LET’S STAY AWHILE

FEATURE

Long live the staycation – a little bit of tiny tourism for locals.

While the world still struggles through this current crisis, we are fortunately returning to some sense of normality. Our borders may be closed, and life upended, but at least it’s slightly less abnormal than the past few months. Thankfully, we have on our doorstep a fabulous country to explore.

With the onus on supporting the ‘little guy’, why not take a weekend to explore something just out of your backyard? Pack the car and be transported to a weekend away, all within mere hours.

Avenues is here to help you holiday at home in style.

A BEAUTIFUL CONTRIBUTION

WORDS Joshua Brosnahan PHOTOS Supplied

As Cantabrians, we’ve become conditioned to the frequency of change that comes with a city’s rebirth. Buildings can switch purposes seemingly overnight. Where once there were hotels, there’s now green space. Walkways have replaced houses. The corner of the square is now home to Tūranga. Our new city has emerged.

The Tack Rooms is a prime example of an establishment with multiple former lives. In its current site on the corner of Peterborough and Montreal Streets, the buildings were formerly Teacher’s College classrooms in the late sixties. Before this, the structures had been barracks on an old Air Force base.

Current owners Julianne Liebeck and Conor Patton saw the potential to repurpose these structures immediately, and their present state is thanks to their – though Conor will quickly admit ‘almost exclusively Julianne’s!’ – vision, the help of friends and family, and a massive dose of passion for our city. After a massive overhaul, where only (some of) the weatherboards, windows, and beams remained – the space is modern, considered, and luxe.

The intention was always for The Tack Rooms to be a fun place.

“We’re all about encouraging people to have a good time. There’s so much in this town that’s not about that. So, this original idea was to offer a ‘play and stay’ concept. This vision was very clear – I wanted something for events, and somewhere people could have a good time.”

They’re not your generic hotel rooms. Each space measures approximately 70 square metres, with part of the overall aim being to ‘attract the personality that doesn’t fit into a hotel room’. It’s a place that people can stay, but also have people over to socialise before they go out.

“Christchurch is an amazing city, but you just need to know where to find ‘it’. Perhaps people need to be shown a bit of a footpath for this – that’s not as obvious.”

Julianne and Conor enlisted the help of renowned local architect, Thom Craig, and friend Lucy Cooper-Dixon (a former hotel operator and interior specialist) to renovate the Tack Rooms from the ground up; quite literally. It was a superb collaboration – Julianne considers herself the ‘creative, big concept’ type, Lucy was fantastic at the small considered details and sourcing and managing suppliers, and Conor confesses he looked after the ‘boring bits’, and played the swing-vote between Julianne wanting to push the boundaries and Lucy saying ‘hey let’s pull it back a notch!’.

The trio had a focus to support local artisans within the refurbishment. The lighting is handmade by Christchurch localsNightworks Studio (formerly Anaesthetic Design). Frontal Lobe came up with a bespoke bed frame, built specifically for the rooms. Joska and Sons provided mirrors in the bathrooms, and even the artwork came from local auctions.

Included in the revamp was the introduction of sliding doors connecting the two buildings, making it perfect for hosting events. Being close to Hagley Park, the casino, art galleries, and other diverse offerings, has proven Julianne’s vision to be a success. The Tack Rooms is busy.

“I feel we have looked after the place. I’m quite passionate about ensuring anything you do is adding value to the city. We make sure whatever we contribute is [done] in a beautiful way. You create the space and show people the vision, and it will happen.”

tackrooms.co.nz

RUSTIC REVIVAL

WORDS Joshua Brosnahan PHOTOS Katy Rolleston

Half native bush and half farm, Children’s Bay Park has been home to the Rolleston family for almost fifteen years and is a passion project set to benefit the many generations to come. And best of all, you and your family are more than welcome to visit.

James Rolleston describes this as a ‘multi-generational project’ that involves the current three generations of the family. Over the years, the whānau and many valued locals have managed to plant a whopping 20,000 native plants – all endemic to Banks Peninsula.

“We have also chipped away over the last 14 years to re-fence the native gullies, plant a large range of native plants, trap pests, and carefully cut several free walking tracks that link the Takamatua and Akaroa communities together, and now enable people to walk right around the headland of the park on a three-hour walk.”

The project is far from finished; there are further areas marked for wetlands and planting in the near future.

Sculptures of various animals are dotted around the walks – a crocodile, giraffe, and rhino (thus the name of the Rhino Track) as well as a moa, sheep, and a pig.

These all create unique talking points and a bit of fun for the kids. It’s all in the name of encouraging families to get out and explore the park.

Alongside this ambitious conservation project is the farm, running a small highquality herd of Angus cattle that graze the grass faces and ridges. The farm manager has an integral role in helping maintain the tracks as well.

Part of the progression means the birth of The Woolshed – a farmstay, rustically restored for guests and various events. It sits just above Children’s Bay, with incredible views back across the harbour.

James feels the Woolshed has evolved into a ‘cool little farm stay’.

“There is a mezzanine level with a king-size bed and two singles. There’s an open fire, Sky TV for when the rugby is on, and a great outdoor area with BBQ, large outdoor fire, and plenty of seating.”

The renovation included large traditional timber beams from an earthquake-damaged building in Christchurch and former bricks from the Rolleston family home. The current site offered up useful materials with old iron from the hayshed being used to line the shower, around the fireplaces, and in the living area.

“As a family, we are constantly working on enhancing the experience within the park for our local communities and visitors. All proceeds made go back into maintaining the free walks we have created, the pest control, and planting of native plants within Children’s Bay Park.”

The Rolleston family clearly share a passion for living in Banks Peninsula.

“The harbour can be rugged, moody, and wild but also so still and stunning. The township is quaint and diverse and one of only several true villages in New Zealand. We encourage Kiwis to come on over and explore the area.”

childrensbaypark.co.nz

GROWING THE GORGE

WORDS Joshua Brosnahan PHOTOS Konrad Kreative

Ashley Gorge’s campground spot represents the quintessential holiday destination for many of us growing up here in Christchurch. For decades, it’s been a stalwart for summertime sojourns, long weekends with the grandparents, and BBQs with extended families – hordes of happy children have been raised on getaways in this crevasse of the Canterbury Plains.

Minutes from Oxford township, the campground has also been a home base for people keen on hunting, fishing, and more.

Current proprietors of the site, Wayne and Sally Schist, hadn’t ever given much thought to buying a campground – and yet they’re currently working towards their sixth summer as owners. Most of the year, the couple manage to work on the campsite without any assistance.

When asked why the campground remained so successful, Sally puts it down to being in their own ‘hidden little corner’ of Canterbury.

“You’re just 45 minutes from Christchurch, surrounded by native bush and birdsong, and where that cold easterly wind won’t find you. There’s a unique microclimate here, and our night skies are perfect for stargazing. The swimming river is clean and clear and always fun to explore.”

The campground caters to both families and couples while creating a homely, friendly atmosphere within the natural surroundings. One of the many walks nearby leads to a waterfall.

Wayne mentions they have both honed their DIY skills over the years, and they even enlist the family to help in busy periods.

“It took a couple of years to find our rhythm, and plan by the seasons; now it feels effortless.

“While we certainly can feel our age during the busy season, all is soon forgotten when the pace slows. It is still exciting making sure all the projects are completed in time for that first long weekend. We wanted the campground to feel and look like it was loved.”

In the approaching season, regular visitors might see some changes in the park. The couple is introducing a mini fruit tree orchard and outdoor games for families. There are plans to extend the recent camping pod additions, with more private and secluded options for couples. There’ll even be a glamping tent and a caravan for even more alternative accommodation options – something for every situation.

Guests can pick their own salads from the camp garden and enjoy complimentary honey from the beehives at the camp; you have the options to be as active or relaxed as you wish.

Wayne and Sally have seen a steady increase each year, as more and more Kiwi families rediscover the joys of camping.

“The last few weeks, we have seen the majority of our guests hiring a campervan for the first time and hitting the road. New Zealand is a beautiful country with much to discover. Just like us, that hidden gem could be just around the corner.”

agkhp.co.nz