Maria R.'s
Fun School Holiday Ideas
- 13Clip 'N Climb ChristchurchSydenhamAn exciting, challenging and fun indoor climbing experience. Great for kids from pre-school to high school age, Clip 'n Climb is also a safe activity so you're sure to know your kids are in good hands.
- 22Adrenalin Forest ChristchurchSpencervilleGreat for the school holidays, at Adrenalin Forest kids can negotiate a series of 102 challenging activities way up in the trees. With safety their number one priority, you can be sure that your kids will be safe up there as they climb the trees like little monkeys.
- 32Black Cat CruisesAkaroaExperience the wonder of the Akaroa Harbour whilst swimming with dolphins, with Blackcat Nature Cruises. A short 90-minute drive from Christchurch, the cruises are perfect for the kids. Plus, for the adults, there’s a bar to enjoy too!
- 42CaddyShack CityWoolstonFor the ultimate school holiday experience, try CaddyShack City mini golf in Woolston. Open every day of the week, rain or shine, this is a great place for kids to have fun and work on their hand eye coordination. Fun for the whole family.
- 52TranzAlpineChristchurch CentralThese school holidays take a trip on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth. Reach your destination by lunch time and you and the kids can enjoy a relaxing afternoon and even overnight in the iconic West Coast town. This is a great scenic and exciting way to spend the school holidays!
Maria R.'s
Best Dessert Spots
- 14Ocean View RestaurantHokitikaOcean View Restaurant is a neat little restaurant dishing up some classic New Zealand desserts! Expect tasty ice cream, mousse, puddings and custards to chomp down on after your delicious mains! A cosy little spot which will appeal to everyone!
- 22Beachfront Hotel HokitikaHokitikaTraditionally a seafood restaurant, it doesn’t mean that Beachfront doesn’t churn out a mean dessert. We’re talking chocolate fondant, cream brule, honey parfait and ice cream sundae. The dessert menu is vast so you may need to order at least two ….
- 31Australasian Bar & GrillKaroroI love the Aussie! This West Coast restaurant is legendary. The dessert menu is small (we’re talking three dishes) but each dessert is perfect. Think chocolate brownie stack, sticky date pudding and key lime tart - the classics!
- 42Olly's RestaurantGreymouthDefinitely Greymouth’s hidden gem, Olly’s has a delicious menu of desserts. Located at Railway Hotel, Mawhera Quay, it may be a bit of trek to get here but, boy it’s worth it! Take your pick from sticky date puddings with vanilla ice cream or berry crumble. Yum!
Maria R.'s
Best Dessert Spots - Canterbury
- 11Just DessertsSydenhamFor all occasions that call for cake or sweet treats, then a trip to Just Desserts is a must. Wedding cake, birthday cake, corporate cake, kids cake, novelty cake - you name it, they make it. The Just Desserts cafe is located in Sydenham, close to the central city. Take a seat, have a coffee and enjoy a little cake.
- 25Cakes By AnnaSydenhamFor cake see Anna. Selling her handcrafted cakes at markets, via some excellent cafes and online, you can choose from paleo, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, anything! All dietary needs are covered, and whats more, they taste delicious.
- 31Taste@TwentyCashmereThere’s a lot to love about Taste@Twenty. Not only do they are a grocer and deli, but they have a small collection of sweets. Located on Colombo Street near the bottom of the Port Hills, this is a great place to stop by to pick up the necessities and a spot of dessert.
- 41Springs Deli CafeHanmer SpringsDeli by day, dessert by night, that’s what the boys and girls at Springs Deli Cafe say. Try the ice cream, sorbet, chocolate cake, cookie and cream cheesecake, tiramisu, chocolate mousse cake and banoffee pie - anything you’ll have will be sweet and delicious.
- 51It’s in the title so expect your cakes, slices and desserts to be homemade and made from scratch! I quite like the deliciously rich chocolate cakes which doubles as dessert or as a nice side to your cup of English breakfast tea. Definitely well worth the visit when traveling to Temuka this spring.
Maria R.'s
Top Dessert Spots - Otago
- 13Cup & Cake QueenstownQueenstownIf you’re looking for cupcakes then don’t look past the exquisite Cup & Cake Queenstown. These beautifully crafted delights of sweety goodness are made from locally sourced and organic ingredients. Made fresh on site every day, this is definitely a place you’ll want to return to.
- 22The Dessert RoomCavershamAn amazing dessert-focused restaurant, The Dessert Room has some pretty decadent hand made cakes for you to have a nibble at. There’s loads of flavours to choose from including cheesecakes, tarts and of course, gateaux. If there’s a special occasion coming up then the guys and girls at The Dessert Room have you covered with specialty cakes for birthdays and anniversaries.
- 34Patagonia Chocolates - QueenstownQueenstownFor the finest handmade chocolate and gelato head to Patagonia Chocolates. It’s certainly an indulgent experience here where all the chocolate is made on site and made, of course, by hand. Using raw and natural produce, you’re bound to be in awe of this little chocolatier.
- 41Using locally sourced ingredients from the Otago Farmers Market, Ironic Cafe & Bar whip up some tasty desserts for locals and visitors alike. Their most popular dessert is the award winning Cadbury chocolate custard cake with mandarin vodka fudge sauce, white chocolate pannacotta and a chocolate icecream, made using all Cadbury chocolate.
- 52Cadbury WorldDunedin CentralFor anything chocolate and delicious, visit Cadbury World. Go on exciting tours of the factory. It’s a colourful and fun-filled experience to be had by all. And the best bit? The chocolate waterfall just like Willy Wonka had.
Maria R.'s
What to buy Dad
- 12Whisky GaloreChristchurch CentralAll dad’s love whisky, right? Then treat your dad to a dram or two at Whisky Galore. There are whiskies for every budget here so no dad will feel left out this father’s day.
- 22The Fudge Cottage ChristchurchBishopdaleFudge, glorious fudge! Fudge Cottage has loads of great fudge ideas for Dad. Distinguished fudge baskets comprise two full layers of fudge and chocolate for dad’s enjoyment and pleasure. Alternatively, there’s the Baileys Log or fudge hearts handwritten with ‘Best Dad’ to tickle his tastebuds and warm his heart. Using natural ingredients and the only best local milk and cream, you’re dad will be very, very happy with his deliciously sweet treats.
- 31Vino FinoChristchurch CentralFor dad’s who prefer a little vino, then Vino Fino has it all. For the wine loving dad, pick up a few bottles of the finest from France, Italy or California - they only thing limiting your choice is your budget.
- 47The ColomboSydenhamStuck for father’s day ideas? Head to The Colombo and you’ll be bound to find something your dad will love, or maybe even inspire your imagination - if you’re feeling creative, head to Spotlight in The Colombo!
Maria R.'s
Gifts for Dad - West Coast
- 11SunshiNZHokitikaFor a unique gift for Dad take a trip to SunshiNZ. There’s some amazing art and NZ made clothing and accessories to choose from. Each piece has a story and the staff are always happy to talk you through the history of each item. Definitely worth spending a good amount of time here!
- 23Mitre 10 WestportWestportMitre 10 certainly has it all for dad this father’s day. Pick up that extra special gift like a hand saw or garden rake. Or maybe even settle for a gift voucher so he can choose his own pressie!
- 31Dick Smith - GreymouthGreymouthFor the technology-savvy dads among us, head to Dick Smith for the latest and greatest phone, stereo or cable. He’ll be super impressed with your gift-giving abilities - trust me!
- 42West Coast BooksHokitika"The perfect place to source a great read for any book loving Dad. With a range of specialty books on the West Coast and its mining history among other NZ subjects, you’re sure to find a great book or DVD to keep Dad’s interest."