Vicki Anderson offers a few highlights of events in Ōtautahi Christchurch this weekend and beyond. Oi Manawa, the earthquake memorial along the riverside, is a special place. Whenever I am passing, I like to stop and run my hand across the smooth pounamu, especially at night when the moon bathes it in a warm glow. It is a beautiful tribute to the sad events of February 22 and those who died in the 2011 earthquake. Aside from the civic event to acknowledge the 10th anniversary of that day, people throughout Ōtautahi are holding events. Connecting together as a community matters at these times.
JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/STUFF
The Rod Donald Trust is working to purchase 500 hectares of Banks Peninsula farmland to turn into a conservation park.
Are you back at work but still hankering for the hills? The remaining long days of summer are ideal for short escapes to explore the many walking opportunities on the Banks Peninsula. A little-known organisation, the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust, has been beavering away since 2010 to create more walking opportunities in tandem with biodiversity protection on this wonderful and diverse former volcanic island that abuts Christchurch. The site lists over 100 walks on the Peninsula and can be searched by difficulty level, area, track length.
BROOK SABIN
The fast-growing town of Cromwell has mountains, a stunning lake, vineyards, cherry picking and loads of adventure activities. It s just missing the crowds.
Many of New Zealand’s small towns shine brightest when the summer sun does, not least because you can take a dip or eat al fresco without making yourself sick. With some of the best weather of the season still ahead of us, all going well, events calendars are in full-swing, promising entertainment ranging from music, busking and food and wine festivals to a Viking-style soirée. Here is our pick of small towns to try to make it to before the weather turns, and they look – to some eyes at least – kind of dark and depressing. There’s a lot about food and wine, but ‘tis (still) the season after all. That’s what we’re telling ourselves anyway.