Stories

The Museum of Toys & Collectibles in Manchester Street is an indoor activity that hits the core of what it means to be a kid (or a kid at heart). It’s a house of the old and new, everything from LEGO sets to Star Wars memorabilia, Hot Wheels to Barbie dolls. Head in for a holiday activity to turn on your nostalgia tap, and see the latest in modern toy design, too. The museum regularly features loan collections, so check back in regularly to see something new.  nzmuseumoftoys.com

Offering a range of expert treatments with a devotion to health and beauty, BHAVA Nails & Beauty performs professional manicures, pedicures and facial treatments. BHAVA's services are ultimate relaxation rituals and luxury grooming using the highest-quality modern products. Osmosis Medi Facials are clinical-strength, holistic facial treatments prescribed by your skin therapist, customised to your needs and long-term skin goals. Complement the treatment with a personalised plan for maintaining your glow. BHAVA is committed to leaving you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, as well as confident and comfortable in your own skin. BHAVA also stocks a range of beautiful organic retail products.  bhava.co.nz

Beloved Christchurch salon Surreal Hairdressing has returned to the central city, and is maxing out on sustainability. Surreal has been styling up a storm for 23 years, and was forced to move from Victoria Street after the Canterbury earthquakes. Thinking and moving quickly, owner Michelle Marsh bought a villa in St Albans and renovated it as a stunning salon. Ten years later, Michelle says it was time to bring Surreal home to the central city. She found a space in Victoria Street right next door to where the old salon was, and has decked it out spectacularly. The enormous new salon feels open and airy, with a plant wall and a green aura. The greenness extends beyond the décor, too. The move was an opportunity to step up the sustainability game, and Surreal is fully embracing making the world a better place. As part of the Sustainable Salons programme, Surreal uses...

Turning clay into ceramic treasures feels like an incredible, alchemical transformation. It’s all about the craft at Clae and General Pottery, an Essex Street creative pottery collective. The studio is full of pottery tools, and the resident experts Tatyanna and Gwen are quick to help out with suggestions and inspiration to help you make the magic happen. The space is a collaboration between supplies store General Pottery, and Clae, where you can learn and improve the craft. Sure, you can buy pottery items here, but it’s really about helping people create their own ceramic masterpieces. General Pottery stocks books, tools, kitsets, materials, clay, and a pinch of knowledgeable advice to help you achieve your pottery goals. Further into the large, light-infused studio, Clae teaches a variety of classes with sustainable methods and materials to produce treasures, not trash. Clae’s expert tutors run classes for all levels of potters, and help throw...

Do you like it? You know what to do... 1 Champagne moissanite with diamond details in brushed 9ct gold (RRP $3999) from Debra Fallowfield  2 Selin Kent Helia Deluxe (RRP $7,399) from Roccabella  3 Platinum ring set with round brilliant, round, and marquise diamonds (RRP $13,450) from Filigree  4 Willow diamond ring (RRP $8700) from Kennett Crafted Jewels  5 Mira ring (RRP $2235) from Sophie Divett Jewellery  6 Francesca sapphire ring (POA) from Love in a Jewel  7 Petal diamond ring (POA) from Canterbury Jewellers  8 Custom Australian teal sapphire ring in 14ct white gold (POA) from Rowena Watson Jewellers  9 Diamond ring (RRP $22,875) from Via Sollertia

Check out these four preliminary design images for a look at what Christchurch's new stadium, the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena, will look like. The designs are by Christchurch-based architects Warren & Mahoney and international stadium design experts Populous, showing some views of the outside of the arena and a look at what the seating and field will look like from the top of the stands. CMUA (Canterbury Multi-Use Arena) Project Delivery Ltd Board Chair Barry Bragg says the preliminary designs, developed by the Kōtui consortium, provide the most accurate picture yet of what the facility will look like once completed. “These designs crystallise our vision for the CMUA to be the most modern, fit-for-purpose arena in the country – a facility that leads the way from an innovation and sustainability perspective.’’ The CMUA will occupy much of the central Christchurch site bordered by Hereford, Barbadoes, Tuam and Madras streets. At 232 metres...

Your pup deserves the latest gear too! We've pulled together all the cool kit for canine camping capers. 1 Ruffwear Load Up Vehicle Restraint Dog Harness (RRP $154.95) from FurtherFaster  2 Wolves of Wellington Florida Collar (RRP $20) from Charli & Coco  3 smith&burton Heal & Protect Soothe Balm (RRP $28.99) from Charli & Coco  4 BioLite Alpenglow Lantern (RRP $109.99) from FurtherFaster  5 Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag (RRP $199.95) from FurtherFaster  6 Nemo Dragonfly Bikepack 2P Tent (RRP $999) from FurtherFaster  7 Italian Linen Cushion (RRP $69.90) from Exquisite Gifts by AJ  8 Indie Boho Byron Surf Designer Pet Blanket (RRP $79) from Charli & Coco  9 Treat Pouch (RRP $12) from Love on a Leash  10 OllyDog OllyBottle 600ml (RRP $22.99) from FurtherFaster  11 Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket (RRP $189.95) from FurtherFaster  12 Dogness Smart Cam Feeder (RRP $345) from Charli & Coco  13 Ruffwear Lunker Floating...

Subtle little somethings, silly season selections, and significant splurges for the special somebodies in your life, all year round. 1 Glamorous gift box (RRP $125) from Packaged with Love 2 Medicom BE@RBRICK Anna Sui 400% (RRP $279.99) from Stencil  3 Geo Royal White Soy Candle Medium (RRP $49.90) from Exquisite Gifts by AJ 4 Natural Soap Range Pack of ten (RRP $79 or $9 each) from Luxi Buff 5 Blaze SG Earrings (RRP $169) from Dyrberg/Kern  6 Reusable Water Balloons 4 pack (RRP $29.00) from EcoSplat  7 Apple Watch Series 7 (RRP from $649) from Apple  8 Star Cross Earrings (RRP $54.90) from Four Corners  9 Clae Hand-building Kit (RRP $85) from General Pottery 10 Gift set of 3 perfumes (RRP $60) from Fragranzi  11 New Decorated Garden by Elspeth Thompson (RRP $34.90) from Cosi Fan Tutte

A 21st Century home for New Zealand’s largest producing theatre company. The Court Theatre is officially moving back to the central city. Come 2024, you’ll be able to head to a shiny new theatre in the Performing Arts Precinct to eat, drink, socialise, and see mind-blowingly great professionally produced musicals and plays in the centre of Ōtautahi. Designed by London’s leading theatre specialist architects Haworth Tompkins and New Zealand’s own Athfield Architects, the new Court Theatre will be unrivalled in New Zealand and be a drawcard for national and international audiences. The concept is a sustainable building, saving energy and carbon expenditure through clever ecological design. The theatre will be the cornerstone of the Performing Arts Precinct on the corner of Colombo and Gloucester streets. It’ll bring even more buzz to our growing central city, liven up the nights with regular performances and massive shows, grow our performing arts scene with...

The lineup for The Great Kiwi Beer Festival has just dropped, and we’re getting our elbows out for places in this queue, because it is looking FIERCE. Headlining the day are old-skool Kiwi rockers Zed, and 80s icons Hello Sailor. ZED originally formed while the band members were students at Christchurch’s Cashmere High. They all shared a passion for guitar pop – fuelled by their parents’ old Beatles records, a bit of Crowded House, and radio stars Supergrass and Radiohead. Hello Sailor’s current line-up, featuring original members Harry Lyon and Rick Ball, is dedicated to keeping the music and memory of Dave McArtney and Graham Brazier alive. Powered by the indomitable rhythm of Rick Ball on drums and Paul Woolright on bass, they have the Sailor energy and attitude. Harry Lyon and Jimmy Taylor take care of the weaving guitars, and will take fans of the band’s classic sound right back...

Growing your own and spending time in nature has never been more popular, or more important. Cityscape digs up some tips for taking care of your plant babies, and predicts what will be the next hot thing in the plant world. Trends THE NEW MONSTERA We love our holey, 70s-vibing monsteras, but we reckon it’s time for another plant to have its time in the sun – the humble cactus. The bunny-ear cactus in particular has been having a serious resurgence, and we also love the wiggly leaves of the fishbone cactus – the kind of plant you can point at and say “My four-year-old could draw that!” GIY - GROW IT YOURSELF Herb boxes and potagers are the latest landscaping trend. The popularity of cooking at home and consuming locally grown produce has shot upwards like Jack’s beanstalk since Covid came on the scene, and what could be more local...

We take a look at what the hottest looks will be this summer, plus news from the Paris catwalks and some fashion tech to have you looking oh-so-flash. FASHION GURU IN YOUR POCKET No, it’s not too good to be true – it’s Your Style Journal, a step-by-step guide created by stylist Lou Heller to help you nail down a look that really works for you. It’s a series of six modules that you can work through at your own pace and come out the other end stylish, confident and authentically you. louhellerstylist.com SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE It’s rich, it’s dark and it’s all over your closets this season – chocolate brown is warming up many 2021/22 summer collections and we are licking our lips at the prospect. MIX AND MATCH A quick fashion hack to elevate any outfit: go for contrast in your fabrics and styles for a look that’s a...

Cityscape gets skin-deep in the world of hair and skincare. What’s hitting the streets of Christchurch? And what’s inbound from overseas? SKINIMALISM If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s how to embrace getting back to basics. 2021 saw a paring back both of skincare routines and makeup looks for something simpler and more natural. 2022 is looking to keep running with the trend, with an emphasis on multitasking products and a less-is-more approach. A GREEN REGIME When it comes to your beauty regime, if you’re not taking steps to protect our planet, you’re doing it wrong. Sustainable ingredients, packaging and business practises are a positive sign of the times, and we are definitely here for it. THE WAY NATURE INTENDED Embracing natural hair is on the rise, with more ways to protect and care for your curls, kinks and coils than ever before. Styles that are easier...

For that final perfect touch on any outfit, check out Cityscape's picks of the hottest places to pick up some serious signature sparkle. enhanced geometry Filigree’s new Shard jewellery collection for spring/summer ‘21 is now online. Inspired by the formation of stones, the gems are honoured in clean minimal lines with diamond set details. Stones are defined by their inherent natural geometry and enhanced in Filigree’s handmade designs. filigree.co.nz Engaging decisions If you’re popping the question this year, you’ve got some serious ring-related choices to make. With the help of Roccabella, you can start from scratch and design a ring that tells your love story, or customise designer rings with the metal or stone of your choice. Roccabella stocks exclusive top-quality Hearts on Fire diamonds, and can also supply Diamond Foundry above-ground diamonds for a more carbon-neutral option. Read more about Roccabella's stunning range here. roccabella.co.nz 1880s to 2020s: Jewellery tech...

We've got your ultimate guide to finding the best secondhand shops, vintage stores and antiques stores in Christchurch, so next time you're on the hunt for a hidden gem, let your journey begin here! Love once more If you love quality brands and love an affordably priced garment, you’re going to extra love ReLove Clothing in Bishopdale. The racks are stocked with a rainbow of unique, stylish women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, footwear, and accessories. FB/reloveclothingchch Read more: Our top tips for shopping secondhand Charm by the sea If you’re on the hunt for your next fabulous vintage find, sleuth your way to Seaside Vintage at Brighton Mall. The open-plan store is rocking an extensive, ever-evolving selection of retro treasures, lovingly curated to combine a sense of nostalgia with the thrill of discovery. Find them on Facebook The tasteful eight The Woolston Emporium, a collector’s destination, has opened in Ensors Road....

This zesty and delicate cocktail is a favourite with the Kiwi Spirit team – classy, refreshing and perfect for brunch.  Located in beautiful Golden Bay, Kiwi Spirit Distillery is family owned and operated, producing unique, quality spirits from the purest homegrown ingredients. Ingredients 30ml Delightful Gin30ml Tangelo Liqueur30ml lemon juice1 tsp orange marmalade (smooth with as little peel as possible)IceLemon peel or toast for garnish Method Add all ingredients into a shaker and stir with a bar spoon until the marmalade has dissolved. Half fill with ice and shake shake shake. Strain into your glass and garnish with a lemon peel, or a piece of toast if you’re feeling particularly artistic. Read more: Tropical gin cocktail recipe Read more: Fresh, summery cocktail recipe kiwispiritdistillery.co.nz

This tropical treat with a dry and refined finish was the winner of the Curiosity Cocktail Competition 2021.  Great flavour is the cornerstone of Christchurch local distillery The Spirits Workshop, best known for the fabulous Curiosity Gin and Divergence Whisky. Curiosity Gin is made in small batches, using whole botanicals steeped in a base spirit to create truly hand-crafted, aromatic gins. Ingredients 45ml Curious Dry Gin20ml passionfruit pulp extract10ml rosemary syrupIceBrut sparkling wineFresh rosemary for garnish Method Mix all ingredients together except the sparkling wine. Strain into a highball glass with lots of ice and top up with sparkling wine. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Read more: Fresh, summery cocktail recipe Read more: Zesty breakfast cocktail recipe thespiritsworkshop.co.nz

The flavour of this fresh, summery cocktail only intensifies after being left to infuse. Juno Gin creates artisan gins with seasonal botanicals and spices. Named after the Goddess Juno, linked with vital force, energy and eternal youth, the family-owned distillery uses a New Zealand-made copper still and locally-grown essential gin botanicals. Ingredients 2 slices cucumber2 apple slices2 wedges of lime2 basil leaves45ml Juno Extra Fine GinIce100ml apple juiceCucumber peel for garnish Method Add cucumber and apple slices, lime wedges and basil to a tall glass. Add Juno Extra Fine Gin, top with ice and add apple juice. Stir. Use a peeler to get a long thin strip of cucumber and thread it onto a skewer for garnish. Read more: Tropical gin cocktail recipe Read more: Zesty breakfast cocktail recipe junogin.com