QT Magazine Summer 2011 by BG Media

qtmagazine SUMMER 2011

• CROMWELL

Photo Darren Caulton

QUEENSTOWN • ARROWTOWN • WANAKA

this issue summer 2011 NEWS briEF 6 & 7. NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION ProFilES 7. NEW LOOK MAYOR FOR QUEENSTOWN LAKES 8. LOCAL TALK – PROFILING LOCAL TALENT 12. SUSAN STEVENS – GIBBSTON RIVER TRAIL GURU 14. SECRETS OF AN ARROWTOWN GOLDMINER 15. CAVIT&CO DESIGN STORE LAUNCHED 28. RILEAN HOMES -SUSTAINABLE BUILDING INNOVATION arTiSTS 16 & 17. SHOWCASING LOCAL ARTISTS EVENTS 26. CHALLENGE WANAKA – MAJOR MULTISPORT FIXTURE 27. REGIONAL EVENT CALENDAR SHoPPiNG 10. SUMMER SHOPPING AT ARTHUR BARNETT 11. ARROWTOWN FASHION STORES TAKE A LEAD WiNE 9. AMISFIELD WINERY BISTRO –“GROWN NOT MADE” 25.WINE TOURS WITH FUNNY FRENCH CARS 23. SCOTT BASE VINEYARD MAKES ITS MARK 32. WINE EXPERT ALAN BRADY ON WINE AWARDS 32. BOOK REVIEW –PINOT CENTRAL 35. THE WINEHOUSE WELCOMES GIBBSTON RIVER TRAIL ouTdoorS 19. LAKES LEISURE HOSTS SUMMER ACTIVITIES 20. WANAKA’S PUZZLING WORLD TAKES NEW TWIST 22. WATER SKIING ON THE EDGE caFÉ dirEcTorY 30. CENTRAL OTAGO CAFÉ REVIEWS TaSTE 29. NEW SEASON’S KITCHEN AND HOMEWARE FROM ARTHUR BARNETT 33. THREESIXTY RESTAURANT –DEGUSTATION DELIGHT 34. THE BUNKER –UNDERSTATED DINING

QT Magazine is published quarterly by QT publishing and printed by OdT print. Managing Editor Margo Berryman margo@bgmedia.co.nz. Editor Jenny McLeod mcleod@queenstown.co.nz design Jo Ruthven jo@fetchnz.com photography Julian Grimmond julian@bgmedia.co.nz print hannah@odtprint.co.nz Cover: Amisfield Winery Lake Hayes. Photographer Darren Caulton.

NEWS

News from around the region with Jenny McLeod

Sam Hazeldine QUEENSTOWN BUSINESS AWARDS CELEBRATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP Fledgling Queenstown company MedRecruit stole the show at the Westpac Queenstown Business Excellence Awards 2010 winning the Supreme Award, beating off tough competition from more established local businesses. The locum medical recruitment agency, which has grown over 100% since it was established four years ago, also won the Medium Business Award while MedRecruit founder Dr Sam Hazledine took out the Young Entrepreneur Award. Deputy Prime Minister Bill English officiated at the awards ceremony and described the event as “the best business awards ceremony I have been to in 20 years. New Zealand struggles with entrepreneurship but Queenstown celebrates it.“ Mr English presented long time Queenstown businessman and former Mayor John Davies with the Chamber of Commerce 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award highlighting his foresight and contribution as a New Zealand tourism leader. Ziptrek Ecotours won the Sustainable Tourism Award and AJ Hackett Bungy

won the Best Large Business Award while the Best Small Business Award was taken out by Ricoh Central Otago Copiers. Queenstown Chamber of Commerce CEO Ann Lockhart says the annual awards are a celebration of Queenstown business, excellence, passion and success. She says MedRecruit won the Supreme Award because of the impressive results it has achieved in a very short time. “MedRecruit also demonstrates that entrepreneurs with the right mindset can successfully create businesses with large international impact and they can do it from Queenstown.” RUGBY WORLD CUP FEVER TO HIT REGION Queenstown will be the official training venue during the 2011 Rugby World Cup for Ireland, England and Romania. Romania recently secured the final Rugby World Cup place after winning the decider against Uruguay putting to rest speculation as to which would be the third team hosted in Queenstown. Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Vanessa van Uden has welcomed the news. “I have no doubt our multicultural community will embrace these players. They are going to love it in Queenstown.” Queenstown will also host a feature match as part of the Rugby World Cup programme between the Classic All Blacks and the French Classics on September 18. The Classic All Blacks include former high profile players while the French team is expected to include members who defeated the All Blacks at the 1999 World Cup at Twickenham. Destination Queenstown General Manager of Marketing Graham Budd says New Zealand versus France rugby matches are always “an epic battle.” “We’re passionate about rugby in the south so we are really proud to have been selected to host three Rugby

World Cup teams for training. News that Queenstown will host an international calibre match featuring some of rugby’s legends is the icing on the cake.” Remarkables Market

REMARKABLES MARKET LAUNCHES NEW EXPERIENCE The recently launched Remarkables Market is expected to create a widespread following in the region with its European style atmosphere featuring food stalls, growers, vineyards, artisans and musicians. Close to the Remarkables Park Town Centre at Frankton the market runs every Saturday through summer until the end of April housed in and4.around a distinctive red farm barn. Remarkables Park Special Projects Coordinator Olivia Porter says as well as seasonal fresh produce, and award winning foods such as gourmet sausages the market sells cheese, cured meats, breads and pastries, free range eggs and many other locally produced food items. The diverse range of arts and crafts includes jewellery, kitchen and giftware and wooden toys. Ms Porter says the market welcomes entertainers and provides opportunities for school and community groups to fundraise. “We designed the Remarkables Park market to provide a place for produce growers and independent artisans to cost

effectively sell their wares and for local musicians and buskers to provide entertainment.” INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EVENT SPOTLIGHTS SOUTHERN LAKES The New Zealand tourism industry’s most significant event, Trenz, will put the Southern Lakes on show in May 2011 when it is staged for the first time in the region. Trenz has traditionally been held in Auckland, Christchurch or Rotorua and Southern Lakes Tourism Marketing Group Chairman Dave Hawkey says it is a major opportunity for tourism operators in the south. “Hosting Trenz will showcase the Southern Lakes region to influential tourism leaders and media and provide a host of buyers and exhibitors with the opportunity to experience this diverse and spectacular part of New Zealand.“ The three regions of Lake Wanaka, Queenstown and Fiordland combine

Trenz forum

to offer some of the most memorable landscapes and experiences in the country.” Trenz involves more than 1200 people and Tourism Industry Association organisers say the new location in the Southern Lakes in 2011 will be a powerful incentive for international travel and tourism buyers and media to travel to New Zealand.

PROFILE

AMISFIELD BISTRO- FOOD AND WINE HAVEN Award winning Amisfield Winery is featured on the cover of the current issue of QT Magazine underlining its profile as a leading Queenstown restaurant. Jenny McLeod visited the distinctive complex.

and the winery’s Lake Hayes vineyard. It focuses on relaxed dining and sharing food and a daily changing menu of organic and locally sourced produce highlights Amisfield’s “grown not made” sustainable approach. Executive Chef Jason Innes says it’s all about quality and consistency. “Our food is sourced from the best suppliers and we choose local and organic where possible. Fresh herbs and vegetables are picked from our onsite garden. Local artisan producers supply delicious products including stress-free, drug-free Merrellen pork, organic Highland beef, Cardrona Merino lamb and fresh fish and crayfish from Fiordland. If it’s not produced locally then we go straight to the source to access the best in the world.”

In its picturesque and timeless setting, amongst the vines overlooking the mirror waters of Lake Hayes, Amisfield Winery is recognised internationally as a haven for outstanding food, wine and service. The copper roofed building, winner of two significant architectural awards, is reminiscent of early Central Otago architecture, using timber and schist to achieve its rustic ambience. It houses the Bistro, cellar door and tasting room and is closely linked to the surrounding landscape. The Bistro has attracted prestigious cuisine awards and flows outdoors on to a classic dining courtyard backdropped by hills, mountains

The Trust the Chef concept is Amisfield Bistro’s hallmark. It’s a shared menu and a selection of dishes chosen by the chef, based on the ingredients and produce available on the day. There is also an exquisite a la carte menu designed for sharing or individual dining. Expect such delicacies as Pork belly with harissa & shaved fennel, Roast ribeye, fresh figs & vicotto, Panzanella salad with tomato, sourdough, anchovies & basil or Groper carpaccio, salted capers & grapefruit – matched with recommended flagship Amisfield or second tier Lakes Hayes wines. Desserts include macadamia, lime and coconut cake, affogato and passionfruit curd tart.

Amisfield Winery Bistro

The Amisfield Bistro experience is heightened by the attentive but unobtrusive service– always, like the food and wine, flawless and impeccable.

Deane Fluit

ONLINE FASHION FERVOUR Three young Queenstown entrepreneurs are making their presence felt in the fashion world showcasing leading New Zealand and Australian labels in their online fashion store Precious Peg. The combined talents of Sonia Ross, Lani Kennedy-Arnott and James Arnott have produced the creative online store targeting 20 to 50-year-old women around the world. “We are getting a lot of interest from both New Zealand and overseas because of our high profile brands which include Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, Zambesi, LIFEwithBIRD and Stolen Girlfriends Club. We are excited about adding Huffer’s high end range, Juliet Hogan, Maaike, Twentysevennames, Stitch Ministry and Kathryn Wilson shoes next season.” With the demand for on line shopping constantly growing Precious Peg is looking to be part of that growth. “As well as attending New Zealand Fashion Week we are planning to be at Australia Fashion Week where we can meet designers and keep current with what is happening across the Tasman. We feel we are already creating an awareness internationally and because we are online we are not restricted by seasons which makes us attractive to overseas shoppers.” But local fashion followers are also important and Precious Peg plans fashion parades in Queenstown at the beginning of each season –“to give people a chance to see some of our innovative and exciting online range.” www.preciouspeg.com JM

HELPING HAND When Wanaka draughtsman and builder, Deane Fluit received a request to help out as an assessor following the devastating Canterbury earthquake in September 2010 he was on the next plane to Christchurch. He had already worked as an assessor in Wanaka, after an earthquake there three years ago. “I’d done an Earthquake Commission course where we were trained to assess the cost of damage to buildings, and work out the most cost efficient repair strategy. Then bingo there was an earthquake in Wanaka. In Christchurch the damage was very similar, albeit on a much larger scale and we were dealing with people who were in a pretty emotional, stressed state.” Deane has been one of a team of 300 estimators and assessors working for the Earthquake Commission in Christchurch during the aftermath of the earthquake. “At the peak we were assessing over 2,000 homes a week and there were over 112,000 claims to deal with.” Deane says in spite of the widespread damage the New Zealand building code has ensured that homes in Christchurch have “basically stood up pretty well. The most damaged homes were those where the land has been affected.” He has seen gaps in properties up to half a metre wide and a metre deep and places where the land has moved up or down half a metre. There has also been liquefaction where silt has risen up to the surface.” Dean has put in huge hours working on the earthquake assessment team and has been more than happy to make a contribution even though it has taken him away from family, his Wanaka building business and fly fishing! “At times it’s been tough but nothing like the difficult times many Canterbury people have had to face over the last few months.” VM

Photo Jackie Gay

LOCAL TALK

L-R: Lani Kennedy-Arnott, James Arnott, Sonia Ross

MOBILE TECH Every cloud has a silver lining, so the saying goes. Certainly true for Malcolm King after visiting Canada turned into an opportunity for him in Queenstown. “I was working in Canada for two years as a technician with Toyota, snowboarding in my time off. The work inspired me when I returned to Queenstown to look at going it on my own with the skills I had learned.” It was a no brainer really. His passion for cars and ten year’s experience with Toyota in both New Zealand and Canada inspired him to establish his mobile servicing business - Tech 2 U Ltd. “In Canada I worked for Northern Toyota which was great experience particularly learning so much about the business side of the industry. Because of the harsh Canadian conditions people really take vehicle maintenance and servicing seriously.” Malcolm has a string of impressive Toyota technician qualifications and his Queenstown venture specialises in personalised mechanical servicing for Toyota and Lexus vehicles, providing a service normally only found in the larger cities. “Essentially my customers are those people who want to have their own mechanic work on their vehicle which means I go to their home or workplace and do all the servicing there. I am a one-stop-shop and have access to everything I need do the job on the spot.” Malcolm was brought up in Central Otago and couldn’t wait to qualify as a mechanic. “I started tinkering with cars when I was about 12 and used to work part-time through high school and went straight into the trade when I left school. Now I am living the dream!” MB Malcolm King

Vanessa van Uden

NEW MAYOR MAKES HISTORY Vanessa van Uden made history at the recent local body elections by becoming the Queenstown Lakes District’s first female mayor. She polled more than twice as many votes as her nearest rival and has signalled she will take a hard line on council spending. Jenny McLeod reports. Vanessa, 43, served just one term as a Queenstown Lakes councillor, from 2007-2010 and the “top job” was permanently on her radar. “I always had a vision of being mayor and frustrations during my three years as a councillor persuaded me to stand. It was all or nothing and now that I am in the office I intend to deliver a council with cost effective and efficient services.” Vanessa is no stranger to council operations at the coal face, after working for a period as Contracts Manager for the Queenstown Lakes District Council. Backed up by commerce and MBA qualifications she “learned a lot in the job” before changing roles to become a consultant. Her work with the council piqued her interest in joining the council ranks to try and bring about changes she felt were important to the efficient running of the local authority. As a councillor she was outspoken and often a lone voice. She is well aware that as mayor she will be unable to achieve changes without support. “I realise I am just one vote but I am hoping for an agreed direction. In my first week as mayor I met each councillor individually to discuss their aspirations and mine. “

Obviously we will disagree on different things but I am convinced we need to select an agenda of four or five key issues which we are committed to and focused on over the next three years.” Issues include controlling costs with a view to keeping rates down, new sporting facilities in Wanaka and creating a cohesive plan for the development of the Frankton Flats. Vanessa describes herself as a straight shooter. “I don’t do games well and all I want is people to be honest with me. I personally do my research and don’t open my mouth until I’m sure I know what I’m talking about.” Her message to the community is that ratepayers and residents can expect to be much more involved. “There is no doubt that people want perceived excess spending to stop and they want more consultation. There are numerous opportunities for the community to be informed and more importantly listened to. I know we are not going to give everybody what they want but people can accept things better if they have had a good hearing.” Vanessa and her council are identifying a range of ways to engage better with the community from think tanks to a greater use of social media. “This applies particularly to the large unrepresented 18-35 age group. By setting up think tanks we can also tap into the vast social and intellectual knowledge that we have amongst people in the district.” Vanessa’s husband Peter Laurenson is building manager for Lakes Environmental and the couple have two daughters, Caitlin 15 and Laura 14. “The family is right behind me in my new role as mayor and while it will be busy, and at times a big juggling act, I am determined family life will still be very much a major priority.”

COMMUNITY

FASHION

skincare for summer Arthur Barnett’s well established beauty department is the largest in Dunedin and designed to provide the best of what the beauty world has to offer. There are multiple temptations for this summer with all the brands in stock well-respected and involved in on-going research. Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Elizabeth Arden, Clinique and Clarins are popular ranges while exclusive brands in the Dunedin Store include Jurlique, MAC and Yves Saint Laurent. Orders for these featured products can be placed with Arthur Barnett by emailing cosmetics@arthurbarnett.co.nz or lingerie@arthurbarnett.co.nz or calling 0800 801 129

top 10 summer 1. M.A.C Bronzer in Golden gives skin a soft golden glow with a tiny hint of shimmer. Bestseller 2. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is perfect for when you haven’t tanned but need to bare all. Spray on, look amazing and then wash off 3. Slick YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipstick for a perfect coral pout

picks

SUMMER SKINCARE

of green tea, chamomile and cucumber. Spray whenever. 9. F or ultimate lip protection choose Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Lip Balm. It conditions and protects with SPF15. 10. Pack Toni and Guy mini size hair care range including their beach hair spray into your beach bag.

4. For serious skin care apply Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair before moisturiser to restore skin’s vitality 5. The grapefruit and orange in Clarins’ Eau des Jardins is uplifting and created especially for summer 6. Waterproof mascara is essential for poolside peace of mind and YSL’s Aqua resistant mascara gives this plus plush lashes 7. To make a tan pop, coat nails in OPI’s cheeky ‘’Mandarin is hard to find’’ hot coral nail polish 8. To refresh skin on a hot day M.A.C’s Fix Plus spray is a refreshing burst of water infused with extracts

Caring for your skin during the summer months is most important and Arthur Barnett have high-performance products perfectly suited for all skin types. SAFE Tanning A soft summer glow courtesy of a light self-tanner is far more elegant than a blast of bronzer. Before tanning ensure skin is perfectly polished with a body scrub. With its tiny micro beads and cherry blossom fragrance Shiseido Refining Body exfoliator makes skin sensationally smooth allowing self tanner to slide on evenly. Clarins and Lancôme both produce incredible self-tanners providing realistic results to suit all preferences. Sunscreen and After Sun Care Applying sunscreen to the face and body 30 minutes before sun exposure and during the day is absolutely vital to protect skin from sun damage. Cliniques SPF30 body cream gives the best UVA/UVB protection. Had a little too much fun in the sun? Clinique’s after sun rescue balm is super-soothing with aloe and also helps to repair sun damage.

A FRESH LINGERIE LOOK Arthur Barnett in Dunedin is a supplier of leading lingerie brands for women around the region. For the best in service and fit there are many reasons why the Arthur Barnett Lingerie Department is the perfect place to stock up on personal items.

top 3 for summer Number 1.

Nancy Ganz UnderBust Bodysuit Targets the tummy and smooths down back rolls. Unique design allows you versatility to wear your own bra. S-XXL Colours: Black, Warm Taupe RRP $119.95

Number 2. Beautiful by Triumph Silhouette Strapless Bra Perfect for those summer dresses. Colours: Nude, Black Sizes: 10D-18G RRP $74.95

Number 3. Triumph Laser Hipster Panty line be gone! Absolutely no cut in. Colours: Black, Frosted Almond Sizes: 10-16 RRP $16.95

RANGES FOR ALL WOMEN Having specialised in the lingerie industry for many years, Arthur Barnett’s lingerie team has done the research and only stocks ranges that women love. PROFESSIONAL, KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF For help with sizes, features or choosing the most flattering garment Arthur Barnett provides a professional fitting service. The friendly Arthur Barnett lingerie staff is fully qualified and has decades of combined experience. AFFORDABLE QUALITY Arthur Barnett’s quality lingerie lasts the distance. The brands are chosen for their wearability and durability. There is a complete range of payment options to suit your needs. NEW AND EXCLUSIVE Arthur Barnett is excited to offer the Esprit Collection in its Dunedin showroom. Esprit is an internationally recognised lifestyle brand featuring youthful, fresh and fun lingerie. Priced from only $29.90

Simone Perele Tresor Push Up available at Arthur Barnett

AFTER BREAST SURGERY SERVICE For the benefit and well being of women who have undergone breast surgery, Arthur Barnett provides a prosthesis fitting service to meet individual needs. This is a private and personal service where a specialised fitter will help women achieve their ideal look. As a registered Ministry of Health provider, Arthur Barnett can determine eligibility for government funding assistance and take care of all the paperwork.

GET SET FOR SUNSHINE Arrowtown fashion stores, Wallace and Gibbs and Ikon have an extensive range of top fashion picks for men and women. Head to these two hot spots for personalised advice on what to wear and how to accessorise this season’s new designer labels.

IKON - SERIOUSLY COOL

1 2 34 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

COLOUR ME UP BUTTERCUP….short shorts are so rad.

Show off your legs with cuties from Ruby in lovely bright colours with cuff and high waisted detail.

SASSY SATIN SOPHIE….Lots to choose from new label Sophie Pink whose lovely silky satin shifts and slip dresses are so easy to wear with just a tan underneath. Lovely dusky pinks, creams, emerald greens and navy colourways.

LOTS OF FROCKS…it is the season of the dress and NZ label Ruby does not disappoint with the sweetest little Pebbles dress in ivory and black linen silk. This is the dress for a wedding, special birthday or just because you deserve it. d.co COPEHAGEN heels are now available at Ikon in wonderful summer shades of cream, black and pink. First created by Danish designer Soren D. Peterson in 2003 his secret to success is using the finest annalium drum dyed leather. Innovative classic shoes with a heck of a lot of sex appeal. GET SHORTY ….a good selection of smart casual shorts by Bauhaus includes khaki, stripes and distressed cotton options.

TSHIRTS BRIGHT…Diesel tshirts in bright aqua blue, purple and pink will turn any dull man’s wardrobe into a seriously sexy highlight this summer.

WALLACE & GIBBS -

SERIOUSLY DRESSED

DENIM BLUE ….Marilyn Seyb delivers a denim and white colour story in cotton cardigans and soft knit tops that are perfect for lazy days on the boat or casual breezy summer evenings.

Espadrilles… Paula Ryan showcases the Spanish summer shoe with a woven rope wedge heel finished in blue and white striped canvas. A match for summer frocks and smart blue and white casuals. PLENTY OF WEDDING ATTIRE…. seriously beautiful smocks embroidered with heavenly beaded motifs and trimmed with ribbon by Catalyst are beautiful options for the summer wedding season. Also a superb range of Chocolat Duster coats and loose, pleated chiffon shifts that flatter the larger figure. RICHARD MOORE knows a thing or two about fine knits and his finely beaded summer tops and cardigans are garments you will have in your wardrobe for a lifetime. So delicate and feminine in champagne cream, grey or classic black.

STILEN JEWELLERY STYLE….from Scandinavia and now available in both Arrowtown stores. Industrial metals, plaited rope, heavy cuffs and chain links with cutting edge European fashion style.

BEST MAN OR GROOMSMEN…. “Suddenly realised your trusty old favourite shirt just won’t do and the wedding is in an hour?” Dash into Wallace and Gibbs or Ikon stores and they will outfit you with some of the very best shirts from Scotch & Soda, Cutler or Bauhaus in no time...and they have a distinctive line of quality silk ties and hankies.

FASHION

COMMUNITY

Gibbston Valley Station General Manager Greg Hunt and Gibbston Community Association Chairman Susan Stevens

DEDICATION ACHIEVES $1.4M RIVER TRAIL American woman Susan Stevens has paid for the privilege of becoming a New Zealand citizen ten times over by spearheading the development of the $1.4m Gibbston River Trail alongside the Kawarau River. She talked to Jenny McLeod. Six years ago the concept of a walking and biking trail along the right bank of the Kawarau River providing access to wineries and historic and archeological sites was only a germ of an idea. The concept periodically came before the Gibbston Community Association from about 2001 but it was not until Susan Stevens was elected chairman in 2005 that the decision was made to progress the trail. Together with volunteers and Community Probation Service workers Susan personally spent thousands of hours clearing the gorse and scrub covered route. At the same time she was in talks with private landowners for approval to take the trail across their land. “The key thing about the Gibbston River Trail is that about 80% of the track crosses private land,” she says. “Public use of the conservation land alongside the Kawarau River had previously been very limited, due to the rugged terrain and lack of access but with the generosity of the nine landowners who have provided easements, we have ensured access to what is commonly thought of as the Queen’s Chain is preserved for public enjoyment.” Then there was the fundraising. “That definitely had its moments,” she recalls. “Our major funder was the Community Trust of Southland and they never wavered even when it took us considerably longer than expected to raise the rest of

the money.” She paid tribute to the Central Lakes Trust, the Lotteries Board and more than 200 local businesses, groups and individuals for their support. “We are also indebted to the outstanding support of the Queenstown Lakes District Council, the Department of Conservation, the Wakatipu Trails Trust and the New Zealand Historic Places Trust for their outstanding support.” The 8.5km Gibbston River Trail was officially opened in December 2010 providing a track from the Kawarau Bungy Bridge to Waitiri Creek Wines with access points at The Winehouse and Kitchen and Peregrine Wines. The trail has 12 timber bridges and two truss bridges built to protect archeological and historic sites and predictions are that because of the relatively easy gradient and outstanding landscape up to 20,000 people a year will use the facility. Susan has dedicated six intense years to the making of the Gibbston River Trail and at times she came close to giving up. “But there were so many people along the way who contributed in some way or other who I did not want to let down. During the bad times that drove me on!” But above all she had a strong personal desire to make a significant contribution to her new country. “I feel so lucky to have been able to become a New Zealand citizen and make my home in Gibbston. It was very important for me to give something back in exchange for that privilege.” According to Department of Conservation Area Manager Greg Lind she has done more than “give back” to the community. “Susan has had to overcome some major challenges and disappointments on the way, but six years on the Gibbston River Trail is a reality, and I am clear it would not have happened without a person of her vision, faith, tenacity and passion.”

ARROWTOWN

DISCOVER ARROWTOWN –PURE GOLD Arrowtown has come of age as a mecca for food, culture, history, boutique shopping and spectacular walking trails. Margo Berryman highlights the historic gold mining town’s attractions. Arrowtown’s profile as a destination in its own right has been achieved by the Arrowtown Promotion Association and a group of dedicated retailers and business operators. Accommodation, guided tourist activities, shops, cafes, walking trails and restaurants now make up the total tourism package promoting Arrowtown under the single banner of Discover Arrowtown – Pure Gold. During summer Arrowtown’s charming ambience attracts many visitors who stroll the cobbled streets, picnic in the parks and beside the famous Arrow River or hike on some of the most scenic tracks in the region. There is a saying that Arrowtown has become the ‘new old’ experience with people fascinated by its gold mining history can find a mine of information at the Lakes District Museum. The town’s pioneering spirit lives on in many beautifully restored buildings including the original Post Office where an Arrowtown postmark is highly sought after. The historic façade of the commercial centre provides

Buckingham Street

a fascinating streetscape and together with the old jail, and the original school run by recently canonised Saint Mary McKillop, is much photographed. Walking tracks in and around Arrowtown offer anything from a ten minute stroll through the historic Chinese village to a day hike up the Arrow River to the site of the old gold mining town of Macetown. Gold mining pans can be hired for people wanting to try their luck in the once lucrative gold bearing Arrow River. Picnic lunches can be bought from cafés and delis in the main street or there are numerous places for a leisurely lunch in the village.

A recent tourism industry survey indicated people mainly visit Arrowtown for shopping and dining with some of the region’s award winning restaurants based here. Boutique shopping is at its best with top New Zealand and international fashion stores, home interiors, art galleries, jewellery, tourist and craft shops alongside artisan chocolatiers, bakeries and ice cream stores. A visit to Arrowtown in the summer is a special experience and as the saying goes – Pure Gold! Find out more about Arrowtown: www.arrowtown.com

arrowtown pure gold discover

rediscover your summer in arrowtown Hot days and blue skies for walking, barbecues and swimming – or enjoying picnics, fishing, or superb local wine under the warm Central Otago sun. With its extensive range of cycling and walking trails and some of the finest golf in New Zealand, Arrowtown is the perfect place to stay and play this summer. Home of the superb Lakes District Museum and significant historical buildings, Arrowtown is just 20 minutes from Queenstown. With ample free parking and regular bus connections, visit Arrowtown to discover vibrant retail stores brimming with new season’s collections, and the freshest, most delicious food. There’s always something new to discover.

eat drink shop stay play reflect

arrowtown.com

ARROWTOWN

arrowtown inspires leading designer “I enjoy travelling to the international furniture and fabric trade fairs to source the very best products such as our exclusive Frette bed linen,” she says. “It is a unique brand that has been in existence for 150 years and is one of our top selling ranges. The Egyptian cotton bed linen is pure quality and unrivalled anywhere in the world. Once people sleep on it there is no going back!” The company focuses on high-end international brands but always with the New Zealand lifestyle in mind. “We design unique home interiors specifically tailored to our clients’ lifestyles, aspiring to create a sense of beauty in their everyday surroundings,” says Debbie. “It’s a very personal approach to interior design, and one that does not just simply follow fashion or what’s in the magazines.”

Debbie Cavit

Debbie Cavit’s decision to bring her exclusive contemporary design store to Arrowtown was inspired by the town’s boutique shopping environment. Cavit & Co is renowned for creating elegant interiors and is a significant addition to Arrowtown’s commercial centre as Jenny McLeod found out. Debbie Cavit opened Cavit & Co 20 years ago after initially operating her business from her Auckland home. The Parnell store quickly gained a reputation as a showcase for classic, elegant and quality furniture, homeware and accessories. She sees Arrowtown as the perfect place to base Cavit & Co. “Arrowtown is a seven-day-a-week shopping destination and people like to come here to spend time browsing through the shops. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere and one that works extremely well for us because we are not a main street store.” Cavit & Co is a leader in international brands from Europe and America and Debbie travels extensively in search of the most prestigious homeware and furniture for her stores. She regularly visits fashion capitals New York, Paris, Milan and London.

“For example the interiors we designed for the Home of the Year house in Wanaka were structured, simple and contemporary, created specifically for that style of home. Conversely we have just completed a residence in French traditional design using a stunning collection of French country furniture. You won’t find anything like this anywhere else.” The distinctive Ralph Lauren Home furniture and accessories range is one of the exclusive brands Cavit & Co stocks alongside American Baker and McGuire furniture. From Italy there is Baxter leather upholstery and luxurious Lalique glassware and perfume from France. “These companies are in search of perfection throughout their creative processes and that’s what you see in the results. It’s that signature quality that we are after.” Cavit & Co’s interior design arm known as Cavit Projects is geared towards both residential and commercial projects. “We specialise in four and five star resorts and luxury lodges. We can provide advice for homeowners to help them with a cohesive design direction, or a full interior service providing everything from furniture and soft furnishings down to kitchenware and bedding, according to a specified budget. Furniture can be trialled to ensure it is appropriate.” While the hallmark of Cavit & Co’s range is highend classic furniture and homeware, the Arrowtown store also has an excellent range of gifts ideal for all occasions or for wedding lists. “Not everything is expensive but it’s always about quality,” says Debbie. “We have small things that make beautiful gifts, to suit all styles and budgets, like the Ralph Lauren scented candles, crystal glasses, silver photo frames, lamps and stunning framed one off prints.”

ARROWTOWN

‘Remember the best miners are never in a hurry.’ Justin Eden

An upsurge in gold prices is fuelling an interest in prospecting on the Arrow River as fossickers hope for the big strike. Angela Verry spoke to local gold ‘guru’ Justin Eden. Justin Eden owns Arrowtown’s Gold Shop and knows all about gold fever. He was struck with it in 1975 and is yet to recover! “Growing up I had read about gold mining, it just fascinated me. So I arrived at the Arrowtown Camping Ground with this idea that I wanted to go goldmining. I met a man who offered to take me mining and we went down to the Arrow River and he showed me how to pan and use a sluicebox. That was it. I was hooked.” After spending time working the Arrow, Justin headed up the Shotover River to hone his skills. There he met men who had been mining since the 1930s depression. “I got on really well with them. I listened and learned as much as possible. It really was a special time. I had a motorbike so I would bring in the mail and supplies, like milk and bread for them. They taught me the old way of gold mining, how to look for the gold by studying the land.” During the 1980s an electronic gold rush, using specially developed metal detectors, broke out in Western Australia and Justin and wife Kaye were

off. “That was real gold fever material. We couldn’t wait to go out the next day and get more and more. Prospectors would leapfrog past one another to get in front of the rush.” Returning to Arrowtown at the end of each season with a number of nuggets, Justin was inspired by an American company selling natural gold nugget jewellery. Enter The Gold Shop in Arrowtown in 1989, selling nuggets crafted by nature over millions of years. The range has diversified to include lockets filled with alluvial gold, and jewellery made to order. Today Justin and his family regularly spend time at their mining claim and hut on Skippers Creek at Bullendale. Being taught to mine in the traditional methods, Justin now assesses the unique location of the land before deciding which mining methods to use – be it metal detector, sluice box or dredge. The old miners’ huts passed on the way have nostalgic memories for Justin. This is where he discovered how to make bread in a camp oven, where he sat down to billy tea brewed over the fire sweetened with condensed milk and where he learnt the craft of goldmining . Gold pans are available to hire from various outlets around Arrowtown, including the Lakes District Museum. The river is just 50 metres from the town and is a safe environment for families to fossick. And the message to would-be prospectors from Justin? –“remember the best miners are never in a hurry.”

QT magazine

The number one lifestyle and tourism magazine in the Southern Lakes Region and under that Queenstown. Arrowtown. Wanaka. Cromwell

www.qt.co.nz

ARTISTS

CRAFTY MARKET GATHERING The Queenstown Art and Craft Market comes alive on Saturday mornings in Queenstown Bay’s Earnslaw Park. The weekly market has over 30 exhibitors who travel specifically to the area to showcase their goods amongst the beautiful waterfront scenery. For visitors the market is a treasure trove of gift items reflecting the artistic flair and creativity of New Zealand artists. Futhermore it is an excellent place to discover unique Kiwi products to take home as a souvenir. For locals it is a chance to catch up with friends, enjoy the live music and pick up unusual and distinctive items. Market Coordinator Jasmine Clarke says it’s a great social day out with an interesting bunch of people. “Some of the artists travel from as far as Dunedin and Geraldine every weekend and that’s what helps to create the diversity. It’s probably one of the best markets in the country for direct representation from the artists themselves and a special opportunity for people to discover more about their products.“ Sculpture, woodturning, glassware and photography sit alongside beautifully made hand knitted hats, beanies and clothing, pottery, painting and wool spinning. The work of metalwork and copper work artists are a popular feature and greenstone and bone carvers display their jewellery and hand carving skills. Open 9am – 4pm every Saturday.

EXHIBITION FEATURES COLOURFUL COLLECTION Queenstown artist Angus Watson has been a professional artist for more than 20 years and his distinctive work hangs in many homes, not only in New Zealand, but around the world. His varied collection features nudes, landscapes, boats, horses and figures, which has earned him an international reputation. His nudes reflect detailed tones of golds, reds and silvers and his watercolours use bright, vibrant colours. “I make a bold use of colour and my work tends towards impressionist.” Angus is highly sought after for commissions and holds exhibitions around New Zealand. In Queenstown an annual exhibition is held every January at his rural studio which is always eagerly anticipated. The 2011 exhibition will run from January 3-14 and he has selected 30 of his best paintings, created during the last six months, to display. “Having my own exhibition gives people a chance to visit my studio in its stunning garden setting and see where my work is created. Clients are always keen to know what inspires specific paintings and the latest exhibition with its colourful mix of subjects should have wide appeal.” Angus has produced a 2011 calendar featuring some of his favourite paintings and also sells a selection of prints and cards. Visit his studio in Littles Road Dalefield. No appointment necessary. www.anguswatson.com

... a day at the market

Local ArtistS • Live Music

Every

SATURDAY

ON EARNSLAW PARK 9am to 4pm

www.marketplace.net.nz

CLOAKROOM GALLERY AND STUDIOS The Cloakroom Gallery and Studios located in downtown Queenstown are an initiative of the Queenstown Art Society. The gallery space is a showcase for both local and visiting artists to display and sell their work while the newly added studios are the headquarters for a community of artists to create their work. Visitors are able to talk with the artists and study their current projects. The gallery has many different types of exhibitions all year around and the first for the 2011 summer is a collection of local artists’ work including watercolours, oils, acrylics and textiles. Opening on January 25 is Martin Bell’s exhibition “Wildlife of the Wakatipu”, a collection of his oil and acrylic paintings of distinctive birds from around New Zealand. The Silk Road exhibition is on at the Cloakroom Gallery in April and May 2011. This exhibition promises to be a vivid and diverse show as all entries must have at least 40% silk content and be an original design. Textile artists from around New Zealand and further afield are expected to enter. The show will be open everyday throughout the Remarkables Quilt Symposium in Queenstown from April 15-23. For entry details contact Sue Wademan - wademan@xtra.co.nz

SPECIALIST JEWELLERY LOCALLY MADE

Prominent Impressionist Painter in the Wakatipu

Ray Wade has dedicated the past 23 years to creating distinctive jewellery some of which is unique to New Zealand and in particular to the Southern Lakes region.

Recreating nature’s grandeur on canvas is a labour of love for Wakatipu artist Paul Cato. He is fascinated by the expansive landscapes, which he cleverly replicates in his stunning original oil works and fine art limited edition reproduction prints, and sells around the world.

Working with natural stones and crystals he takes pieces from their raw, natural state to design individual and alluring items. “My personal style of design has been self taught and I focus on individually crafting the stones, shells or rocks from their natural presentation into one off design pieces by marrying them with metal, usually gold or silver.” “I try to leave the raw material in its most natural state which provides a more organic feel than what you get with a mass produced piece of jewellery. “ Ray has a high profile in the art world and he often travels overseas for inspiration and on rock gathering missions. His vast collection includes mother of pearl, paua, agate, lapis, lazuli and amethyst which he creates into one off pieces of jewellery. Ray uses assorted stone gathered from around the world and locally from New Zealand’s south coast, Canterbury, South Westland and the Corromandel. His preference is to work as an artist in his own right but he also does some commission work on request. His Arrowtown gallery is surrounded by a delightful cottage garden and is an easy walk from the main street in Arrowtown.

30 Willshire St, Arrowtown Ph 03 442 1672 Fax 03 442 1675 Cell 027 670 0869 (an easy walk up and around the corner from the Arrowtown Bakery)

Working from his rural home based studio between Queenstown and Arrowtown, Paul is sought after for commissions and while he enjoys working for his many international clients, his passion is being amongst the giant landscapes of Fiordland and Mt Cook National Parks. Painting the Fiordland wilderness since his teens Paul says “my work is increasingly becoming larger in scale, and while I have a real affinity with the local area I’m currently working on a 30sqft canvas of the French Alps, near Chamonix. I really enjoy being immersed in a painting of this size or bigger.” Inspired by great American painters such as Thomas Moran, Frederic Church and the Hudson River Group Paul employs similar artistic devices to portray light, mood and atmosphere in his work. Paul also enjoys painting figures with an ocean backdrop, his dreamy Australian beach scenes providing enchanting and feminine appeal. Paul Cato welcomes people to his gallery – it is signposted and easy to find on Malaghans Road on the back road from Queenstown to Arrowtown. Appointments advised but not necessary.

ARTISTS

AWARD WINNING ARTISTS Winning the ‘best local artist’ award at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival art show was a successful start to the year for Lake Hayes artist, Ben Ho whose entry was awarded the top prize. Ben and his wife Mary Mai have recently opened an art gallery on Alec Robins Road near Lake Hayes showcasing their individual talents. The couple immigrated to New Zealand in the late 1980s after meeting at art school in China. Both are award-winning artists whose work hangs in many private collections in Asia, Australia, America, United Kingdom as well as New Zealand. Ben has been exhibiting widely New Zealand since 1991. “My inspiration comes from many different subjects and I enjoy painting landscapes, still life and figures in an impressionistic style.” His first exhibition was at 12 years of age and he has won numerous prestigious art awards including the Otago Regional Art Award, the K G Frazer Award, NZ Herald Award and a gold medal at the Royal Easter Show. He is also a frequent judge for nationwide art competitions. Mary Mai was encouraged to further her career when she received a scholarship for formal art training while at secondary school. Like her husband, she has won the professional category at the Royal Easter Show and her work has a high profile in New Zealand.Their gallery is open every day and visitors are welcome to call in and view their work.

OUTDOORS

P U Z Z L I N G W O R L D P E R S O N A L I T Y I M M O R TA L I S E D The creator of Wanaka’s Puzzling World, Stuart Landsborough, has been immortalised in silicone and fibreglass in a hyperreal sculpture created by the renowned Weta Workshop team. Jane Brooke gets a preview.

without providing them with a body to cast we would have had to settle for an ‘off the shelf’ sculpture. Everything we try and do in this business is world unique so we chose to keep it local using the highly talented Weta team and Stuart himself.” “Stuart has been through the long and messy process to cast his face, neck, hands and arms first in plaster then in silicone. The life-size model will take pride of place overlooking the central atrium in the extended Illusory Room. All Stuart asks is that visitors are gentle with him!”

The innovative sculpture will be on display in the Puzzling World’s newly extended Illusion Room due to open late 2011.

The extension, which is part of Puzzling World’s $2.5m upgrade, is the fifth Illusion Room and will house approximately 20 large pieces of illusory sculpture within a landscaped garden environment.

Puzzling World Manager Duncan Spear says hyperrealism is a specialised sculptural art form replicating the human body in exact detail. “The waxworks of Madame Tussauds galleries are a global phenomenon and the Christchurch Art Gallery is hosting the works of Ron Mueck, perhaps the most famous current artist of this genre.” Duncan conducted a worldwide search which led him to Weta Workshop, most famous for its work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy. “Several American studios were keen for the work but

Stuart Landsborough immortalised

Puzzling World’s Illusion Rooms have 3-D holograms which seemingly float from the walls, famous faces following your every move, a distorted room allowing you to shrink or grow while the tilted experience is almost unbelievable. A giant outdoor maze is built in three dimensions and the Puzzle Café is the ideal place for visitors to test their mental agility while relaxing over coffee or lunch.

OUTDOORS

ziptrek ecotours flies flag for sustainability “New kid on the block” Ziptrek Ecotours is making its mark, winning the sought after Queenstown Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Sustainable Business Award. Penny Simpson checked out the exciting flying fox eco-adventure. Ziptrek Ecotours is the newest ecotourism operator in Queenstown, opening its venture just over a year ago high in the beech forest on Skyline overlooking the resort. Founded in Whistler in Canada, Ziptrek with its series of flying foxes provides people of all ages the chance to enjoy the natural environment while experiencing the thrill of flying through the forest, taking in Queenstown’s spectacular lake and mountain views. Architecturally designed treetop platforms have been carefully constructed in the forest canopy and the interpretive tours are fully guided and suitable for

families, corporate groups and individuals who want to enjoy the forest in a unique way.

along the extended Tiki Trail developed by Ziptrek Ecotours and gifted to the community.

Company Director Trent Yeo says there are different levels of zipping and the original classic Moa 4-line Tour is perfect for people new to zipping because the course is specifically designed to start “low and slow and gradually become longer, faster and higher as guests build their confidence.”

“We have planted over 1500 native trees and we see this extended trail as government and business combining to build a community asset.”

Recently launched is the advanced Kea 6-line Tour featuring the world’s steepest tree to tree flying fox adventure, finishing at the base of the Skyline Gondola. “This is designed for those who have an enhanced appetite for adrenalin,” says Trent.” This new tour has been several years in the planning and it’s certainly fulfilling expectations.” “Zippers on the Kea Tour fly down the hill for about a kilometre, the equivalent length of ten rugby pitches. The lines are simply breathtaking and take zipping to a seriously new level. It makes sense to us that you get up the hill by gondola and travel down just using gravity.” The Kea Tour is a three hour high velocity 6-line adventure, which includes a stunning guided trek

Ziptrek prides itself on its ecofriendly stance. “We like to give people the chance to experience an ecotour together and provide them with an understanding of environmental responsibility,” says Trent. “Throughout most of the tour, people’s feet never touch the ground; they’re literally hanging out in the high forest canopy. When they’re not in the trees, guests are meandering through some amazing beech forest which is rarely accessed by the public.” The company’s ecofriendly focus has paid off with recognition for its sustainable business practices at the Westpac Queenstown Business Excellence Awards. “I am delighted for everybody at Ziptrek Ecotours,” says Trent. “This is a company that lives and breathes sustainability so we’re all immensely proud to win, particularly in the Queenstown area. It’s an incredibly inspiring milestone for our whole team.”

OUTDOORS

Southern New Zealand is a land of incredible diversity. In a day trip from Queenstown experience stunning fiords, view dense rainforest or travel by vintage steamship to a high country farm.

Walter Peak High Country Farm

TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak

Milford Sound

Doubtful Sound

Launched in 1912, Queenstown’s vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw is the largest and grandest vessel ever to ply Lake Wakatipu. Cruising on the “Lady of the Lake” is like stepping back in time. Below deck, the steam engines hiss and thud as the stokers shovel coal into the glowing fireboxes. In the wheelhouse, the skipper still uses the traditional telegraph bells to communicate orders to the engine room below. The TSS Earnslaw departs from Steamer Wharf every two hours from 10am to 6pm for scenic lake cruises across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. This farm, located on the lake’s southwestern shores, offers an entertaining taste of New Zealand’s high country farming lifestyle. Passengers can disembark and join a farmyard tour which includes a shearing demonstration, morning or afternoon tea and the opportunity to watch the sheep dogs at work. Other excursions at the farm include a delicious lakeside barbecue, Heritage Excursions and guided horse treks. In the evening, enjoy a carvery buffet at the charming Colonel’s Homestead restaurant, featuring succulent roast meats, seafood, salads and irresistible desserts, followed by an entertaining farm demonstration. At the end of the evening, the moonlit cruise back to Queenstown is a magical experience.

Milford Sound is a world-renowned natural wonder. Nowhere else in Fiordland do the mountains stand so tall, straight out of the sea. Day visitors can explore the full length of the fiord on a relaxing Real Journeys Nature Cruise, accompanied by a specialist nature guide. The cruise includes plenty of time to pause to view fur seals, or to take in the grandeur of the fiord’s huge waterfalls. If you have the time, treat yourself to an Overnight Cruise, and spend the afternoon exploring by kayak or small boat before mooring in a secluded cove for the evening. Accommodation on board ranges from private ensuite cabins to bunk-style compartments.

Doubtful sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforests and twisting, hidden fiords – all deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. This region is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals – both of which are often seen. In season, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Local company Real Journeys operates daily excursions into Doubtful Sound, led by specialist nature guides with a passion for the area’s flora and fauna. Excursions begin with a crossing of Lake Manapouri and the alpine road over Wilmot Pass. Upon reaching Doubtful Sound there are three options:

Getting there: Flying between Queenstown and Milford is the ultimate way to experience southern New Zealand’s dramatic alpine scenery. Visitors can choose to fly both ways, or fly back to Queenstown after taking a luxury Real Journeys coach to Milford. Coach connections are also available from Te Anau.

Wilderness Cruises Three hours of exploring this serene and isolated fiord on board a modern catamaran. Small Boat Cruises Extended leisurely cruises of the spectacular inner fiord on board a heritage ketch. Overnight Cruises The opportunity to cruise even further amongst the wilderness. Upon anchoring passengers join the nature guide and go kayaking or exploring by small boat. They then enjoy a hearty threecourse meal before falling asleep to the sound of lapping waves. Both daytime and overnight cruises depart daily with coach connections from Queenstown and Te Anau.

For more information please contact Real Journeys Real Journeys Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, Queenstown

Freephone 0800 65 65 03

www.realjourneys.co.nz

21 Wanaka Community Pool

community focus at lakes leisure Lakes Leisure is a comprehensive community facility offering many sports and leisure activities for all ages. Focused on the Queenstown Events Centre there is rock climbing, tennis, cricket, volleyball, touch rugby and a diverse childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday programme. The Events Centre also houses Alpine Aqualand swimming pool complex and Alpine Health & Fitness gymnasium. ONE DAY CRICKET INTERNATIONAL The Queenstown Events Centre is renowned for its spectacular cricket oval back dropped by the Remarkables Mountain range. High profile international matches are regularly played during the summer and on January 28 2011 the Black Caps are scheduled to play Pakistan in a one day match. The top level sport is a major draw card providing outstanding television exposure around the world for Queenstown. The Black Caps versus Pakistan match is the highlight of a big summer of cricket at the Queenstown Events Centre cricket oval which includes Otago Volts playing the Wellington Firebirds on December 29 followed by a one day match against Canterbury Wizards on January 12 and a four day event also between the Volts and Wizards February 17-20.

ALPINE AQUALAND Alpine Aqualand at the Queenstown Events Centre is focusing on an aquatic education programme this summer aimed at making young children safe around water. Pupils from local primary schools have been participating learning about boating and the use of life jackets and general water safety. Local swimmers at Alpine Aqualand are taking part in a challenge with Canadian counterpart, Hyde Creek Recreation Centre in British Columbia. Swimmers in both areas are clocking up laps which equate to ocean kilometres â&#x20AC;&#x201C;swimming to Canada and Queenstown! SWIMMING IN WANAKA AND ARROWTOWN The Wanaka Community Pool alongside Mount Aspiring College has undergone a major refurbishment. The heated pool is an important recreational amenity for Wanaka and is open all year round. Visitors are encouraged to use the pool along with the locals. The Arrowtown Memorial Swimming Pool, next door to the Fire Station, is open from December until lFebruary. ALPINE HEALTH AND FITNESS Alpine Health and Fitness is a modern, integrated multipurpose facility housed at the Queenstown Events Centre. The state-of-the-art equipment includes strength and cardio machines and there are group and personal training options as well as group fitness classes including RPM and Zumba. The gym runs a number of innovative programmes including the sponsored Big Bods weight loss programme and the Leisure-Lees over 60s fitness course.

Alpine Aqualand

Events Centre Oval

Alpine Health and Fitness

OUTDOORS

CROMWELL

Millers Flat

WATER SKIING ON THE EDGE One of the best slalom waterskiers in the country is behind New Zealand’s only dedicated Waterski and Wakeboard Training School based in Millers Flat. Penny Simpson caught up with Kerry McHardie. When she was just two-years-old Kerry McHardie was being towed around behind a boat by her water ski mad parents, Warren and Anne. Warren was a competitive water skier and Kerry literally followed in his wake. “My first national competition was when I was 12 and I came third so that was enough to propel me forward. We lived in Invercargill at that time so my training was on the dirty, old Oreti River, often with dead sheep floating by but that never stopped me. I loved it.” After collecting a host of national awards and making four representative team trips to Australian and Oceania Championships, Kerry by now 17-years-old, attracted the attention of an international pro water skier. He offered her a teaching position at the prestigious Coble Water ski facility in North Carolina, USA, and the largest school in the world. “It was a fantastic experience as they have 40 students a week training on ten lakes with ten boats at their disposal.” With back-to-back summers between the States and Cromwell, where her parents now lived, Kerry clocked up lots of international experience including achieving her ultimate goal of an elite world ranking. “That was in 2006 after receiving a scholarship to train with the world’s best slalom skiers in Florida. I trained with New Zealand champion skier, Steve Cochran,

who is actually from Invercargill so he knew all about training on the Oreti River!” “I had 12 weeks of training and skiing, the best I had ever skied, then was invited to a Kerry McHardie pro slalom tour-nament in Miami where I ran one and a half under the 11-metre line which is the pass before the world record. That got me the ranking which was awesome.” In 2006 Kerry set up her own waterski and wakeboard ski school in Cromwell followed by a specialist water and snow shop, On Edge, two years later. The school operates on a private lake she discovered at Millers Flat. “I spied the lake on a road trip to Dunedin and it was perfect for skiing. The farmer agreed to lease it to us and we now have the lake and a house close by where we run the summer programmes.” With weekend clinics and weeklong packages that include ski instruction, accommodation, meals and night activities Kerry now employs her own crew of national and international pro ski instructors. The school caters for young skiers from seven years upwards and her parents continue to help out each season driving the boat and cooking meals. “Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. They pushed me all the way and stuck by me which I am really thankful for.” Kerry’s aim for the future is to remain at the top of her game. With this in mind there is every chance there could be some more back-toback summers.

scott base wines a family tradition The Cromwell region is one of the fastest growing wine areas in the country and a recent addition, Scott Base Vineyard, is receiving accolades for its Central Otago varieties according to Margo Berryman. Creating a leading pinot noir in a region famous for the punchy red wine is no small feat. However the Scott Base Pinot Noir 2009 produced by the high profile Marlborough wine making Allan Scott family has achieved it, featuring alongside Central Otago’s top pinots. As Marlborough wine growing pioneers, the Scotts are well known for their passion and dedication to viticulture. They first planted their original grapes in Marlborough almost 40 years ago and today the company has expanded to include two generations of family members loyally continuing the winemaking tradition. In Cromwell, the Scott Base vineyard is managed by Allan Scott’s daughter Sara while the marketing role belongs to her sister Victoria. Allan says the family’s connection with Cromwell has been established over a long time. “We have family roots in the south and Queenstown has always been regarded as the ‘holiday spot’ so Central has always been on the radar for us as that special place. I had constant early contact with the pioneering, Central Otago winemakers and while I am probably on record as not having overall confidence

The Cellar door cottage at Scott Base

in their complete success, I admired their tenacity and the evolving from the original sites to the numerous regional locations throughout Central.” The family’s first foray into Central Otago viticulture was back in 2004 with a 25% shareholding in a consortium that owned, along with other holdings, the vineyard now known as Scott Base. Eventually they came to own this ‘Home Block’ outright identifying the established vineyard as the perfect setting for their new generation of Central Otago wines. “In 1973 when the first Marlborough grapes were planted many sceptics believed that the region was too cold and inhospitable for grape growing, let alone 900 kilometres further south. It was a matter of becoming confident in how to manage the vagaries of nature which Central Otago presents and simply accepting the seasonal up and downs.” The six-hectare Scott Base vineyard is centrally located on the north facing slopes of the Pisa Range looking out over the Cromwell township. The cellar door is housed in a delightful cottage and easily accessed from McNabb Road off the main State Highway 6 between Queenstown and Wanaka. Allan says there is potential to make outstanding aromatic pinots and that’s what intrigues him about the area. “We came here because we want to be here and not just because of a lifestyle dream. Pinot noir has become an important part of our wine repertoire and we want to build on the success of our Marlborough pinots with the uniqueness of individual Central pinots. We love the location and the history and the opportunity for individualism that the Scott Base vineyard will bring and we are very much looking forward to showcasing our Scott Base wines over summer to locals and visitors.” The new Scott Base vineyard in Cromwell, named for the Scott’s fascination in the southern expedition to Antarctica, is an exceptional example of the family’s pioneering spirit, adventurous winegrowing attitude and genuine skill in the art of wine production.

WINE

Sara and Allan Scott

WANAKA

summer is the season of vibrant flavours

EDGEWATER’S FOUR SEASONS’ FOCUS

Edgewater lakefront setting

Tel: 03 443 0011 www.edgewater.co.nz

After almost 25 years as Wanaka’s leading hotel Edgewater is rebranding to create a four season image. Viv Milsom reports. While guests often stay at Edgewater for up to a week during the ski season, the average stay throughout the year is only 2.1 nights. But General Manager Leigh Stock is focused on changing that. “We want to promote a four seasons’ guest experience at Edgewater. We’re working on making Wanaka a destination, rather than just a stop-over place. Each season in Wanaka offers its own natural beauty, and in touching and tasting our four distinct seasons, guests can have quite different experiences.” Leigh says it is all about interacting with the natural environment. “Whether guests want to chill by the lake with a picnic lunch, try mountain-biking along the lake front or take to the skies for an adrenalin-pumping sky dive, Edgewater staff will help them find the right experience. We’ve developed close affiliations with the best local activity providers and can offer a range of experiences across all the seasons.” While the rebranding process is ongoing guests will already notice the different seasonal colours on hotel signage, while new menus at the start of each season will offer the best local and regional fresh produce. During summer Mt Cook smoked salmon salad, locally grown snow peas, new potatoes, and fresh Central Otago cherries all feature on the menu along with Cardrona merino lamb. “It’s the best produce in the country,” says Edgewater’s award winning Chef Damon McGinniss. “It’s not just about taste though. Using local and regional produce in season is not only the best for our health but also for the environment.” In keeping with promoting the Southern Lakes natural environment Edgewater has earned an Enviro Gold rating and prides itself on its environmental sensitivity which includes using quality energy efficient heating and lighting systems and re-cycling most of its waste. Natural merino wool manufactured by the icon New Zealand company Icebreaker is also their choice for staff uniforms. Edgewater’s rebranding significant staff input.

strategy

has

involved

Al fresco dining at Edgewater

“We had 15 staff representatives in our group working with specialist brand strategists, Brian R Richards Ltd. We believed it was important to have total staff buy-in, if the rebranding process was going to be successful,” says Leigh. Marketing Coordinator Ellen Cairns is also using social media alongside the hotel’s rebranded website to promote the four seasons’ concept. “Being on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube is reducing lead times,” she says, “because independent travellers can make quicker decisions about when they want to come and how long they want to stay.” The Edgewater experience has always been focused on providing guests with uninterrupted lake and mountain views from the private lakeside suites, along with superior personal service and a range of on-site activities. For the future the goal is to encourage guests to stay longer to “touch and taste” the magic of the changing seasons in the Wanaka region.

Funny French Cars - Bon Voyage!

Funny French Cars beside Lake Wanaka

Designed in the mid-20th century, the iconic French Citroen 2CV had to be able to drive four peasants, wearing top hats across a ploughed field, without breaking the eggs they were carrying to market. Sixty years on and it’s just as versatile and reliable as well as being loads of fun as Viv Milsom discovered. The Citroen 2CV was the obvious choice for Deane Weastell and his wife Julie Nicholson when they decided two years ago to start wine and sightseeing tours in Central Otago. “Deane spent much of his childhood living in New Caledonia,” says Julie, “so he speaks fluent French and has always loved the 2CV.” The little Citroens are affectionately known as Tin Tin, Dolly, Rumble and Claudette and tourists adore them. “Because of its design, we can take the 2CV off road and it’s the ideal car, of course for doing wine tours. Visitors love travelling round the countryside in them. It’s such a unique experience and we have developed some wonderful friendships with people from all round the world who still stay in contact.” Julie and Deane are able to take their clients to any winery with a tasting room in the Queenstown, Bannockburn, Cromwell, Alexandra and Wanaka winegrowing areas and have several “appointment

only” tasting rooms they can visit. One vineyard which has specialised in making “bubbles”, as well as pinot noir is Quartz Reef winery in Cromwell. For winemaker Rudi Bauer using the methode traditionnelle is labour intensive and takes longer, but is well worth the extra effort. Tasting the wine is also rewarding. At Aurum Wines on the Cromwell / Wanaka highway, French winemaker Lucie Laurence is also producing a variety of bubbles, alongside their pinot noir, several white wines and some delicious dessert wines. The tasting room at Aurum Wines is in the original farm cottage surrounded by a romantic, rose-filled cottage garden. Over in Bannockburn at the Remarkables Winery clients are able to help pick grapes at harvest time and can design their own wine label for the bottle they are buying. “We find people really enjoy visiting the small family vineyards, where the owners are ‘living the wine’ as they work the land, make the wine and present it in their tasting rooms. But we visit the big names too.” For example Funny French Cars takes clients to the well known Mt Difficulty vineyard in Bannockburn as well as to the adjacent Gate 22, a much smaller vineyard where the wine, although made by the same winemaker, tastes quite different. Chard Farm, Peregrine, Mt Rosa and Brennan are other big name vineyards they often visit on tour in Gibbston Valley. “It’s all about giving people an individual experience, depending on their interests and how much time they have,” says Julie. “A wine tour with Funny French Cars can include a mix of wine-tasting, gallery visits, a country picnic or café lunch, gold panning, sightseeing and even fossil–hunting.” “We offer a half or full day tour but we don’t worry too much about time. We’re happy to stop for some shopping on the way home, or go off the beaten track, if that’s what clients want.” Deane and Julie are keen to grow their business and are looking next at expanding into Auckland. But wherever they go, Julie says they will remain focused on customer service as a priority.

Winery visit

“That’s what we’re most precious about. We want our clients, or our passengers as we like to call them, to have as much fun as we have showing them the region we love. “

WANAKA

EVENTS

go challenge The gruelling world of iron distance triathlon comes to Lake Wanaka in January when the region’s roads and tracks are transformed into an race course for Challenge Wanaka. Margo Berryman takes a look behind the scenes. Challenge Wanaka 2010

Dubbed one of the world’s most scenic triathlons by US publication Triathlete Magazine, Challenge Wanaka Race Director Victoria Murray-Orr says the January 2011 event is again attracting some of the best athletes from around the world, including 2010 winner Kiwi Gina Crawford and Australian Rebekah Keat, currently ranked number one in the world. World class Australians Brian Fuller and Justin Granger are returning, alongside top Danish athlete Jimmy Johnsen, fresh from a victory at Challenge Barcelona. A record field of 1200 athletes representing 27 countries has entered and a massive team of volunteers will be involved over the seven day programme which includes a festival providing the Puzzling World Junior Challenge, the Radio Wanaka 5km Charity Fun Run/Walk and Swim the Course event. The Contact Tri Series, a criterium style race and the first of four national sprint races to decide the national championship, will also be held during the week. The flagship Challenge Wanaka will be staged on Saturday January 15 and professional ironmen and women from around the world will join regular athletes to take on the tough 226km course featuring a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run.

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Challenge Wanaka 2010

LOCATIONS VOLUNTEERS Wanaka real estate company Locations Realty is providing strong back-up for this year’s volunteers’ programme playing a vital role in supporting the hundreds of people who help make the event a success. Locations Director Steven Hughes, says the company’s involvement with Challenge Wanaka is about giving back to the community. “It’s great to support a world class event and we’re incredibly lucky to have such an event in the region. People from around the country and overseas come to race and then return home and spread the word about Wanaka which can only help encourage more visitors.”Challenge Wanaka makes a donation to local charitable organisations, in recognition of the work by volunteers, and this year funds will go to the Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust which supports local families who have difficulties meeting the cost of medical care for their children.

EVENTS

NORTHBURN 100 MILER SET TO LAUNCH

TUTUS ON TOUR Tutus on Tour is all about families. Featuring a new production of Pinocchio and a sparkling classical showpiece, it’s the perfect ballet for young and old to enjoy together. TOWER Tutus on Tour is the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s opportunity to share their talents with as many New Zealanders as possible. Every two years the company divides in half and one group heads south and the other north. For six weeks, they’re on the road performing in more than 40 towns and cities. Tutus on Tour sees the dancers performing in community theatres, town halls and school gymnasiums. The group will perform at the Queenstown Events Centre on March 26. Book at Lakes Leisure www.lakesleisure.co.nz

The Northburn 100 miler (March 26 -28) is the brainchild of New Zealand ultramarathon runner Lisa Tamati who has teamed up with Central Otago personalities to create a tough ultra-marathon race based at Northburn Station near Cromwell. Northburn’s Tom Pinckney and Glen Christiansen from Golden Gate Lodge in Cromwell together with Tourism Cromwell board member Emma Lawton and Race Director Terry Davis are the faces behind the organisation of the inaugural ultramountain run. Lisa, who made headlines last year by running the length of New Zealand, says the 100 miler will be “on a difficult and brutal course” set in Northburn’s spectacular scenery. She hopes the 160km mountain run will grow into an internationally recognised annual event. Alongside the 100 miler there will be a 100 km ultra-mountain run and for rookies wanting a taste of ultra-marathon running a 50km course is planned.

SUSTAINABILITY

sustainable eco home revolution The novel Evolution Series by Queenstown company Rilean Construction reflects the benefits of an affordable home built from sustainable products. Penny Simpson looks at the plans. Just how big our personal environmental footprints are is anyone’s guess. It is not easy to determine how sustainable our day-to-day lives are, but what is obvious is the increasing consumer demand for energy efficiency in homes at work and in public areas. Queenstown company Rilean Construction has been working to introduce sustainable practice in its own daily operations for some time which in turn has inspired a revolutionary new series of eco friendly house designs. Rilean shareholder Mick Moffatt says the series was recently launched at Queenstown’s 2010 Sustainable

es1 exterior

The ﬂoorplan of es1

Expo and people have quickly latched on to the concept. “ We’ve been delighted with the response to the Evolution Series and it has been very encouraging to receive such positive feedback from people looking to build a new home that will deliver some very real environmental benefits and cost savings.” The Evolution Series ticks all the right environmental boxes. Mick says that from the professional design through to completion the homes are a masterpiece in new wave green technology. A mix of natural light, natural ventilation and increased heat retention provides high energy values that deliver proven results. “The Evolution Series makes it easy for anyone to choose a sustainable home. We have lifted the minimum code requirements and, as far as we’re aware, we are the first local construction company to offer people a home that has been independently tested for energy efficiency.” “The homes are healthier too which is vital in protecting not only our own health but also our childrens. A ‘vapour check barrier’ reduces airborne contaminants and also reduces mould growth which has real benefits for allergy and asthma sufferers. For health reasons we have also introduced lowered toxicity products for carpets,paints and sealants.” He says independent research indicates that living in an Evolution home will cut at least $900 off annual electricity bills and reduce CO2 emissions by 70%, compared to the same house with electric heating and the minimum required insulation. “Most of us know just how crippling some of those winter bills in particular can be, so I think it’s really important for people to know that these homes are designed in this region for this region and take into account our very cold winters and hot summers.” The first three-bedroom, two bathroom and two lounge home in the series, known as the es1, is a contemporary, modern design featuring a formal lounge, dining and kitchen area and study – all within a

Passive solar gains & natural shading

Increased insulation to walls & ceilings

Energy efficient lighting & heating

specifically designed 141m2 footprint. The second and third homes, the es2 and the es3, offer 175m2 and 210m2 options designed around an energy efficient core. “The Evolution homes can be built directly off the plans for people who have their own section or we can provide design and build packages. We want to make this process simple and easy for people to understand and clearly see the true benefits.” Work on the first Evolution home begins in February 2011 and will take four months to complete. “Just weeks after the launch an English couple who have recently moved to Queenstown after spending time in Wellington signed on the dotted line for the first Evolution home,” says Mick. “They chose an es2 design and can’t wait to move in.”

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29 Orders for these featured products can be placed with Arthur Barnett by emailing homewares@arthurbarnett.co.nz or Home Linens - homelinens@arthurbarnett or calling 0800 801 129

HOMEWARE

Whip up a gourmet treat with celebrated chef Gordon RamsAy’s new Maze Saucepan set from his latest collection of kitchen accessories.

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at ar thur barnett Stylish simplicity for the table. 16 piece Maze crockery set by Gordon RamsAy.

Finely crafted Polish glassware by Krosno will bring a translucent glow to any table setting. The Krosno range at Arthur Barnett includes a selection of wine glasses, jugs, decanters and vases.

Home is where the heart is. This season’s stylish kitchen and tableware include designer dinnerware from Monsoon, Krosno glassware and the latest Gordon Ramsay kitchen accessories. All these smart living products are now available at Arthur Barnett in Dunedin. It is the place to go shopping.

Wallace Cotton from the Home Linen Department

Arthur Barnett Mail order Freephone 0800 801 129

New bright and breezy home linens from Wallace Cotton will add a summer splash of colour to your home. Now available at Arthur Barnett in Dunedin, this seasons ‘Kombi’ range of stripy yarn dyed cotton is great for adults and kids alike.

1. Kombi Hammock Laze away a sunny afternoon in this darling ‘Kombi Hammock’ that comes complete with rigging. Pop under your favourite tree, lie back and relax with a book and a glass or two of your favourite summer drink. 2. Kombi Tablecloth and cushion Liven up your outdoor furniture with these

colourful ‘Kombi Chair Pads’ and ‘Kombi Tablecloth’. Made from brightly striped yarn dyed cotton by Wallace Cotton and available at Arthur Barnett. 3. Kombi Stripe Duvet Set Make the world a more cheerful place with these colourful yarn dyed ‘Kombi Stripe Duvet’ sets. The kids will love you forever. Available in Single, Double, Queen, King and Superking.

CAFÉ

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cafe directory Vesta Design Store on the Queenstown lake front serves up a rare mix of café and design and brims over with homeware, gifts and designer clothing to browse through while your coffee is brewing. Located in the heritage Williams Cottage, Vesta uses the tiny, vintage rooms with its choice of velvet covered chairs, couches and tables inside or customers can sit in the 1860s style cottage garden. NB: The converted glass house is a perfect place to take in views over Lake Wakatipu. High tea anyone? Vesta has become a meeting place for those who love tiny cakes and a good cuppa served in delightful china teacups. The daily menu is small but rewarding with a selection of cakes, slices and sweets such as toasted banana bread or homemade coconut ice. Owner Kim Turner says there is a growing following for the divinely flavoured macaroons from specialist Christchurch company ‘Jaime les Macarons.’ Kim serves premium L’Affare coffee and the loose teas are organic. Vesta is not really a lunch place but there is a range of fresh bagels with yummy toppings. New Design always intrigues and Vesta has a reputation for being on trend and ahead of the pack stocking design pieces and art not seen anywhere else. Currently on show in the front rooms are beautiful bespoke chairs by Union and artworks by Flox. Arriving over summer is a line of remodelled vintage-industrial furniture from Christchurch store, The Painted Ring, which was affected by the recent earthquake. Award winning cheese rolls by Vesta have now become easy to make at home with the secret recipe published in a book available at the store. But no problem if you can’t be bothered the renowned Kiwi icon is always on the menu.

Habebes Café is a Queenstown institution that has been keeping locals happy and healthy for over two decades. Last year this humming little café moved to its new home in the Plaza Arcade with entry off Shotover St or Beach St. If you’re on a health kick or serious about looking after both body and mind then Habebe’s ticks all the right boxes. Middle Eastern inspired foods are made fresh each day with a range of gourmet chicken, lamb or felafel kebabs or salad plates to choose from. Habebes dressings for both the kebabs and the salads are addictively good with a combo of yoghurt and mint or try tahini with garlic and chilli. A favourite is the hummus and chutney with chilli over everything. The healthy pies (that’s not an oxymoron) are popular with vegetarians and favourites are the Lentil Pie and Veggie Roll. Big bowls of beautifully fresh salads are equally good with enticing combinations like beetroot and apple, tabouleh, rice and nut, pumpkin and beans. Owner Amanda Mulqueen says her gluten free and dairy free sweet almond and pistachio balls and flapjacks are a great alternative for people who cannot eat wheat or dairy. There are also gluten free options for soups and pita breads. Dine in or take out No need to stress if you forget to take lunch to work as everything at Habebes can be taken out. And evening meals on the run are no problem with salads and pies an easy pick up on the way home - it’s as simple as phoning in an order. There is a nice selection of juices, loose teas by Queenstown company ‘Stir’ and the new Teza iced tea drinks as well as Allpress coffee in the espresso machine. Three word recommendation Locals love it.

Smokorun is aptly named and is the brainchild of local coffee guru Matt Hanna, of Joe’s Garage fame, and former farmer and businessman Mark Burdon. They dreamed up the concept of setting up a container style café attached to Placemakers in Glenda Drive, Frankton Industrial –but they’re not stopping there. They plan to go nationwide and next stop Christchurch, followed by major Placemaker stores throughout the south, before heading north. Everyone loves the container! Smokorun Queenstown is the prototype and the stainless steel kitchen fit out in the shipping container is ideal for the job. Matt and Mark are already familiar faces on the Drive and business is booming after just a few months with customers coming from all over including Quail Rise, Lake Hayes Estate and Frankton. Blackboard menu –The mantra at Smokorun is “clean, fast and tasty” and while the blackboard menu might look like bloke’s food there’s plenty of women customers. “They make up about onethird of our clients and in fact we’ve been inspired to create a smaller burger based on feedback from the women.” The thing about the food is the quality. The steak burger uses the top of the line “melt in your mouth” ribeye, there’s BBQ chook, bacon and egg burgers and a salmon omelette with hollandaise. Good honest, simple food with a big appeal. The coffee is the best – Matt has opened numerous successful cafés around the country and claims L’Affare is the best in the business. “That’s the reason people like our coffees so much –it’s an absolute premium brand.” Smokorun is open six days a week – 6.00am-4.00pm Monday-Friday, 7.00am-2.00pm Saturdays.

CAFÉ

TIN GOOSE CAFÉ COOKBOOK CELEBRATES CENTRAL OTAGO FOOD AND WINE The Tin Goose Café is spreading its wings now operating its popular cafés in Queenstown, Cromwell and Alexandra. The Goose food has a big following around Central Otago and not surprisingly there has been a strong demand for the recently published Tin Goose Café Cookbook. The cookbook has been a long-time dream for Tin Goose owner Jeanie Watson who says Central Otago is its inspiration. “The collection of recipes I have chosen is a tribute to Central Otago food and wine and showcases my passion for creating simple, fresh food with a local flavour.” The 140 page cookbook is accompanied by stunning photography by Bannockburn photographer Suellen Boag. The book is designed by Scott Conway of Feast Design of Queenstown and edited by Jenny McLeod of Queenstown. The Tin Goose has a special affinity with Two Paddocks Wines and Quartz Reef Wines which is highlighted in the book along with recipes ranging from stylish and simple food to picnic recipes and ‘posh nosh.’ “I have offered a whole range of recipes and obviously included the food which is most popular amongst our customers,” says Jeanie. “I hope everyone gets as much enjoyment from the Tin Goose Café Cookbook as I have had producing it. What I wanted was for every page to be a surprise for readers and I think that has been achieved. It’s certainly not predictable and that’s the response I am getting.” The Tin Goose cafés are located at Terrace Junction Frankton Queenstown, the Cromwell Mall and Centennial Avenue Alexandra.

TASTE

ALAN BRADY

Central Otago Pinot Rules Supreme

Central Otago’s reputation as one of the great Pinot Noir producing regions just keeps on growing. Wine expert Alan Brady says the region punched way above its weight at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards dominating the trophy list in the Pinot Noir category.

are getting harder and harder to get, especially the supreme champion award.” The New Zealand industry’s move towards sustainable viticulture, in which vineyards are monitored for environmentally sustainable management practices, is now recognised in the competition with the awarding of “pure” gold medals and a trophy for the best sustainable wine. The sustainability ethos forces wine companies to examine all their land use and winery practices from the use of chemical sprays and fertilisers to machinery and water.

Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009 took the trophy for Champion Wine of the Show as well as the Champion Pinot Noir and Champion Open Red Wine trophies. Gibbston Valley’s China Terrace Pinot Noir 2009 won the trophy for the Champion Sustainable Wine and Olssen’s Slapjack Creek Pinot Noir 2009 was Champion Exhibition Red Wine.

Traditional ideas are challenged and soil and plant health are at the centre of the philosophy. Detailed records have to be kept and are audited annually. New Zealand Winegrowers Global Marketing Manager Chris Yorke says pure medals were introduced three years ago to acknowledge medal winning wines that are 100 percent sustainably grown and produced. Sustainable wines represented 39 percent of all entries in this year’s competition.

If you look at the results from the 1579 entries in the prestigious competition, Central Otago’s performance was out of proportion to its size in the total New Zealand wine scene. Five of the 19 trophies awarded came to the region as did 14 of the 32 gold medals awarded for Pinot Noir. Additionally golds were also won for Chardonnay (Gibbston Valley Reserve 2009), Riesling (Peregrine 2008) and Pinot Gris (Domain Road 2010).

Gibbston Valley’s trophy in this category came from wine grown on a dry terrace high in the hills above Lake Dunstan in the old gold mining area of Bendigo.

The international panel of judges labelled the Peregrine Pinot – “the finest example of the finest red wine variety in this country.” Peregrine’s Director of Marketing Greg Hay says the trophy was the culmination of years of hard work. “These trophies

Peregrine Winery

In addition to the three trophy winners, Central Otago’s other Pinot Noir gold medals went to: Akarua 2008, Amisfield 2008, Bald Hills 2009, Gibbston Valley Schoolhouse 2009, Mopndillo 2009, Thornbury 2009, Black Quail 2009, Domain Road, 2008, Grasshopper Rock 2008, Lowburn Ferry 2008 and Wild Earth 2008.

PINOT CENTRAL – A Winemaker’s Story Review –Jenny McLeod

“What arrogance to assume that I, a refugee from city life, could produce wine in this remote and rugged mountain valley at latitude 45 degree south in a part of New Zealand inhabited mainly by merino sheep and rabbits.” So opens Central Otago pioneer winemaker Alan Brady’s captivating story spanning 30 years of grape growing and winemaking in Gibbston. The former Irish broadcaster and journalist provides an honest and entertaining account of life at the coalface transforming his property into the renowned Gibbston Valley Wines venture. But Pinot Central is not just about one man’s vision. It is also a fascinating social history of Gibbston and Central Otago, the personalities and the politics of the wine industry. Brady and his family bought their property in Gibbston in 1977 and an experimental vineyard was planted in 1981 –“there was only way to find out if grapes would grow and ripen in our conditions and that was to plant some vines.” Ten years after arriving in the area the first Gibbston valley wines were bottled. “It was the sum of all that had happened in our lives in the past decade –the sweat, the tears, the emotional highs and lows, the struggle to hold on to a dream.” But Brady admits that once he “had his dream” the hard work really started. “Now I had to make it work for all of us.” Pinot Central charts the course of Gibbston Valley Wines with its many award winning labels, and the development of other wineries, which together have put Gibbston on the international map, particularly as a prominent pinot noir producer. Brady claims to have an on going love affair with pinot noir and while his era at Gibbston Valley finished in the late 1990s, he has opened a new chapter in his story with the establishment of the Mount Edward winery in Gibbston. The pinnacle for the boutique winery, whose pinot noir is served in top European restaurants, was the selection of the 2001 vintage for an International Olympic Committee banquet at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Queen. Brady believes the pinot noir journey will not end. “The Perfect Pinot remains just out of reach, mysterious and elusive, a capricious and complex enigma that is always at least one more vintage away.” Pinot Central, with photographs by prominent Queenstown landscape photographer Dale Gardiner, is published by Penguin Books.

TASTE

chic AND CONTEMPORARY In its superb alpine location on Queenstown’s waterfront the chic threesixty restaurant has a stunning dégustation menu. Margo Berryman enjoyed the experience. threesixty is one of those places where you can mix together an assortment of people from different backgrounds and everyone feels comfortable. The relaxed, friendly approach by restaurant staff is definitely the key to the informal atmosphere. We started the evening in the Martini Lounge with pre-dinner drinks and aperitifs. This is a charmingly sophisticated semi private area, the perfect place to transition from a busy day at work. threesixty Marketing Coordinator Nicole Wood says many people pop in for an after work drink or choose to start their night out at the bar because of its central location in downtown Queenstown. “It’s a smart yet relaxed environment where people feel comfortable and a great place to meet up with friends before heading out into the nightlife in the town.” Both the threesixty Executive Chef, Fabien Simon and Sous Chef, Sebastien Calais hail from France and while the cuisine has a distinct New Zealand focus, the dishes are completed with a dash of European flair. The dégustation menu provides five to seven immaculate little dishes to enjoy while sipping

Chefs Javier Perez, Sebastien Calais and Fabien Simon

distinctive Central Otago wines. The threesixty experience did not disappoint-from the fresh seafood amuse-bouche to the pan seared beef fillet, herb encrusted Leelands Southland lamb and poached sole each stunning dish was delicately matched with appropriate wines. Nicole says the restaurant’s stylish and contemporary interior together with its focus on iconic New Zealand

dishes, using locally grown produce, is a winning combination. “threesixty is a memorable place to visit and our kitchen and service team are knowledgeable people who genuinely love to help and serve our customers. The focus here is very much on a quality dining experience with genuine and attentive service.” The new summer menu is now available at threesixty.

TASTE

UNVEILING THE BUNKER EXPERIENCE Finding The Bunker restaurant tucked down Queenstown’s Cow Lane isn’t always the easiest. But as Margo Berryman discovered it’s well worth the effort to uncover its secrets.

seasonal produce and top quality cuts of meat. I like to keep it simple and sexy.” The Bunker has an extensive wine list with a focus on leading Central Otago wines and Ben has a reputation for his creative food and wine matching. “I have a lot of respect for the food and wine that comes from this region and it simply makes you aspire to do the best that you can with it. The fresh food around here is out of this world with crayfish and whitebait just down the road and Cardrona Valley lamb over the hill. Our new summer menu is a showcase of this and includes a tasting plate and daily changing fish, dessert and specials.”

When Ben Norfolk turned up for his first day of work as Head Chef at The Bunker he was initially taken by surprise. “Walking down the back alleyway trying to locate this place I was thinking ‘what have I got myself into.’ I pushed through the old wooden door and straight into this intimate little dining room and the realisation hit me that it was a wee diamond in the rough and I fell for it.” Innovation and passion is at the forefront of The Bunker fine dining experience and its discreet entrance in Cow Lane adds to the intrigue.

Trained at some of Auckland’s top restaurants including Cibo, under the guidance of Jason Kavanagh, Ben focuses on creating dishes with a European base with a contemporary influence and occasional Japanese twist. “I spent time running Chow, a large Asian restaurant in Auckland which is where the Japanese influence comes from. It was an amazing experience training with their Vietnamese chefs who taught me how to slice and dice with speed and accuracy. “

Owner Cameron Mitchell has run the restaurant and upstairs cocktail bar for over a decade and Ben says it’s Cameron’s attention to detail that gives the Bunker its overall finesse. “He is a master with service and wine appreciation which our diners really benefit from. We refer to the food as rustic fine dining which I would define as upmarket, beautifully prepared, best quality food without the pretension.” “We have only eight tables in the private dining room so it’s very exclusive and a bit like serving your own dining room every night,”says Ben. “It’s very personal and has given me a great opportunity to express myself in the kitchen and indulge my flair for fresh

Ben has been in the hospitality business since he was 15 after his father gave him an ultimatum to either stay at school or get a job. Following a chef’s career proved to be the right choice and he is cementing his reputation at The Bunker.

Ben Norfolk

“My ultimate goal is to get some international Michelin Star experience and eventually own my own restaurant but right now it’s about delivering the gold stamp on every dish here at The Bunker.”

TASTE

The Winehouse has a key location on the new Gibbston Valley River Trail and its gardens overlooking the Kawarau River are an idyllic place to sample the new summer menu. Angela Verry took a meander.

Photo Rich Bayley

TRAIL BLAZING WITH THE WINEHOUSE

The Winehouse Head Chef Chris Bindon and his team are looking forward to trail users being part of their regular clientele. In its spacious setting the restaurant, which was originally the homestead on the Glenroy property in Gibbston, has a reputation for producing hearty brunches, decadent farm-style morning and afternoon teas and superb lunches.

A distinctive potager garden, each planting themed around different wine varieties, fascinates visitors. “The potager enables people to actually see and experience the wine aromas and flavours we are talking about in the cellar door.”

This season the menu takes advantage of locally grown produce, complemented by homemade pickles, chutneys and jams from the orchard tucked in behind the restaurant. The signature dish is the Pinot Gris Platter, ideal for sharing. Chris designed the platter “for people who are unable to select just one item from the menu.”

Children will be delighted to uncover Henry’s folly. This enclosed play area has a fireman’s pole, tunnels, a vintage tractor and an overgrown miner’s hut to explore. Along The Winehouse section of the 8.5km Gibbston River Trail a number of bench seats have been installed providing stunning viewing points of the Kawarau River.

Complementing the set menu is the daily changing menu which he says “highlights what is in season that day. As the season changes, so do our daily options.” Quintessential southern classics, pikelets and cheese rolls, are among the offerings for morning and afternoon tea. The elegant dessert menu draws on the Central Otago boutique berry farms and award winning South Island cheeseries. The renowned ‘Eton Mess’ –”the perfect dessert for those who don’t think they have room for any dessert”- has returned by popular demand for another summer.

Each menu item has a carefully selected wine match. The cellar is stocked with locally produced van Asch, Freefall, Hawkshead and Rock Ferry labels. “It is important that customers are able to sample a large variety of wines that Central Otago and Marlborough are renowned for and also unique varieties new to the area such as Tempranillo, Viogner and Syrah.” The Winehouse’s extensive grounds have plenty of nooks and crannies to discover. The covered courtyard provides shelter from the Central Otago sun while nestled to one side is the secret garden, a secluded area for small groups to dine and relax under plenty of shade, after venturing on the new river trail. A plush lawn, perfect for playing petanque or swingball, provides entertainment for all ages.

The Winehouse summer dishes

“People will be astounded at how beautiful the area is from the trail,” says Chris. “The views are phenomenal. I know I will be doing plenty of wine tasting and mountain biking this summer and I’m sure I won’t be the only one.” The Winehouse is open 7 days 10.00am-5.00pm and exclusively for private evening functions and weddings.