13 minute read

FROM HERE TO THERE

FEATURE

Here to there

Ōtautahi is the gateway to some of the most wonderful travel experiences. From the quintessential agricultural show, a rite of passage for every Cantabrian, to the burgeoning local craft beer scene producing some of the most stellar brews, to the secret pockets of the Waipara River in North Canterbury, and even the sun and sand of the Fiji islands.

We encourage you to embrace the concept of the Tiaki Promise while you experience our beautiful homeland and beyond. For Māori, this means every mountain, every river, and every tree has its own story, which in turn helps form their place in the land. Tiaki means you develop a meaningful, deep connection with place, which in turn assists us in better attitudes and behaviours.

On your way, traveller!

THE COUNTRY COMES BACK TO TOWN!

The best of rural New Zealand returns to Canterbury with The New Zealand Agricultural Show.

As the South Island’s largest community event, The New Zealand Agricultural Show has an extensive history. With 2022 welcoming its 159th year, this iconic cross-generational event brings together a passionate group of rural exhibitors, innovators, and celebrators, helping to bridge the urban-rural divide during three days packed with competition, entertainment, and fun. After a two-year absence from its traditional foundations, The Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral Association is proudly showcasing a triumphant return. It’s bigger, better, and focused on the future of our region.

Many will have memories of the rural games, and this year, it is set to return old favourites.

New Zealand Rural Games Trust founder Steve Hollander said, “The Show is an iconic South Island event, with a long relationship with rural sports like gumboot throwing, timber sports and more. We’re excited to bring some of the Rural Games offerings to Canterbury.”

On top of the traditional games, a raft of new rural-focused events for rangatahi and tamariki will premiere in 2022. Run by the New Zealand Rural Games Trust, these games are designed for our rural communities and for those interested in learning more about rural life.

Every Cantabrian child should have the opportunity to come to The Show at least once in their lives. Thanks to Kiwi Gaming Foundation, kids come for free to this year’s event. And with no cost for entering the Clash of the Colleges and Kids n’ Country, the 2022 Show will be affordable for all families. The country is truly coming to town! The Clash of the Colleges is a hands-on amazing-race-styled event developed to increase the skill level of the next generation. The Kids n’ Country event is all about having a go, with everything from hay bale racing, sack racing, cow pat throwing, pedal tractor racing, and face painting. The adults get to play too! ‘The Show’ is host to some of the best South Island craft brewers and boutique vineyards. Attendees can get the opportunity to meet people behind their favourite brew and wine, learn about the styles, and find a new drop to enjoy. General Manager Tracy Ahern said, “With our place in the world in mind, the 2022 show will feature farm-fresh meals. These climatefriendly menus will be designed to feature 75 per cent of ingredients sourced from within the Canterbury region. Through an active food recovery effort, any excess meals will be donated to the City Mission. There will also be sustainable water options throughout the park.” From livestock competitions to decadent treats to live music and fun for the entire family, The New Zealand Agricultural Show is sure to have a little something for everyone. It’s time again to support Canterbury for its biggest three-day event, and it provides the perfect opportunity to make lasting family memories. Make sure it is a part of your spring calendar, and keep your eye on what’s in store for 2022. Get ready for the best New Zealand Agricultural Show ever!

Go to theshow.co.nz – early bird tickets on sale from 1 August 2022

ŌTAUTAHI’S ALE TRAIL

Take a journey with us around the city to explore the microbrewers handcrafting exceptional beers.

Over the hill is Eruption Brewing, Lyttleton’s beloved entry to the craft brewery scene with outstanding brews and remarkable views. Designed by one of New Zealand’s leading architects Bull O’Sullivan, the 1200L capacity brewing floor is a sight to behold as you step in the door. The quirky venue features a ground-floor fillery for a quick gas-up-and-go, but we advise settling in, making sure to order the Brewery Platter and heading to the top floor for sweeping vistas of Whakaraupō-Lyttelton Harbour. Back through the tunnel is Cassels & Sons Brewery situated at The Tannery in Woolston. Their prize-winning craft beers are brewed in one of only two operational wood-fired breweries in the world, and the pizzas baked to perfection in their wood-fired ovens bring people in from all over town. Their Milk Stout beat Guinness – yes, that Guinness – at the World Beer Awards recently, alongside a string of other accolades. If their three-time worldchamp Stout isn’t your preferred poison, pick up a Nectaron, Red or Tropican IPA from their latest Artist series while stock lasts. No local ‘Ale Trail’ is complete without Two Thumb Brewing. The original brewhouse at 352 Manchester Street is an ideal spot if you’re looking for an intimate, rustic setting near the heart of the city. This cosy spot can comfortably seat you indoors, or you can grab a seat in the afternoon sun. Their second location, Two Thumb on Colombo, is the place to go if you’re looking for a spot that offers a selection of craft beers, local wines, and expertly chosen gin selection and cocktails. Back east, Christchurch’s award-winning Three Boys Brewery is the whole package: live music, a comfy lounge, and a selection of brews made on-site with the best local ingredients. Here you can drink amongst the vats, and you’ll find the infamous Oyster Stout – the country’s most awarded beer – made with the addition of Bluff Oysters. Three Boys also support local businesses by rotating food trucks every Friday at their Woolston location. On the other side of the park, hidden back off the street several blocks along Riccarton Road is the intimate Volstead Brewing Co. Focused on a relaxed atmosphere with great finger food designed to share – like Jalapeño Poppers or their famous Hop Corn Chicken – enjoy a beer or three in the cosy, inviting bar. After years of selling New Zealand’s best beer, they took on the challenge of brewing themselves with their Riwaka Hazy and Mosaic Hazy among the highly recommended and most drinkable drops. Fill a rigger or stay for the evening exploring their noteworthy range of local, national, and international beers. Venturing further west, take flight to Wigram Brewing. With a 20-tap selection including classic Euro-styled staples Bavarian Pilsner and Vienna Lager, the fillery is a perfect heading to set your instruments to! Craft Beer Tours take on a whole different shape at Hangar57 with a range of activities to suit any visit. ‘Beer 101’ is a basic introduction with a quick tour, tasters, and curly fries. The ‘Brew Master’ tour ups the ante with two hours of activities, hot and cold platters on offer, and a cider and gin tasting thrown in for good measure. ‘My Brewery Session’ is personalised and perfect for private functions. Christchurch’s craft beer scene is burgeoning, with new brewers constantly joining the fray. It’s the perfect time to get out there and explore the offerings from our champions in brewing.

SOUTHBANK SECRETS

It’s a little-known secret that there is a North Canterbury road where three awardwinning wineries and a sculpture park sit within six minutes’ drive of each other.

Forty-five minutes up SH1 at the Glasnevin turn-off, hang a left onto George’s Road to find 2021 Organic Winery of the Year Terrace Edge Vineyard and Olive Grove. This sun-drenched terrace descends sharply down to the Waipara River, creating an exceptional place for growing grapes. A sheep farm little over two decades ago, the Chapman family converted the land believing premium wine is first handcrafted in the vineyard, with each growing location specifically selected to express the most desirable qualities in the different wines. Their beautiful fruit is then transformed into pure, artisan wines. Rated Trip Advisor’s #1 Thing to Do in Waipara, a standard tasting of five wines from their range is just $10 and complimentary upon purchase of wine. Their Wine & Food Experience is hands down the best way to experience the art of wine and food pairing – a seated tasting of thoughtfully prepared local creations matched with five wines in the picturesque setting. Bookings are essential! All of three minutes further west, discover the appropriately named George’s Road Wines. This eight-hectare estate produces some of NZ’s finest Syrah and Pinot Gris, along with its perennial customer favourite – Les Terrasses Rosé. Bright pink, with gentle watermelon and spice flavours, this hand-picked, indigenous yeast ferment is instantly appealing. Winemaker Kirk Bray believes in winemaking with a natural touch and is intimately involved in all aspects of production. He loves sharing stories of the vineyard and encourages booking online so he can personally guide you through the wines. At $12 per person, take a behindthe-scenes tour of the winery and taste their current selection. Relax on their Winery Lawn and taste the fare of local provedores with the ‘Craft your own Antipasto’ option. If you’ve enjoyed yourself too much, extend your stay in the region and stay at their stunning WinePod accommodation. Located in a private area of the vineyard with incredible views and a hot tub, it’s a perfect base for further exploration of Waipara. Five minutes further on, uncover The Bone Line, named for a geological layer of fossilised remains from over 65 million years ago. This intimate family-owned business makes wine exclusively from the vineyard they began planting in 1989. The sheltered topography of their site allows experimentation beyond the normally planted selections in Waipara, providing a wide range of varieties and a seriously impressive library of wines. Drawing inspiration from the French and staying true to traditional winemaking, their vintages are an expression of terroir or how the soils, climate, and aspect all influence and reflect the true nature of wines. Drop into their cellar door for a highly recommended Cabernet Franc or toasty Sharkstone Chardonnay. After a day in your cups, stretch your legs along their Vineyard Walkway and explore their tangible connection to the earth on an informative jaunt through the vines and across the landscape. Last but certainly not least is the Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park. Sculptor Raymond Herber purchased the abandoned lime works in 1997 and transformed the quarry into a magical wonderland. His own work, along with guest artists, lies carefully curated around the dramatic landscape, nestled in under the shadow of the breathtaking hillside. Entry is $16 per person, and children under 16 are free. Picnics are welcomed and open hours vary, so make sure to check the website.

A stay that takes you away

Centred in the emerging vibrancy of the CBD, contrasted with natural scenes of the Alps and river, Fable Christchurch welcomes you with open arms. Whether you are looking for an exciting city escape or a night in the lap of luxury, Fable Christchurch offers the best of both worlds. Immerse yourself in what Ōtautahi has to offer: history, art, and culture bundled together to create the perfect modern-day stay. Fable sets the standard in luxury accommodation and dining, with exceptional guest service to match. Each room showcases a new level of design, stretching from the door to every corner. The restaurants, features, and facilities make for a simple yet sophisticated stay. The rooms are designed to accommodate a variety of groups, from a romantic night for two to a family staycation. Make yourself comfortable by visiting the hotel restaurant, set in a relaxed bistro atmosphere with a menu tailored by the talented kitchen staff. As the centre stage of the Fable Christchurch experience, sustainably sourced seafood is presented alongside fresh produce; the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Gin Bar features artisanal cocktails designed to enhance the menu offering alongside a variety of wines. It is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day exploring the city.

WE LOVE Gym and sauna | Restaurant and bar | In-room security safes | Valet car parking Daily housekeeping | Accessible guest rooms and elevators

We Are Open!

The Beating Heart of Fiji Your New Playground is Open

Sheraton Denarau Villas is perfect for families, friends and larger holiday groups with our spacious villas, private terraces and fully equipped kitchens. With sister hotel Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort right next door, the resort is an extension of the largest and newest playground in Fiji. Villa guests can enjoy all the benefits of Fiji’s only integrated 5-star resort complex, which includes several restaurants, four swimming pools and recreational facilities for all ages.

Our newly transformed resort is Fiji’s newest and largest playground invites guests to enjoy revitalized culinary experiences at the Tatavu Grill & Bar for elemental dining, embracing the full essence of Fiji. Indulge in the ‘Festival of For reservations call +679.675.9999 or visit Marriott.com/NANDS the Senses’ at Island 619 with its vibrant live kitchen Email: reservations.denarauvillas@sheraton.com presenting a variety of local and international cuisines. Stop Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort by for a refreshing coffee and sandwich to go at 28g, Sheraton Denarau Villas famous for its Island Coffee Culture. Explore a range of DENARAU ISLAND WEST, activities including Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort’s P.O. BOX 9081, Side by Side program, easily accessible championship 18 NADI, FIJI hole golf course, cultural entertainments, explore our Denarau Farm or enjoy relaxing spa treatments before you retire into your modern, chic and comfortable rooms.

For reservations call +679.6750 777Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort is Fiji’s newest and largest or +679.910 3900playground, inviting locals and travelers to enjoy meaningful or visit Marriott.com/NANSI.connections and elevated guest experiences. The resort offers Email: reservations@sheratonfiji.comworld class setting, service and scale of hospitality to Fiji, delivering new standards for dining, conferencing and events. sheratonfiji sheratonfiji

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call +679.6750 777 or +679.910 3900 or visit Marriott.com/NANSI.

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