, the latest extensions will see a further 39 premium lakeside sections added. Eventually, Lake Hood will double its current size, covering 160 hectares.     Offering affordable lakeside living, minutes from Ashburton, residents are ‘living the dream’ in a close community with the lake right […]

Lushingtons Garden Gifts & Café

An oasis of treats: Lushingtons Garden Gifts & Café

Lushingtons Garden Gifts & Café is an oasis of treats for the tummy, home and garden. Providing the perfect stop for lunch and a stretch of the legs en route to and from Christchurch, it’s even better for a day out.     One of Ashburton’s ‘in the know’ pleasures, Lushingtons is the ideal spot […]

Akaroa Adventure

Akaroa Adventure

High profile athletes throughout the country are preparing to descend on Akaroa from 10-17 March as preparations for the action-packed adventure race GODZone ramp up in the region.     It’s the first time the non-stop seven-day expedition-style race, the largest of its kind globally and widely regarded as the best – has been held […]

Hitting the Hotspots

Hitting the Hotspots

From tantalising tapas to swanky sit-downs, Christchurch has all the ingredients you need for a good night – or day – out, as the beacon of the burgeoning central city continues to shine. Jenafor Rollins checks out two of the new kids on the culinary block.     TASTE OF MEXICO The smells of Mexico […]