CONNECTING THE DOTS

Special places CONNECTING THE DOTS

Five tourism ventures have banded together to connect visitors to Christchurch’s special places and treasures.

As visitors flood back to a city shrugging off a decade of earthquake drama, the rising tide is floating many new businesses. Unique tours and attractions have emerged – and in true Canterbury spirit they’re banding together to help promote the region as a whole. One such group is the Waitaha Tourism Collective, a collection of five businesses all led by women who are bringing a new wave of tourism to the city to complement the existing attractions. Their common purpose is ‘Tūhono tangata, tūhono taiao, tūhono taonga – Connecting people, places and treasures’. They know that from free independent travellers to luxury private tours, people want to feel inspired and connected to the places they visit and the people they meet.

From a kitchen and dining room table nestled within a bustling farmers’ market to magnificent views on top of a volcanic crater rim, from exploring the city’s special places on foot to a sunset view from a VW Kombi or a day immersed in all things wine – all five businesses celebrate the region’s rich and diverse heritage, showcasing good old-fashioned Kiwi hospitality.

RIVERSIDE KITCHEN

This light and bright space in central-city gem Riverside Market is the place to come together and learn about the best of Canterbury’s seasonal produce. You then learn to cook with it and share your creations around a beautiful handcrafted table right in the heart of the city. Kirsten Fox, a former lawyer and passionate foodie, created Riverside Kitchen directly above Riverside Market’s busy farmers’ market. With a full-time chef, Riverside Kitchen hosts product demonstrations, wine and food tastings, book launches and private dinner parties, cooking classes and much more. “We want to create a space that anyone can enjoy, from dedicated foodies to those who would prefer to watch us cook over a glass of wine. Being located directly above the market is a dream come true, as guests can tour the market with us, meet the producers and growers and then pop upstairs to watch the magic happen,” Kirsten says. riversidekitchen.co.nz

AMIKI

Ngāi Tahu duo Cate Grace and Lou McLeod’s venture AMIKI (from the universal Esperanto language meaning “to make friends”) was inspired by their lead guide, Riwai, who after the Canterbury earthquakes discovered people wanted to create memories and experience through sharing and manaakitanga. Locally owned and operated, AMIKI hosts unique inner-city walking tours that share the local culture with international and local manuhiri (visitors). The tours weave through laneways, gardens and squares, past historic buildings and landmarks, revealing gems hidden in plain sight. AMIKI share an often-forgotten Māori and European whakapapa (history) and

01 — Riverside Market

05 — Riverside Kitchen

perspective of Ōtautahi (Christchurch). But it doesn’t stop there – as keen foodies they also offer culinary-based tours designed around the preferences of the people they are hosting. “We combined our passions for storytelling with the region’s rich kai (food) and inu (drink) offerings, connecting our guests to unique people and places,” Cate says. “Our guests arrive as strangers, and by connecting to genuine local people and places we hope everyone leaves as friends, with wonderful memories of our home town.” amiki.nz CRATER RIM WALKS

Nicole Elwood’s parents are the inspiration behind her venture, Crater Rim Walks. For years they organised guided Sunday walks and have passed that knowledge on to their daughter, who now offers daily walks sharing panoramic views, picturesque bays and quaint little coffee spots. Her team of local guides offer a personal but expert service, enabling visitors to explore off the beaten track. There are four walks to choose from, each taking you to the Crater Rim on the top of the Port Hills, surrounding the

02 — Crater Rim Walks 03 — AMIKI

04 — Caroline’s Kombi Tours

06 — Caroline’s Kombi Tours 07 — Explore Waipara Wine Tours

caldera of the ancient volcano. This affords amazing views of the rugged Pacific coastline stretching across Pegasus Bay to the often snow-capped Southern Alps, as well as the picturesque Lyttelton harbour and wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Each walk offers something different, so walkers can experience a fantastic walk for a single day or extend the experience for up to four days. “Each day showcases our beautiful backyard and we aim to make sure our guests have a fantastic day in every way,” Nicole says. craterrimwalks.co.nz CAROLINE’S KOMBI TOURS

The VW Kombi has become a Kiwi icon representing freedom and touring beautiful landscapes, so what better way to see New Zealand? Caroline’s Kombi Tours are all set in one of the most stunning natural playgrounds in the world – the Port Hills, Banks Peninsula and greater Christchurch. “Seeing the sun set on the Southern Alps is beyond magical,” Caroline says. “Ōtautahi is being rebuilt and regenerated, intertwining the old and the new.” Caroline and husband Murray host, and their tours showcase the stunning Canterbury scenery, settler history, contemporary Māori art and local delicacies. “All our tours are in the iconic mint-green VW Kombi vans. We bake fresh Anzac biscuits and serve hot and cold drinks from our hamper to share with our guests.” cktours.nz

EXPLORE WAIPARA WINE TOURS

Explore Waipara’s mission is “sharing our passion of the wines, the people and the region of Waipara” and they do this with a focus on bespoke, wine-focused tours. Kaye is an avid wine

08 — AMIKI

enthusiast, passionate about sharing the region with others. The tours are a full day and include lunch as well as a fabulous selection of wineries and wines. Informative and knowledgeable about the region, Kaye strives to make the day the most memorable in anyone’s New Zealand itinerary. It’s the little things that make the difference, and of course you can’t make wine in ugly places. Through Explore Waipara, you can meet the people that make North Canterbury “the coolest little wine region in the country” explorewaipara.co.nz