prairie girl musings

Tag: 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
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
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
My Goals For the Next Few Months

It feels a bit unusual to be setting goals in a time that’s still so uncertain. With our move completely thwarted, Nick and I feel like we’ve hit pause. We had so many exciting plans for the (Northern Hemisphere) summer, which is now a blank page and I have a serious case of writer’s block.

This lockdown period has been a complete rollercoaster for many of us. Personally, I’ve felt stuck both literally and metaphorically as we moved through the Alert Levels here in New Zealand. As an introvert and someone who works from home, I didn’t imagine it would be as difficult as it’s been. In the past few weeks, I’ve joked that I’ve moved into the ‘acceptance phase’ and have been taking steps to reset and figure out my short term goals. I know I find it helpful reading the ways others are moving forward, so here’s what I have in the works:

01. Streamline my wardrobe
I had a head start on this task, having listed and sold over half of my possessions on TradeMe in anticipation of our move (our house is looking especially bare at the moment!) Rather than shipping everything overseas, most of our furniture, household items and summer clothes, the ones that wouldn’t get as much wear in Canada, have now found new homes. My current wardrobe consists of a few high quality basics and special occasion pieces.

02. Embrace a slower pace
One of the reasons I wanted to work for myself was to establish better work/life balance and prioritise my mental and physical health. I count myself lucky to be able to work on projects I’m passionate about, but in the past, I’ve been known to say yes to work that paid the bills but didn’t fill my cup. Not having the security of a regular income, it’s easy to get carried away and never really ‘switch off’ even in the evenings and weekends. If this lockdown period has taught me anything, it’s how important down time really is, whether it’s binge watching Normal People or baking muffins in the middle of the day.

03. More staycations and day trips
I love a staycation and I’m hoping to continue exploring my favourite regions (North Canterbury and Akaroa) while we’re still based in Christchurch. Hanmer Springs Hot Pools plans to reopen at the end of May, so that could be a nice little getaway. We’ve stayed at a few hotels and Airbnbs in Christchurch from Crowne Plaza to the Britten Stables and will definitely book a night somewhere fun again soon!

04. More domestic travel
Name a place in New Zealand and Nick and I have probably been there. Nick’s parents made sure he’d visited every inch of his country and that’s something he’s shared with me. We’ve been lucky to spend countless weekends road tripping around both the North and South Island whether for work or purely out of interest. I know it sounds silly, but BC (before Covid) I felt like I had exhausted my time in New Zealand. I know we’ll make our way back to Canada eventually, but I plan on revisiting a few of my favourite New Zealand destinations and supporting businesses in the meantime.

05. Practice French
I definitely didn’t learn a new language during lockdown, but I have been trying to refresh my French. I grew up speaking French; all my core subjects at school were in French until grade 10, but I’m ashamed to admit my conversational skills leave much to be desired. If we end up on the East Coast of Canada, fluency in French will be useful in securing employment and it’s always handy to speak a second language.

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So that’s the next few months in a nutshell! I don’t know what will happen in terms of our moving plans, but I know it’s important to look after each other. I hope you’re all feeling okay, too. Sending love to anyone who needs it.

May 14, 2020
Long Weekends In Marlborough

Labour Day marked the first long weekend we’ve had since June! Needless to say, it was the perfect excuse to get out of town and explore a new region.

We’ve been to Nelson and Picton a handful of times (I’ve even caught the ferry a couple times…) but had never properly explored Blenheim and Marlborough. With December and January assignments looming, I decided it was finally time to explore the culinary offerings of this well-loved region.

Nick is usually pretty keen to tag along on any work trips I have in the pipeline and this was no exception. We left Saturday morning, stopped briefly in Kaikoura to refuel and then carried on our way. The drive from Christchurch is only four hours, so it’s ideal for a long weekend away.

Upon arrival, we checked into the quaint Boutique Bunker, which is just off the main drag. We found Blenheim to be unusually quiet the entire time we were visiting, but it was still helpful to be based centrally so we could wander to the pub to watch the game. We had a quick meander through town and then set off for dinner at the highly lauded, Arbour.

I won’t give too much away, but the seasonal tasting menu is well worth it’s price tag (especially if you opt for the wine pairings). Our seat overlooked the vineyard and the beautifully manicured garden and guests venture outside in between courses (wine glass in tow). Everything was beautifully presented and I like how the service was friendly and relaxed. Sometimes you’ll visit a fancy restaurant and it oozes pretension, not Arbour. Pro tip: go early and you’ll save $20 on their set menu during Foodie Hour.

The next day, we were picked up bright and early to begin our self-guided cycling tour with Explore Marlborough. The wind was aggressive, but we managed to make it to a total of six wineries and one brewery. Here’s a quick summary of where we went and what I’d recommend should you be visiting Marlborough:

Te Whare Ra: Our first stop of the day was at Te Whare Ra, a small vineyard and winery located in the Marlborough sub-region of Renwick. One of the oldest vineyards in Marlborough, TWR is certified organic and their wines were my favourite of the day. I’m looking forward to sipping on their Toru and Riesling all summer long.

Forrest Wines: Next we cycled to Forrest Wines where we ordered a tasting tray and took it outside to relax in the sun. Forrest has the best atmosphere of all the wineries we visited. Along with being able to do a tasting outside (on their bean bags, no less), they also have some epic cheese platters.

Bladen Wines: Our tour guides at Explore Marlborough also advised us to check out Bladen’s cellar door. Here we were greeted by friendly owner, Dave and his lovely dog. Both Nick and I were big fans of their rosé and will be ordering a few bottles ASAP.

No. 1 Family Estate: If you like bubbles as much as I do, I highly recommend checking out No. 1 Family Estate. It’s an invigorating stop after a day full of wine tastings.

Hans Herzog: This organic certified winery came highly recommended by a few locals and wine connoisseurs, so we knew we’d be in for a treat. Hans also has one of the larger selection of red wines in a region known for white wine, worth noting for anyone who loves red wine (myself included!)

Cloudy Bay: You can’t visit Marlborough without visiting its most famous winery, Cloudy Bay. The stylish establishment is definitely a bit busier than the other wineries, but it’s well worth a visit. Service here is less attentive, but it’s still a worthwhile visit if only for the lovely grounds and gardens.

MOA Brewery: We finished off our day with a stop at MOA, which was such a treat after a full day of wine. The casual atmosphere and food truck were absolutely delightful and I’m a big fan of their rhubarb and apple cider.

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We spent our last day in Marlborough at Allan Scott, a family-owned and operated winery. Sara Scott gave us an extensive tour of the property, the vineyards and even the space where Cecilia Brut (my personal favourite) is made. They are one of two wineries with the equipment to create sparkling wine (also known of Méthode Marlborough). After our tour, we did a wine tasting with Josh Scott and then settled in for a long lunch and chatted with Victoria Scott. The food was phenomenal and the atmosphere is attentive, friendly and relaxing. We had such a nice time that we ended up spending the whole day here. If you’re on a tighter timeframe, I’d highly recommend stopping here for lunch in their outdoor restaurant (otherwise, grab a seat in the beautiful garden!) Oh and whatever you do, definitely get the affogato for dessert.

It was incredible chatting to Allan Scott’s three Scott children and seeing their passion for the family business. Coming from a multi-generational family business in Canada, it’s quite rare and truly special to witness.

After our long, indulgent weekend, we rolled ourselves home and slowly made our way back to reality. Have you ever been to Marlborough? Which wineries and restaurants did you like best?

October 30, 2019
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
NZFW 2018 Diary

Although I was planning on taking it easy this year at New Zealand Fashion Week, that’s not exactly how things played out…

I’ve attended the past three NZFWs, as well as a few overseas in Sydney and Toronto. But this was the first year I’ve been self-employed and haven’t had to take time off work! Despite my best intentions to only take in a few shows (to save myself from burning out), I managed to pack in four pretty full days and a lot of my other work fell by the wayside. Since I saw most of the shows, I thought I’d share a round-up of the week and my favourite moments with photos by my friend, Robyn at Anywhere I Roam.

Most impressive show…
Trelise Cooper‘s fashion week shows are always incredible, but this year really blew me out of the water. Full of colour and sass, the collection featured 70s and 80s style dresses, brocade and lots of sequin party-wear and even an electric blue pantsuit. Set to the tunes of flamboyant musical entertainers, I couldn’t resist dancing along in my seat. My favourite look was the mermaid pleated skirt that shimmered as the model walked down the catwalk. I attended this show with my bestie, Annie and we seriously had the best night out!

Coolest atmosphere…
Stolen Girlfriends Club always put on amazing shows. This year’s was held at the Red Bull HQ in Ponsonby and the atmosphere was just as cool as you’d imagine. With an open bar and cocktails flowing, attendees socialised and sipped on Stolen-themed drinks and Asahi beer before the 9PM show kicked off. The collection itself was a bit badass with plenty of leather, my personal favourite was the lilac leather coat. The finale featured models dragging glow-in-the-dark rubbish bins, commentary on the wastefulness of fast fashion, perhaps?

Most inventive showcase…
I knew I’d love Hej Hej‘s show even before the invites rolled in. New on the scene, Hej Hej is quickly becoming known for light-weight linens and comfy knits that pair so perfectly together for New Zealand’s haphazard weather. Their show was on a yacht, gin cocktails were flowing and the sun was out just in time for the 4PM start. Their latest collection, Cruise Control is full of pared back, loose fitting linen staples that you’ll reach for all summer long.

Overall favourite show…
The Twenty Seven Names show kicked off with the Auckland Girls Grammar choir singing Rihanna’s Diamonds, setting the tone for an amazing show. This Wellington brand can do no wrong in my eyes, their clothes use wearable (often recycled) materials in the most fun prints and cuts. This collection was particularly colourful, with canary yellow coats, pink shift dresses and emerald green blazers. Taking place at Showroom 22’s light-filled studio, the show was intimate and the music was incredible — favourite 90s tunes in all their glory.

What I wore…
I decided to opt for comfort this year because I knew I’d be running around like crazy, catching Ubers, meeting with clients, and tapping away on my laptop between shows. I borrowed quite a few outfits from my favourite brands Leo + Be and RUBY to name a few and packed my favourite pieces from Kiwi designers like Twenty Seven Names and Hej Hej. I handpicked a Witchery blazer from my friends at Undertow Media and next thing I know, I’m seeing the same shade at the three next shows… I’m pretty thrilled to see colour come back in.

Where I stayed…
The Grand Mercure in Auckland is perfectly situated for a week of fashion-filled festivities. I checked in on Monday and never wanted to leave. The amenities include a virtual fitness room, a pillow menu, delicious room service, and TV by the bath — if only I’d had time to fully enjoy it all. The level of service is incredible and I’ll definitely be booking another night’s stay here very soon!

Check out my vlog to see a hotel room tour.

Final words…
For me, NZFW is about so much more than just clothing. It’s a chance to catch up with friends (I’m looking at you, Robyn), meet new faces and get inspired. The creativity of New Zealand designers never ceases to amaze me and I love seeing how they embrace the ever-changing industry. Fashion needs to be more sustainable and considered and many Kiwi designers are taking a step back, creating smaller capsule collections that will stand the test of time. I always leave feeling excited (and exhausted) and ready to create new content.

All photography by Robyn Joan Wilson of Anywhere I Roam

September 2, 2018
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
One Dress, Two Ways

Not usually one to gravitate towards red, I found myself drawn to the gorgeous print Ruby designer, Deanna Didovich dreamed up for her sister. Marina was attending a high profile wedding in Palm Springs and asked her sister to create something for her.

The dress, appropriately named, the Marina Gown, became the basis for Ruby’s Spring ’16 Collection, No Drama. It was featured in Harper’s Bazaar along with a myriad of other publications. Rather than donning a full-length gown, which might have been slightly ostentatious even for Fashion Week, I opted for the shorter Verse 1.0 mini dress and decided to style it two ways. The collection was inspired by enduring female friendships and the endless support they bring. I’ve always held my female friendships very dear, both with my two sisters and my girl gang around the globe. On that note: thank you to my dear friend, Carmen Huter who took these photographs for me and continually inspires me both professionally and personally.

Much like the collection itself, Verse 1.0 is certainly a no fuss option that transitions easily from daytime to night. Read more about the Spring ’16 collection.

Thanks for reading! For my next post, I’ll be talking about what to do in between NZFW shows.

August 28, 2016
Kate Sylvester On Finding Inspiration

Photo: Luke Foley-Martin

Where do fashion designers find inspiration and who do they credit with their creativity?

Kate Sylvester shares the artwork that influenced her past and present collections and her ongoing love affair with lingerie.

You’ve surely seen Kate’s newest collection, A Muse, inspired by Picasso’s genius, his paintings and his muses who created the evolution of his work. Kate feels indebted to the huge treasure trove that is art, continually celebrating her heroes. “We all have to wear clothes and isn’t it ice to know you’re wearing a small piece of Picasso?” says Kate.

According to Kate, her very first lingerie collection, Vanessa Beecroft’s nude works was “a complete and utter failure,” but taught her tough commercial lessons that she still calls upon today. “First and foremost, we need to be commercial and on-trend,” she urges, a prevailing lesson throughout fashion week.

While many designers create youthful garments that don’t suit women of all ages, shapes and sizes, Kate makes clothes for living in. “I create clothes for myself, for my friends.” This wearability factor is present in every collection, no matter how quirky or elegant the final product. Kate manages to seamlessly draw from history’s great artists and photographers to create pieces that transcend time and appeal to consumers of all ages.

Here are some behind-the-scenes photos of Kate’s F/W Collection. How stunning is the lace Pola dress?

Photo: Gabrielle Devereux

Photo: Luke Foley-Martin

Photo: Luke Foley-Martin

March 31, 2016