Eco-chic ... Christchurch
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STAY
at Hotel SO (165 Cashel Street). The rooms may be small, but luxurious linen, free wireless internet, mood lighting and the nicest wake-up system around more than make up for it. At just $89 for a double room, you’ll rest easy even before we mention the hotel’s eco-cred (there’s bicycles for the guests, low-flow showers and the moodlights are LEDs). Shun the supplied paper cups (the only eco-minus we could see) and grab a proper coffee mug from the communal kitchen on the first floor instead.
SHOP…
at Shands Emporium (88 Hereford Street). Downstairs you’ll find Shands Emporium Antiques, home to an eclectic collection of vintage suitcases, watches (Tissot and Omega among them) and more. Upstairs is Tête à Tête, heaven for vintage clothing connoisseurs, with pieces from the 50s forward, chosen with an eye for quality and detail.
VISIT
Riccarton Bush (16 Kahu Road). Take a walk through ancient forest, where 600-year-old kahikatea stand tall, then tuck into a delicious, locally sourced lunch at Riccarton House, a grand Victorian/Edwardian homestead bordered by the River Avon. Book ahead for a Murder Mystery dinner or enjoy live music and cupcakes at the bustling farmers’ market on Saturday mornings.
WEAR
Plush by Carolyn Barker (174 High Street). Layer up with clever garments that wrap and fold around the body. All the pieces are made in Christchurch, with rich colours and flattering fits from size 6 to 22. Unique necklaces are commissioned to match the season’s fabric, and hand-crafted in Lyttleton and Invercargill.
Drink
at The Twisted Hop (6 Poplar Street). You can’t drink more local than beer brewed right at the pub. Ale at The Twisted Hop is hand-pumped from barrel to glass, fresh as anything, ye olde traditions intact. Located in a revamped warehouse furnished with recycled native timber, get cosy in ‘The Snug’ and stay all afternoon.
