Laid back and accessible, Porters is a fantastic and welcoming field just 89km from Christchurch - and the drive swings past the incredible Sheffield Pies.

The learner facilities at Porters are outstanding and there are also some great discounts for those new to skiing. The ski mat carpet lift makes progression for beginners easy, and the platter lift services one of the best intermediate slopes for skill development in the country. Similarly, the snow school is second to none, with a wide range of international and local instructors ready to help you improve your skiing or boarding.

Read more for the latest season info on skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand

It’s heaven for more advanced skiers and boarders too. Tackle the legendary Bluff Face and Big Mama runs, as well as the natural chutes and bowls in the centre of the field. The Porters Mountain Park offers playful and creative terrain and a great platform to progress your freestyle skills, and on-field accommodation is available at the Porters Lodge, just five minutes below the base car park.

Quick Facts

• Where 89km from Christchurch
• Ski & board Easy-to-use learners’ area and awesome off-piste freeriding on steep faces, including the legendary Big Mama run
• Season June – October
• Access road 12km unsealed, carry chains, shuttles available
• Ratings Beginner 30%, intermediate 30%, advanced 40%

Essentials

• Highest point 1,980m
• Vertical 678m
• Skiable area 285ha
• Lifts 1 x 4-seater chairlift, 3 x T-bar lifts, beginners’ carpet lift, intermediate platter lift
• Lift passes $99 adults, $89 kids, discounts for half days, students, beginners, and over 65s, free for under 10s and over 70s
• On-field ski/snowboard hire Yes
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals First timer, family
• On-field accommodation Yes

portersalpineresort.com

Less than two hours’ drive from Nelson or Blenheim, Rainbow overlooks Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park.

The views from the top are spectacular. Wide, uncrowded slopes and groomed trails provide superb terrain for beginners and intermediates, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves in the high powder runs and chutes.

Read more for the latest season info on skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand

Being close to Nelson, the country’s sunshine capital, Rainbow generally has a good record of bluebird days. The excellent snowsports school operates seven days a week throughout the season, and is ready to help you improve your skiing or snowboarding skills. The nearby village of St Arnaud provides a range of accommodation options for those wanting to stay close to the mountain. On-field, the Rainbow Café offers a range of tempting hot meals. Full equipment rental, clothing hire and sales are also available.

Quick Facts

• Where 100km from Nelson and Blenheim
• Board Uncrowded green, blue and black runs, terrain park with its own tow
• Season July – October
• Access road 12km sealed, carry chains, shuttles available
• Ratings Beginner 25%, intermediate 55%, advanced 20%

Essentials

• Highest point 1,760m
• Vertical 218m
• Skiable area 300ha
• Lifts T-bar, intermediate platter, learners’ tow, terrain park tow, off-piste access tow
• On-field ski/board hire Yes
• Lift passes $95 adults, $48 kids, discounts for half days, students and seniors, under 7s free
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals Families and/or multi-day
• On-mountain accommodation No

skirainbow.co.nz

Nestled on the eastern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, Tukino offers the combination of adventure and lack of crowds, coupled with the friendliness and camaraderie found on club-operated fields.

Beginners can play around on the lower slopes, while intermediate and advanced riders can get a lift on a Snowcat to the top of the mountain, where they’ll be guided down Tukino’s best off-piste by the experienced ski patrollers.

Read more for the latest season info on skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand

The field is open to the public and visitors are most welcome to visit Tukino to ski, board or just play around in the snow. Sit back in front of a log fire in the Little Mountain Café and enjoy the scenery and camaraderie of others in this little spot of paradise. The Tukino slopes are sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds, and the field is often operating in clear weather when the rest of the mountain is in cloud. For early risers, snow conditions are very pleasant in the mornings, thanks to good morning sun. This doesn’t mean slushy snow later though, as Tukino maintains a relatively constant temperature due to being in an open area. On-mountain accommodation is available in three modern ski lodges.

Quick Facts

• Ski & board Uncrowded, family-friendly slopes , guided off-piste skiing
• Location 22km from Waiouru
• Season July – October
• Access road 14km unsealed, 4WD only, shuttles available
• Ratings Beginner 35%, intermediate 30%, advanced 35%

Essentials

• Highest point 2020m
• Vertical 340m
• Skiable Area 170ha
• Lifts 3 x nutcracker tows plus snowcat pick-up and drop-off at top boundary
• Lift passes $85 adults, $40 kids, discounts for students and club members
• On-field ski/board hire No
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals Ski and stay deals
• On-mountain accommodation 3 modern ski lodges

tukino.org

Temple Basin is an amazing ski and snowboarding area in the middle of the Southern Alps, surrounded by the beauty of the alpine Arthur’s Pass National Park.

The quintessential clubbie, it’s all about fun and good times. The regulars are friendly and welcoming, at Temple to enjoy the wonderful snow and fantastic conditions, and they often have some of the best skiing or boarding experiences of their lives – in fact, many international skiers rank it as one of the best areas in the world.

The field’s history is steeped in adventure. Before World War Two, most skiers would jump on the ‘Perishable’ at Christchurch train station, riding to Arthur’s Pass on the train that carried fruit and vegetables to the West Coast. They’d hop off and begin the hike to the field at midnight, arriving at the field at dawn.

Read more for the latest season info on skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand

These days, the hike from the main highway only takes 50 minutes, and you can load your gear onto a goods lift and walk unencumbered, but the spirit of adventure remains. The mountain is criss-crossed by sweeping blue runs and adventurous blacks, with a few welcoming green areas down low. Once you’re done for the day, the mountain’s facilities are comfort central, with a cosy on-field lodge (with a chef) high up in the Main Divide. Waking up on what feels like the top of the world is well worth the effort.

Quick Facts

• Ski & board Fantastic terrain high in the Southern Alps, ungroomed runs for all levels
• Location 150km from Christchurch
• Season July – October
• Access road Sealed road to goods lift, hike to skifield
• Ratings Beginner 15%, intermediate 45%, advanced 40%

Essentials

• Highest point 1,752m
• Vertical 430m
• Skiable area 320ha
•  Lifts 3 x rope tows
• On-field ski/snowboard hire Yes
• Tuition Ski, snowboard and mountain safety
• Lift passes $60 adults, $30 club members
• Package deals Accommodation and ski packages
• On-field accommodation Yes

templebasin.co.nz

Roundhill Ski Area boasts views of Aoraki Mount Cook towering above the Southern Alps and the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo sparkling below.

The field is just 32km from the Tekapo township – enjoy a scenic 24km drive along the eastern side of Lake Tekapo before the 8km ski field access road, which is wide and gradual and leads to slopeside parking.

Roundhill’s diverse terrain mix provides awesome skiing and riding for all levels – smooth, wide, undulating trails for beginners and intermediates, with snowfall boosted by snowmaking facilities, as well as plenty of advanced terrain for the adventurous. Roundhill boasts Australasia’s highest vertical (783m!) for the experts. The terrain park features boxes, rails and jumps for most ability levels. 

Read more for the latest season info on skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand

Roundhill also has a snow sports school with lessons available for any age and ability, along with a huge range of rental equipment available on the mountain. This family-owned ski area offers Kiwi hospitality at its best, with the famous Fairlie pies available in their licensed café, or for light refreshments you can head to The von Brown, which is towards the top of the main T-bar. Park on the slopes, bring your deckchairs and BBQ and enjoy the sun!

Quick Facts

• Where 32km from Tekapo, 75km from Fairlie, 91km from Twizel
• Ski & board Gentle slopes and large beginners’ area for families, 783m vertical (Australasia's highest) for experts
• Season Early July – mid September 
• Access road 8km easy gravel road, carry chains, shuttles available
• Ratings Beginner 20%, intermediate 45%, advanced 35%

Essentials

• Highest point 2,133m
• Vertical 783m 
• Skiable area 550ha
• Lifts 2 x T-bars, Heritage Express rope tow, beginners’ platter and 2 x beginners’ rope tows
• Lift passes $99 adults, $48 kids, discounts for seniors
• On-field ski/board hire Yes
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals First timers
• On-mountain accommodation No

roundhill.co.nz

If you’ve never spent a summer holiday in one of the North Island’s favourite getaway spots, what are you waiting for?

With a history as a timber port but now very much a beachside resort town, Whitianga in Mercury Bay is popular as a base from which to explore the nearby natural attractions of Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, as well as the wider Coromandel region. Whitianga itself is very popular with travellers in summer and provides all the essential services you need if you plan on going camping or attending a festival nearby. There are also plenty of good cafés and restaurants to check out, and heaps of activities to keep you and the whānau busy, if spending hours on a beach with a good book isn’t quite enough for you.

Kayaking, mountain biking, walking, fishing, golf and scenic cruises are all on offer in and around the town. Fantastic beaches are within easy reach, including Buffalo Beach and Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand. Grab a spade at low tide and target the area ahead of a rocky outcrop in the middle of the beach, then dig until you hit hot water!

Also well worth a visit is the spectacular limestone arch at Cathedral Cove. You can reach it with a 30-minute walk to the beach from the small town of Hahei (east of Whitianga), or see it from the ocean in a sea kayak. To find out more, check out thecoromandel.com.

There’s not much better than a killer drink and a bangin' venue to drink it in, and we’re pretty spoilt for choice around New Zealand’s main centres. So when you’re tripping around exploring the best of your own backyard, make sure to stop in to these hotspots for a little (or large) pick-me-up.

Bellini

Stylish, classy and oh-so-refined, Bellini’s killer views of Auckland Harbour and contemporary minimalist glamour converge to create one of the city’s finest establishments. But it’s not all floor-to-ceiling windows and an aesthetic that transports you to the extensive deck of your fanciest friend – there’s also some serious mixology going on here. Tackle one of the cockle-warming drinks like Smoking Barrel or Passion On Fire, or take in a classic with a twist like the Pear & Feijoa Moscow Mule. And of course, there are several Bellini options, from the classic peach to the Lychee and Vanilla or the Orange and Pomegranate Bellini.

Looking for something to nibble on? The chefs of the Hilton Auckland have created a menu full of what they like to call 'plates worthy of a status update', including the likes of slow cooked Wagyu short rib on the bone or, if you're in the mood for something sweet, profiteroles stuffed with ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce and crumbles.

The Hilton Princes Wharf, 147 Quay Street, Auckland
7am till late, seven days a week
+64 9 978 2025
bellini.co.nz

Hawthorn Lounge

A swanky throwback to 1940s New York, this funky hotspot rocks a chilled vibe where dapper, waistcoated booze alchemists dispense old-school charm and dangerously delicious cocktails to Wellingtonians in the know. Tucked away in an upstairs room beside a gym on Tory Street, the Hawthorn Lounge is all heavy wooden bar, huge leather Chesterfields, heavy red curtains and seriously top-shelf booze set to a soundtrack of big band music. Sack out in one of the Chesterfields by the crackling open fire and soak in the serenity, or get your prohibition on with a night of poker around a green baize table. Either way you’re in for a hell of an experience.

2/82 Tory Street, Wellington
5pm-1am Monday-Saturday
04 890 3724
hawthornlounge.co.nz

The Dirty Land

The Dirty Land’s interior is awash with heavy red curtains, exposed brick walls, tactile wallpaper and moody lighting, care of guttering candles and some seriously covetable fixtures hanging under a gnarly, pressed ceiling. It’s like walking onto the set of a David Lynch movie, only better – because here, you get a swanky cocktail list that rounds out an impressive and imaginative drinks menu. It goes without saying the drinks are killer; those with a taste for spice should tap the twist-on-a-classic that is the Peach & Jalapeño Margarita, while the Pirate Tea’s lacing of house-infused pineapple and cinnamon Anejo rum with lemon, pineapple and sugar makes for some primo drinking. The cocktail specials are always changing, so if you're feeling adventurous, tell the bar staff to surprise you! When you're peckish, check out the premium bar snack menu care of the adjoining Mexicano's, one of Christchurch's most popular restaurants.

131 Victoria Street, Christchurch
Mon – Sat from 4pm; Sun from 5pm
03 365 5340
thedirtyland.co.nz

Bardeaux

This Queenstown institution is an intimate affair (think buttery leather armchairs, low ceiling and lighting, and shelves of amber-filled glittering bottles) with an enormous, roaring open fire crackling away in a statement Central Otago schist-rock fireplace, and an even larger selection of Pinot Noir (including an extensive local collection). Cocooned in comfort and redolent of old-world charm, Bardeaux is a haven for those looking to escape the exuberance of Q’town’s wild party scene, and is the perfect venue for a fireside tipple après-ski (or a drink out on the patio in the warmer months). If you’re not a fan of the Pinot Noir (seriously, this is flavour country) then a voluminous cocktail list and well-stocked cellar of vintage wines and champers will keep you content once you’ve narrowed down your search. What’s more, the late close time means you’re able to take your time and drink in the moment.

Eureka Arcade, 11 The Mall, Queenstown
4pm-4am, seven days a week
03 442 8284
goodgroup.co.nz/bars-and-cafes/bardeaux

Pequeño Lounge Bar

Next time you’re down Otago ways, pop into Pequeño, order yourself an espresso martini, and kick back in the sleek surrounds of Dunedin’s finest lounge bar. It’s a world-class cocktail lounge tucked down some basement stairs, with beautiful ambience from the flickering open fire to exposed brick walls and eclectic mix of chandeliers. The cocktail list is one of the city’s most expansive, but if you can’t face the choice, ask one of the expert bartenders for one of their handcrafted creations. There’s a generous selection of wine and beer as well, with local brew Emerson’s on tap. Pop by on the weekend to catch some live jazz, order a selection of tasty sharing plates from the tapas menu, and settle in, because this is a bar so cosy you won’t want to leave.  

50 Princes Street, Dunedin
Tuesday – Friday from 5pm
Saturday from 7pm
021 0836 4309
FB/PequenoLoungeBar

New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery has always been the backdrop to native Kiwi cinema, but our down under, all-locations-covered wonderland is now attracting more and more Hollywood star power.

Of course, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies by New Zealand born-and-bred director Peter Jackson have showcased some of our most awe-inspiring natural sights, but New Zealand has been scene-stealing in a bunch of other productions as well. From the top to the bottom of the nation, wherever you are in New Zealand, it’s likely you’re not that far away from a recognisable film location.

Auckland

The broody black sands of Karekare and Piha Beaches in the Auckland region provided the perfectly bleak backdrop to the iconic (and sodden) beach scenes in Jane Campion’s period drama The Piano (contrary to the evidence of that film, the sun does shine here!) The city and nearby surrounds (especially the hills of Waitakere Ranges Forest Park) have also stood in as an enchanted locale for children’s fantasy drama The Bridge to Terabithia, the dark and foreboding woods in the gore-tastic remake of cult classic The Evil Dead and its subsequent Bruce Campbell-starring TV revival Ash Vs Evil Dead, the China of legend for big Netflix sequel Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (which also filmed in Waikato and The Coromandel) and a bunch of other TV productions from blood and sandals series Spartacus to everyone’s favourite leather-clad hellcat Xena: Warrior Princess. Taika Waititi’s smash-hot Kiwi success Hunt For The Wilderpeople also filmed in and around Auckland, including at the Good Gals Dairy (151 Point Chevalier Road) and Mount Eden Prison, with the Waitakere Ranges playing the Ureweras. Jason Statham tackles a prehistoric shark out on what is actually the Hauraki Gulf in The Meg. Parents might also spot familiar looking backgrounds (or people!) from various iterations of the cult, ongoing Power Rangers series.

Eastland

The iconic ‘New Zealandness’ (really, there’s no other word for it – you’ll know what we mean when you get there) of Eastland’s small town Waihau Bay was the perfect stomping ground for Boy’s ‘egg’-loving, big-dreaming protagonist.

Taranaki

Taranaki’s lush green farmland became Japan at the end of the Imperial Era (while Mt Fuji found a fitting understudy in Mt Taranaki) in the 2003 Tom Cruise epic The Last Samurai. With a large chunk filmed around the region, you can head over to New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park and scope out where rifle training scenes were filmed, or check out Uruti Valley where the epic samurai battles were staged.

Wellington

‘Wellywood’, as it’s been dubbed here, has become the nerve centre of New Zealand’s modern film boom, with Peter Jackson’s premiere Stone Street Studio facilities hosting such blockbusters as Avatar, The Legend of Zorro, and Pete’s Dragon. Stroll the streets and you may find many of the locations for the 2005 remake of King Kong, with ocean and island scenes filmed around the coast and in Cook Strait, as well as the hangouts of the vampire crew from What We Do In The Shadows. Be sure to swing by Wellington’s impressive Opera House on Manners Street, which became the New York City theatre where Kong escapes. Wellington also gave rise to the technological future of Scarlett Johansson’s 2017 sci-fi action flick Ghost In The Shell. You’ll also want to check out the Weta Cave, where design and prop wizards Weta Workshop showcase sculptures, prop replicas, art prints and apparel from a host of high-profile films they’ve worked on.

Canterbury

Peter Jackson transformed the port town of Lyttelton into small-town America for his early Hollywood effort The Frighteners, starring Michael J. Fox, and shot the inspired-by-true-events teen murderesses chiller Heavenly Creatures, starring a pre-Titanic Kate Winslet, in and around Christchurch. The tiny Banks Peninsula township of Port Levy was transformed into the tiny, sleepy Midwest American town at the heart of the post-apocalyptic sci-fi flick Z for Zachariah. Fancy ducking out the back of the closet into Narnia? Head to Flock Hill, between Darfield and Arthur’s Pass, where you’ll find the stunning limestone outcroppings that doubled as Narnia for the climactic battle of the first Chronicles of Narnia film. The Michael Fassbender-starring ‘European-style’ Western Slow West was filmed around the South Canterbury town of Twizel, and New Zealand-set gold-rush era The Stolen was also filmed around Canterbury in 2016, as well as at Christchurch’s Ferrymead Heritage Park.

Otago

The small West Otago town of Tapanui had its main street and old lumber mill relocated to the United States for the purposes of Disney’s recent live-action remake of Pete’s Dragon, while Hugh Jackman also popped into such locations as Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the famous jet boating/bungy adventure location of Skippers Canyon for X Men Origins: Wolverine. Central Otago has also been standing in for Iraq during the filming of Ethan Hunt’s (Tom Cruise) escapades in Mission Impossible: Fallout. The University of Otago became the setting for sinister goings-on in 2019’s Black Christmas.

Southland

In a rare case of art imitating life, the real-life home of quirky New Zealand two-wheeled speed demon Burt Munro was also the filming location for the biopic of his life, The World’s Fastest Indian, starring Anthony Hopkins. Scenes were filmed in Invercargill as well as on the nearby Oreti Beach on the shores of Foveaux Strait, where the real-life Burt nailed his motorcycle speed runs before smashing international records on Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. Michael Fassbender, Danny McBride and crew also had the fortune (or misfortune for the characters) of landing in Fiordland’s otherworldly Milford Sound for Ridley Scott’s most recent Alien series film, Alien: Covenant. (Fear not visitors: we promise there are no xenomorph spores anywhere!)

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit

Where to start? These epic celluloid success stories were shot entirely in New Zealand and have featured locations the length and breadth of the nation. There are too many iconic locations to list, so here’s the highlight reel, as it were: Matamata, Waikato (Hobbiton), Twizel and Mt Potts Station in Canterbury (The Pelennor Fields and Edoras), Paradise near Glenorchy (Amon Hen and Lothlorien), Kaitoke Regional Park in Upper Hutt (Rivendell), Mt Ruapehu/Tongariro National Park (Mordor), Skippers Canyon and the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge near Queenstown (the Ford of Bruinen and The Arganath), the Kepler Mire in Fiordland (the Dead Marshes), and many, many more.

With the rat race ramping up stress levels, many of us are forgoing a little income and taking a wellness sabbatical: grind-avoiding getaways in beautiful retreats with plinky-plonky soundscapes and morning meditations.

It’s like a self-imposed lockdown, but somewhere pretty, and with yoga. Here are our five picks for a wellness sabbatical.

Mana Retreat Centre – Coromandel

Walk out your downward dog in an equality circle in the bush-covered Coromandel Range. This non-profit residential retreat is a haven for self-compassion, awakening the consciousness, and vegetarian food.

manaretreat.com

Aro Hā – Queenstown

Don’t give up on your dreams of a Balinese yoga retreat – Aro Hā runs yoga and wellness getaways just out of Glenorchy. You’ll have trouble shutting your eyes for savasana when you see the view across Lake Wakatipu from the yoga studio – but the whole retreat is caffeine-free, so that might help.

aro-ha.com

Anahata Yoga Retreat – Takaka

Make the commitment to simple, sustainable living atop a hill overlooking Golden Bay. Anahata Yoga Retreat is run on the principles of ashram, emphasising daily yoga and developing inner peace.

anahata-retreat.org.nz

Solscape – Raglan

For a self-directed sabbatical, stay in Solscape’s earth domes, cabooses or in the off-grid Tipi Forest in Raglan. Eat in the Conscious Kitchen and achieve pure bliss by splitting your days between yoga, surf and massages.

solscape.co.nz

White Orchid Retreats – Tauranga

White Orchid Retreats create seriously chill experiences and don’t let men past the front gates. You’re in for women-only bliss with bushwalks to nearby waterfalls, geothermally heated pools and extensive spa treatments.

whiteorchid.co.nz

The alpine spa resort of Hanmer Springs is the jewel in the crown of the Hurunui District’s tourist attractions. Coming a close second, though, is Waipara Valley, the centre of Canterbury's wine-growing and with a burgeoning reputation for the quality of its rieslings and pinot noirs.   

Around the Hanmer Springs and Hurunui area

For centuries the thermal pools at Hanmer Springs were used by Māori travelling through the area. The first bathhouse was built in 1883. Today, the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is a landscaped complex and day spa. It offers a range of therapeutic treatments for a complete spa experience.

For something more active, try Hanmer Adventure and Hanmer Springs Attractions. During winter, hit the slopes at Hanmer Springs Ski Area and Mount Lyford Alpine Resort. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking and 4WD adventures.

Waipara Valley is the centre of Canterbury's wine-growing. For a winery lunch, explore the cellar doors at your own pace (with a designated sober driver, of course) or join a wine tour with Waipara Wine & Craft Beer Tours.

Regional Destinations

Amberley This rural service town is the southern gateway to the Hurunui region and a destination in itself if meandering through craft and thrift shops is your thing. The nearby Amberley Beach golf course delivers rolling greens and sweeping sea views.

Weka Pass Look out for Frog Rock and Seal Rock among the striking limestone formations you can see on the drive through this spectacular gorge. Or take the trip through the gorge on a heritage steam or diesel-electric train.

Cheviot Halfway between Kaikoura and Christchurch, Cheviot is a great place to break your journey and an even better place to stop and explore. There’s walking tracks and cycling trails, and among the shops and restaurants there’s jewellery, homewares and original New Zealand art on offer.

Gore Bay Wax up the board and hit the surf at Gore Bay, one of New Zealand’s safest surfing beaches, or try your luck surfcasting for dinner.

Highlights

Enjoy a luxurious soak in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. Sample local wine at the cellar door. Brave a jet boating adventure in a rugged gorge. Horse trek in the North Canterbury foothills.

When travelling to Hanmer Springs and Hurunui from Christchurch, stop for lunch at the acclaimed Nor’Wester Café in Amberley. In Hanmer Springs, try Powerhouse Café & Restaurant, Monteith’s Brewery Bar and No. 31 Restaurant & Bar.

Ancient trails

Some of the first examples of Māori rock art are to be found in natural limestone shelters in the Weka Gorge. The simple human figures, fish and dogs were drawn on the shelter walls in charcoal and red ochre as much between 600 and 1000 years ago by Māori hunting moa and other birdlife. From Waikari township, a 40-minute walk takes you to the most significant site.

Bread & Circus World Backyard Buskers Festival kicks off this month in Christchurch, and we've got the inside word on some unmissable acts.

WHAT THE QUIZ IS THIS?!

Get your sound holes ready for the musical competition of your lifetime. It's a quiz. A musical quiz. With live performances courtesy of cabaret superstar Nomi Cohen. Rally your team and let's get quizzical.

JARRED FELL – AGAIN

Witty, naughty and razor-sharp, magician Jarred Fell is coming to Christchurch to premiere his new show, Again. He says the performance will be full of post-Covid ideas with a sprinkling of old classics.

JESS THE MESS

They call her Jess The Mess and 5 minutes into her show you'll understand why. Armed with a sparkly personality, fire, eggs, and some seriously sweet dance moves, one of New Zealand's funniest professional idiots brings you an interactive comedy street show entertaining both little and big kids alike.

LI'L CHUCK THE ONE MAN SKIFFLE MACHINE

Multi-instrumentalist David Thorpe aka Li'l Chuck the One Man Skiffle Machine is a true one-man-band, proving that men can in fact multitask. Having spent a lifetime rummaging through the drawers of 1930's – 50's music, Chuck’s mostly original songs are inspired by the sounds of the era – Blues, Early Jazz, Western Swing, Ragtime etc. and are uniquely presented in the style of street performers from those glory days.

PAUL KLAASS

Paul Klaass is a multi-award winning comic juggler. His one man circus has hilarious comedy skits, world-klaass juggling, and screeds of charm. With a fresh and modern take on circus, this unique and memorable must-see show is fantastic family friendly fun.

BIGGEST LITTLE CIRCUS

Back by popular demand, The Biggest Little Circus return with astonishing aerials, classic Kiwi comedy, OMG juggling and loads of lycra! You can't miss their leotards and you don't want to miss their one-of-a-kind performance, kiwi charm and loads of lycra. Catch them at the Scott Statue Park Busking Pitch throughout the festival.

BETTY'S WORLD

A Christchurch premiere from the creator of Sport Suzie – a long time festival favourite. Welcome to a world of magic, circus, fearless cycling and a mind reading pig. Equal parts astonishing and hilarious.

KIDS COMEDY GALA

A hearty assortment of belly-laughing, cheek-aching entertainment taking to the Isaac Theatre Royal stage. The hand-picked best of the fest, without the rude bits. Roll up to see comedians, clowns, acrobats and musicians providing top quality entertainment for the whole family.

breadandcircus.co.nz

While 2020 might not have seemed like much of a year for growth, it was in one very important respect: beards.

The lockdowns of 2020 saw more men leaving the razors on the shelf, with 52% of Kiwi men saying they shaved less during lockdown. A good portion of these men also admit to letting their facial hair go all Jumanji in general appearance, but new research by global men’s grooming experts, Bulldog Skincare, has shown that men will be going back to more of a grooming routine in the coming months, and they’re looking forward to experimenting with their looks. Boar & Blade barbershops owner Hohepa Rutene teams up with Bulldog Skincare to predict the grooming trends for men in 2021.

Trend 1: Taming the lockdown beard

The iso-beard isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but it’s going to be shorter and smarter, with 41% of men planning to spend more time on personal grooming and channel less of the ‘I just woke up like this’ vibes.

Trend 2: Having a mo-ment

Fans of Magnum PI rejoice – the moustache is looking to be an emerging trend for 2021, with one in ten men looking to try a mo’ on for size this summer. Movember as always saw the guys embracing moustaches in all their glory, and with people looking for fun and experimentation when it comes to their look this year, the trend is set to continue into the following months. An 80s revival, perhaps?

Trend 3: Putting your best face forward

We may have got a bit of guilty pleasure out of staying in our trackpants and never washing our faces while we were stuck at home in 2020, but skincare is going to be a big focus for 2021, with 25% of men planning to reboot their regime and use more products such as moisturiser and face wash on a regular basis. With less FaceTime and more face time, there will be a renewed interest in looking good and feeling great.

boarandblade.co.nz

Start planning your next Kiwi escape with our guide to the ultimate ‘staycation’ venues. We have tracked down the South Island’s finest, where you can enjoy the lifestyle of the rich and famous and soak up some of our most iconic scenery.

Annandale, Banks Peninsula

You’re spoiled for choice at this super lux 4,000-acre sheep and cattle farm escape on the coast, with four award-winning world-class villas up for grabs. It’s steeped in history (it’s one of the South Island’s earliest and most regarded farms), and spans 10-kilometres of wild rugged coastline along Banks Peninsula’s Pigeon Bay.

Accommodation options include the property’s lovingly-restored centrepiece, the five-bedroom 1880s Annandale Homestead, complete with infinity and spa pools; the charming rustic lux of the historic Shepherd’s Cottage for two, boasting uninterrupted views of the sea, Scrubby Bay’s cedar-clad bucolic beach house in a private bay setting for larger groups, and the jaw-on-the-floor inducing, glass enclosed ultra-modern contemporary retreat of Seascape, where natural stone feature walls join a super king bed and an outdoor lounge and spa – complete with a grassed roof, it’s a low-impact, swanky couple’s hideaway perched above the Pacific.

annandale.com

Hulbert House, Queenstown

A beautifully restored Victorian villa that dates back to 1888, the lovingly-restored Hulbert House is steeped in history, and offers a combination of historic elegance and contemporary service that sets it apart. The luxury, boutique accommodation experience is situated just a hop, skip and a jump from Queenstown’s vibrant central city, and its six suites offer an immediate sense of calming serenity. Each features stunning views overlooking either Lake Wakatipu or the Skyline Hill.

You’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast, refreshments during the day and pre-dinner drinks and canapés before you stroll into town to enjoy one of central Queenstown’s many outstanding dining options. The Hulbert House team are always on hand to offer a complete and personal concierge service, assisting you with travel arrangements, to book some of the many exhilarating and scenic activities that have made Queenstown world famous, or securing you yet more serenity with a luxurious trip to a local 5-star spa.

hulberthouse.co.nz

Blanket Bay, Glenorchy

A near-magical haven of peace and solitude, Blanket Bay Lodge allows you to experience unspoiled natural beauty and outdoor adventure from the very lap of luxury. With facilities and accommodation that rank with the very best the country has to offer, the magnificent Lodge perches on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on a 10,000-acre high country farm and offers glorious, quintessentially South Island lake and alpine views; it’s consistently ranked among the world’s best Lodges by prestigious international publications and organisations.

From the Lodge you’re perfectly positioned to explore the nearby Milford Sound and the rest of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site from the air by private helicopter, take on world-class fly fishing in high country rivers, heli-ski, play some of the most spectacular golf courses in the world (such as Jack’s Point and Millbrook), or hit the wine and arts trails of the region. Relax in your choice of five guest rooms or one of three huge suites with large log-burning fireplaces, private bathrooms, super-king beds, sumptuous soft furnishings and magnificent lake views from private balconies, or add to your sense of cosy, lux seclusion in a chalet away from the main lodge.

blanketbay.com

Hotel Montreal, Christchurch

Refined elegance meets effortless modern sophistication at this boutique inner city oasis that offers 25 suites (junior and family) and a sprawling and super-slick three-bedroom, large apartment-sized penthouse with full kitchen (private chef available, natch) and an expansive balcony overlooking Hagley Park, perfect for watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand. Its location in the heart of the city makes it ideal for an inner-city mini-break, or as a splash-out crash pad after a big night in town.

A lavish polo aesthetic features throughout, rolled out from the hotel’s own Polo Bar & Restaurant; this is a fittingly equestrian space where Argentinian eats (including their signature dish, featuring outdoor-roasted suckling pig – Lechon le de leche Empanadas) meet pimped-up house cocktails and an impressive ‘best of’ wine list. In short, you needn’t even leave to experience some of the city’s finest dining – or croquet in the verdant gardens!

hotelmontreal.co.nz

The Penthouse by Eichardt’s, Queenstown

The jewel atop the crown of Queenstown’s new Eichardt’s building, The Penthouse by Eichardt’s commands breathtaking, uninterrupted views across the world-famous Lake Wakatipu to the snow-capped majesty of the mountains beyond. The ultimate in luxury accommodation in the international visitor destination offers a massive 240m2 of spacious living areas, indoor and outdoor kitchens, two luxury bedrooms, marble-bedecked bathrooms, sauna, spa and Queenstown’s largest private terrace. You’ll also find fully automated lighting, entertainment and heating systems, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen (joining the stunning indoor one, which features Gaggenau and Sub Zero appliances, a granite bench and yet more mountain views – plus a private chef, of course).

Your Penthouse experience begins on arrival; meet your chauffeur at the airport in a Land Rover Discovery which is available for your private use throughout your stay, then call upon your 24-hour butler to escort you via private elevator to the Penthouse before enjoying pre-dinner cocktails served in-suite, Krug Champagne, and an excellent selection of Moet & Hennessy spirits replenished daily. Cheers!

eichardts.com

Otahuna Lodge, Tai Tapu

Built in 1895 by renowned New Zealand parliamentarian, philanthropist and horticulturalist Sir Heaton Rhodes, Otahuna Lodge is a beacon of luxury and privacy from a bygone era, set on 30-acres of award-wining gardens, woodlands, orchards and 19th century organic vegetable gardens that supply ingredients for its kitchen’s lauded garden-to-plate philosophy.

Take up residence in the master suite named after Rhodes; this spectacular 100-square-metre-plus palatial suite, spread over four rooms, is resplendent with a Victorian-detailed fireplace (one of 15 in the Lodge) and inglenook seating, expansive bed, octagonal sitting room, and a private balcony that offers stunning vistas of Otahuna’s gardens and beyond to the South Island’s majestic Southern Alps. Rub shoulders with the chef in the kitchen before enjoying canapés and cocktails as a warm-up to an epic wine-matched dinner in the opulence of the grand dining room, or venue of your choice (including the sunken wine cellar!).

otahuna.co.nz

Greystone Purepod, Waipara

Take your lux escape off the beaten track (literally) as you leg it through native bush on the final stretch to Greystone PurePod where, nestled in the heart of the Waipara wine country, you’ll find your own private paradise with a sustainable bent.

With glass walls, ceiling and floor, and perched above the award-winning Greystone Wines vineyards with views up the valley to the Southern Alps and with the Teviotdale Hills to your back, there’s something to see everywhere you look, including star gazing from your plush bed at night. Hit the wine cycle/walking trails, or just soak up the serenity as you graze your way through the optional food package, which features the region’s finest gourmet goodies and a local drop picked up on the way in.

purepods.com/location/greystone

Stonefly Lodge, Nelson

This majestic stone and timber lodge sits on 156 acres of private forest and the banks of the Motueka River. Relax in the library, strike up a game of snooker, or enjoy the excellent range at the Matai Bar – all excellent options after a day of world-class fly-fishing.

Four guest rooms offer glorious views as well as fine linen, super king beds, bespoke furniture and local art, and a large open kitchen adjoining the dining area provides relaxed, shared fine dining among guests.

stoneflylodge.co.nz

The George, Christchurch

Epitomising comfort and luxury in one of the city’s most covetable locations (bordered by Hagley Park and the tranquil Avon River, and mere minutes walk from the city’s top attractions), The George is the boutique, lux bar raiser by which all other city accommodations are measured.

The go-to for visiting celebs and touring rock stars, it’s perfect for your own rock star moment, whether you’re kicking back in the dark-timbered and plush velvet surrounds of one of the 50 suites (you want the seriously swanky three-bedroom, multi-award-winning character villa The Residence – trust us), enjoying a flute of France’s finest in the bar, or undertaking a gastronomic degustation odyssey at the legendary Pescatore restaurant.

thegeorge.co.nz

Split Apple Retreat, Abel Tasman

This exclusive, multi-award winning luxury lodge and wellness retreat is located on the edge of one of the country’s most beloved and scenic spots, the Abel Tasman National Park. Focused entirely on your relaxation and wellbeing, the lodge offers a salt-water, infinity swimming pool and Japanese spa with views that stretch out across the azure Tasman Sea and Astrolabe Islands, with additional rejuvenation and invigoration facilities including a FAR-infrared sauna, steam room, gym, and outdoor shower with hot water.

Head to the screening room to experience deep, high-tech meditation (or simply watch one of their large selection of films in reclining leather seats), or experience gourmet cuisine with a difference – a team-up of retired physician Lee Nelson and trained chef Anne Pen Lee has resulted in gourmet fare that still makes a positive contribution to health and wellness. Three luxurious suites offer 180-degree ocean views as well as 2 private decks with fragrant gardens, and private paths lead guests down to beautiful examples of the golden-sand beaches for which the area is famous, with one overlooking the 120 million year old landmark that gives this world-leading spa its name.

splitapple.com

Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses, Kaikōura

With the concept of putting its guests amongst the birds, Hapuku Lodge stations guests in luxury treehouses amidst the canopy of a native Kanuka grove, some 10 metres above the ground. This 5-star eco-retreat just a few kilometres north of Kaikōura allows guests to nest in luxurious comfort in the treetops, with your bedroom in the sky clad in native timber and offering a luxurious king bed, fireplace and spa.

The five luxury tree houses are joined by an additional four luxury lodge suites and the Olive House, a beautifully converted building that originally contained an olive press, and now offers a beautiful three-bedroom apartment across two stories. Join it all with an idyllic setting where wild deer wander nearby on the resident farm near olive groves and a vineyard – all staged in front of the spectacular backdrop of the Kaikōura Ranges – as well as outstanding cuisine with a natural focus on the region’s own premium ingredients (fresh crayfish, anyone?), and you can see why the lodge is in hot demand.

hapukulodge.com

Reggae summertime legends The Black Seeds are playing Christchurch into the new year at Hagley Park on December 31. Singer and percussionist Daniel Weetman tells What's Hot New Zealand about life in a band that spans two decades and many, many members.

Are you currently recording a new album? Yeah, we’ve been working on ideas separately because of Covid and being in different parts of the country. So we’ve come into the studio for the last couple of days and we’re making some progress.

Has that been quite different to your normal musical creation process? It’s always been a little bit of working on your own demos and then bringing them to the band and doing that together, so it hasn’t been too different with Covid – I guess the period of time has just been longer with that separation. But there’s always a positive and we’ve had more time to write and come up with more ideas.

What does music mean to you? I think music can be therapeutic, and I’ve wanted to be a musician and played music since I was eight years old. I feel really enthusiastic about the music we’re making and it reaffirms to me why we do this. I’ve been in the band over 20 years and life has changed in that time. I have kids, life goes on, I’ve got a day job. But when you make a song, the song takes off, it does its own thing. It’s like releasing a little kid into the world.

What’s your day job? My day job is sign installation. Once my second child came along I needed to get a bit more of a steady income – the Seeds is good but with two kids, you know. I ended up working for a sign installation company and doing some abseiling. It’s a great experience.

You called your bandmates ‘mates’. Do you have to have a pretty good relationship to work with so many people for so long? Yeah you really do. Like any relationship you can step on people’s toes, and I think we work that out pretty fast, not that it happens that much. Just having a respect for each other, and I think with a bigger band you’ve got different people to hang out with if someone’s not having a good day.

The Black Seeds have done eight studio albums, a few live albums and released nearly 80 studio-recorded songs. Do you have a favourite baby? Performing live I like doing ‘Rotten Apple’, I sing that one and it’s a cool heavy feel. It’s not your straight-up kind of reggae track but it still has those elements in it. That’s probably one of my babies. There are many others.

Do you feel like the sound of the band is evolving? I think with Barney’s [Barnaby Weir] writing he’s really gone into another gear. It’s excellent content, very honest and some great melodies going on. At the end of the day we’re just trying to write some good songs that mean something to us, some good grooves. And if that ends up being a progression of our sound, fantastic.

Do you produce any other art? I do my own art and that’s something that I enjoy. I did an album cover for the Seeds, Fabric – the artwork on that is a paper collage. Just recently I got a piece of my work blown up for display in Avondale. I do a lot of DJing where I incorporate percussion and my vocals, and I sometimes dress up and pretend to be different funny characters if the gig suits. And I’m slowly chipping away at some solo stuff. The priority is doing Seeds stuff right now.

Do you feel like your time in The Black Seeds has shaped you as a person? It’s been over 20 years. I’ve always just treated it like, it’s nothing that makes you special to be jumping up on stage in front of people. It’s taught me a lot of things about who I am, where I sit in the world, which I still think about. What sort of message I’m wanting to put out there and the privilege to have that position. Being in this band has for sure changed my life maybe in more ways than I actually realise, but I think always for the positive. It’s taught me about working with other people.

And how have you shaped The Black Seeds? I’ve always wanted to entertain people. To be a band that plays the song and that also entertains you in a physical way. I put a lot of energy into that live. And when it comes to writing and that, I’m a bit more of a darker side with my content but I think that sort of gets balanced out by what Barney writes as well.

You’re playing The Edge NYE20 in Christchurch. What are you looking forward to there? We appreciate being able to be booked to headline a New Year show, and I think everybody right now is keen to celebrate moving into 2021. We’re just excited to play again, together, and get some positive vibes out there and let people let their hair down. Christchurch has always been really good to us over the years, so we’re looking forward to doing that show. And being an all-age show it’s a great opportunity – there’s a lot of kids out there who we get messages from because they can’t see our shows because they’re R18, so these sort of shows are great. Dillastrate are an awesome band, I’m keen to check them out and catch up with those guys. And Dolphin Friendly, they’ll be great to check out, I’ve heard good things about them. We’re just looking forward to playing and bringing a good party – it will only be our second gig this year.

Then you’re back a month later for the Great Kiwi Beer Festival. Will that be quite a different style of gig? Definitely. Beer is involved. Those shows are cool as well. The challenge is entertaining and delivering. New Year’s is going to be late night, and Beer Fest will be in the afternoon, so bringing the party at that time is going to be cool. We’ve done Beer Fest before and they get a little bit loose and always a good vibe.

What do you like to do when you’re in Christchurch? I want to get out and have a bit more of a walk around the city and just check out the development. We’ll come down and do a rehearsal the day before and we’ll have a bit of time to check out the city, I hope. Being part of a band and touring you meet a lot of diverse people and that’s cool. I think that can give you a bit more of an insight into what it’s like to live in that place.

What music do you listen to? Because I do the DJing, I’m trying to just hunt tracks I can sing over and add my percussion to in a live set. So in a way it’s kind of hindered my exploring of what’s coming up. And sometimes I’m just reverting back to rock music, you know, I just want to listen to some new Tool and going back to Soundgarden and stuff like that.

Who’s a Kiwi musician on your radar we should be keeping an eye on? There’s a friend of mine, Paul the Kid. He was in a band called Night Gaunts. I just saw a post of his, he’s been rehearsing to do some new music and one of his tunes is great. Great stuff, great song, so I think that’s exciting. The obvious ones are, you know, Beastwars are doing some great stuff and that will be exciting to hear. I think Shihad are working on some new stuff and I’ll like to check out that heavy goodness.

Summer Solstice Festival, Hastings, Sun 19 Dec

The Edge NYE20, Hagley Park, Thu 31 Dec

TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth, Sat 9 Jan

The Great Kiwi Beer Festival, Hagley Park, Sat 30 Jan

Sounds Like Summer, Matakana, Sun 31 Jan

Sound Valley, Whanganui, Sat 20 Feb

Great Kiwi Beer Festival, Hamilton, Wed 13 Mar

theblackseeds.com

Canterbury Museum’s doors first opened on October 1, 1870, and over the past 150 years its collection has swelled from 25,000 items to more than 2.3 million. To celebrate the anniversary, Canterbury Museum is releasing House of Treasures: 150 Objects from Canterbury Museum Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho, a book showcasing some of the museum’s most incredible artefacts.

There are 69 items from the volume currently on display in the museum – 31 of which (including the thylacine and kākāpō below) are rarely-seen delicate treasures on display for a limited time. Here are five incredible taonga from House of Treasures, and their stories:

1 - Yellow kākāpō

A rarely lovely bird

Kākāpō are the world’s only living flightless parrots. Once common throughout New Zealand, they are now critically endangered and survive on just three small predator-free islands. Their plumage is predominantly green, mottled with yellow and brownish grey. One specimen held at Canterbury Museum, however, is entirely yellow. “It would be difficult,” said renowned ornithologist Sir Walter Buller, “to imagine a more beautiful bird, although I do not, of course, claim for it more recognition than is due to an accidental variety. It is really a lovely bird and, if I may so express it, of striking personality.”

This kākāpō was captured at Preservation Inlet, near Cromarty, Fiordland, by a group of young brothers, the Bradshaws, and their dog. According to Buller’s account, this took place in December 1895. The boys kept the bird alive in a cage and later their father decided to put the stuffed specimen up for sale. Considering it a distinct species, Bradshaw senior settled on an asking price of £500, the equivalent of about $95,000 today. The specimen remained without a buyer for over a year. It was eventually purchased by Buller’s son, allegedly at a much lower figure. In 1923 Canterbury Museum acquired the Bullers’ collection, including the yellow kākāpō.

Birds are prone to several genetic disorders that affect the colour of their plumage. The yellow colouration of the Canterbury Museum kākāpō is due to a mutation known as ino, in which the synthesis of melanin is markedly reduced, so that the yellow pigments become clearly visible. Ino is more likely to affect females as males must inherit the mutation from both parents for them to appear yellow.

You can see the yellow kākāpō in the House of Treasures exhibition on Level 3

2 - Roald Amundsen’s pocket knife

Destination: Sydpolen

When United States Arctic explorer Robert Peary claimed the North Pole in 1909, Roald Amundsen turned his gaze south, to Antarctica. The Norwegian had been planning an expedition to the Arctic when he heard the news of Peary’s triumph. He continued with his preparations, gathering up two years’ worth of provisions and nearly 100 Greenland sledge dogs, but did not tell his crew of the change in destination until about a month into the voyage.

Robert Falcon Scott had also set his sights on the South Pole, launching an expedition about the same time. Amundsen beat Scott to the Pole by just five weeks, reaching his destination on 14 December 1911. His success was largely due to the dog teams. While Scott insisted men should haul the sledges, Amundsen let the dogs pull the weight.

When the Norwegians reached the Pole they scratched the location – written in Norwegian – and date into various trinkets, including Amundsen’s pocket knife. Dog handler Oskar Wisting carved ‘Sydpolen 14.12.11’ into the handle. The knife also came in handy when the crew needed to make a flagstaff; they sharpened the end of a bamboo ski pole and drove it into the snow.

Amundsen kept the pocket knife, later giving it to his friend Haakon Hammer as a present. Hammer’s widow Obera sold the knife to Canterbury Museum in 1980. Norway is very protective of its material culture; this is one of the few items from that expedition in an overseas institution.

You can see Roald Amundsen’s pocket knife in the Antarctic Gallery on Level 3

3 - Mongolian helmet

The warlord and the thief

The story of this rare helmet extends from the vast plains of Mongolia, and a renowned warlord, to the generosity of a revered Cantabrian – and an opportunistic thief. Made from intricately designed iron work, it would originally have been inlaid with gold and silver as befitted a high-ranking officer in the armies of Genghis Khan, the Mongol warlord who conquered vast swathes of Asia and even Eastern Europe during the thirteenth century.

After uniting the disparate tribes of Mongolia under his rule in 1206, Genghis Khan embarked on a series of campaigns to conquer neighbouring lands and defeat rival empires. Over the following 20 years his armies took over all of China, Korea, Central Asia to the north and west of the Himalayas, the Caucasus and Eastern Europe as far as Kiev. Genghis Khan is remembered as a brutal military commander, but he was also a hugely influential leader. He introduced the first Mongolian code of laws, decreed a single script to ease communication and brought the Silk Road trading route under unified political control for the first time. He is revered by Mongolians today as the founder of their nation.

This helmet is part of a significant collection of Chinese and other Asian arts gifted to Canterbury Museum by New Zealand writer and social reformer Rewi Alley. Alley was born in Springfield, Canterbury, but spent most of his life in China. The helmet was stolen in February 2000 by notorious art thief Peter Whitworth but returned to the museum 10 days later, after the culprit was caught.

You can see the Mongolian helmet in Asian Arts on Level 3

4 - Thylacine

Once was a tiger

The story of the now-extinct thylacine or Tasmanian tiger is a tragic part of Australian natural history. A carnivorous marsupial with the appearance of a dog, the thylacine was regarded with curiosity and eventually persecuted as a supposed pest. It was thought to prey on sheep and poultry, though this was very probably exaggerated. Farm owners placed bounties on the animal as early as 1830 and in 1888 the Tasmanian government offered £1 for every full-grown thylacine destroyed. This fast-tracked the destruction of the wild population and by 1909, when the bounty was withdrawn, sightings were rare. The last known thylacine died in captivity at Hobart Zoo in 1936, just 59 days after the species was added to the list of protected wildlife.

There are only around 800 known thylacine specimens held in 116 museums and university collections throughout the world. Canterbury Museum has four of these: two skulls, a complete articulated skeleton and this mounted skin. One of the skulls was acquired in exchange for a kiwi egg in 1932, before its impending rarity was recognised.

The significance of the thylacine story is marked in Australia on National Threatened Species Day, 7 September, which commemorates the death of the last known Tasmanian tiger.

You can see the thylacine in the House of Treasures exhibition on Level 3

5 - Constance Stewart’s flying overalls

High fashion

Lady Constance Stewart was one of New Zealand’s first female aviators. She gained her private pilot’s licence in December 1930, the same month as Jean Batten, who is often described as this country’s greatest aviator. In these years aeroplanes were still uncommon in New Zealand; it was even more surprising to see a woman flying an aircraft.

These overalls were made for Lady Stewart by Hallenstein Brothers, one of the South Island’s oldest and most respected businesses. They are designed for practicality – the canvas with wool lining, for example, provided much-needed warmth at high altitudes – but fashion, too, was clearly taken into consideration. The rabbit-fur collar was a statement of taste, although it no doubt helped to keep Lady Stewart warm during flights.

Lady Stewart lived at Pigeon Bay on Banks Peninsula with her husband, Sir Bruce Stewart. The couple had an airstrip built on their property and Lady Stewart would often fly to Christchurch, Blenheim and even the North Island from her home.

You can see Constance Stewart’s flying overalls in the Costume Gallery on Level 1

canterburymuseum.com