CHIT CHAT

ART IN THE CITY

Ballantynes’ new gallery space showcases leading and emerging New Zealand artists’ original paintings, etchings, prints, and sculptures, with currently featured works including Mike Glover’s landscapes, Lynley Brownridge’s botanical studies, Nigel Watson’s bird sculptures, and Melanie Hamnett’s oil. ballantynes.co.nz

THE BRIDE’S TRIBE

An indulgent and luxurious slumber has been specially designed for brides and their bridesmaids to share one last girly night of pampering together before the big day! Choose to have it the night before the wedding or as an exclusive hens night with your tribe. dreamuponaparty.com

ETHICAL HEDONISM

The Grater Good is written by Flip, owner of iconic Grater Goods, a vegan bistro and delicatessen you’ve no doubt seen in our pages. It highlights food that is truly delicious and about indulgence yet happens to be good for you and the planet. Over 60 European-inspired, adaptable dishes range from Seitan sausages, cassoulets, and bread to super easy spreadable cheeses, pâté, crackers, delectable desserts, and plantbased baking and cooking. These recipes are edible activism, ethical hedonism. They’re mostly unfussy, unpretentious, and shareable. Flip encourages you to gather around tables, break bread, and leave a tonne of crumbs as the French do. koapress.co.nz

HOME OF ADVENTURE

Queenstown is home to many firsts, an innovative spirit, and a love of thrills. You are invited to share passions, try something new, and embark on an unforgettable adventure. There is no shortage of Queenstown adrenaline activities for anyone looking to test their limits. From bungy jumping and tandem skydiving to river surfing, canyon swinging, and speeding through your surroundings by jet boat, many of these iconic experiences were pioneered in Queenstown. Immerse yourself in nature with outdoor adventures, including mountaineering and climbing, hiking, golf, and mountain and leisure biking. queenstownnz.nz

THE MAGIC OF OTAHUNA

Otahuna, New Zealand’s most noted private historic estate, makes for an incomparable venue to enjoy a memorable dinner celebration, indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay over both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day or bestow the ultimate “stocking stuffer” in the form of a Lodge gift certificate. otahuna.co.nz

MARLBOROUGH GETAWAY

World-famous for its fabulous selection of Marlborough wines, delicious cuisine, and brilliant atmosphere, the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is on yet again, 12 February 2022. In the heart of wine country, held at the Renwick Domain, you’re invited to celebrate all there is to love about Marlborough’s wine, people, food, and landscapes. Why not sample beautiful local wines and meet the people who make them, while you learn wine and food secrets at masterclasses, indulge in sumptuous wine/food matches prepared by famous chefs, and enjoy live music from top bands? Sound like fun? Tickets are on sale from 28 October. See you there! marlboroughwinefestival.co.nz

CREATIVE SPACES

Ōtautahi Creative Spaces is a specialist creative well-being initiative supporting people with experience of mental distress. It brokers community connection and engagement with contemporary art. Artist leadership is actively supported through studio groups, mentoring, collaborative projects, and exhibitions. otautahicreativespaces.org.nz

SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE

For abundance in action, look no further than Hotel Give – Aotearoa’s first socially sustainable hotel. The YMCA has transformed its accommodation offering into a newly refurbished, contemporary hotel. Modern, centrally located, and remarkably affordable, Hotel Give is a game-changer for your next inner-city stay. Best of all, Hotel Give directs all profits back into the YMCA programmes and services that support the young people of Christchurch – so guests can sleep easy knowing they’re supporting better outcomes for our local community. Go and see for yourself! hotelgive.nz

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