prairie girl musings

Category: New Zealand

West Coast Adventures with Reefton Distilling Co.

I recently spent a few days in Reefton, one of my favourite West Coast towns (and arguably its most charming!) It was my final road trip with my dear friend, Nancy and we had exciting plans to visit Reefton Distilling Co., home to New Zealand’s best gin, Little Biddy Gin.

I first discovered Reefton Distilling Co. during a quick stop in Reefton on our way to a friend’s bach in Hector. The distillery itself is stunning, housed in one of Reefton’s original buildings dating all the way back to the 1800s. It originally served as a general store that distilled vinegar. The team even found an old glass gin bottle under the floorboards while restoring the building prior to opening the modern distillery.

While Nancy took photos, I chatted to the team about the company’s brief, but impressive history. I loved speaking with Patsy Bass, the distillery’s founder who was born and raised in Reefton. She returned home to open the distillery, in the hopes of creating jobs and bringing people to the area. Patsy has a remarkable vision for the future and plans for the distillery that extend well beyond her lifetime. Her love for her hometown is contagious and I felt emotional hearing about her plans for expansion. We even had a sneak peek at the new premises, which is across from the old railway station on the outskirts of town. The impressive site will certainly be a destination in its own right and I can already envision a return trip.

The distillery has always belonged to the people of Reefton and many residents own shares in the company. Locals speak about the distillery proudly, with a sense of ownership. We stopped in for lunch at Reef Cottage and the cafe owner immediately asked us if we were heading to their distillery. It was heartwarming to see locals backing this new venture (Reefton Distilling Co. is only 21 months old) and everything it has done for their community.

Formerly a mining town, Reefton was heavily reliant on gold and coal. Thanks to the creativity of people like Patsy, the town has been revitalised and Kiwis have a new reason to visit this historic destination. For a town that’s nearly 150 years old, Reefton has aged well and continues to draw crowds from across New Zealand.

If you haven’t tried Little Biddy gin, you must. It’s been crafted in honour of West Coast legend, Bridget ‘Biddy’ Goodwin. She was a well-known, pipe-smoking, gin-toting, 4-foot tall gold prospector who had escaped her abusive husband in Ireland and spent her final 18 years in Reefton. The team’s hunt for native botanicals often takes them deep into the West Coast rainforest where Biddy once fossicked for gold. It’s the most popular offering at Reefton Distilling Co. and its flavour is truly reflective of the Coast. Botanicals including watercress, snow moss, rimu, horopito, and tarata (to name just a few) are foraged on the surrounding hills and give the gin its distinct West Coast flavour.

Speaking of foraging, Nancy and I were treated to an excursion with both the Reefton Distilling Co. team and Brand Ambassadors, Nigel and Steffan MacKay. The MacKay twins are known throughout the region and possess a wealth of local knowledge in regards to both Reefton’s history and water sources. Now 72, they grew up in the bush, still head out walking every day, and continue to prospect water sources for the distillery. While we were in the bush, they talked about their collection of whisky vessels, which they believe is the largest collection in Australasia. Customers will soon be able to pre-order their new Moonlight Creek Whisky with the first batch getting closer to being put down. Some of the MacKay Twins’ collection of vessels are on display at the distillery.

During our time in Reefton, we stayed at Cowshed 488 in Totara Flat. If you live in New Zealand’s South Island, you’ve likely seen photos of this stunning property on Instagram. Located about 20 minutes out of Reefton, Cowshed is the perfect escape for families or friends. Situated on a dairy farm and across from the stunning Paparoa mountains, this rural retreat is home to a variety of bird and cow life. The gorgeously styled home has three bedrooms, a spacious kitchen and beautiful lounge for relaxing or entertaining. Every detail has been carefully considered and it’s the kind of home you’d see in an interior magazine or blog. The owners, Georgina and Steve left us a basket full of local food to enjoy during our stay and we instantly felt at home.

Reefton is an age-old town steeped in history and character. To witness its transformation is a remarkable experience and I’ll cherish my visit for years to come. From getting to know the locals to foraging with the MacKay twins, it was a New Zealand adventure I won’t ever forget. Luckily, I have a bottle of Little Biddy Gin tucked away in my suitcase to remind me of this truly special place and the people who call it home.

Photography by Nancy Zhou. You can find more of her work here.

This post is in partnership with Reefton Distilling Co., but all opinions are my own.

July 23, 2020
Ideas For a Cosy Post-Lockdown Adventure

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been dreaming of the day I could get together with a few friends for a post-lockdown adventure. I’ve even made lists of all the activities I was looking forward to once New Zealand moved to Alert Level Two…

Deciding where to go for our first proper outing in seven weeks was no small task. I’m always saying that I want to do more hiking (a word I use rather loosely, to be honest) instead of heading out to the nearest cafe, restaurant or friend’s house whenever I’m in the mood to socialise.

There are so many gorgeous walking trails scattered throughout the Canterbury region. We considered all of our favourites from Bowenvale Valley to Godley Head and even future afield to North Canterbury or Washpen Falls. I wanted to do a scenic yet relatively easy walk, so carrying a picnic basket wouldn’t pose too much of a challenge. If you know me, you know I love packing all the snacks.

With the weather getting cooler, we wore our favourite knits and coats and ventured out to Mount Vernon for a weekend picnic. I packed a few bottles of Zeffer’s Apple Crumble Infused Cider, a baguette, some local meats and cheeses, olives, pickles and cookies to keep us fuelled and hydrated after our walk.

We found the perfect clearing, just above the main track to set up camp with a blanket. Everyone who passed by commented on our lovely set-up and a few even asked if they could join in. With the sun shining, we could’ve easily sat there for hours, looking out over the city.

Cider was my go-to drink when I first moved to New Zealand in 2009 and the industry has come a long way since then. Drinking it now, eleven years later, makes me nostalgic for my university days. Not all ciders are created equally and Zeffer’s Apple Crumble Cider tastes just like dessert! It is a must-try during the cooler months or whenever you’re craving a treat. I had it a few times during lockdown whenever I couldn’t decide between having a drink or dessert after dinner.

It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon, a perfectly casual catch up with friends. After seven weeks, we had a lot to talk about. Is there anything better than a bit of activity followed by some delicious food and drink?

This post is sponsored by Zeffer, but all opinions are my own.

May 18, 2020
A Weekend Getaway To Isolation Bay

If you’re wanting to experience winter in New Zealand, you’ll have to go further south than Christchurch. Accustomed to full-scale, snow-globe, frostbitten winters back home, it’s almost a relief to see the snow-capped Southern Alps, even from a distance.

So, when an invite to stay at Isolation Bay came through, you’d better believe this Canadian was excited! I had heard about this gorgeous, lakefront retreat with its panoramic views and high ceilings, and was hoping to eventually make it down to Tekapo for a weekend getaway.

Located on the Western shore of Lake Tekapo, Isolation Bay lives up to its name. It’s a perfectly secluded and remote escape for families and friends alike. The space exudes laidback luxury with a roaring fire, gorgeous leather couches, and a large open kitchen. There are five bedrooms, which is ideal whether your group of friends is in need of a long weekend away or you’re planning a family gathering. The space fits up to 16 people, which is quite rare when you consider the location and unobstructed views! I’m actually a bit disappointed I didn’t book a stay there when I was travelling to Queenstown with my family after our wedding in March.

The house is sun-filled and glorious. Slide open the doors and you’ll have immediate access to the vistas of Lake Tekapo and the snow-capped Southern Alps. It’s truly a sight for sore eyes year-round, but extra magical in the winter. There’s plenty of outdoor seating for sunny afternoons; we enjoyed a platter at the picnic table and s’mores by the outdoor fire.

There’s plenty to explore in Tekapo itself. We embarked on a Lake Tekapo Farm Tour that proved to be equal parts fun and informative. You’ll be taken to breathtaking locations, meet and feed farm animals (sheep, alpacas, horses, oh my!) and learn about the history of the Mackenzie region. Without giving too much away, there’s plenty of off-roading and even a jaunt up the side of Mount John Observatory. There was even some cattle calling thanks to Bayley.

After the tour, we stopped into newly opened Our Dog Friday for burgers and drinks (order a hot toddy and thank me later). The restaurant is perfectly situated at the edge of the lake and the menu is super tasty. We tried everything from the gourmet beef and chicken burgers to the loaded fries. You’ll want to hit up this spot if you’ve in need of a mean feed.

After two relaxing nights at Isolation Bay, we packed up our bags and headed back to reality. While I’m physically back in Christchurch, I definitely left my heart in Tekapo. I’ll be reminiscing about the great memories made on this serene, secluded escape for months to come.

Thanks for having us, Isolation Bay and thanks for the photos, Mooch Style.

June 24, 2019
Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand

I conducted a poll on my Instagram stories asking if you’d be interested in hearing my pros and cons of living in New Zealand. It turns out, quite a few of you are intrigued, so here we are.

For those of you who are just tuning in, here’s a quick rundown: I studied in Auckland for three years before moving to Toronto for another three. I’ve now lived in Christchurch for just over two and a half years. I’ve talked (and raved) about my life in New Zealand before on this blog, but have never talked about the drawbacks. Every country has flaws and I think it would be irresponsible of me not to acknowledge New Zealand’s shortcomings. New Zealand is consistently ranked as one of the top ten countries in the world and scores highly on social progress indexes, so keep that in mind while reading the following. While this does err on the slightly political side, it’s not my intention to persuade anyone of my views. I’m only striving to give a truthful and personal overview of my experience as a New Zealand resident.

CONS

Driving and urban planning
The road rules in New Zealand are archaic and favour the motorist instead of pedestrians and cyclists. We had a friend visiting from Toronto and he remarked that a woman had given him the finger when he was crossing the street (she was turning left…) This aggression and car-centric mentality has serious consequences to the built urban environment, making it way less safe and vibrant. If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t see people out roaming the streets and walking from restaurant to bar, etc., well… maybe look at your road rules and driver training programmes.

Poor insulation
It can get pretty damp and dreary in the North Island and frosty in the South Island, yet New Zealand homes aren’t equipped with central heating. Some don’t even have double glazing, which is a huge health concern in the winter months. Having a warm, dry home should be a basic human right.

Social issues
New Zealand has some of the highest rates of child poverty in the developed world. It breaks my heart to hear about families and young children living in their cars and going to school without lunch. The youth suicide rates are also alarmingly high as are family abuse statistics.. Many local organisations and programmes have been put in place to alleviate some of these issues and it’s a top priority for the new government.

Intensive dairy farming
For a nation that prides itself on being ‘100% pure, clean and green’ New Zealand’s agricultural practices are pretty lousy. The intensive dairy farming is taking a major toll on the environment and many of our lakes, rivers and streams are completely polluted and not fit for swimming.

Remoteness
It’s not often talked about just how remote New Zealand is… It is basically a four hour plane ride to the nearest country, which makes going somewhere culturally different for a long weekend or even a week a virtual non-starter and immediately expensive. This can mean a quite limited world view, which brings me to my next point…

Complacency
While I love the relaxed, ‘she’ll be right’ attitude displayed by Kiwis, it does irk me that those who constructively critique New Zealand are often harshly scrutinised. Who remembers when Taika Waititi said he wasn’t proud to be Kiwi (because of high suicide rates, polluted waterways and racism) and was immediately labelled ‘treasonous’ by Duncan Garner? Every nation has issues, racism exists in every country. Shouldn’t we be impressed by Taika for having the courage to tell the truth while actively trying to make New Zealand a better place? It’s the only way to move forward.

PROS

Progressive national government
It’s refreshing to see young, forward-thinking and progressive Jacinda Ardern take charge as New Zealand’s new prime minister. For a nation of under five million, she is ambitious about what New Zealand can achieve on a world stage and is serious about climate change. She’s also expecting her first child in a month, proving you can be a mum and create a better future for New Zealand at the same time. Maybe we’ll get back to that clean, green, truly egalitarian image the world has of New Zealand…

Never far from the sea
Having grown up near plenty of lakes, but nowhere near the sea, I love being so close to the ocean in New Zealand. I think it keeps Kiwis humble and grounded, being constantly connected to nature. No matter where you go, you’re never more than 80 miles from the sea. Pretty amazing, right?

Ongoing efforts to protect Maori culture
The indigenous people of New Zealand arrived more than 1,000 years ago from Polynesia and make up 15% of the population. The country is continuously trying to right past wrongdoings from land ownership rights to language revitalisation and preservation of cultural traditions. Maori and Polynesian culture is everywhere you look, truly embedded into New Zealand culture, from the haka at the start of every All Blacks game to the way people greet one another. As a Canadian, I find this truly special and remarkable.

Café culture
Since the 17th century, cafés have played an important role in the enrichment of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. They act as the third place for urban dwellers, a home away from home and a daily ritual. If you follow me on Instagram, you understand my obsession with the café scene here in New Zealand. Even small roadside cafes and tiny rural towns seem to pump out quality flat whites at record speed… (maybe it’s the milk industrial complex?) There’s also the abundance of quality food available alongside the coffee. In Canada, it’s quite common to encounter ‘specialty cafés’ that have no real menu apart from soup and sandwiches, but in New Zealand, even the smallest cafés offer a full breakfast and lunch menus.

…And then there’s the wine
New Zealand has some of the best wine in the world. There’s an abundance of incredible wine in New Zealand, both in the North and South Islands. In fact, North Canterbury is one of my favourite wine regions in the world. It’s incredible to see such small regions producing organic, biodynamic wines that are some of the best in the world.

Affordable domestic travel
While New Zealand is super remote, domestic travel is increasingly affordable. Internal flights are cheap and distances between cities and even islands are manageable. This means many Kiwis have the opportunity to explore their beautiful backyard, visit friends in different cities and even move from city to city quite seamlessly.

Oh and New Zealand has a fantastic airline.

Conscious consumption
Kiwis are generally less materialistic and image conscious than people in other countries. People aren’t judged on the way they look rather on the merit of their ideas. That said, New Zealand consumers are generally well-informed and attempt to buy from sustainable and ethical brands whenever possible. There’s an awareness and urgency to ban single-use plastic and disposable coffee cups, which I find is commendable.

Preservation of native birds and wildlife
New Zealand’s flora and fauna differs from every other large land-mass on earth due to its long isolation and uniqueness as a (near) mammal-free environment. And it’s remarkable the lengths New Zealand has gone to protect its native birds and wildlife. If you’ve ever been to Zealandia or any of the other eco-sanctuaries around the country, you’ll appreciate the research and conservation efforts that have gone into protecting and restoring the native wildlife destroyed by humans and mammals.

So, there you have it. A pretty straightforward list of pros and cons of living in New Zealand. As I mentioned, I wanted to create a list that was honest and informative for those who know very little about New Zealand. If you’re planning on visiting, know that New Zealanders are some of the friendliest and helpful people you’ll ever meet and will make you feel right at home.

May 13, 2018
A Short Guide To Ponsonby

Nowhere in Auckland has as many excellent eateries, quality cafés and beautiful boutiques as Ponsonby. The affluent suburb is synonymous with style and one would be remiss to visit the City of Sails without spending some time here. When I was studying in Auckland, I dreamt of renting a small villa in Ponsonby amongst the trendy bars and restaurants and often visited between lectures.

On a recent trip up for New Zealand Fashion Week, we cycled from our Britomart base up the (very steep) hill to Ponsonby Road. Here, we spent the day eating, shopping and drinking. Shayden (of Mooch Style) was especially fond of all the homeware shops, whereas Robyn (Anywhere I Roam Photography) and I loved exploring all the fashion boutiques. This quick guide covers my favourite spots for eating, drinking and shopping in this well-heeled suburb.

Eat

I’ve talked (and Instagrammed) about Orphans Kitchen in the past, but it’s an unbeatable spot for coffee, crumpets and other bites. The café is influenced by Oceania and New Zealand’s national identity. The menu changes regularly, but is always absolutely spectacular.

Dizengoff is a well-known café that does fantastic breakfast and coffee. Eighthirty and AllPress are top picks options for excellent coffee. Otherwise, venture to Little Bird Unbakery for something plant-based and healthy.

For lunch, I can’t go past Burger Burger, which has Auckland’s best burgers in a relaxed laneway off the main drag. Their Ponsonby location was their first, but have since opened outposts in Newmarket and Takapuna. Another favourite is Blue Breeze Inn, a spacious eatery and bar that serves an array of Modern Pacific Chinese cuisine. Their baos are, hands down, the best I’ve had in New Zealand and the steamed dumplings are also worth mentioning. Robyn and I couldn’t resist fresh coconuts to ease our hangovers from the previous night.

Shop

You really can’t go wrong with any of the shopping in Ponsonby – all the established designers (Karen Walker, Juliette Hogan, Kate Sylvester, Deadly Ponies, Lonely, Miss Crabb, the list goes on) have set up shop here. You’ll also find one-off boutiques and excellent homewares shops. Mooch Style will be sharing a homeware guide in the coming days, so stay tuned for that!

My personal favourite is The Shelter, which features a curated yet eclectic mix of New Zealand and international designers and an in-house café. If you’re in need of a hair cut or colour, Stephen Marr and D&M Hair Design are your best bets. Both have won an array of hairdressing awards and you’ll leave feeling amazing. I’m super neurotic about my haircuts and rarely trust anyone other than Mary who has been doing my hair (in Winnipeg, Canada) for years! I can book into either of these two salons and feel completely at ease knowing my hair is in good hands.

Thanks for the bikes, Grand Mercure!

Drink

Start your evening at Mea Culpa, one of Ponsonby Road’s most established and respected cocktail bars. According to manager, Ifan, Mea attracts a mixed, often older crowd. It’s the place for awkward first dates and secret meet ups. The menu changes weekly, which allows the bar staff to hone their craft. They’ve won more awards to count yet the small establishment lacks pretension often associated with the area. We start off with two weekly cocktails, Hemingway’s Daiquiri (sugar-free because he was diabetic) and a Pamplemousse which consisted of gin, Aperol, grapefruit liqueur and cordial, lemon and rhubarb bitters. It was delicious! Afterwards, Shayden tries his first-ever negroni and loves it (three sips in…) The bar is known for the boozy cocktail and it’s easy to see why.

Venture up the road to Fhlotson Paradise, which is a nineties-themed bar with a pink neon sign, lush greenery and an extensive cocktail menu. My third drink in, I’ve fallen head over heels for the Vanilla Ice… Tea. It’s perfectly balanced, boozy and sweet. Far more spacious than Mea, it’s a great spot for catching up with mates and the music here ranges from Hanson to T.L.C. On weeknights, they have karaoke. Count me in.

Keen on a boogie? Revelry is a fun option for those looking for a dance floor but don’t want to compromise on impeccably poured drinks.

If you’re after some day drinking, I’m a fan of Bedford Road Soda & Liquor for their outlandish cocktails served in quirky vessels.

This will take you to the end of your day of shopping, eating and drinking in Ponsonby. What are your favourite spots for all the above? Let me know if you’d like more of these types of guides.

September 3, 2017
36 Hours in New Plymouth

The last time I was in New Plymouth was to see Tegan and Sara open for Jack Johnson in 2010. Evidently Jack Johnson chose Taranaki as the destination for one of his two New Zealand shows because of its reputation for having some of the country’s best surf.

Taranaki is known for much more than surf breaks these days. Last year, it was named the second best region in the world by Lonely Planet. There’s plenty to love about New Plymouth: stunning coastlines, friendly inhabitants and a thriving arts and cultural scene. Despite its small size, it feels decidedly cosmopolitan and avant-garde, due in part to design-led eateries and the experimental Len Lye Centre.

Armed with less than 36 hours in New Plymouth, I checked into boutique hotel King & Queen Hotel Suites, located centrally on the corner of King and Queen Streets. The property overlooks the coast, so you can’t ask for a better location. Moroccan furnishings add a pop of colour to the otherwise minimal and sleek interiors. Balconies overlook the city below, offering views of the crashing waves. Next door is Ozone Coffee Roasters, a spacious local roastery and café serving up NP’s best cuppa. I could’ve easily spent the entire afternoon cozied up here with a book. I settled for a flat white and some beans to take home with me.

For breakfast, pop into Monica’s Eatery, a sleek café named after Monica Brewster (and attached to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery). The buzzing restaurant is open from morning till night. Bask in the sun whilst enjoying eggs benedict or decadent pancakes. Later on, return for an aperol spritz or negroni.

Other notable eateries line the courtyard of the White Hart building. Ms. White serves up pizzas and craft beer whereas The Public Catering Company is known for its doughnuts and pastries, including bacon and egg tarts. Snug Lounge is a Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar. Dining options in the West End Precinct are seemingly unlimited and I find myself wanting to try everything.

In addition to dining, there are a few notable shopping spots. Et Vous is a women’s boutique that highlights both local and international designers and Plantation is a design and homewares shop that will give you serious interior inspiration. Urban Beauty Spa is the ultimate place to get pampered in New Plymouth. I not only judge a spa based on its tranquil interior, but also the products it uses. At Urban, Dermalogica is used for all facial treatments and St. Tropez for spray tans. They also offer massages, gel manicures, pedicures and hair removal.

After exploring the retail options, I was ready for a sunny stroll along the Coastal Walkway. On weekend mornings, you’ll see families out for bike rides and locals enjoying a morning jog. There are plenty of nearby beaches as well. Fitzroy is a lovely local spot known for its great surf. Along the Surf Highway, be sure to stop by Oakura Beach. The drive itself is glorious, roll your windows and enjoy the 15-minute cruise. The beach is empty when I visit, on an unseasonably warm August afternoon.

Before departing, be sure to venture across Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, where you’ll take in views of Mt. Taranaki (also known as Mt. Egmont). New Plymouth strikes the perfect balance between culture and nature. There’s plenty to enjoy whether you consider yourself an outdoorsy type, a culture seeker or both. While some visitors feel it lacks the excitement and infrastructure of world-class cities, I disagree. New Plymouth is small but mighty and much easier on the wallet than bigger centres. It’s easy to see why this region was named one of the best in the world.

August 6, 2017
Akaroa Adventures

Access to some of the country’s most spectacular regions is one of the reasons Nick and I moved to Christchurch. With Banks Peninsula on our doorstep, the drive to Akaroa is a winding wonderland of sights. Stop at Hilltop Tavern for a coffee or quick bite before carrying on down the road. The views are as breathtaking as they come!

To describe the French and British settlement as quaint wouldn’t do it justice. The seaside village is known for its colonial charm and heritage buildings. Home to some of the region’s best restaurants (Little Bistro is absolutely worth a visit!), Akaroa is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.

For our girls weekend, we had plenty on the agenda. Upon arrival, we drove up to the harbour to begin our first adventure of the day: an excursion with Black Cat Cruises. The weather wasn’t on our side and those prone to seasickness (myself included) were advised to remain on land. After a few frightening experiences, I’ve developed a phobia of small boats on choppy waters. However, I was determined to swim with the majestic Hector dolphins. Endemic to New Zealand, the Hector bread is the smallest in the world and as severely endangered as the Bengal tiger. After several bouts of seasickness (I’ll spare you the details), I was relieved to see the wild dolphins jumping and diving right beside the boat. The skies even cleared as we safely made our way to shore.

After our dolphin excursion, we stopped for lunch at Sweet As on the main street. The french patisserie serves up everything from croque monsieurs to petit choux.

Next up, we headed out of town to French Farm for an alpaca farm tour. Home to alpacas of all sizes and colours, Shamarra Alpacas has panoramic views of the Akaroa Heads all the way to Barry’s Bar. The tour allowed us to get up close and personal with these cuddly creatures in their natural environment.

We checked into the spacious Akaroa Waterfront Motel for the evening. Our room featured a large lounge, a kitchenette and three beds, ideal for the three of us. We settled in for some wine and cheese before heading out for the evening. With gorgeous views of the harbour, we couldn’t stop staring out the massive windows. The location is also super convenient, right in the heart of Akaroa.

The next morning, we wandered around the village before tucking into breakfast at The Brasserie. The expansive garden is marvellous on a sunny day and the coffee is AllPress.

Before heading back to the city, we had the pleasure of visit the magnificent Giant’s House. Reminiscent of Gaudí’s Park Güell in Barcelona, the historic house features original artworks, terraced gardens with sculptures and mosaics. Secluded and quiet, the house on the hill is full of surprises. We found ourselves losing track of time in the magical surrounds. Make time to see The Giant’s House on your next visit to Akaroa.

Akaroa has its fair share of delicious cuisine and fine dining, but nothing compares to the delectable creations by Rachel of Sweet & Savage. Rachel started making fresh and downright delicious doughnuts after she and her family moved from the city to Akaroa. Operating out of a 1959 Airstream caravan during the summer months, Sweet & Savage visits music and food festivals throughout Canterbury. I’m absolutely hooked on the rose, vanilla, pistachio and strawberry variety. You can now find Sweet & Savage at all Christchurch’s best cafés, Uncommon, Park Ranger, Laneway Espresso and Lux Espresso on Fridays and Saturdays!

July 14, 2017
How to holiday in Hanmer Springs

The scenic drive to Hanmer Springs is a mere 90 minutes north of Christchurch. Perfect for a weekend away, the resort town is popular amongst Cantabrians and international visitors.

I had yet to visit Hanmer despite having resided in Christchurch for almost two years. Nick’s birthday weekend was a great excuse to treat ourselves to a mini getaway. I was immediately reminded of family ski trips to the Canadian Rockies, on a much smaller scale (as is customary in New Zealand).

After exploring the main drag of Hanmer and poking our noses into a few boutique shops (Nick needed some new bathers), we had a coffee at MK Restaurant. The sleek, minimalist interior appealed to me on every level and the flat whites were served in bowls.

We checked into Braemar Lodge & Spa, a gorgeous alpine resort with views of the snow-speckled mountains. The lodge is 10-minutes out of Hanmer on a winding gravel road up the hill. The rooms are massive and even have their own soaking tubs and fireplace. Here, you’ll be treated to floor-to-ceiling windows of the Southern Alps, not a bad sight. We cozied up in our robes for the evening with takeaways and a bottle of pinot noir from nearby Waipara Hills winery.

Having spent Saturday night lounging, we decided to venture out of our room for Sunday brunch. Just when I thought the views couldn’t get any better, we were treated to panoramic views at Braemar’s in-house restaurant, Altitude. Of course, the food was also incredible – we opted for the eggs benedict with plenty of cold breakfast options on the side.

If you’re looking for accommodation slightly removed from the busy main street, I’d highligh recommend checking out Braemar. Ideal for a romantic getaway, the secluded lodge is tucked away from the touristy Hanmer Springs.

Needing to walk off our breakfast, we decided to venture to Hanmer Forest. We opted for the Conical Hill walkway, which is a leisurely stroll through the forest. Surrounded by coniferous trees, we took in the fresh alpine air as we made our way up the hill. Rewarded with a beautiful yet misty view, we slowly made our way back, thankful we had rugged up in our beanies, mittens and layers.

Next up, we headed to the acclaimed thermal pools and spa. Hanmer is most commonly known for its hot springs and there’s plenty to explore. From the relaxing rock pools to the waterfalls, aqua therapy and sulphur pools, we could’ve spent an entire day pool hopping. The pools all vary in temperature, but winter is the ideal time for a soak. If you’re looking to amplify your relaxation levels, stop by Artisan Spa in Hanmer Village for a facial or massage.

On our drive back to Christchurch, we stopped at the historic Hurunui Hotel. The 1861 hotel and pub was badly damaged during the earthquakes, but the adjacent restaurant is open for business. Fuelling up for the remainder of the drive, we had some of the best coffee in the Hurunui District and deliciously hearty burgers. Be sure to look out for Frog Rock, the rock formations are amazing – I couldn’t help gawking as we drove past.

July 9, 2017
A Quick Trip To Queenstown

As New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown is on everybody’s travel bucket list. On my first visit in April 2009, my friends and I decided it was a good idea to go bungy jumping, sky diving, white water rafting, jet boating, luging and for a helicopter ride – in one weekend alone! We also tried Fergburger, visited a multitude of bars and pubs, and marvelled at the Remarkables. Needless to say, my recent visits to Queenstown aren’t quite as jam packed.

With summer around the corner and the pull of a long weekend, Nick and I packed our weekend bags and hopped in the car for an Otago road trip. Tourism has skyrocketed in Queenstown since 2009, and so have house prices and temporary accommodation. Thankfully, Nick’s uncle has graciously opened his home to us on recent trips. His well-situated pad offers breathtaking views within close proximity to the wonders of the city.

Should you be considering a visit to Queenstown, the following list will take you beyond the typical tourist traps.

Activities:
First up, we visited the Onsen Pools, located in Arthur’s Point. They are located high on a cliffside overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon. The pools have seen a refresh in recent years and the experience is similar to that of authentic onsens in Japan. I’m not sure how it’s taken me seven years to venture to these hot pools, but I don’t want you to suffer the same fate. If you’re looking for a date idea with a view, these pools will be right up your alley.

One of my all-time favourite breakfasts can be enjoyed at Bespoke Kitchen. The café, which was named New Zealand Café of the Year in 2015, focuses primarily on raw and organic options. Alongside vegan and vegetarian staples, Bespoke also has heartier (and meatier) dishes available. I highly recommend the smoothie bowls and chia pudding. Vudu Café and Larder, which is run by the same team, is another Queenstown favourite.

Other Queenstown restaurants worth mentioning:

Rata: Run by Michelin-starred chef, Josh Emmett.
Eichardt’s Bar: An iconic Queenstown bar serving delicious cocktails in a gorgeous setting.
Amisfield Winery: If you like your meal with a view, Amisfield is sure to satisfy.
The Boat Shed: Relaxed waterfront dining at Sugar Lane Frankton Marina.
La Rumbla: A casual eatery with excellent wine, cocktails and food.

A trip to Queenstown isn’t complete without a stop in Arrowtown. Sitting in the Arrow Basin, the gold rush village is nestled below the peaks that surround the Arrow River. Explore the historic main street and marvel at the heritage buildings, some of which still retain their original facades.

Be sure to stop by The Chop Shop Merchants for coffee and a pastry. If it’s raining, catch a flick at the cutest micro cinema, Dorothy Browns.

December 4, 2016
From Christchurch To Queenstown

Having visited Queenstown a handful of times, I still marvel at the drive down from Christchurch. The Canterbury plains swiftly disappear to reveal rolling hills and turquoise, azure lakes. With so many changes in scenery, the drive never becomes stagnant. Many a tourist flies into Christchurch from the North Island, ready to journey south. And so, why not chronicle my favourite stops along the way to New Zealand’s playground, Queenstown?

Despite countless trips through Tekapo, I had yet to visit Mt. John Observatory. Even during the day, the views are exquisite. As far as coffee stops go, Astro Café is pretty stellar. Grab a coffee and a custard slice, stretch your legs, and take in the vistas.

Both Lake Tekapo and Pukaki are popular photo stops. The water colour of these two lakes is unbelievable, so vibrant even on the cloudiest of days.

Carry on driving, and you’ll reach Cromwell, which produces some of the best stone fruit in the country. Just look out for the massive fruit monument (peaches, pears, apples, oh my!) and you’ve come to the right place. In addition to picking up some fresh fruit, Nick and I can never go past the real fruit ice cream. I’ve always lamented the fact that soft serve doesn’t seem to exist in New Zealand. Real fruit ice cream is almost as good!

By this point, you’re nearly in Queenstown (only 25 minutes away), but I highly recommend making two more stops before venturing to your final destination. First up, Grazë in the Lake Hayes district. The fit-out of this well-designed café and eatery is worth the visit alone. The stunning fixtures and aesthetics had me reaching for my phone. Grab a coffee to takeaway or indulge in the delicious menu of rhubarb breakfast crumble, sweet and savoury crumpets and various foodie favourites. If you’re in need of snacks for the road, stop by their adjacent shop to stock up.

Another favourite spot, nestled outside Queenstown in the Lake Hayes district, is Amisfield Winery. A true gem amongst countless Central Otago wineries, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely lunch. Sit in the sunny courtyard and take in the breathtaking views over Lake Hayes. The gorgeous interior is one to behold and the impeccably executed menu and award-winning wines will leave you satisfied. The service is warm and attentive. Amisfield is continually ranked as one of the best winery restaurants in the country, and it isn’t hard to see why.

As you reach Queenstown, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views, adrenaline-inducing activities and culinary wonders to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Stay tuned for my Queenstown City Guide, up next!

November 13, 2016