A CITY IN FULL BLOOM

Spring is when Ōtautahi Christchurch truly shines.

As the warmer weather and longer evenings set in, the streets are fi lled with vibrant colour, blossoms and the unmistakeable carefree vibe of spring.

The amazing array of things to see and do here are what makes up BLOOM – Christchurch’s spring festival that keeps the springtime feeling going from September right through to November.

BLOOM was launched in 2019, as a way of grouping the many spring activities and events in the city under one umbrella – creating a strong selling point to attract residents and visitors alike to the city.

B E A U T I F U L B O T A N I C A L S i n s t o r e n o w

VISIT OUR FRIENDLY IN STORE STYLISTS

Windmill Centre, 188 Clarence Street Riccarton, Christchurch Ph: 021 686 929

HOURS: • Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm • Sat 10:00 am - 4:00 pm • Sun CLOSED

OTHER STORES: Milford, Mt Eden, Pukekohe, Hamilton, Mt Maunganui, Taupo, Napier, Palmerston North, New Plymouth OUTLETS: Onehunga, Taihape

The essence of you

Perfume – what a bewitching mystery it is. Once freed from its confi nes, it can’t be seen, heard, tasted, or touched; it sits purely in the realm of smell, and as we all know, smell is highly evocative.

Fragrance unexpectedly, inexplicably transports those caught in its spell to another time, another place, and the reason why remains unfathomable. Perfume is the olfactory déjà vu. It is the eternal enigma.

For lovers of fragrance, the ultimate desire is to possess a signature perfume. Fragranzi Perfume Studio o ers a one-day introductory course to make that desire a reality.

Under the guidance of the perfumer, attendees will create their signature perfume from a selection of 160 fragrance compounds.

Capture memories of a person, place, childhood home, or favourite holiday destination, or take a cherished fragrance and make that your muse.

Fragranzi at the Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard, is where the magic begins.

Conscious choices

Sustainability is a hot topic right now, and the desire to purchase environmentally conscious products is growing every day.

When it comes to the great outdoors, often those that love it want to protect it.

And, when investing in items to wear, both in the mountains and in the city, it is a huge win if these pieces are made in a way that is kind to the planet.

Newly opened local store Yonder, in the Christchurch CBD, is helping set a benchmark with their ethical and sustainably made products. There is transparency in the items you are buying and a peace of mind that you’re investing in environmentally responsible pieces.

Items instore are designed to be functional for everyday – from adventure inspired casual clothing, through to technical garments for biking, hiking, running, walking, & surfi ng

Picture is an innovative brand that develops products to work how you need them, and look the part too – all their products are made from a minimum average of 50% recycled, organic, bio-sourced, or recovered materials.

They also come with a lifetime repair warranty, to ensure products live their fullest life.

Saola is the footwear brand your feet need to meet. From recycled PET bottles, Bloom Foam, organic cotton, and cork comes the ultimate lightweight and comfortable shoes.

Both Picture and Saola are available at Yonder.

www.shopyonder.co.nz

gin gin’s simple delights

With warmer weather arriving, and longer, lighter evenings upon us, gin gin is in the full swing of spring.

More than just a dining experience, the restaurant and bar has established itself as a destination o ering exquisite food and drinks, and an atmosphere like no other.

Their focus on local, fresh and refi ned food shines in the new spring menus, which continue to evolve and refresh as more produce comes into season.

Celebrating food in an understated way is at the core of gin gin’s o ering, and by sourcing as much produce locally as possible, the dishes work to celebrate the delicious ingredients in their most natural form.

Behind the bar, inspiration is always fl owing. The classics menu takes a tried and true cocktail and gives it a gin gin spin. Bar manager Martyn says one of his favourites is The Charlie Chaplin. They take a cocktail that has stood the test of time, and apply an amazing New Zealand product to it, the Curiosity New Zealand Sloe Gin, which gives it a whole new life.

Outside seating is perfect for the upcoming long, warm evenings and the unique location on eclectic New Regent Street makes for a very special dining experience.

Discover the flavours of spring

With the arrival of spring and warmer days, a weekend trip to Barker’s Foodstore has never been a better idea.

The iconic Kiwi brand has created the perfect destination for escaping the hustle and bustle.

Barker’s Foodstore and Eatery is a purpose-built landmark, set on the picturesque banks of the Waihi River in Geraldine. On a beautiful spring day, the space really comes to life.

The gorgeous greenery of the forest fauna and the nearby fl owing stream is truly tranquil, and the river walkway is the perfect place to stroll and soak it all in. The eatery o ers complimentary product tasting and range viewing, as well as an innovative menu incorporating the much-loved Barker’s products of course.

For summer drink inspiration, the syrup tasting station is a must-try. Test and enjoy a range of delicious fruit syrups and fi nd your new favourite summer mixer. Or try a refreshing fruit spritzer, served with fresh lemon and mint. Flavours include the classic favourite, rhubarb with raspberry and rosehip, or the delicious new pink grapefruit and lemon.

The tasting table is popular with all visitors, and for good reason. It is pure fl avour heaven, with 16 Barker’s products on rotation for guests to interact with, taste, and learn what ingredients go into them. You can fi gure out your favourites and purchase a few goodies to take home to have on hand for all summer BBQ needs.

For a unique gifting idea, personalising products is a fun way to add a special touch to a delicious Barker’s product. The interactive iPad creates magic and lets you get creative with personalised labels.

A visit to the eatery for breakfast before a browse around the Geraldine shops makes for a perfect, and delicious start to the day. The new spring menu is currently being developed and will feature some amazing local producers. The menu is carefully curated to celebrate seasonally inspired food, including fresh and locally sourced eggs, cheese, salmon, and artisan salami.

Speaking of cheese, after your wander around the shops, pop back into the eatery for a luxurious wine and cheese platter. The Barker’s Tasting platter has perfectly matched cheese to Barker’s chutneys, accompanied by Geraldine Butchery pastrami and venison salami. Paired with a wine or beer, this makes for a dreamy afternoon.

For more information, phone 03 693 9727 or visit www.barkersfoodstore.nz