Author: prairiegirlmusings

I was up in Auckland last week for New Zealand Fashion Week, attending shows on behalf of this blog and Style Magazine. Nothing compares to the frolic and festivities of fashion weeks around the globe. Whether admiring next year’s collections on the runway, capturing street style outside the tents or catching up with designers and models behind-the-scenes, the energy that surrounds NZFW is unmatchable.

On the other hand, I always anticipate other aspects of visiting the City of Sails. Despite a jam-packed week, as is customary at fashion weeks worldwide, no trip to Auckland is complete without some wining and dining. I was eager to venture outside the tents to experience everything the city has to offer.

I stayed at Hotel DeBrett, a vibrant boutique hotel located on High Street in the heart of Auckland’s central business district. Rebuilt in 1925 after a devastating fire, the hotel is characterised by its quirky, retro decor and unbeatable service. Locals often pop by the bar for after work drinks, and it’s easy to see why it’s a mainstay in Auckland’s nightlife. I stayed in one of the loft suites and the winding staircase was my favourite feature. Stepping into the bar for a drink, I was immediately transported to the roaring twenties. And if you know me, you’ll know this was my favourite decade for fashion. My only regret was that I didn’t spend more time lounging in my room, but this girl had work to do.

Sleep-deprived and constantly hungry, we did manage to fit in a few outstanding meals during the week. I fuelled up on healthy eats at Scarecrow, an organic grocer and café, drank beetroot lattes at Green Leaf Organics, and sampled açai bowls at Major Sprout with Carmen. Before our interview with Jenny Joblin of Federation (more on that later…) Robyn and I feasted on eggs at Bestie Café. The food scene in Auckland is constantly evolving and there are beautiful restaurants at every turn.

One of the week’s highlights was sneaking off to The Langham to sample their brand new Thomson whisky and chocolate board. The pairings were carefully selected and culminated with the Thomson 23 year old, an antique single cask bottling paired with a Souchong tea infused ganache with 70% bitter chocolate. The experience was delightful from start to finish, and I cannot wait to return with Nick.

Before I knew it, the week was over and I was on my way back to Christchurch. With memories to last a lifetime, I collapsed into my bed to sleep off my fashion-induced hangover.

*Please note: this post isn’t sponsored, but some of the items mentioned were complimentary. However, I only write about products and places I absolutely adore.

Having grown up in Canada, it’s often assumed I lived a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains and snowboarded to school. In reality, I only visited the Rockies once a year for a week long holiday. When my friends went to Mexico and Cuba, I begrudgingly froze my toes off learning to ski and snowboard at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. Much like other activities my parents persuaded me pursue at a young age, piano, French Immersion and ballet, I now look fondly upon those lessons.

Fast forward to last weekend when Nick and I decided to embark on a day trip to Mt. Hutt.

The day began at 5:45 when my alarm summoned me out of bed. Armed with sandwiches and snacks, we were on the road by 6:30, just in time to catch the sunrise as we drove up the mountain.

The first point of difference was driving up the mountain. Kiwis are a nation of DIYers, and driving halfway up a steep and narrow mountain, stopping halfway to put on your snow chains, was a completely new experience for me. Luckily, Nick’s a pro at fastening snow chains, and we were soon on our way.

After hiring our gear, we were ready for a day of skiing in the sunshine.

The slopes open at 9 and you can expect a decently long line of eager skiers and boarders awaiting the first run of the day. Depending on your level, enjoy a few runs in the pristine powder before stopping to have a drink (Kiwis break for après-ski by 11:30) at Huber Hut, which overlooks the mountain and features a DJ spinning tracks.

We decided to call it a day by 2pm, so we could drive to Lake Coleridge, a remote turquoise blue lake without the hoards of tourists that frequent Pukaki and Tekapo.

Where have you daytripped lately?