Avenues, August 2023

Qestral Technology

As leaders in the aged care industry, Qestral has developed award winning technology to monitor their resthome, hospital and dementia services… and provide healthcare options for residents in their villages. Innovative healthcare solutions include Kindly for care centres and Spritely for villages.

Minimal fuss, maximum lush

CREATE your own antipasto from our deli produce

EXPLORE the gardens

RELAX with some tasty bites and a bottle from the cellar

OPEN 5 DAYS

closed Tuesday/Wednesday

PEGASUSBAY. COM

Local greengrocers are fghting infation!

Avenues EATS. Not to gloat, but it was awesome!

Staveley – a cool Canterbury town with an even cooler skate rink.

Tīrama Mai illuminating the CBD afer dark. Did you get along?

Resene Grape Escape is an ashen red violet, a small measure to tempt the tastebuds.

Weed-flled council plantings. Who do we need to call?

Social media magnates feuding; is this what the world needs?

Aspartame is in everything. Gone are the days of reaching for sugar-free gum.

Doom scrolling through your friends’ European summer on Instagram.

Reducing portion sizes at your favourite café. The prices go up, and we’re lef hungry.

EDITOR’S NOTE

On the coastal highway

As our chilli-red Ford Falcon, packed full of a family of fve, bags, lollies, and enough cassette tapes to last fve hours, wound its way through the Hundalees, that familiar stir in my stomach appeared.

The feeling of this cocktail of motion sickness and the excitement that we were halfway to our destination will always stick with me.

While other families were tripping of to Disneyland or bound for the European winter, the Stretch family was on a familiar holiday route to Blenheim to see the matriarch of our family, my grandmother.

There was nothing fancy about Nana’s house. Three of us shared a room with beds from the ’50s; the others opted for the sunroom or, in some cases, a tent in the backyard. But, despite its simplicity and Nana’s food for fuel, not taste, we loved it.

We loved it because we were together and because it had that undeniable sense of a Kiwi holiday, one of the aspects that makes this place so great.

You don’t have to travel for thousands of miles to make lifelong memories. There are many great destinations that make up the identity of the great New Zealand holiday. In this issue, we travel to the far away near.

We stop by Hanmer Springs for a quick dip into the attraction’s history and fnd out where it is heading. We hop in the car and continue north-west to Abel Tasman National Park, chatting to the Wilson family, who have welcomed guests to the spot for generations, and we head back down south to Lake Tekapo/Takapō, where an exciting race is taking runners around the stunning scenery.

Bon voyage,

Liam Stretch Editor

Escap e, Revive, Re conne c t...

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THE TEAM

Publisher Lisa Phelan lisa@27publishers.co.nz

Editor Liam Stretch liam@27publishers.co.nz

Art Director Lucy Arnold lucy@27publishers.co.nz

GM Advertising Shelley Eccleton shelley@27publishers.co.nz

Food Editor Sam Parish sam@27publishers.co.nz

Accounts & Admin Hilary Armstrong accounts@27publishers.co.nz

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CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lynette McFadden, Sarah Mankelow, Centuri Chan, Sam Parish, Dr Reuben Woods, Hannah Harte, Richard Dalman, Kate Underwood, Wilsons Abel Tasman, Milan Kucera, Cindy Mottelet, Oxford Farmers’ Market, Shaun Jefers, Mia Zhao, Rob Smith, Neil Macbeth, Fran Scrimgeour, Fibre Fale

CONTACT US

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Produced by Twenty Seven Publishers Limited PO Box 36753, Merivale, Christchurch,

THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

Hanmer Springs from above on a winter’s day.

Meet

OIL THOSE CUTICLES

Your cuticles are tasked with stopping the bad stuf from entering the nail bed and causing infection. If you break this natural barrier, the cuticles and eponychium can become infamed. Cuticle oils absorb into the natural nail plate and the surrounding skin, increasing fexibility, sofening and moisturising. wildskin.co.nz

FROM THE WILD

LOST IN STICKY DATE

Rollickin’s epic Hot Sticky Date Pudding is moreishly datey and moisty. Swimming in house-made butterscotch sauciness and stacked with vanilla creamo, cinnamon love dustin’, brandy snappin’ crumbles, and your favourite Rollickin scoop. Go on, dive right on in! PG warning: Lots of sticky content. rollickin.co.nz

A Forager’s Life: Finding My Heart and Home in Nature is a memoir penned by Helen Lehndorf that explores themes of belonging and motherhood, interwoven with her lifelong passion for wild food. Having grown up in rural Taranaki, Helen feels a sense of detachment in the city. Finding solace in foraging along the river, she still yearns for her roots. Seeking ancestral connection, she embarks on a journey to England with her husband, discovering nature’s abundance as a shared resource. Unexpectedly, motherhood takes precedence when she becomes pregnant in Aotearoa. Faced with her son’s autism diagnosis, foraging becomes a sanctuary amidst the chaos. scorpiobooks.co.nz

POST NOTE

There’s something special happening in Tai Tapu, and it is coming from behind the doors at General Post. This is a space that is a pleasure to be in. With natural timber throughout and dried blooms adorning the walls, it’s certainly an elevated iteration of your country greengrocer. It ofers premium cofee, fresh fruit and veggies, and beautiful blooms from local grower Canterbury Hydrangeas. A country store wouldn’t be complete without a baked treat, with bread and other goodies from Canterbury stalwarts Grizzly Baked Goods. It’s hard to miss, located on the Christchurch Akaroa Road in the centre of Tai Tapu.

@_general_post

WAVE RIDER

The Parametric Wave foating shelf by Wellington artist Plico captures the essence of a wave’s graceful motion. Crafed using precise CNC technology, its distinctive undulating design will make a splash in any space. It is constructed from sturdy, top-notch plywood and coated with clear polyurethane for added durability. plico.felt.co.nz

VEST UP

The Unwadded Dry Waxed Gilet at Indigo & Provisions is perfect for the season. It is quilted without wadding; this gilet is lighter and boasts a dry wax cotton outer for structure and light water resistance. Perfect for layering, it functions as an outer on warmer days and an inner on colder ones. With two large “D” pockets, button fastening, and organic cotton corduroy binding, it’s a stylish choice. It is crafted from Halley Stevensons’ dry wax cotton, known for durability and comfort since 1864. This and many more unique fashion finds call Indigo & Provisions home – located within the Arts Centre.

indigoandprovisions.com

A GREEN A DAY

JOURNEYS

Fibre Fale, a purpose-driven collective, aims to establish avenues for Pacifc people in the feld of technology. Their initiatives encompass program development, platform creation, skill-building, fostering a sense of belonging, and ofering ongoing assistance throughout their entire tech journeys. fibrefale.com

Always eat your (micro)greens! Microgreens really do have superpowers and are the perfect way to introduce vitamins and minerals into your diet. The kits from Little Stem Microgreens ofer the perfect starting point. These clever little kits comprise a commercially compostable bamboo tray and lid by ECOware, which acts as your pot. Also inside are organic soil, microgreen seeds, a wooden spoon for soil-water mixing, a brochure showcasing diferent kit varieties, and a step-by-step instruction manual. There’s radish to rocket, kale to pea. Start your little forest of nutrition now; next stop… health!

littlestemmicrogreens.co.nz

Simplify your life…

Over 20 with short sightedness, long sightedness, astigmatism, or di culty with ne print in your 40s?

With over 25 years’ experience, trust the care and expertise of Dr Kent and his team at Fendalton Eye Clinic, o ering visual freedom with the safety and accuracy of our laser eye surgery.

Book online for your face to face or virtual free laser assessment with a member of our experienced team.

10 Otara St, Fendalton, Christchurch (Adjacent to Fendalton Mall)

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Afer fabulous reviews in 2021 and 2022, Top Dog Theatre returns to the magnifcent Isaac Theatre Royal for another Shakespearean adventure! Last year’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream stunned massive audiences and happily delighted 1500 school kids from all over Christchurch. Much Ado About Nothing is another of Shakespeare’s brilliant, fast-paced romantic comedies, brimming with interwoven plots of romance and intrigue, dances and deception, love and loathing, music and a masked ball, plus practical jokes galore to inspire and entertain the audience. “Frisbees, ice cream and sunshine – Shakespeare on the beach, what more could you want?” says artistic director Derek Doddington.

17–19 August, Isaac Theatre Royal, isaactheatreroyal.co.nz

CORI GONZALEZ-MACUER

Cori Gonzalez-Macuer returns to Christchurch this month. The comedian and actor known for What We Do in The Shadows has won several accolades, including the prestigious Billy T Award. He’s also written for Wellington Paranormal, 7 Days, and Jono and Ben. His one-of Ōtautahi show sees him take to the stage of one of the city’s coolest little venues, Good Times Comedy Club.

5 August, Good Times Comedy Club goodtimescomedyclub.co.nz

HINE HŌIA

Hine Hōia stands on the brink of a shattered world. A fateful encounter alters her destiny forever. This enchanting retelling of Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale combines Māori oral history, taonga pūoro, circus, and chamber music. Juanita Hepi, Danny Lee Syme of Cirko Kali, and composer Hamish Oliver present an epic tale of love, greed, trickery, tradition, and victory.

19 August, The Piano chambermusic.co.nz

OUR TROPICAL PAST

While Canterbury Museum is closed for renovations, some exhibitions are hitting the road. In the touring exhibition Tropical North Canterbury, visitors will uncover how the area looked 60 million years ago. Back then, the Waipara River looked very diferent. What is now land was once calm, warm seas, home to strange and captivating creatures, including giant penguins and birds with teeth.

Until 26 September, Leeston Library canterburymuseum.com

Younger Looking Hands

ALONG THE RIVER

Michael Palin set the standard for travel television. His empathetic, hands-on approach garnered him respect from viewers and locals alike. His most recent expedition was to Iraq. This cradle of civilisation has had a complicated recent history; in his journal Into Iraq, he captures the people and places and the enduring humanity beyond the wars.

HER SOUND

Christchurch-born Cassie Henderson made it to the quarter-fnals of the frst season of XFactor New Zealand back in 2013. Now, ten years later, she is back with a mature, polished sound in her single Whatever. This poppy ballad captures the heartbreak of the young artist and keeps a uniquely New Zealand feel. Keep an eye on Cassie!

GEISHA TALES

ENDANGERED

Pax Assadi joins conservationist Nicola Toki on a tour around New Zealand in TVNZ’s Endangered Species Aotearoa with WWF. Not your typical wildlife TV show, Assadi uses deadpan humour, and Toki uses her gentle wisdom to lif the show while we’re reminded of the threat many of New Zealand’s and the Pacifc’s species face.

Netfix’s The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House sweeps viewers of to rural Japan to follow the lives of two lifelong friends, Sumire and Kiyo, as they venture of to Kyoto to live in a geisha house with the hope of becoming geisha themselves. Though Sumire is hailed as a talent, Kiyo is deemed unft to become a maiko but discovers her own unexpected talents. A journey through Japanese culture and food that moves at a peaceful yet enthralling Ghibli-like pace.

MAKERS, CREATORS AND KEEPERS OF CERAMIC WONDERS

Word Christchurch

Word Christchurch is back for 2023! This year’s festival promises an enthralling programme featuring the return of international talent to our shores, with writers and thinkers such as Gabriel Krauze, Meg Mason, Kevin Jared Hosein, Polly Barton, and David Keenan. Alongside these luminaries, the festival proudly showcases the brilliance of Aotearoa New Zealand’s own talent through a rich programme flled with panels, conversations, presentations, concerts, and tours.

RISK! THE WORD GALA

Risk! The Word Gala is inspired by Katherine Mansfeld’s words: “Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinions of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth.” Gabriel Krauze (UK), Kevin Jared Hosein (Trinidad and Tobago), David Keenan (Scotland), Meg Mason (Australia/ New Zealand), and Tusiata Avia (New Zealand/ Samoa), will share their personal stories of taking risks and triumphing over challenges.

24 August, The Piano

KEENAN AND RUSSELL

Immerse yourself in a captivating evening of live music. Cult Scottish author David Keenan, known for his modernist masterpiece Monument Maker, will join forces with renowned New Zealand musician Bruce Russell for a mesmerising performance of free improvised music and readings. A unique aural experience not to be missed

25 August, Space Academy

FUNGI: A CURIOUS HIKOI

Embark on a fascinating walking tour with Liv Sisson, the author of Fungi of Aotearoa: A Curious Forager’s Field Guide. Starting at The Piano, walkers will venture along the banks of the Avon River/Ōtākaro. Discover the hidden delights of our urban garden, learn to identify edible fungi and other intriguing treasures, and listen to magical tales about the role of fungi in our world. Suitable for both novice foragers and budding experts.

26 and 27 August, meet at The Piano

50 YEARS OF WITI IHIMAERA

This special in-conversation event celebrates the 50th anniversary of Witi Ihimaera’s ground-breaking debut novel, Tangi. Witi Ihimaera, an unstoppable literary force and a prominent Māori author, will engage in a kōrero (conversation) with Victor Rodger, exploring the signifcance of his work in shaping the stories of Aotearoa.

27 August, The Piano

To explore the complete festival programme and for tickets, visit wordchristchurch.co.nz.

good. kiwi. craftsmanship.

felt.nz

Fleur by DK Floral Design is a boutique forist with a European feel, creating beautiful bouquets and stocking a unique range of gifts.

186 Papanui Road | feurdk.co.nz

Julia Ashmore -Smith

Welcome to the City

Artist Dcypher and Nicholas Keyse

Date June 2023

Location Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

Welcome to the City is part of the Spotlight Project, a collaboration between Watch This Space, ChristchurchNZ, and a collection of local urban artists and digital creatives. Spotlight celebrates our city’s talented creatives and activates the town afer dark, projecting animated works onto one of Ōtautahi’s most recognisable new buildings.

Dcypher’s illustration of a maze-like urban environment is a celebration of the artist’s formative experiences as a skateboarder and grafiti artist, cultures through which he came to view the city as a site of exploration, subversion, and expression: “I’ve always loved the raw underbelly of urban architecture, the fip side of the facade, the back alleys, the fre escapes... These spots are constantly in fux as urban subcultures expand in their complexity and reach.”

This sense of adventure is heightened by the animation of the static image by local designer Nicholas Keyse, who explores the scene’s depth by zooming in and scanning across the composition, guiding the viewer through the shifing terrain. The roaming view imbues the work with a cinematic echo, a mysterious story playing out silently on the grey concrete wall for the unsuspecting passing audience.

Explore more of Ōtautahi’s urban art on a Watch This Space guided street art tour! Email tours@watchthisspace.org.nz for booking information.

watchthisspace.org.nz/artwork/1072

WATCH THIS SPACE

WHAT TO WEAR…

Embrace lace non-wired bralette, $80, and Embrace lace bikini brief, $55 thefttingroom.co.nz | The Suave Shepherd jersey, $359 davaarwool.co.nz | Le Bon Shoppe socks, $39 karenwalker.com | Rose quartz and eco beech aromatherapy difuser bracelets, $25 clover.felt.co.nz | Dakota jeans, $396 nz.camillaandmarc.com | Boston Teddy shearling, $500 birkenstock.co.nz | Nubuck boot, $380 timberland.co.nz | Malu jacket, $699 untouchedworld.com

Confidence in colour

For Susan Forde, becoming a jeweller was an unexpected journey. Even more unexpected was that her journey would bring her to Canterbury.

Originally born in London, UK, a life of travel followed, led by a fascination with the world and its people. She worked in the corporate sphere and eventually discovered a love for crafing jewellery.

Susan returned to the UK afer a brief sojourn in New Zealand, in Wellington. Afer some time, she grew restless, and her grandmother urged her to return to New Zealand.

On a wing and a prayer, she found herself in Canterbury.

Having just opened her fagship store in Welles Street’s The Welder, Susan is excited to bring her truly bespoke approach to the people of Ōtautahi, something she was thrilled to share with me.

As I walked into her store, I was struck by the feeling of the space. Susan has transformed the once concrete-foored, high-ceilinged room into a cocoon of positive energy.

A Greek bust (named Ariel) overlooks the space, plants line the walls, multi-coloured velvet drapes wrap the room in luxury, and fne jewellery takes pride of place.

This is energy matched by the master jeweller herself as she welcomes me into this extension of her being. What makes Susan truly unique is her 15+ years of experience in colour reading, combining perfectly with her craf.

She has mastered this gif, spurred on by a deep desire to understand our human relationship with colour.

“I studied psychology and personality profling. I travelled all over the world to fgure out what made people tick. What makes someone from

India or Africa, Scotland, or Ireland diferent? I was trying to understand why we are always comparing. Why do some cultures embrace colours, and some don’t? What did it all mean?”

With a smile, Susan invites me to take part in a reading. She starts by noting some signifcant numbers in my life and whittles them down to fnd out the corresponding colours.

She reveals my colours: pink, green, and midnight blue. In an efortless sweep, Susan reveals the relevance of these colours to me, how they’ll work with my style, and the confdence and power I will feel once adorned in these shades. Some made sense; others were revelatory. At the root of it all, Susan wants to make you feel one-of-a-kind.

“I want to tell people’s stories. I want you to feel special. I want you to know that the minute you are born, you have a beautiful gif. I want to help you uncover it – that’s my day job,” Susan says. “I want you to know that when you discover your colour, you go to another level.”

And it’s no party trick; Susan has decades of accolades and lives transformed to tell of. If in doubt, the photos of models wearing her pieces throughout her boutique will have you convinced.

Susan wants her customers to experience high-end jewellery by ofering them options for the metal and stone. The stone is typically the most costly component, but lab-made stones can be afordable alternatives to expensive coloured diamonds and precious gemstones. Susan then uses her expert guidance to match the wearer with a stone, metal, and style that suits their energy.

“My jewellery is not for the faint-hearted; it stands for someone who has gumption or wants to discover that gumption. I want them to know that they’re worth it.”

susanforde.com

REFRESH AND RECHARGE

1 SEA SHINE

Dive into Bumble and Bumble’s Seaweed Shampoo for a nourished, radiant look. Enriched with Royal Sugar Kelp, Pacific Sea Kelp, and Green Microalgae, this gentle cleanser restores moisture balance and cares for both hair and scalp. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and product residue while preserving hair’s natural buoyancy and freshness.

bumbleandbumble.com

2 SKIN FRIEND

Allies of Skin’s Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifing Serum will have your skin ready for spring. With years of development, this clinically proven serum boasts a powerful Growth Factor concentration, yielding remarkable results. In a four-week study, almost 90 per cent of participants witnessed reduced fne lines, including crow’s feet and forehead lines. This is cutting-edge lifing eficacy. meccabeauty.co.nz

3 NAILED IT!

The Flora Probiotic Skin-Rescue Hyaluronic Mask is the latest innovation from Antipodes. It combines active ingredients to nourish and moisturise. Kalibiome Sensitive, a probiotic, harmonises the skin’s microfora, reducing redness and blemishes. Plant hyaluronic acid ensures long-lasting hydration, while harakeke fax gel promotes serenity and comfort.

antipodesnature.com 4

ULTIMATE HAND REJUVENATION

The skin on the back of the hands is one of the frst places where we start to see the early signs of ageing due to the naturally thinner skin present there. In New Zealand, our excessive sun exposure causes wrinkles and pigmentation and prematurely old-looking hands! Have the ultimate hand rejuvenation package to lighten age spots and rejuvenate the skin. Check out this month’s special at the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic.

skinrejuvenationclinic.co.nz

HAPPY SKIN = HAPPY HEART

Sensationally silky, pure plant oil. Discover a new way to nurture and nourish your body, lock in moisture and smooth away dryness, without a hint of icky sticky!

For gorgeous, happy skin. All day, every day.

Find out more at lindenleaves.com

44 Welles st tapas & margarita bar

Open 12pm - late 7days party days till 3am happy hour daily 4-6pm

Large group? Planning your next party or function? Looking for catering ideas? We've got you covered!

Just mere hours away, world-class tourism oferings await.

The alpine village of Hanmer Springs and its water park have seen families creating memories for generations. There is the Wilson family in Abel Tasman National Park, who share their place in New Zealand with travellers from all over the world. Or there is Lake Tekapo, a magical place where visitors have been drawn to the area thanks to its natural beauty on earth and above.

HOT SPRING HISTORY

WORDS Hannah Harte

Hanmer Springs has a history as rich as its mineral waters. Full of healing, anti-ageing properties from the silica, sulfur, and sodium present, Māori were well aware of the restorative powers of the geothermal pools.

Māori legend speaks of the renowned warrior Tamatea calling Ariki, or Chief of the North Island volcanoes, to save his party from freezing in the South. Ariki responded by gifing fames from Ngaruhoe’s crater, with one fame falling into Hanmer’s hot springs on its journey across the land. From then on, the land was known as Te Whakatataka O Te Ngarehu O Ahi Tamatea – Where the Ashes of Tamatea’s Fire Lay.

European settlers were quick to discover and enjoy the springs as early as 1859. William Jones, a farm manager from nearby Culverden, drawn by what he believed was a “remarkable fog”, soon realised that a number of holes in the earth were emitting various temperatures of hot water, and news of his fnd spread swifly. By 1871 the frst dressing shed was constructed on the site. Now, this small town of no more than a thousand residents plays host to more than half a million tourists a year.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is an innovative complex owned by the Hurunui District Council, with all profts going back into the local community. The site has grown to boast 22 outdoor pools ranging in temperature from a comfortable 32 degrees to a piping hot 42 degrees, including three adults-only thermal pools, a freshwater activity pool and a dedicated AquaPlay area for eight-year-olds and under, providing something for absolutely everyone, no matter their age or preferences.

The liquid flling these fascinating bodies of water fell as snow or rain 173 years ago, then sat in deep underground reservoirs. There, they are slowly warmed by the geothermal heat of the Earth’s core and absorb minerals from these cavernous depths before rising to the surface through greywacke rock fractures. It is a remarkable journey for every drop.

A custom-made system in the changing rooms utilises thermal water for underfoor heating and air conditioning, saving nearly $100,000 per year in electricity, and careful planning in the conservation of 100 million litres of water won the New Zealand Recreation Association’s Aquatic Innovation Award in 2015.

There is always something new in development at these iconic hot pools, and there are changes coming soon, with work underway on a new hydroslide project. Watch this space for more.

Many Cantabrians will have fond memories of school holidays or overnight trips to Hanmer Springs to enjoy the warmth and relaxation the springs provide, as well as everything else the alpine village has to ofer. Wonderful eateries, boutique shopping, local wineries, night sky tours, an expansive animal park, and numerous trails to explore surrounded by gorgeous natural phenomena.

There are some fantastic package getaways on offer for families, couples, and friends and plenty of accommodation options available.

Little in life is more relaxing, soothing, and restorative than a long, leisurely soak in a mineral hot spring on a freezing winter’s day.

NATIONAL PARK LUXURY

WORDS Liam Stretch

New Zealand is renowned for its breath-taking landscapes and the famous walks that allow adventurers to immerse themselves in nature’s wonders. However, if the thought of carrying a heavy tramping pack and staying in basic huts or tents doesn’t appeal to you, there is a more civilised way to experience one of New Zealand’s famous national parks.

Wilsons Abel Tasman, a family-run business, ofers guided trips with the luxury of accommodation in exclusive beachfront lodges in Abel Tasman National Park. Since 1841, the Wilson family has welcomed visitors to the Nelson region. Guests don’t need to worry about planning for weather, tides, food or accommodation – the Wilsons team takes care of everything.

To begin this extraordinary adventure, travel to Nelson or Motueka. From there, everything is arranged for you on a journey that can range from half-day excursions to fve-day expeditions along the stunning granite coast. These trips can include walking, guided sea kayaking, and boat cruising options.

Overnight trips provide a fully immersive experience, allowing guests to enjoy the park’s tranquillity afer most visitors have lef for the day. Three or fve-day trips travel between the Wilson’s two beachfront lodges. Guests can choose how active they want to be, then relax with a hot shower in their ensuite room while their hosts prepare a three-course meal featuring local specialities.

Afer dinner, guests can chat with likeminded travellers, take a romantic beach stroll, or simply wind down to the sounds of waves and birdsong. Start your day with a cooked or continental breakfast to prepare for another day of adventure. Expert hosts

and guides assist in designing bespoke itineraries with picnic lunches.

For independent travellers who value autonomy but still want a touch of luxury with beachfront lodge accommodation, hot showers, meals, luggage transfers, and boat support, there are self-guided walking options available. For those preferring a guided experience, professional guides share the rich tapestry of stories woven throughout the landscape.

Hear about Māori and European settlers who tried fshing, farming, logging, and boat-building on the granite coast. Learn about restoration eforts to regenerate the forest and bring back birdsong to the park. The Wilson’s lodges showcase the region’s unique heritage. Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, built on the same site as their ancestors’ original 1884 home, tells the stories of early European settlement. Torrent Bay Lodge ofers a relaxed family holiday cottage ambience, blending modern comforts with nostalgic charm.

If you only have a day or a couple of hours to spare, Wilsons’ Vista Cruise provides swif access to the park. It ofers a full range of half-day or full-day options with departures every day from Kaiteriteri. The Vista Cruise service meets the high standards expected by international travellers and is priced for local New Zealanders.

What really sets Wilsons Abel Tasman apart is their commitment to guilt-free indulgence. As industry leaders, they adopt the latest technologies to provide modern comforts while striving to minimise their environmental impact.

With three generations of the Wilson family working alongside their team of professionals, you are guaranteed a warm welcome.

abeltasman.co.nz

CHOOSE YOUR PACE

WORDS Liam Stretch

Drawn by his love of snow and the prospect of developing a ski feld, Austrian alpine skier Karl Burtcher Senior and his wife Audrey sold their Fielding farm and bought Richmond Station on the eastern shores of Lake Tekapo in 1973. Their son, Karl Junior, the future developer and owner of Tekapo Springs, was fve years old.

Though farming and operating a commercial ski feld in the Mackenzie were tough going, especially during extreme winter conditions, the family of seven grew to appreciate what the area ofered and its beauty, paving the way for Karl Junior’s vision.

Later, Karl Junior purchased the town’s 1935 skate rink to revive winter activities in the area.

Karl’s original idea had expanded to a vision of a year-round attraction, and in 2008, he and his team opened Tekapo Springs. Later additions include a snow tube park, two cooler pools, and the Aqua Play Area. In 2017 the Tekapo Springs team looked to the stars, and Tekapo Star Gazing was born, a tour within the hot pools making the best of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With something for everyone, toddlers to retirees, Tekapo Springs’ Andy Murray says, “Our vision is to be the best at what we do and give every visitor an experience to remember.”

More excitement has also just begun with the recent introduction of Tekapo Springs Race Tekapo (16 September 2023), ofering everything from a 3km kids’ dash to a 50km run through the stunning backdrop of Lake Tekapo and its surroundings.

With various course options available, the event attracts competitors and supporters from around the world, and this year, there’s even more international interest as life returns to normal afer the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite its popularity, the vast landscape creates a sense of solitude, making it feel like a personal experience.

The entire community rallies behind the race, with even the local school and kindergarten organising an ‘Afer Party’ to raise funds. It truly is a destination race, and local businesses also contribute by ofering Race Weekend Specials. Last year’s attracted 1000 runners. This year’s event is expected to be even bigger, according to race director Kerry Uren.

Looking to next year, the local calendar is full. The Mackenzie, a mountain bike race, sees bikers traverse a mixture of sealed roads, gravel roads, farm tracks, river crossings, and highcountry stations. The race is on 20 April 2024. There are also other events in the pipeline and being worked on, such as a Wellness Festival.

With so much on ofer, it’s suggested you stay awhile. Peppers Bluewater, located a stone’s throw away from Tekapo Springs, provides a range of accommodation options. The resort caters to families, couples, and solo travellers, ofering hotel rooms to fully selfcontained apartments.

For dining, Rakinui Restaurant ofers delicious breakfast and dinner options. The menu presents a delightful fusion of international and modern New Zealand cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s stunning views of Lake Tekapo set it apart, providing a picturesque backdrop to your meal.

Peppers Bluewater is part of the Accor Group, meaning they have the Accor Limitless Loyalty Programme, ALL (Accor Live Limitless), which ofers exclusive benefts and status for members.

Whether it’s soaking in the warm waters, looking at the stars, running motivated by the majesty around you, or simply relaxing back in your room, taking in the view, there’s plenty to do in Tekapo.

tekaposprings.co.nz | peppersbluewater.co.nz

What’s on in Waitaki?

Waitaki is a region steeped in history, from the prehistoric fossils found within limestone deposits to the importance of the space for early Tangata Whenua and later early settlers seeking out the area and what it had to ofer. Now its heritage is acknowledged in many ways, through art and celebration, and more signifcantly, with the region being declared the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark. There’s plenty on in the coming months, pack your bags and sense of adventure!

GEOPARK FESTIVAL

The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark was endorsed as New Zealand’s frst and Australasia’s only UNESCO Global Geopark in May this year. To celebrate this milestone, the Geopark team is organising a Geopark Festival at the end of October. Join them to celebrate Waitaki’s treasures with a fun and diverse events and activities programme brought to you by Waitaki’s businesses, landowners, community groups, and the Geopark team.

27–29 October

HERITAGE CELEBRATION

The Ōamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations bring back 19th-century charm in Ōamaru and Waitaki. Limestone buildings set the stage for dances, music, food, talks, a garden party, Victorian fashion, races, concerts, and more. The Harbour Street Victorian Precinct reveals captivating tales of the town’s ‘boom-and-bust’ past. Whether in street clothes, Victorian attire, or your own style, the event caters to all. This year, ‘Migration Stories’ delves into our pursuit of a brighter future.

15–19 November

HOME OF THE ARTS

The Waitaki community has long embraced being bold and fearless. Every two years, throughout the region, the Waitaki Arts Festival unites a community of visionaries and trailblazers. It showcases a diverse array of visual, performing, and literary arts presented by both local and national artists. The festival’s extensive programme celebrates creativity and innovation, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a vibrant world of artistic expression.

13–22 October

waitakinz.com

Dolphin Encounter

Swimming with & watching Kaikoura’s Dusky Dolphins!

Unlike anywhere

There are few places on earth like Kaikōura, a coastal town ofering breathtaking views that will stop you in your tracks. The towering snow-clad mountains provide a stunning backdrop over the town centre, which extends out to the Kaikōura Peninsula, where the waves of the Pacifc roll in.

Local tour operators ofer the chance to watch whales, dolphins, seabirds, and other species of marine life daily by boat or fight. If you prefer to stay on land, there is quad biking, a visit to a lavender farm, or llama trekking. For those who enjoy a slower journey, there are many walking and cycling tracks to enjoy or explore.

The town itself exudes a laid-back charm, with a vibrant arts and crafs scene, quaint cafés, and seafood restaurants serving up the freshest local delicacies. Kaikōura’s culinary oferings are centred around its abundant seafood, including succulent crayfsh (lobster) that has earned the town a reputation as the “Crayfsh Capital of New Zealand.”

Kaikōura is located 2.5 hours drive north of Ōtautahi Christchurch and two hours south of Picton.

We invite you to discover what makes Kaikōura so unique – a place that’s one of a kind, unlike anywhere else.

kaikoura.co.nz

Don’t miss these world-class tours... advance bookings essential.

Enter the world of the dusky dolphin and experience the grace and beauty of the most acrobatic of all dolphin species.

Kaikoura is the best place in the world to see multiple species of albatross. Enjoy close up views of these majestic wanderers of the Southern Ocean just minutes from shore.

DAY TRIPPIN’

Just a two-hour drive south, the seaside city of Timaru ofers the chance for the whānau to explore, indulge, and unwind. Take a winter stroll along the magical Caroline Bay on the edge of the CBD, and savour the views of the nearby snow-capped Southern Alps. For the more active, a coastal walk takes you to Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point, where converging reefs meet, and hardy surfers test their skills. It’s 5km return, open to bikes, and dog friendly.

welovetimaru.nz

In a beautifully restored heritage building in the heart of Linwood Village is the Eastside Gallery, home to Linwood Community Arts Centre. Here you’ll fnd art in all mediums by talented locals. The centre also hosts classes, including movement art, drawing, Māori arts, children’s classes, creative writing, and many more. You’ll fnd it at 388 Worcester Street.

linwoodarts.org

Set on Main Street in the heart of the town, Oxford Farmers’ Market is a warm and welcoming rural haven where you’ll fnd passionate producers of exceptional foods, farm-fresh produce, plants, unique gifs, charming homewares, and so much more.

oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

CENTRAL OTAGO WINE EXPERIENCES

WINERY LUNCHES

VINEYARD ACCOMMODATION

Thinking big

As I pulled up to the breathtaking lookout above the Clyde Dam, one thing caught my eye, making perfect sense in the setting of one of New Zealand’s ambitious ‘think big’ projects – the stunning fully electric Lexus RZ 450e. This remarkable vehicle was about to become my companion for the next 85 kilometres on my journey to Queenstown. The RZ 450e signifies an exciting future for Lexus, a company that has long been a leader in the electric and hybrid revolution, especially in the luxury market, alongside its parent company, Toyota.

Andrew Davis, the Vice President of Lexus New Zealand, shared their vision: “Lexus is working towards the goal of 100 per cent Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) models by 2035, with a full range of BEVs across the Lexus lineup by 2030.” This ambitious commitment is a testament to Lexus’s dedication to embracing electric mobility and shaping the future of automotive excellence.

Standing in front of the RZ, the new look is impossible to miss, with sleek lines and sharply angled lights that add a touch of elegance to its unmistakable Lexus side profle. One mustn’t forget that iconic Lexus grille, reimagined as the BEV Spindle Body, symbolising the shif towards an electric future. The front bumper design focuses on aerodynamic eficiency, proportions, and style.

Step inside the RZ, and you’ll discover a minimalist and spacious interior that amplifies the message of sustainability using mindfully sourced materials. While the space maintains simplicity, it exudes luxury through meticulously crafted details

and advanced tech – thanks to takumi craftsmanship.

Two things were noticeable as soon as we took of: its excellent acceleration and stability. At the core of the RZ driving experience is the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system, which intelligently controls the drive force between the front and rear wheels based on driving and road conditions. This system ensures that the RZ responds directly to the driver’s input, resulting in a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience. As this was the Dynamic model (two variants, Core and Dynamic), we were equipped with added luxury and thrill – the most exciting aspect for me as an avid aviation fan was the cockpit-like head-up display, which the driver views directly through the windshield. I found this optimised my focus on the windy Central Otago roads. Further reassuring safety features included the display notifying me if I was losing focus or the lane assist, which would quickly correct my heading if needed.

To power its performance, the RZ 450e features a thin and high-capacity 71.4kWh battery pack placed fat under the foor, providing a low centre of gravity, and enhancing stability. Equipped with an 11kW on board charger and three-phase charging capability, the RZ ofers convenience and fexibility in charging options. With an approximate driving range of 470 kilometres, the RZ was well within its capability to get us to our destination, and more.

For a relative novice to the BEV world, the RZ ofered the perfect introduction. Its uncompromising luxury, safety, and specs really do make it a force to be reckoned with in the ensuing great duel of the electric world.

lexus.co.nz

WORDS Liam Stretch

Care without compromise

At Holly Lea Village, nestled in the heart of Fendalton, lies an unwavering commitment to placing residents frst, ensuring personalised care, and delivering unmatched lifestyle experiences.

Here, care is woven into the very fabric of everyday life. The devoted team empowers residents to make choices that refect their individuality while ofering support whenever needed. The promise is to approach residents with courtesy, respect, and sensitivity.

This philosophy extends beyond the essential needs of residents to encompass their social lives and experiences within and beyond the grounds of Holly Lea.

An extensive calendar has something on ofer for all residents – from tai chi and gym classes to weekly outings and monthly excursions.

“Destinations chosen are determined by both weather and residents’ interests or requests. These could be visiting shopping malls within the greater Christchurch area, beach walks, museums, art galleries, and more.”

Back in the village, residents are spoilt for choice. There are friendly competitions with games like Scrabble, Bingo, and Rummikub, or perhaps a game of pool. For the avid reader, there’s a book club, while the gentlemen can gather at the Men’s Club for a chat.

On Friday evenings the village is transformed with Happy Hour, a chance to enjoy a glass of wine and unwind. And for the flm bufs, there’s ofen movies playing in the theatre.

The village hosts performances by local musicians and entertainers.

Music regularly flls the air at Holly Lea. The Music Room ofen hosts performances by local musicians, including regular visits from the renowned pianist Laurie Searle. Alongside the professionals, the Music Room and Village Lawn ofen provide a platform to high school and university students who are keen to showcase their music. This environment has also provided residents with an avenue to share and develop their musical talents.

“A recent initiative from within the Village is seeing the beginning of resident-led music sessions, with our very own Holly Lea Songbook that includes some of our residents’ favourite songs.”

Activities aren’t complete without a drink and a bite to eat. The kitchen is led by two seasoned chefs with international expertise in both Italian and French cuisine. Seasonal menus present residents with a wide variety of options to enjoy.

Oficially opened in April and welcoming its frst residents in May, the Care Centre at Holly Lea Village has swifly become an anchor point for the village, and a place to encounter a friendly face. This sense of community permeates the village.

At the core of Holly Lea is an understanding that retirement and moving into a community does not mean residents forgo their lifestyles and passions. These are encouraged, maintained, and developed, with the reassurance of world-class care.

hollylea.co.nz

Boutique hotels

Hotel design is changing fast and being driven by a greater understanding of changing guests’ needs and desires.

Not all of us always wish to stay in ‘standard’ hotels – you know the type, the big brand hotels where the rooms are all much the same no matter what location you’re in.

Over the last two decades, these changes have led to the rise of the boutique hotel. These hotels are normally smaller, have a distinctive designer edge, and are ofen more in tune with their local culture and environment.

As legend has it, the term ‘boutique’, in the hotel sense, is derived from the opening of the Morgan Hotel in New York City, where the owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager compared it to shopping for clothes in one of New York’s boutique stores, rather than a department store.

Schrager went on to develop many similar style hotels around the world, including the Mondrian in Los Angeles, Hudson in New York, and The Sanderson in London. All of

these were designed by French designer Philippe Starck.

The big hotel chains have tried to emulate the boutique DNA into their own existing or new brands with mixed success and ofen refer to these as ‘lifestyle’ hotels.

Bruce Garrett, who manages Christchurch’s premier boutique hotel, The George, says that to him, boutique means unique, luxurious, not too large, and not cookie-cutter.

“At The George, we have lots of little touches that set us apart from the typical city hotel, for example, our seated check-in experience, welcome drink, nightly turndown service with a complimentary teddy and Whittaker’s chocolate. Our team members are allowed to display their personalities and be individuals. Our amazing art collection and scores of other design features, such as our green wall and back-lit onyx wall, are all part of what makes a stay in a boutique hotel feel that much more special.”

Creative design is always an essential ingredient. Boutique hotels, by their very nature, do not follow trends; they set them.

Richard Dalman Managing Director, Dalman Architects dalman.co.nz

kamomarsh.co.nz

03 366 8181

Kamo Marsh is a landscape architecture practice based in Central Christchurch and Queenstown. As well as residential design, we have worked and collaborated on a variety of subdivisions, educational and commercial projects throughout our 40 years in business.

Kamo Marsh provides a professional service in landscape planning, design and project management and we take pride in offering a friendly and personal approach to each project we are involved in. Our talented team look forward to working with you on your next residential or commercial project.

Lynette McFadden Business Owner & Mentor Harcourts gold @lynette_mcfadden

The art of travel

What is it about travel – or the art of travel – that makes your heart futter, and your senses soar? I like to think it’s the opportunity for new experiences and the chance to explore this breathtaking planet of ours.

I love to travel. Whilst not an intrepid traveller, I’ve still managed to have incredible, authentic experiences in small villages and massive cities around the world. Here are some of my refections in response to a series of questions about travel that were posed to me.

What is your favourite city or country to visit?

I fnd it hard to tie it down to one, but I’d probably say Paris; the gardens, cafés, museums, and galleries are so uplifing, and it’s got its own unique energy. I also love Tokyo; sophisticated whilst still holding to traditional values, no tipping, gorgeous clothes, and everyone has incredible manners.

Where have you been lately?

In the last six months, I’ve been on an Expeditions cruise to the Antarctic and a safari in South Africa.

What are the essentials you always take? I overpack, which is something I’m trying to improve, so let’s just say the thing I struggle with the most is shoes! I also like to look like a local, so if that means full glam or mostly black, that’s what I do.

What was a trip that made a deep impression?

A holiday in Scandinavia, including a stay in Copenhagen. Cool architecture and great people. Families all picnicking together at a wharf we went to, who returned all the communal facilities like chairs and tables to their rightful spot at the end of the day, with no litter lef and an incredible sense of care.

Where are you going next?

To Brazil and on an expedition up the Amazon.

Have you ever been frightened on a trip? Yes, on a walk in New Caledonia. It was Sunday, and a group of men still getting over Saturday night started to follow us. They were very menacing. Also, being robbed in Barcelona – it was a quick, slick afair which has given us a lifelong appreciation for being more alert.

Olive green

The muddy olive green of Resene Tic Tac Toe brings sof, neutral colour to this space with a radiant playful design in the golden green of Resene Green Days to mirror the curves and lines of the Marseille Dining Chair.

An abstract pattern in the Tribe Home Moss Rug brings a colourful cohesion echoing the lush, warm texture of the chair.

The epitome of contemporary chic, the Marseille Dining Chair combines sof, metallic grey-green fabric set in a durable brushed brass frame. It’s designed for comfort with striking good looks.

This elegant tray end table, fnished in a unique combination of ivory-coloured faux shagreen and a satin brass-fnished iron base,

is a striking companion piece for the Marseille Dining Chair.

The Faux French Ivory Decanter, with its tall, slender silhouette and curved base, brings a transparent form of the line and curve shape mirrored by the chair and half arch design.

The colourful serenity of the Moss Rug blends shades of khaki, mauve, and rust. It’s fnely hand-knotted from a blend of wool and bamboo silk. This luxurious rug refects the colour palette of the wall and furniture.

Marseille Dining Chair in Olive; Maison 55 Lexi Tray Accent Table; Tribe Home Moss Rug; Faux French Ivory Decanter; Broste Sandvig Short Tumbler from Frobisher Resene Tic Tac Toe and Resene Green Days from Resene ColorShops.

Resene Tic Tac Toe

Resene Green Days

MIDNIGHT SHANGHAI

RAMEN RIA

SUSHI SOLDIER GELATO

MUY MUY

The global breakfast

Kate Underwood @relishthememory @eat.newzealand

Dubbed the most important meal of the day, I’ve always been intrigued by the variety of the global breakfast. Waking up somewhere new, the frst thing you eat ofen provides a direct experience of the culture that surrounds you.

Imagine replacing that bowl of Weetbix with milk, kiwifruit, and yoghurt with mornings in Vietnam, where businessmen and school children sit perched on roadside stalls, slurping bowls of steaming hot Phở Bò (beef noodle soup) that’s been bubbling in giant pots overnight. Deeply umami, the soup is infused with charred ginger and star anise and full of nourishing beef bones, rice noodles, fragrant herbs like coriander and Vietnamese mint, and a smattering of chilli – all eaten before 9am, in temperatures above 30 degrees.

Instead of silky fat whites, in Vietnam, I’ve enjoyed intense, dark roasted ‘drip’ brews served hot or over ice, with condensed milk mixed in. Absurdly delicious!

In France, I witnessed locals wandering to pick up fresh croissants from the boulangeries and dunking them into their milky espresso. I can’t say I’ve dunked my sourdough toast with peanut butter into my morning flter cofee – but maybe I should?

The Chinese congee is a fascinating and comforting morning dish where you’re forced to think of porridge beyond oats with brown sugar and cream. This savoury rice porridge, made with water or stock, can be a little intimidating, but it’s simple in flavour. With toppings, you can make it your

own – soy sauce for seasoning, thin slices of fresh ginger, spring onions, and chilli are common, and sometimes the 100-year-old preserved egg.

Pan con tomate (tomato bread) is a beloved Spanish breakfast that I’ve been drooling over as I enviously watch friends gallivanting around Barcelona. It’s essentially grated tomato on ciabatta-style toast, rubbed with raw garlic, covered in juicy tomatoes, and drenched in olive oil and salt – one to save for the summer months.

Even the time we eat breakfast varies across the world. In Japan, not much is open before 10am – including the cofee shops(!). When you wake early from jetlag, your only option is to head straight to the 7-11 or any of the small supermarkets open 24 hours. You choose from chilled cabinets of plasticwrapped snacks, including the notorious egg sandwiches flled generously with mayo on fufy cloud-like white bread. A food memory I ofen crave.

Both Turkish and Danish breakfast spreads are wholesome and varied; think olives, tomatoes, cucumber, pide bread, honey, and tahini. The Danes opt for cured meat, hard cheese, boiled eggs, radishes, and pickles, all artfully arranged alongside dark rye bread. In fact, the new daytime darling – Estelle on Southwark Street, has a beautiful rendition that I am eager to eat. When I need some edible escapism but can’t get overseas, I start with breakfast and pretend for a moment I’m someplace else.

Sam Parish @sam.parish.food

Passport to flavour

If, like me, the main reason for travel is an itinerary of restaurants and bakeries, then why pack a bag? Fortunately, we have a plentiful supply of eateries in Christchurch ready to feed all our ambitions for authentic taste transportation. Here are a few to feed your inner travel bug. Your round-the-world trip is China-Japan-India-Morocco, but there’s plenty more where that came from in this city!

INDIAN PARADISE DELUXE

159 Cranford Street, St Albans

They are known for their biryani, a rice based dish whereby every grain is coated in favour and spice and cooked to fufy excellence with a protein (my go-to is chicken). But their extensive menu ranges from tandoor-cooked kebabs, parathas stufed with potato, mandi, housemade pickles, and the classic curries we all pine over. It’s a haven for spiced and warming Indian cuisine. Whether dining in or taking away, I would implore you to try and push the envelope with your order here. Start with a chicken or lamb biryani, maybe a malai kofa (clusters of lightly fried cottage cheese, potato, and nuts served with a smooth cashew sauce) or for some fried chicken vibes, try the ‘Chicken 65’ with extra curry leaves, which is part of their IndoChinese menu. Always a side of pickles, always garlic naan.

MOSAIC BY SIMO

SOUTH GARDEN

Mosaic ofers both casual and sit-down dining options. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with their bocadillos, Moroccan flled wraps stufed with your choice of sauces, like charmoulla, harissa, and hummus, then slaw and proteins like preserved lemon chicken skewers or house-made falafel. The cabinet is an eyegrabber, flled to the brim with fresh salads, couscous, kofas, skewers, mint rice dolmades, and tall bowls of herb-marinated olives with thick-cut wedges of fresh lemon and orange. When I’m here, I must get a falafel – incredibly spiced with whole lentils, carrots, pepitas, and spices like turmeric and whole coriander seeds. Try the baklava or a bite of Turkish delight. For mains, get the tagine of Moroccan lamb with prunes. Also, the Andalusian platters are perfect for groups.

Anything served in a piping hot bamboo steamer has me weak in the knees. As you enter South Garden, you’ll be met with the smell of bamboo and the sweetness of fufy house-made BBQ pork buns. You’ll see a wall of steamers at the back of the restaurant, piled high and ready to be passed out to full tables of hungry guests. Once seated, you’re swifly presented with a pot of jasmine tea and a menu and pen to choose your dishes. Our top picks are the pork siu mai (best I’ve ever had), prawn crystal dumplings, lotus leaf glutinous rice, BBQ pork buns, any of the steamed rice rolls (shrimp and red rice are incredible), pan-fried turnip cake with Xo sauce, pan-fried pork dumplings, baked BBQ pork pastry, boiled seasonal veg (for balance), and egg tarts and deep-fried sesame balls for a sweet ending.

@paradise_indian

4/6 Brake Street, Upper Riccarton @southgardenchch

3/300 Lincoln Road, Addington @mosaicbysimo

BAR YOKU

20 Welles Street, Central City @baryoku

Set in the heart of the ever-green and lush Welder, the food from this humble and dependable kitchen is an ongoing triumph of favour in Japanese-inspired cuisine. A big shout-out to the sushi tacos. If you’ve tried these, you’ll know how they tap into your hangry soul. These crunchy, rice-loaded sensations are sticky, crunchy, umami favour bombs. I play no favourites with fllings; even at my fullest, I could never pass one of these up. I can’t forget the yakitori. Two skewers using any and all parts of the chicken cooked perfectly over hot coals and matched with their own dipping sauce. These sticks of glory have only one agenda: to make you order four more. I tend to go for a thigh, but the green miso breast version is top-notch too, not to mention the other varieties of skewer like pork belly, eggplant, and mushroom. Get yourself a chef’s table seat for the full authentic experience.

Breezy Mediterranean brunch

Afer a sell-out inaugural Avenues EATS event, 70 guests will now have the opportunity to experience a taste of the Mediterranean right here in Ōtautahi. Some of the biggest favour makers of the city will create a bespoke brunch inspired by the food of the Mediterranean, using some of the best local ingredients (think Akaroa Salmon and Middlehurst Lamb), at inner-city restaurant Odeon.

Akaroa Salmon has been sustainably raising King Salmon in the cold, clean waters of Akaroa Harbour since 1985. This exquisite-tasting King Salmon has been awarded numerous times and is ranked among the best in the country. Most recently, they won a Gold in the 2023 Outstanding NZ Food Producers awards for their hot smoked salmon – crafed with the same time-tested recipe for over 25 years: Mānuka smoke, New Zealand sea salt, and fresh Akaroa Salmon, straight from the farm. Situated in the rugged, arid, and remote mountains of the Awatere, Middlehurst Station is one of New Zealand’s original high country runs and covers 16,500 hectares.

The challenging conditions of the high country and the dedication to preserving the land and nurturing their flock result in a product that is not only delicious but also ethically and sustainably produced. The lambs are hand-picked to ensure consistency and quality, and the unique flavour of the lamb is the result of their diet of high-country herbs and lush green grasses of the Canterbury foothills.

Odeon chefs Shafeeq Ismail and Jack Burgess, along with Table Blooms’ Julie Han, will create a bespoke menu with these products on the day.

Chef Patron Shafeeq Ismail has extensive experience cooking in diferent countries and cultures, and will bring these global favours to the brunch with his righthand man, Jack Burgess, who trained in Wellington and worked at Amok before bringing his skills to Christchurch. Jack worked briefy at Bar Yoku before coming to Odeon. The pair will bring a unique twist to a showcase of Andalusian-inspired dishes.

Working alongside these food geniuses is another, Julie Han. With 15 years of

experience as a sought-afer pastry chef in London, Julie has worked at prestigious places like Claridge’s, the Lanesborough, and the Lord Mayor’s residence. She also has created Michelin-starred desserts and is used to providing exclusive experiences to clients such as Chanel, Dior, and Sir Elton John. Julie will be treating guests to a plated Mediterranean sweet garden to fnish.

The sommelier at Odeon, Loren MitchellMoore, will also create a signature aperitif for guests to enjoy on arrival before being seated for a feast of deliciousness. Afer moving to Wellington, Loren started work at Charley Noble, where she grew to create cocktails and run the bar team; it was there she found

her passion for wine knowledge which took her to Ortega, where she ran the bar and met people from all over the world. Afer moving back to Christchurch, Loren helped open Cellar Door and is now the energetic general manager at Odeon, making sure the guest experience is top notch.

As always, the day will include a live Q&A with the chefs and food producers hosted by Avenues’ food editor, chef, and cook book author, Sam Parish.

This is a celebration of favour and an opportunity to ‘travel’ through food in our backyard. If you need a good excuse to get out this winter and enjoy a long brunch with family and friends, this event is for you.

A TASTE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN: A MID-WINTER BRUNCH AT ODEON

Sunday 6 August, 11am–2pm | Odeon, 165 Gloucester Street | $75 + booking fees

Get your tickets now at avenues-eats.nz

Pork filling

1kg pork mince

4g salt

35g sugar

10g cooking wine

20g chopped ginger

1g white pepper

30g spring onion

12g dark soy sauce

20g soy sauce

10g oyster sauce

5g sesame oil

70g stock

15g potato starch

1g baking soda

50g pork fat

600g pork consume (gelatinised pork broth)

Pork consume

1kg pork skin

2 litres water

4 chicken feet

2 slices of ginger

1 spring onion

5g cooking wine

8.5g salt

22g sugar

13g soy sauce

2g dark soy sauce

Pastry

1kg four (medium gluten)

12g salt

660g warm water

Xiao Long Bao

WhenMiaZhao’sparentsemigratedtoNewZealand,shethoughtagreatwaytogivethem somethingtodo in their retirementwasto opena restaurant.TheXiaoLongBao, asoupy porkdumpling,isoneofhermother’sspecialitiesat EightgrainsandMidnightShanghai. InChina,notall citieshavethe samestyleof xiaolong bao.Mia’smumisfromJiangsu province,whichishistoricallytheoriginof xiaolong bao.Theclassicisalwaysthepork version,youcanalsouse thesamemethodtomake chickenorveganxiaolongbao.

The pork consume is where the magic is, the soup of the soupy dumpling! Combine the pork skin, water, chicken feet, ginger, spring onion, and cooking wine, and cook in a pressure cooker for at least 30 minutes, then add the salt, sugar, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Strain, refrigerate to let cool, and form a gelatinous stock with a jelly-like consistency. Chop into smaller pieces to go into the pork flling.

To make the pork flling, mix all ingredients together. Set aside.

To make the xiao long bao pastry, combine the four, salt, and warm water. Mix and knead until the dough is smooth, rest for an hour when it’s sof. Cut into smaller 15g dough balls. Roll each ball into a delicate thin wrapper and take 30g of flling to make each xiao long bao immediately before it dries out.

Fold top 18 times and cover the made xiao long bao with a wet tea towel to prevent the pastry from drying out. Steam immediately for 5 minutes and serve hot to retain the soup inside the dumpling. Warning: the soup can be very hot.

Steam with a bamboo steamer. Do not overcook, as it may break the xiao long bao pastry and cause it to lose its soupy flling.

Serve with julienned fresh ginger and dark vinegar as condiments.

midnightshanghai.co.nz | eightgrains.co.nz

MAKES UP TO 68

Chef Rob Smith grew up in North Yorkshire, where he began his culinary journey. Working under a decorated chef for several years, Rob later worked his summers in Cornwall and winters in French ski resorts.

The latter brought him to Wānaka to be the executive chef at Cadrona Alpine Resort and later at Mudbrick Vineyard on Waiheke Island. Now in Christchurch, he’s head chef at Riverside Kitchen. This dish is fresh and light, making the most of Riverside Market’s ingredients – dry aged chorizo and fresh clams. Riverside Kitchen’s unique position allows them to treat the market below like an extension of their pantry, even being brought into MasterChef-like challenges.

Fennel and Chorizo Clams

SERVES 4

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small fennel bulb, fnely sliced

1 small onion, fnely diced

100g chorizo, fnely diced

1kg little neck clams

50ml dry white wine

2 tsp butter

1/2 cup basil, chopped

Heat a pan on medium heat, add olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chorizo and fry until crispy. Add fennel and onion, and fry until soft. Add clams in their shells along with the wine. Cover with a lid and steam until the clams open. Discard any unopened clams.

Remove the lid, reduce the heat, add butter and chilli, and toss through.

1 red chilli, deseeded and fnely sliced riversidekitchen.co.nz

Garnish with chopped basil and serve with crusty bread.

The surrender of travel

Chelita Kahutianui o-te-Rangi Zainey, Waitaha/Ngāpuhi/Ngāti Kahu/Ngāti Haua Chelita is a māmā, writer, Kai Rongoā, spiritual mentor, and certifed breathwork facilitator. Her passion activates and inspires others to heal and transform their lives into one of aligned purpose, love, and joy.

As people of the Pacifc, travel is in our blood, intrinsically etched into our DNA. In our pūrakau or creation stories, our Tūpuna were esteemed Kaihautu, navigators of the oceans, who mapped their path with the stars.

My son is named for a navigator – Nukutawhiti, the grandson of Kupe, who sailed the Ngātokimatawhaorua waka into the golden light of the Hokianga Harbour. Even now, my little Kaihautu lives up to his name. He draws us up maps, and of we go.

Our most recent travels saw us spend six weeks traversing Te Whenua Tawhito o nga iwi Moemoea – the ancient lands of The Dreaming tribes, otherwise known as Australia.

During this time, we got to step foot on Yaggera, Kabi Kabi, Jinibara, Dharug, and Gundungarra Country, each whenua unique and rich with story, memory, and ofen intense history.

As someone who works in the realms of the seen and unseen, it can be an energetically intense experience to walk in ancient places because I sense, feel, see, and hear the history of that land and those that have lived there.

The frst thing that struck me walking on Country was how old it was, how much more history those lands held, good, bad, and otherwise, and how much was waiting to be acknowledged.

If there was one touch point that I took to heart on this trip, it was that acknowledgements to Country and its people are pivotal.

My fnal day on Country was the perfect weave of everything I hold dear when it comes to travelling. We spent time being whisked around Jinibara Country in a 4WD by BJ Murphy, a Dungidau man of the Jinibara Nation, who shared with us the highest of peaks and some of the lowest of lows, historically speaking.

It was breathtaking to connect to the vast beauty of this place but equally poignant to be touched by the depths of the mamae/sadness that has embedded itself there historically. As is our way, we mihi and acknowledged all and the sheer mana and resilience of our indigenous whānau of these lands.

Our fnal stop on the journey was to a pounamu-green waterhole. Diving into its stillness reminded me of home. Aferwards, we raced to watch the burning sunset light up the sky with its rosy glow.

I kept being urged to surrender my expectations and perceptions, and the deeper I dropped into this practice, the more the divinity of the journey unfolded. Our epic last day of adventure was proof that surrendering to the unknown could take you to magical places with equally magical people.

As I sit here back on home soil, I dream of what inspired our Tūpuna to set sail in their waka and how many times they had to surrender to the unknown.

Wherever you travel, take a breath wherever your feet land, acknowledge the land you stand on and the people of that place, surrender, and enjoy the beauty that unfolds.

A life well-travelled

Hannah Harte Patreon: HRMNZ | @hannah_harte_

Kiwis are largely regarded as people who love to venture far beyond their backyards. The post-high school ‘Big OE’ culture that fourished in my parents’ generation is still well and truly alive today. As of 2022, a study revealed that despite the pandemic, 85 per cent of those polled planned a trip within the next year, with 29 per cent intending to head beyond our shores and the rest travelling within Aotearoa’s boundaries. In fact, the number one destination for Kiwis is our own home turf, with Australia a close second. Yet, I’ve met people in Ōtautahi who have never lef their home city and barely explored beyond their own suburbs. There’s a surprising number of people who are happy to stay put, beyond taking a holiday to the Gold Coast, or fying up to Auckland for an event.

As a child of Christchurch in the 1980s, your experience of life outside of Aotearoa could be somewhat limited unless you had a wealthy family and immigrant friends. My perspective on the world may have been fairly narrow, except for the two years I spent in Bangkok, Thailand, as a child of missionaries.

Khlong Toei, the crowded, humid slum with winding muddy paths tucked next to the biggest motorway in the world, could not be more diferent from the quiet, tidy, grey concrete, and deciduous treed

neighbourhood I lef behind. Yet, I adored the novelty of this entirely alien environment. The heat, smells, incessant mosquitos, surrounded by people speaking a language that sounded like a lively river fowing more than mere words, monks in safron robes, gold leaf and fragrant garlands plastered on massive trees with roots sprawling into fractured roads, formed the greatest adventure of my life. It inoculated me against racism and introduced me to the Eastern way of thinking and being, which has enhanced my life in endless ways.

To me, travel is more than a holiday and dipping your toes in another world. Travel can open your eyes to a greater human experience and broaden your mind, especially if you go far outside your comfort zone and completely embrace a local perspective. Learning some of the language, customs, and values of the place you visit is a way to acknowledge the immense privilege some of us have to be able to fy to far-fung places, and it enriches the depth of the experience you can have. I wish everyone could spend a period of time in a place like Bangkok, especially when young and impressionable, with the hope that true immersion in a diferent land and culture can help remove the illusion of division between us all.

1965 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport

OWNED BY Nelson Classic Car Museum

DRIVEN BY Mike Wilson

Acasual glance at this Chevy Impala, which now resides in the Nelson Classic Car Museum, would not make anyone imagine it was once buried in a musty, derelict barn deep in banjo country, USA. Nor that it was riddled with bullet holes, rust, varmint scat, and scars from a previous life lacking in love and care. As beautiful as it now is, it’s also hard to picture what drove its new owners to drag it halfway around the world and create, with generous amounts of blood, sweat, and tears, the car you see today. Understanding comes when you get behind the wheel, settle into the metallic blue sea of embossed vinyl, fre up the mighty LS V8, and with a squeeze of the accelerator, the Impala transforms you into the OG, the Don, King of the Road with a soundtrack that can only have been made in Detroit.

PHOTOS Joshua William

“I’ve been here for 75 years.

“My family’s from Normandy, France. They came in a ship – Comte de Paris. And Captain Stanley was there to meet them with a bottle of champagne, probably. Well, that’s my job. And I’ve done every job in the books.

“When we were young, we had to work on the farm, reap cocksfoot with all the returned servicemen; get the froth of the beer. And then you’re a billy boy, and then I lef school to go whaling; there was still whaling in the Tory Channel when I lef school, but my old man wouldn’t let me go. I worked at that bloody post ofice – two pounds 10 a week, seven in the morning, fve at night, six days a week. I’ve done everything – you name it; professional hunter, cheese factory, wood

cutting. I worked for the Power Board for 17 years. God, it’s been a hard life.

“See – I like getting dressed up. When we were young, I was Robin Hood and everybody. We started the French Festival 30-something years ago; I was getting dressed up for the French Festival. I did a re-enactment like it was – on the main beach here.

“This [uniform] is Napoleon’s era: Napoleon, 1815. It’s jazzed up to get them moving.

“When you meet the cruise boat, they come of and up the ramp. And then you talk with them. I was getting a bit pissed of with them; they were a bit slow getting up the ramp. I said to the guy, ‘we’ve got cows that walk faster than you!’

“But when you’re famous, you don’t realise it. You just gotta keep doing it.”

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AKAROA TOWN CRIER