prairie girl musings

Tag: North Canterbury

Sip, sip, hooray!

Well, hello friends! It’s been awhile since we last caught up, so pull up a chair.

Life has picked up a bit since my last post, I’ve been taking on some new consulting and digital marketing projects (more on that later…) Plus, there’s been HEAPS of new openings to write about in Christchurch. Riverside Market is officially up and running and The Welder isn’t far behind… With summer on our doorstep, it’s an exciting time to be in the city.

Another local event I’m looking forward to is Taste North Canterbury next Thursday. If you’ve been following along for awhile, you’ll know how much I love Waipara. North Canterbury wines are my absolute favourite and I even hosted an event with Greystone a few months ago.

While I’ve never been to Taste North Canterbury, last year looked like a ball. This year’s event is taking place at Christchurch Town Hall in the Limes Room, so you know it’s going to be gorgeous. There will be more than twenty local wineries in attendance, so you can sample everything and figure which ones are your favourites. I’m also looking forward to the food from artisan producers and tunes by North Canterbury DJs.

Tickets are almost sold out, which is wild because it’s still a week away. If you’re based in Christchurch and thinking about coming along, I’d get on that here. Your ticket price includes unlimited wine tastings (yay!) and bottomless snacks, which is such a rarity at these types of events!

In anticipation, Nancy and I ventured to NWY (Not Without You) a wine bar that serves all the best local wine and food (they even have perogies!) It’s a lovely spot to catch up over wine (we had Black Estate’s pinot noir) and the most beautiful platters. You get to choose your own cheeses, but they’re on hand to make suggestions. It’s always a treat to see businesses supporting local and serving up wineries from just up the road.

What’s your favourite drop? Are you a lover of Black Estate pinot noir as well?

Photos by Nancy Zhou

October 16, 2019
A North Canterbury Winery That Gives Back

The only problem with living so close to an incredible wine region is deciding who to buy from. With so many world class wineries at our doorstep, supporting local winemakers is a no brainer. With only a month to go until my parents visit Canterbury for the first time (ever!), I want to make sure our house is well-stocked with local produce and wine…

When 27seconds launched in North Canterbury (one of the coolest wine regions in the world) earlier this month, 100% proceeds going towards ending modern day slavery. Pete and Alanna Chapman combined their talents as a winemaker and an NGO marketer to create a vehicle for change.

The concept came about after a life-changing trip to India. Alanna and Pete were visiting friends who worked in the country’s largest red light district, Songachi, Kolkata; meeting and hearing the stories of young girls and women who had been trafficked or sold into prostitution. In fact, every 27 seconds someone is sold or trafficked into slavery.

“We left India acutely aware of our privilege and eager to help those who don’t have the same choices we have,” says Alanna.

Partnering with award-winning wineries, grapes are sourced from Terrace Edge before being processed into organic wines by Greystone Wines.

All profits go towards 27seconds’ giving partner, Hagar, which provides trauma care, education, and economic empowerment to survivors of slavery. What started out as a one-off fundraiser, escalated into a social enterprise. “We love the idea of applying what we do to help improve other lives,” says Alanna.

And they’re doing just that.

November 24, 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
What’s On In Waipara: The Food Farm

Last weekend I met with Angela and Nick Clifford, who have been in the wine industry for twenty years. Since moving back to North Canterbury twelve years ago, they have unearthed the region’s potential: Waipara is unique in that “it’s perfectly positioned geographically and geologically to grow both food and wine.”

The Food Farm came to fruition when the pair (who also run wine label, Tongue In Groove) realised the importance food and wine played in their daily lives. While New Zealand wineries often exist separately from food farms, The Cliffords have taken an old world philosophy.

Waipara’s microclimate produces a vast range of wild foods. When we visit, on a sunny Sunday, it’s nearly wild mushroom season. Foraging tours take place on a weekly basis and no two tours are exactly alike. Tours include either mushrooming, learning more about wild greens and weeds, fruit picking or sea shore wandering. Visit New Zealand’s only truffière, which produces four different types of truffles. Afterwards, famished foragers sit down for lunch and wine tasting at Black Estate Vineyard. The award-winning vineyard is pared back and true to the region. The delicious food is made from local produce and pairs perfectly with the organic, biodynamic wine.

The Food Farm is based on a permaculture system. A type of organic agriculture, permaculture looks at creating systems to ensure the things you use most often are the closest to your house. In farming, it considers how animals sit alongside plants.

The Clifford Family is continually re-discovering what makes their land and this region so special. Sharing this knowledge with others is a huge part of what they do and their tours are a must for foodies visiting Canterbury.

Thank you for inviting me to experience a taste of what The Food Farm has to offer.

This post was created in partnership with Koru Enterprises, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Explore their range of tours here.

March 25, 2017
What’s On In Waipara: NCWFF

This is the first instalment in a three-part series chronicling all the cool things happening in Waipara this month. Having only ventured to Waipara once before, I had always vowed to explore more of its offerings.

As a local food and wine lover, I couldn’t resist a day trip to the North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival. Showcasing the region’s best food and wine, NCWFF is an annual event that draws crowds from North Canterbury, Christchurch and beyond. Even the monotonous rain didn’t dampen the mood. Festival goers showed up in gumboots, swanndri jackets to ward off the rain and enjoy the atmosphere.

Thankfully Nick offered to drive, so I could indulge in a few different wines. I adored the rosé from Mt. Beautiful and the Damsteep Pinot Noir from Black Estate. Cakes by Anna created rosé-infused cakes for the occasion (!) and Akaroa’s own, Sweet and Savage served champagne and elderflower poached apricot doughnuts from a shiny silver shiny 1959 airstream caravan! Even Tom Hison of Auckland’s Orphans Kitchen was in attendance, serving pies with venison sourced from his sister’s North Canterbury farm. It was perfect pie weather, after all!

Glenmark Domain was rustically decorated with foraged flowers and bales of hay. The acorn trees provided the perfect backdrop for the festivities. An hour’s drive north of Christchurch, we welcomed Waipara’s slower pace and rural charms. Live entertainment included The Swan Sisters and Goldonies as well as retro-infused DJ Willy Styles.

I could go on and on, but instead I’ll leave you with some photos from today! Stay tuned for next Sunday’s instalment, which will feature a brand new Waipara attraction.

March 12, 2017