prairie girl musings

Tag: Christchurch

A Nautical 30th Birthday Party for Captain Nick

If you’ve ever met Nick, you’ll know he’s always wanted to buy a boat. In fact, the only item he’s ever saved to his TradeMe watchlist is a yacht. He’s been part of sailing clubs in both Toronto and Christchurch, so I suppose it’s more than just a phase…

To be fair, I’m also partial to a boat party. Over the years, we’ve celebrated university balls and press trips on the harbour and I love a unique venue that provides ever-changing views. After all, a glass of rosé is even better when paired with a nice view.

With his 30th birthday on the horizon, I figured I’d plan a surprise party on a Lyttelton charter. I’ve never thrown a surprise party before and figured the weekend before we moved countries would be the perfect opportunity (lol). Props to anyone who does this on a regular basis as it’s no easy feat.

I invited our friends and family from across New Zealand and they all made sure to keep it a secret. Nick’s parents, John and Penny, his sister, Cat and her partner, Blake all flew down to surprise Nick the day before and the surprises just kept coming!

I have previously been on two Black Cat cruises (both in Akaroa) and the experiences were fantastic (save for some seasickness on my part) so I organised an afternoon outing and thankfully, the weather played ball. We had beautiful blue skies and the water was so still. We sailed around Banks Peninsula and took in the spectacular views of Camp Bay where our friends Nancy and Joris got married.

For food, I hired Samantha Parish from MOF MOF, a talented Chrischurch food stylist, chef and recipe writer. Sam made us the most beautiful (and delicious) platter that everyone commented on and quickly devoured. Jamie from The Cake Eating Company made mini cakes in a variety of flavours for the guests and they were absolutely delightful.

My friend, Hannah from Hannah Bird Photography took photos to commemorate the day and it’s one we’ll look back on fondly. We are so grateful to all our friends and family members who celebrated Nick’s 30th in addition to bidding us goodbye. Sailing away into the sunset was perfectly fitting, not only for Nick’s 30th, but as a bon voyage to our time in Christchurch.

July 17, 2020
A Case For The Underdog City

In just over month, we’ll be boarding our flight back to Canada after 4.5 years in Christchurch. So now is as good a time as any to reflect on our time here in the Garden City and make my case for the underdog, ill-represented city. A large portion of my audience is based overseas, so if you’re thinking of moving to (or even visiting) New Zealand, here’s why I think you should consider Christchurch:

There’s something to be said about big cities with international reputations. You know the places: Paris, New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Vancouver, Auckland… the list goes on. They are popular places to live and visit for a reason and are all #blessed in one way or another. It’s easy to see why they receive a lot of attention and don’t get me wrong, I LOVE these cities with all my heart. When Nick and I were planning on moving back to New Zealand, our obvious choice was Auckland. It’s where we met, where we both studied and had plenty of friends, and it’s the business hub of New Zealand with its fair share of opportunity. Instead we chose Christchurch to many people’s dismay.

At that time, Christchurch was still recovering from the earthquakes (and still is) and I remember preparing myself for the worst. To my surprise, I fell in love with the city and grew with it as new businesses popped up around me. Despite being a small-ish city, Christchurch is one of the most dynamic places in the world. I visit Auckland and Wellington semi-regularly and have been to Queenstown more times than I can count. In my opinion, Christchurch, at this moment, is a more interesting place to be. We have some of the most innovative cafés and restaurants in the country and our North Canterbury wineries like Black Estate, Greystone and The Bone Line make New Zealand’s best wine. I’ve written a lot about Christchurch’s merits on an urban scale (have you seen our bike lanes?!) but it’s most appealing for the quality of life you can have here. Buying a house isn’t merely a pipe dream, work-life balance is a reality for most (and definitely way better than anywhere else I’ve lived…) and there are beautiful beaches and hiking trails on our doorstep. It’s really a goldilocks city in that sense. There are issues, of course, which I (and many others) have discussed at length, but won’t get into today.

I was actually inspired to write this blog post after a conversation I had recently. The guy said he would never visit Detroit or Pittsburgh, which I found fascinating. These two rust-belt American cities have negative reputations due to a myriad of reasons including faltering economies. They’re not high on anyone’s travel bucket list, but will end up surprising those who do visit. They’re two of my favourite underdog cities where artists and creatives from New York and Los Angeles flock when they can no longer afford to spend more than half their income on rent.

Christchurch is the definition of an underdog city. It’s been put to the test countless times yet those who visit are continually impressed by the warmth and generosity of its residents. Spend some time talking to any of the young creatives who inhabit this city, and their energy will inspire you. I’ve lived four of the best years of my life here, gaining a sense of community within its central city streets, attending world class festivals, ballets and operas, and perhaps most importantly, connecting with beautiful, likeminded people at every turn.

So, the next time you write off an underdog city, I urge you to give it a second chance.

March 5, 2020
On Supporting The Arts

Supporting the arts is important in any community. In a city that’s rebuilding and finding its feet again, it’s essential.

Christchurch lost so many buildings in the earthquakes and having Isaac Theatre Royal as our home for the performing arts is truly a treasure. Every time I set foot inside this beautifully restored building, I think about how fortunate we are to have access to such a stunning venue. It’s been four years (nearly five since it reopened in November 2014) and I still get chills every time I sit down to take in a performance.

In Toronto, we lived on a shoestring budget. Both fresh out of university (with design and arts degrees, no less) we knew going to the theatre was a luxury we probably couldn’t afford. Thankfully, the National Ballet of Canada had an under 29 deal where you could get $30 tickets to every performance. How rad is that? We ended up frequenting the ballet and soon became regular patrons of the arts. It helped that Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts was only a couple blocks from our one-bedroom apartment.

As a writer, I am occasionally sent tickets to the theatre, and count myself incredibly lucky. Even if this wasn’t the case, Nick and I would do everything possible to go on a regular basis.

How often do we lament the fact that there’s nothing worth doing in our hometowns, but fail to see all the opportunities right in front of us? I know I’m guilty of complaining about how boring Christchurch is, which simply isn’t true.

It’s great to see local attempts to make arts and culture accessible to everyone. Events like Bread & Circus and the Christchurch Arts Festival are an excellent way to take in world-class theatre, live performance art and busking on the streets. And all are free or only a fraction of the cost of a theatre ticket.

When we’re struggling to find meaning in our daily lives, escaping for a few hours can be therapeutic and nourishing unlike anything else. Attending the ballet or a broadway show helps express our values while celebrating diversity and true prosperity. The arts foster creativity and they bring us together regardless of our ethnicity, religion or age. When the world seems cruel or unfair, laughing through a musical can help mend our broken hearts.

Photos by Nancy Zhou
Ganni dress borrowed from Designer Wardrobe

September 24, 2019
Why I’m Hosting My First-Ever Event

In just a couple weeks, I’ll be hosting my very first event: a long lunch with two of my favourite local businesses. Food, Wine & Life Online is a chance to meet likeminded folk who cherish good food, organic wine and conversation.

The idea to host a gathering came about while scrolling through Instagram (typical). Feeling increasingly detached from the current social media landscape, I noticed how many accounts I was following purely for inspiration. My feed’s become saturated with similar photos using similar engagement strategies. I’m following so many accounts and falling deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole.

I think many of my friends and fellow digital nomads feel the same way. We’re all becoming disillusioned with the online landscape and what it’s become. Spending hours working alone, creating content, writing blog posts or editing videos means we forget to slow down, to take care of ourselves and check in on each other.

Having attended countless blogger events in Toronto, I now feel like I’m in a position to plan and host an event of my own. Specifically, I want to host something that’s less about surface-level networking and more about vulnerability and forming deeper connections. I was inspired by a Kinfolk gathering I attended a few years ago, where I sat between two people I’d never met before. These gatherings are intimate meals in gorgeous restaurants and homes. They are seasonal celebrations designed by local chefs and creatives. Christchurch needs more of these sorts of gatherings.

I want to live a more considered life, at a measured pace, where I step back and appreciate each moment. I want to get to know my neighbours and fellow entrepreneurs, to contribute to my creative community and the well-being of my city. This event is my first step in that direction, so I hope you’ll come along to see what it’s all about.

Held at Grater Goods in Sydenham, Food, Wine & Life Online will bring together people from different corners of the city for a three-course vegan lunch and wine by North Canterbury’s own, Greystone Wines. In attendance will be a handful of creatives, foodies and small business owners, but most importantly locals who are looking for new opportunities within the community. Christchurch has been through so much, more than any city of its size should ever endure. So, let’s take time to get to know each other better, to be more empathetic and kind.

See you on August 31st.

August 14, 2019
Bread & Circus: Christchurch is officially a festival city

About a year and a half ago, Nick and I co-wrote an article about what makes a great city. We talked a lot about how great cities are constantly reinventing themselves; they manage to tell a story about their past, but know where they are heading in the future. This statement couldn’t be more true for Christchurch at this very moment during Bread & Circus.

If you hadn’t realised, Christchurch has been taken over by circus and it’s time to catch up. The World Buskers Festival has been reimagined for 2019 as Bread & Circus with world-class acts, solidifying Christchurch as a festival city on the global stage.

Photos by Malia Rose

Here’s what we saw and loved:

Limbo
The headlining act, Limbo is a mix of cabaret, circus and acrobatics. We went on opening night and like Madonna, we’ll be booking tickets to go again. Think Cirque de Soleil with more personality and sex appeal. Lucky for you, it’s on until the end of the festival, so there’s still plenty of time to get tickets.

Hot Brown Honey
Hip hop politics and sassy feminism, Hot Brown Honey is unapologetically fierce and controversial. It’s a show that challenges stereotypes, shatters preconceptions and embraces resilience. I spent the evening laughing and crying and dancing in my seat. It’s one of the most life changing and powerful performances I’ve ever witnessed.

Piff the Magic Dragon
With sold out shows across North America, (plus a permanent stage at the Flamingo in Vegas) Piff is equal parts magician and comic. He impressed audiences on America’s Got Talent and his videos have over 100 million views… With his assistant and chihuahua, Mr. Piffles (who I got to hold for half the show, I might add…) and a nonchalant sense of humour, Piff had us shaking in our seats and Nick running across the stage to catch bananas in his mouth. His magic tricks, especially his card tricks, will leave you entertained without suspending disbelief.

The Miss Behave Gameshow
Direct from Las Vegas, The Miss Behave Gameshow is a fast and frenzied brew of variety, competition and disco that divides the audience into two teams based on their mobile phone of choice. With a series of challenges, the gameshow encourages the audience to let go of inhibitions and enjoy the ride. My best advice for this one is to expect the unexpected and prepare to be wildly entertained by both yourself and your hosts. Audience members compete for some pretty questionable prizes and become the stars of the show.

The O.T.T. Show
If you’re a fan of the ridiculous, the O.T.T. Show delivers on all accounts. With more nudity than I thought legally possible, this one-night-only show wasn’t for the faint of heart or easily offended. With Le Gateau Chocolat as our soulful and sassy host, we howled with laughter throughout one time only cabaret and theatre performances by Garry Starr, Betty Grumble, Daredevil Chicken, Hot Brown Honey and Tiffany from the Miss Behave Game Show. Think full frontal nudity plus ballet in a thong and that’s just the beginning!

LEO: The Anti-Gravity Show
A clever and contemporary take on mime and silent performance, LEO is both beautiful and poignant. The work challenges perceptions of reality through the interplay of live performance and video projection. Mind-bending and surreal, LEO may be less accessible than some of the other shows, however, the compelling work has impressed art critics all over the world and has taken home several festival awards.

The Feast of Fools
The highlight of my year, (and potentially my life) The Feast of Fools was a masked moving feast filled with gastronomic delights by The Catering Dept. and theatrical adventures throughout the evening. After purchasing tickets, we were emailed instructions on where to meet and what to wear. We dressed up in our most fabulous (and slightly ridiculous) festival attire for the medieval banquet of the century. We had no idea where the night would take us, but we met at Great Hall before boarding trams to dinner. Along the way, we were greeted by performers Daredevil Chicken and Cocoloco, who acted as our hosts, broke the fourth wall and changed character and costume more times than I could count! We ended up feasting on Oxford Terrace, along the Avon River, in the heart of the city. As we dined and were dazzled, I couldn’t help but marvel at our lively central city, absolutely buzzing with people.

The night concluded with the Festival Superband, Bread & Circus’ A-list of musicians, singers, rappers (and a few performers on the d-floor…)

There you have it, eight shows in eight days… although I’m now thinking we need to go see Garry Starr’s last performance tonight!

During my three years in Christchurch, I’ve constantly compared it to the other cities we’ve lived in and visited. Last night while having dinner along Oxford Terrace, I finally felt as though it had stopped trying to measure up to other cities. It’s matured, become comfortable in its skin, and embraced the vibrant, quirky and exciting place I’d always hoped it would become.

January 19, 2019
New Opening: Little High Eatery

In a city that’s slowly rebuilding, Little High Eatery came out of the blue. Tucked behind the Mackenzie & Willis building on Tuam Street, across from C1 Espresso, lives a brand new food court. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill suburban shopping mall food court, it’s an exercise in excellent urban planning. Little High makes excellent use of a relatively small space; it’s home to eight quality eateries including Bacon Brothers, Base Pizza, A Mouse Called Bean, Eightgrains (deliciously, made-to-order dumplings), Sushi Soldiers, El Fogon, Thai Street Kitchen, and my personal fave, Caribe (Latin American food and margaritas the size of my head!)

The new eatery is quickly becoming a local institution (I’ve been there three times in five days!) and proves to be the perfect destination for indecisive eaters and foodies alike. The atmosphere at Little High is lively throughout the day, with coffee and breakfast burgers being served from 7am. If you’re searching for a lunch spot or after work drinks, this is it.

May 27, 2017
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
New Opening: Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters

Working in Christchurch’s CBD, I’ve kept a close watch on all the cafés and restaurant openings over the past six months. And it seems there’s a new spot open every other week. As a frequent café-goer, I’ve relished in all these new dining opportunities. Oddly enough, I didn’t notice the new roastery on St. Asaph Street until a couple days before it opened. Only a block from our new Plato Creative offices on Manchester Street, Unknown Chapter is conveniently situated for a work session or client breakfast.

The interior is reminiscent of Australian cafés, crisp minimalism with fauna and greenery gracing the ceiling. All the white space is a refreshing change in Christchurch, where cafés tend to be slightly crowded and occasionally claustrophobic. There’s ample seating and plenty of windows. With the sun pouring in, it’s a gorgeous place to begin your day. It also makes my ever-growing list of New Zealand’s most Instagrammable cafés.

The menu is somewhat limited on opening morning. I opt for an omelette with prosciutto and goat’s cheese, Alice decides on the classic granola and Nancy opts for eggs on toast. I’d love to see a few more inventive dishes, but my omelette is nevertheless satisfying. The team is still working out some kinks, but it’s clear they care deeply about what they do. When our breakfasts were delayed coming out of the kitchen, we’re promptly offered free coffees served with apologetic smiles.

Finding delicious coffee isn’t difficult in Christchurch, yet I’m impressed to see flawless latté art at Unknown Chapter. Whether you’re looking for a new environment for study or a wholesome breakfast before work, Unknown Chapter is an excellent addition to the Christchurch café scene.

November 5, 2016
Opening Night at BFW16

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Ballantynes Fashion Week‘s opening show. Held in the Contemporary Lounge, the evening began with bubbles, canapés and live music. For those of you who don’t know, Ballantynes is Christchurch’s oldest and most iconic department store. The company remains a mainstay in New Zealand’s fashion scene due to its wide range of local and international designers and focus on service. The staff are passionate about the selection of carefully curated pieces sold in store and provide an exceptional experience for every customer. Having worked in retail whilst living in Toronto, I always appreciate the impeccable level of service at Ballantynes. Needless to say, I’m lucky to have New Zealand’s best department store on my doorstep.

It was hard not to get excited about spring during BFW’s opening show, which featured SS 16/17 collections from various New Zealand designers and a few international names as well. The elegant show kicked off with a handsome man serenading the crowd to Michael Bublé, so we knew we were in for a memorable evening. With prints and stark whites taking centre stage, many of the outfits will transition well from daytime to night. Alongside the vibrant prints, we saw plenty of monochromatic looks. Needless to say, I know what I’ll be wearing this summer in Christchurch.

Thanks for a lovely evening, Ballantynes!

October 2, 2016
Christchurch Creatives: Radler Tours

One of the things I harp on about constantly is cycling. I’ve never particularly enjoyed cycling as a sport or a rigorous form of exercise. For me, it’s a practical way to get around. In cities like Toronto and Stockholm, residents cycle almost year-round. Even a little bit of snow on the ground isn’t much of a deterrent. When my sister spent a semester in Umeå, she immediately purchased a second-hand bike and along with the other students, regularly fell into snowbanks on her way to class. When it snows in Christchurch, it melts almost immediately, so winter cycling is all the more appealing.

Even so, when Nick pitched his idea for a bicycle and beer tour, I was initially skeptical. While cycling in Christchurch is relatively accessible, it’s by no means the preferred way of getting around. But with designated cycleways a top priority for the city, more and more people are taking to cycling. It’s also a great way to enjoy a night out. Cycling after a few beers is 100% legal and a lot safer than driving.

And so, it’s with much excitement, that we announce the launch of Radler Tours. Radler is the German word for cyclist, and like the Bavarians before us, our tour will encompass, in equal measure, bicycles and beer. Our aim is to cater to both locals and tourists, as a fun way to see and experience Christchurch. Oh, and we’re excited to be regularly visiting some of our favourite Christchurch bars and restaurants:

Radler Tours was founded with the aim to provide a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to experience Christchurch’s best hospitality. Following the devastating earthquakes in 2011, Christchurch lost over 130 unique bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes. Many have re-opened in and around the CBD, but are no longer closely clustered together. Consequently, there is no focal point for the city’s entertainment and hospitality scene. Both tourists and residents are unaware that new and vibrant establishments have emerged on the fringes of the CBD, all within a leisurely biking distance of one another.

At the moment, we’ve been testing out the tours with our friends and planning an inaugural tour with a few Christchurch locals. We’ll keep you posted as to the launch of Radler Tours, but for the meantime, please visit our website for updates!

Follow @radlertours on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!

February 28, 2016