Stories

Eye candy, or mouth candy? Cityscape tracks down Christchurch desserts that look and taste amazing. SPICED CARAMEL APPLE Where: Sweet Soul Patisserie. Why: This gorgeous shiny apple is Sweet Soul’s signature staple. It’s gluten free, made with vanilla and cinnamon mousse; caramelised apples, caramel spread and ginger crumbles around a caramel cake. Try the limited edition desserts, too!  sweetsoul.nz WAFFLES WITH CHOCOLATE AND GELATO Where: The Gelato Lab. Why: The Gelato Lab is a glorious concoction of traditional Italian-style gelato-making with amazing experimental flavours. The only way to top a cone of gelato from the Lab is to upgrade to a waffle. Fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of crunch, dripping with hot chocolate sauce, and of course served with your fave flavours of gelato.  FB/TheGelatoLabNZ ANJEER TRIANGLE Where: Bolina Sweets. Why: Christchurch’s home of Indian desserts, Bolina Sweets is dedicated to the time-honoured subcontinental tradition of tasty...

Christchurch artisan tea maker Mikaku Tea is now hosting tea blending and ceremony workshops throughout Christchurch – a relaxing evening of creativity, connection and nourishment. The workshop begins with a settling practice, guiding guests into relaxation and connection with the self, in preparation for intuitive tea blending. With a wide range of fruits, herbs and blooms provided, guests are given the opportunity to create their own unique tea blend to take home. The blending workshop is followed by a mindful tea ceremony, exploring different sensations while preparing, brewing and sampling one of the Mikaku Tea blends. At the end of the workshop, participants receive a care package with a Mikaku Tea blend, written tea meditation, and harakeke mala star to enhance at-home daily tea rituals. mikakutea.co.nz

Grain Coffee has built a reputation on the pillars of two very particular things: great coffee, and delicious cheese scones. The café sells out of these baked pockets of gold every day, and dedicated fans come from far and wide just to snap one up. One Grain scone superfan bikes in from Sumner to get their fix, and another rides in all the way from Ohoka at least once a week. The recipe may be top secret, but the Grain bakers say that it’s the slight touch of heat that makes them so delish. They’re served just as they should be – toasted and buttered – and there are gluten free versions available. FB/graincoffeesouthwark

It’s the moment fans of plant-based bistro Grater Goods have been waiting for: vegan maestro Flip Grater’s first cookbook is finally on the shelves. The gorgeous book is absolutely delectable, a feast for the eyes before you even don your apron. Filled with over 60 European-inspired vegan recipes, this book is all about indulgence, deliciousness, and being kind while you’re at it. gratergoods.co.nz

Corkin + Friends owner Stewart Corkin has got over 20 years of hair experience and has worked at the highest levels of hair styling in New Zealand. Stewart specialises in curly and shorter hairstyles, and says his salon specialises in “transforming hair into a statement that defines your unique personality”. Stewart introduces Cityscape to his hand-picked team of expert stylists and hairdressers. Chelsea Chelsea Palmer can usually be found in the salon rocking her blazer and Doc Martins style. She makes the most of the Corkin + Friends relaxed environment to have a laugh on the regular. Do you have a hair speciality? Blunt cuts, colour work and money pieces. What’s your favourite look? Seamless colours and blunt lobs and a good fringe or some stylish bangs. What inspired you to become a stylist? I always loved fashion and being creative. Hairdressing, you can be both. What’s good about working at The...

Mother-and-daughter team Megan and Isabella make exquisite products from scratch at Wildflower Botanicals. Everything about the shop is gorgeous, from the jars of colourful teas to the beautifully designed labels for the range of house-made skincare products. To Megan Sheppard, it’s important to make all her teas, balms, creams and other products on site. There’s no hidden factory, and certainly no hidden ingredients. They make fresh products in small batches, and don’t need to add preservatives or any unnecessary chemicals. Megan is a herbalist who works with over 400 different botanical ingredients to create her range of delicious and luscious products. She and Isabella moved from Kaikōura to Christchurch, along with the store, late last year to be closer to family – “A global crisis helps put these things in perspective,” Megan says. The 70-odd teas range from English breakfast, green, and white teas, to teas made from native herbs, and...

There’s no denying it: Christchurch loves its dogs. We’re a city of dog-friendly dining, dedicated dog parks and dog-commandeered beaches. Exercise, socialise and accessorise with Cityscape’s guide to living a dog’s life in Christchurch. The boss dog of dog parks, The Groynes comes complete with multiple fenced-off sections (two containing spring-fed streams perfect for splashing around), trees and long grasses, open spaces and bush walks, while agility courses make for plenty of stimulation. There’s always plenty of pup pals for ol’ waggy-tail to hang with. You can find more agility courses at Rawhiti Domain in New Brighton, Burwood’s Horseshoe Lake, and Radley Park in Woolston. For killer views of the city, Victoria Park has a great fenced-off area with long grasses and inclines perfect for tuckering out energetic fur kids, while huge open spaces and a decent hill walk make Halswell Quarry another popular choice (complete with coffee cart for thirsty...

Benji ‘The Jeans Whisperer’ has been working in the clothing industry for 15 years, setting up EnCompass eight years ago. He fits Cityscape out with some slick business advice.  First of all, why did you decide to open a fashion store? There’s lots of different reasons. I’ve always been into clothing, from a very young age I liked fashion and liked the latest trends. I decided to follow my passions and dreams to just be an owner/operator and work it like that. I think that’s what I’ve tried to achieve. What was your vision for EnCompass? I guess it was to have a multi-brand store based around denim, with a jean wall that would be quite majestic. I’m particularly passionate about jeans. Not so much the making side of things, although I do love that, but it’s just more how the fits and the silhouettes look on people, and the feel....

She’s for all the girl power things, water buffalos are her personal heroes, and her music career’s taking off at speed. Cityscape jams with Sarena Close, AKA Mousey about her upcoming album, touring, and the year ahead. How have you been since we last spoke to you in 2019? It’s obviously been unsettled madness from a global perspective but from a Mousey perspective we are doing great! I managed to write a whole album, we have recorded it and pretty much finished it. I’m so proud of what we have achieved. So you’ve got more new music in the works? Yes absolutely. Stay tuned for more new tracks. My excitement is kicking in and I can’t wait for you to hear what we have made over the last year. Your new single ‘The Bench’ has a fiery vein of girl power running through it. Is that a message that’s particularly important to...

Christchurch originals Clap Clap Riot have been rocking the Kiwi music scene for more than ten years, and their new album is looking to be hotter than ever. Cityscape got the lowdown from guitarist Dave Rowlands. Can you tell us about your new single ‘It’s Alright’? The single was tracked live at The Lab Studio in Auckland with Tom Healy. It looks at the way we often try and avoid our problems by running away. It’s then about the realisation that we are better to come back to where we all started, and face these problems head-on. Your songs are characterised by a prominent rhythm – why is that? That comes down to our wonderful drummer and friend Alex Freer. Alex always has a great feel and sense for serving the song. He never overplays and knows exactly where to go all out and where to sit back. That in combination...

This summer, SCAPE Public Art will once again be decorating the streets with a curated exhibition of public art – set to this year’s theme of ‘Shadows Cast’. SCAPE Public Art executive director Deborah McCormick says this year’s offering will be an extended eight-week season flowing into the beginning of 2022, with two installations from international artists in the mix. “Our hope with this season is that we bring a refreshed walkway of temporary work to complement the permanent works that we have every year,” Deborah says. Olivia Webb Read our full Q&A with Olivia here "Resilience Training is a voluntary public performance artwork that intends to help us prepare for the seemingly unending series of crises that define our world today. The artwork reconsiders the four cardinal virtues – prudence, temperance, justice, fortitude – to virtues or practices that may provide better support or foundations for resilience in the future:...

OK, OK. So 2021 had its tough moments. So did 2020. Cityscape traditionally starts each year with a bold and positive prediction of how things are going to play out, and now we’ve been burned a couple of times. But hear us out… 2022 is really going to be a great year. You just can’t stop us loving Ōtautahi Christchurch and all she’s got to offer! It’s summer, and Cityscape is all about the summer events. Now we’ve moved to the traffic light system and a largely vaccinated population, we’ve got the certainty we need to throw some massive parties. New Year’s Eve is going to be the opening gambit of a year defined by the things we can do, not those we can’t. Christchurch is picking up the festy game with Electric Avenue and Nostalgia Festival. What’s coming next? Well, we’ve got our fingers crossed for a whole lot of...

Cityscape is checking out the best of upcycled and mindfully purchased high fashion in Christchurch. Then we’re jumping 20, 30, 40 years back in time for a look at the home styles, hairdos, fashion, and even exercise routines that are making a resurgence in 2021 and 2022. Shopping mindfully Thinking about your impact on the planet and the people around you can apply to every aspect of your consumption, from food and household items, to buying new clothes and upcycled fashion. Nobody expects you to spend three hours researching the ethics of every brand you buy, but there are simple things you can do to be more mindful when buying. The first step is to be organised. Have a plan when you head to the store. You can still impulse buy that vase that’s going to look absolutely perfect on your kitchen table if your heart really wants it, but before...

Good sleep is literally a miracle cure that can fast-track you to living your best life. We’re talking decreased risk of disease and obesity, reduced stress, better mental health and brain function, and a serious boost to your immune system and mood. If you need a helping hand in catching those all-important Zs, we’ve got your back. 5 tips for a better sleep 1. Take a hot bath or shower before bed. The warm water and subsequent cooling of your body indicates to your brain that it’s time to go beddy-byes. 2. You know this – stay away from screens at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light interferes with your circadian rhythm, tricking your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. 3. Get plenty of natural light during the day. The counter-measure to blue light at night – this one helps your circadian rhythm instead of hindering it. 4. Avoid...

Slip, slop, slap, wrap and pack because it’s time to get out in the sun and fresh air. Whether you’re an avid adventure addict or more of an easygoing al fresco diner, Cityscape has the perfect outdoor activity to suit you. 1. Choose your own adventure at Christchurch Adventure Park Just a short drive from the city centre is the ultimate outdoor playground for all ages, the Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP). If you’re after time out in nature, adrenaline-fuelled adventure, or the best views in Christchurch, CAP has got it all. Nestled in a pine forest in the Port Hills, the park feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whip out your selfie stick when you take a ride on the 1.8-kilometre chairlift (the longest in the country) – you’re in for epic views across the city to the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps. Having made...

For the perfect wedding you simply must have it in a decorated cathedral with a white veil and flower girls in pink… just kidding! It’s time for the 2022 wedding season and you can do anything you like for a kickarse wedding. Cityscape has some awesome inspo, and ultimately it’s up to you! WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY 101 You’ve probably got a cousin with a decent Canon who might shoot the wedding for a song, but you’ll be better off going with a pro. You want your photographer to be comfortable bossing you around for the perfect shot, and your relationship may never be the same after. It’s also hard work shooting a wedding, and your cousin probably wants to sit down and chat over a glass of bubbles. When selecting a photographer, you’re not trying to decide between ‘good’ and ‘bad’. You’re trying to find one who suits your style. Photography is...

Modern minimalists are using warmer hues as we seek further comfort from our homes, says Resene consultant Rebecca Long. Subtle creams, washed taupes, rich timbers and warmed greys can transform our homes into our havens. Modern minimalism celebrates the simple pleasures in life and encourages our homes to be thoughtful and peaceful. Resene Thorndon Cream is a sophisticated neutral that can be used throughout the home. For a touch more colour, opt for Resene Double Thorndon Cream or Resene Triple Thorndon Cream in living rooms and bedrooms. Layering neutral hues and textures is key to a successful minimalist scheme and transforms a neutral room to one of warmth and character. Explore Resene Colorwood stains such as Resene Whitewash and Resene Rock Salt to enhance the natural grain of your timbers. Subtle creams are a great way to introduce a soft warmth to your home. Gentle in nature, Resene Eighth Canterbury Clay...

If you’re popping the question this year, you’ve got some serious ring-related choices to make. Roccabella’s Vikki George proposes some stellar options. Bespoke design Start from scratch and work with Vikki to design the ring that communicates your love story through metal and stone. “It needs to express not only your love, but your design style and who you are right now,” Vikki says. She designs for the hand the ring is going on. “The worry with bespoke is, will you like it? So I’ve solved the problem by offering a 3D print sample for you to try on before creating the ring in metal. As a designer, I love this part. I can check the balance and size on your hand and know that you love the form, and my clients love it because it eliminates the risk of the unknown.” Demi-couture Find a design you like, and customise it...