2022
The Essential List
A pocket guide to your outof-Wellington experience.
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Kia ora With a new public holiday to celebrate our indigenous culture, there’s no better excuse to get away and discover more of beautiful Aotearoa. The rising of the Matariki star cluster ushers in new beginnings, encourages us to reflect on the past, and signals the winter solstice, with lighter days to come. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of desirable destinations for the ultimate staycation, to rejuvenate you before the final slog to spring. Whether you’re chilling with the penguins in Ōamaru, soaking in the Hawke’s Bay sun, adventuring around Christchurch, or taking in the stunning vistas of the Waikato, we’ve included something for everyone. From the Capital team
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Waikato
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Waitaki Canterbury
Road bingo
Let us bring some peace to your journey with this game of car-window bingo. The rules are simple - if you see an item, cross it off. The first one to spot them all shouts BINGO and gets a chocolate fish at the next petrol station.
Plane
Hitchhiker
Fish & chip shop
Horse
Sheep Old church in a field
Scooter
Seagull
Playground
Cyclist
Road cone
Police car
Yellow car
Dog being walked Campervan
Waikato Hamilton / Raglan / Cambridge
Best known for Its massive dairy industry
Travel time 6 hours from Wellington
Fun fact The Waikato river is the longest in the country at 425km
In brief Hobbits and surfing
With the surf mecca of Raglan, the picturesque horse-breeding town of Cambridge, the Hamilton Gardens, and New Zealand’s longest river dividing it in two, Waikato has everything to make for an unforgettable trip north. The region has a number of great features including cave systems inhabited by glowworms, world-class surf breaks, amazing hikes, and some of the closest Kauri trees to Wellington.
Mary’s picks:
Mary Spacapan is an oil painter and sculptor who lives in Raglan. Originally from the USA, she took a holiday a few years ago and fell in love with the Waikato’s wild landscapes and artistic culture. “I found you can quickly make friends here. I love the lifestyle gifted by this place: the horse riding, supportive community, rural and beach lifestyle.” You can see her paintings on her Instagram (@m.spacapan). Café INDI is a sweet little hideaway, off the beaten track. You’re bound to run into someone to have a good yarn with, and there are plenty of places to tuck away for a good read.
Activity Raglan Kayak and Paddleboarding is a one stop shop for daytime activities. Rent a kayak and paddle over to the other side of the harbour and explore the limestone formations and private beaches around the coast.
Shopping Explore Raglan’s Bow Street, stopping at Show Off, the main gallery for my work. You will also find hats by local hat maker Labour of Wild, and a collection of gorgeous pounamu pieces. Walk your way to Rivet, a beautiful collection of vintage homewares, then to Tony Sly’s ceramics studio located at the wharf. Road trip essentials
Book Deborah Challinor, Behind the Sun Eat Find a cute corner booth tucked away at Isobar on Bow Street. A favourite spot for visitors and locals alike. You can also grab some yum fish and chips from Jo’s Takeaways then head up to the lookout at Ngaranui Beach to catch the sunset and watch the waves roll in.
Film Bruce Brown, The Endless Summer (1966) Song The Datsuns, Harmonic Generator
Rivet Rivet, a hidden gem inside an old dairy factory in Raglan. With the owners’ penchant for the unique, they have curated a gallery space with a vintage, industrial flair. Objects reconfigured for modern use sit alongside genuine vintage furniture and lighting, as well as beautiful local art and homewares. This is a place not to miss. rivetvintage.co.nz 58 Wallis St, Raglan 027 412 7082
Classics Museum We've got over 100 classic cars, but that's not all. Our collection encompasses a range of interests including an extensive array of petrol memorabilia: enamel signs, pumps, tins, and oil bottles. As one of Hamilton's top attractions, there's something Classic for the whole family.
classicsmuseum.co.nz 11 Railside Pl, Dinsdale 07 957 2230
Artisan and Merchant Artisan and Merchant is a clothing and homeware boutique based in Raglan that gives a sh*t. Gives a sh*t about quality, gives a sh*t about design, and we most definitely give a sh*t about our environment! Alongside our own locally produced clothing label Honest John, we stock homewares and accessories from New Zealand and around the world, focusing on ethically produced pieces. artisanandmerchant.co.nz 1B Wainui Rd, Raglan 07 825 8250
Grey Roasting Co. Through owning successful cafés and competing in barista championships, Dove’s gained a vast knowledge of the value of true hospitality and the amazing things that can happen over a great cup of coffee. Roasting coffee was Dove’s next journey. Sourcing highquality beans and roasting them to showcase their best attributes, GRC supplies homes and cafés where the best brews are found. greyroastingco.com 021 531 308
Hawke’s Bay Napier / Hastings / Havelock North
Best known for Vino!
Travel time 4.5 hours from Wellington
Fun fact The region produces more than 40,000 tons of wine grapes annually
In brief Beaches, baches, and Bacchus
A go-to holiday destination summer and winter, Hawke’s Bay is a food and wine drawcard with extensive vineyards, food production, and an established culinary culture. Combining amazing settlements like art deco Napier, and coastline from Waimārama to the Māhia Peninsula, Hawke’s Bay is just a half-day’s road trip from Wellington and offers activities and experiences for all ages and tastes.
Shopping Napier farmers market on Saturday is really nice and relaxed, it’s less crowded than the big one on Sunday in Hastings. It’s in Clive Square, right in town with all the art deco buildings, a really nice setting.
Billie’s picks:
Billie Culy is a Napier painter and photographer. She and her partner returned to her hometown from London at the start of the pandemic. The Hawke’s Bay landscape and lifestyle have proved too much of a draw, and the couple have no plans to leave just yet. “We love Napier, the city by the sea has been a constant inspiration for me.” Billie shows in Wellington at Kaukau and at @billieculy. Café Hapi is one of my favourite places. Beautiful coffee with incredible organic kai and fresh pressed juices.
Outdoors Bell Rock (Maungaharuru Range) is a good day hike. There are many other options in the same area such as Shine falls, but Bell Rock has the most unreal views and rock formations.
Activity Waipatiki beach is about a half hour drive out of Napier. It’s a stunning journey along the coast, and the beach is beautiful and great for swimming.
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Eat Central Fire Station Bistro for a special dining experience: locally sourced ingredients and pretty amazing building to dine in. I would also recommend Vinci’s. They make the best Negroni, which they bottle on site, while also having an incredible natural wine and beer fridge. Sourdough pizza by the slice and sitting outside on the street with a drink is my idea of a dream Summer evening.
Road trip essentials
Book Lizzie Bisley, Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist Film David White, This Town (2020) Song Metronomy, The Bay
The Department of Curiosities & Fine Things The Department of Curiosities and Fine Things is a curated collection of Aotearoa’s finest makers in the fields of craft, art, and design. It is a treasure trove of creative thinking and refreshing design, all made by people who are passionate about what they do. thedepartment.info 14 Hastings St, Napier 022 428 2262
MTG Hawke’s Bay Nature Culture is a new exhibition of Hawke’s Bay artists and collection items, with each art work expressing a less acquisitive connection with the living world, be it aesthetic or philosophical. The exhibition celebrates the depth and diversity of our relationship with the natural world.
Gently, 2019. Billie Culy
mtghawkesbay.com 1 Tennyson St, Napier 06 835 7781
Madisons Located in a beautiful, lightfilled space in the heart of Napier, Madisons has a carefully curated selection of unique furniture and homewares. Artfully styled by the knowledgeable staff, customers can truly experience the pieces and envisage them in their own space. The growth of our interior styling sees the launch of custom made curtains, cushions, and textiles. madisons.co.nz 79 Tennyson St, Napier 06 835 0056
Craggy Range Craggy Range is focused on becoming a producer that can comfortably sit alongside the great wineries of the world. Their Giant’s Winery site provides an immersive visitor experience; the restaurant has a focus on local produce, while the cellar door offers intimate seated tastings. Boutique accommodation offers luxury in the vines – from lodges to vineyard cottages. craggyrange.com 253 Waimarama Rd, Havelock North 06 873 7126
The Urban Winery & Tony Bish Wines The Urban Winery is in the iconic art deco National Tobacco Company building in Ahuriri, Napier. We are a working winery, producing wines made from chardonnay by Tony Bish. We are open Wednesday to Sunday for tapas, meals, wine and craft beer tastings, with a wide range of wines available to buy. Open late Friday and Saturday nights with awesome live music. theurbanwinery.co.nz 3 Ossian St, Ahuriri, Napier 06 650 3353
Glow?
Go with the glow with this goodie box.
Inside you’ll find a ceramic candle holder, two colourful candles, and an issue of Capital mag.
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Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre
Toitoi is Hawke’s Bay’s most vibrant and significant arts, culture, and events facility. Located in Hastings CBD, with the 107-year-old Opera House at its heart, Toitoi offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring heritage architecture and modern technology. This award-winning venue is like no other in Aotearoa, and offers a diverse programme, ensuring something for everyone. Check out their website to see what’s on and experience the wonder for yourself.
toitoivenues.co.nz 101 Hastings St, Hastings 06 871 5289 Toitoi is the cultural heart of the Hastings community
With a wide range of events, there’s something for everyone
Take in a show next time you’re in Hawke’s Bay
Hawthorne Coffee Roasters
Situated in Havelock North, Hawthorne Coffee Roasters has roasted for the coffee lovers of Hawke’s Bay and beyond since 1999. The Hawthorne Espresso Bar is a bona fide institution in the village. Here you can relax with a fresh brew and delicious locally sourced treats while viewing the roasting process as your fresh beans are bagged for you to take home. The full range of Hawthorne’s award-winning specialty coffees are available via their website for overnight nationwide delivery.
hawthornecoffee.co.nz 23 Napier Rd, Havelock North 06 877 1113 Order fresh Hawthorne Coffee online for overnight delivery
View the roasting and sample coffee in the espresso bar
Master roasters of award winning 100% arabica coffee
Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga
A home for contemporary art in Heretaunga, Hastings City Art Gallery challenges, inspires, excites, and educates visitors and residents alike. With headline shows from Aotearoa and beyond, alongside talented local artists, there’s something for everyone at Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga. Head to the Gallery’s website or social media to see its diverse programme of exhibitions, talks, workshops, and events, and pop in next time you’re in the Bay.
hastingscityartgallery.co.nz 201 Eastbourne St East, Hastings 06 871 5095 Nikau Hindin: Kōkōrangi ki Kōkōwai, on until May 22
Jess Johnson & Simon Ward: Terminus, on until October 24
Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga has something to inspire everyone
Canterbury Akaroa / Methven / Geraldine
Best known for Post-quake regeneration
Travel time 4.5 hours from Picton
Fun fact Christchurch was built around its cathedral
In brief City living meets adventure
With beautiful small towns and a cosmopolitan city at its heart, the Christchurch area offers idyllic spots for experiencing the spectacular autumn colours of the South Island. There’s lots to do: the Southern Alps offer high adrenaline adventures while fishing, cycling, and jetboating are standbys on the plains of Canterbury. For urban adventures the city offers a strong restaurant culture and many boutique shopping experiences catering to fashion, art, and design.
Kitty’s picks: Shopping The Crossing has some fabulous shops in the city centre. Riverside Market is a great indoor market with delicious food, cafés, and bars. Kitty Williams is a recipe developer and food influencer. She moved to Christchurch seven years ago to be with her partner George. Kitty runs an Instagram page that blew up over lockdown, Kitty’s Kitchen (@kittys_kitchen). She posts recipes and creates foodie content for her followers. “Kitty’s Kitchen is a great creative outlet for me and I feel so lucky that it’s my full-time job.” Café Grab a coffee from Dot Com in Sumner. I love a mocha and the chocolate they use is deliciously rich. They also make the most incredible cakes.
Activity Every Saturday the Christchurch farmers market is on. It’s a gorgeous market with fresh produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, and more. There’s usually a musician playing too which creates a lovely atmosphere.
Outdoors Taylor’s Mistake is the most beautiful scenic walk, around a cliff with stunning ocean views. Walking along Sumner beach is gorgeous too, I take my pugs there most mornings. Road trip essentials
Book Ngaio Marsh, Died in the wool Eat King of Snake is my absolute favourite. It’s a newly kitted-out restaurant on The Terrace, city centre, and the Asian fusion food is to die for. Do yourself a favour when you dine here and order the crayfish brioche slider with spicy Asian mayo, thank me later!
Film Peter Jackson, Heavenly Creatures (1994) Song Marlon Williams, What's Chasing You?
Christchurch Adventure Park
The Christchurch Adventure Park is 15 minutes from the centre of town and is the ultimate outdoor playground for all ages. Activities include walking, biking, hiking, and ziplining. Younger adventure seekers might spot some fairy doors hidden throughout the village, burn off some energy on the free pump track, the beginners’ loop, or bounce on the trampoline. Others may simply watch the action unfold around them as they enjoy a delicious meal or drink from the café and bar.
christchurchadventurepark.com 225 Worsleys Rd, Cracroft 0508 247 478 Mountain Biking: Bike rentals, lift passes and lessons available
Sightseeing: The best views in town
Café & Bar: Delicious food and craft beer
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Escape to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. Just 90 minutes north of Christchurch, it’s New Zealand’s ultimate spot to unwind. Soak in one of 22 outdoor pools, including relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools, and AquaTherapy pools. Indulge at the luxurious day spa with a range of treatments, private pools, sauna and steam rooms. Or chase thrills on the hydroslides, including Conical Thrill, the largest aquatic thrill ride in the country. The choice is yours. Quite simply, the best place.
hanmersprings.co.nz 42 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs 03 315 0000 Escape to The Spa at Hanmer Springs, a world away
Enjoy your own slice of tranquillity in our private pools
Act like a kid on one of four hydroslides
Grater Goods
Grater Goods is a vegan delicatessen and bistro in Christchurch, specialising in fine vegan meats and cheeses. Established in August 2018 by husband and wife duo Flip Grater and Youssef Iskrane, Grater Goods’ kaupapa is to bring you all the pleasures of fine foods and gourmet, plant-based deli items. We'll show you the breadth of plant proteins: delicious vegan meats, cheeses, and pâtés. Dine-in and takeaway kai available.
gratergoods.co.nz 105 Orbell St, Sydenham 027 289 9295 Try our delectable range of vegan deli meats and cheeses
The café has a range of options for all cravings
Our cookbook can be found at most bookstores or online!
Indigo & Provisions Indigo & Provisions is an independent retail store in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Our motto is “Quality Goods, Made To Last”. We are passionate about brands who have a story to tell, and products that help you tell your own story. We are exclusive stockists of most of our international brands, giving you access to products otherwise unavailable in New Zealand. indigoandprovisions.com Level 1, 28 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
Action Bicycle Club Action Bicycle Club is the way to experience the wonder of everyday cycling. Our Christchurch store offers the best in city, adventure, electric, and cargo bikes as well as functional and fashionable bike apparel and accessories. We provide visitors the best way to discover Christchurch through our bike rental. Together, we can build liveable, cycle-friendly cities to be proud of. actionbicycleclub.com 8 Walker St, Christchurch 03 261 9197
SiloStay Little River Converted from virgin grain silos, SiloStay is a unique, luxuriously comfortable accommodation experience. Totally bespoke, with modern design, SiloStay represents award-winning Kiwi ingenuity, and is only 45 minutes from Christchurch Airport on SH75. It makes for the ideal base for couples to target the whole of Banks Peninsula, with accessible options available. silostay.kiwi.nz 4243 Christhcurch-Akaroa Highway 03 325 1977
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Waitaki Ōamaru / Moeraki / Kurow
Best known for Blue penguins
Travel time 7 hours from Picton, 3 hours from Christchurch
Fun fact Ōamaru stone is a type of compacted limestone exclusive to the town
In brief The best of the South Island in one district
The Waitaki region stretches from the Southern Alps to the ocean, making for a varied landscape with geological features like the Elephant Rocks, Lake Ōhau, and the Moeraki Boulders. Built from local limestone and boasting beautiful period architecture, the coastal town of Ōamaru flourished in the late 1800s, and was revived in recent decades by its stock of heritage Ōamaru-stone buildings – more than 70 of which are registered as Category 1 or 2 by Heritage New Zealand.
Michael’s picks:
Michael O'Brien is a bookbinder and brewer from Ōamaru. He runs Craftwork Brewery, creating small batches of awardwinning Belgian-style ales. Originally from Whangārei and Auckland, he moved to the town in 1994 after a long search for the right place. “Traditional stone architecture and landscape, with a community aspiration of creating a living Victorian town at work clinched the deal.” Café The best spot is Tees Street Café, opposite the Gothic spire of St. Luke's Church.
Evening View the rare yellow-eyed penguins at Bushy Beach, then see the little blues at the colony afterwards – they come in later in the evening. Activity Strolling around the historic buildings, admiring the best collection of Victorian buildings in Aotearoa, and exploring the quirky shops and galleries. Also visit the rock drawings at Taikaroa, made by some of the first people in our land.
Outdoors The Alps to Ocean is our longest cycle trail, starts at Mt Cook /Aoraki, and ends in Ōamaru. One normally needs a beer after that! There are several short scenic walks around Ōamaru with beautiful views of the harbour, the town, and the Kakanui mountains, best done early morning or evenings. The view from Cape Wanbrow above the penguin colony is gorgeous. Road trip essentials
Eat We are spoilt for choice: Cucina, Riverstone Kitchen; Pen-y-bryn and Casa Nova House are two historic luxury lodges with food to match. Bangkok Recipe for Thai food, at least two Indian restaurants to choose from, and plenty of traditional fish and chip shops which are all good. Drink Naturally I would recommend Craftwork Brewery! Instagram @craftworkbrewery
Book Janet Frame, Owls Do Cry Film Jane Campion, An Angel at My Table (1990) Song The Plainsmen, Ballad of the Waitaki
Inc. Design Store We are a concept store showcasing special edition works by independent designers. Visiting the store is an experience; look up to the high Victorian arch windows, the ambient bespoke NZ-made lighting, breathe in the scent in the air. You’ll be greeted with a smile, and told the stories behind the products, the space itself, and the concept of our curation. incdesignstore.co.nz 6 Itchen St, Ōamaru 021 226 6292
Moeraki Tavern Moeraki Tavern is the perfect place to unwind and take in all the beauty that the scenic town of Moeraki has to offer. Relax with uninterrupted ocean views while enjoying some of the classic dishes from our restaurant. Our juicy ribeye steak, Moeraki seafood chowder, and blue cod are all crowd favourites. Call to book, we will see you soon. moerakitavern.com 144 Haven St, Moeraki 03 439 4705
High Country Salmon A boutique, 100% New Zealand, family-owned salmon farm situated in the glacial waters of the Mackenzie District hydro canals. A wide range of salmon products are available for online ordering, with NZ-wide delivery. There is a floating café and fish shop on-site, with free fish feeding and a Catch-A-Fish experience. The freshest salmon - from glacier to plate. highcountrysalmon.co.nz 2602 Twizel-Omarama Rd, Twizel 0800 400 385
Pen-y-bryn Lodge A luxury boutique accommodation offering refined guest rooms and superb cuisine in a lovingly restored Victorian mansion overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the town of Ōamaru. The ideal base for exploring this charming region, famed for exceptional architecture, unique arts, beautiful scenery, and the famed blue and yelloweyed penguins. penybryn.co.nz 41 Towey St, Holmes Hill, Ōamaru 03 434 7939
Oamaru Heritage Tours
As a fifth generation Kiwi from a farming background, my passion for conservation of Aotearoa’s ecological, cultural character expands dramatically in Ōamaru buildings. Regularly restored and refurbished, they tell their own fascinating stories. My 21 years in local government; my assistance with setting up Totara Estate for New Zealand’s Frozen Meat Centenary in 1982; and my running of Ōamaru’s first Heritage Celebration in 1987, all factor into my historic knowledge and experience taking tours. I also offer Maritime tours, Architecture tours, and Cemetery tours.
18 Wansbeck St, Ōamaru 027 434 1173 Headstones and Stories Tour at the Ōamaru Cemetery All tours are backed with historical photographs of the times Our streets are bustling with culture and history