Local Gems
Here are some of the local gems we’ve loved in the places we’ve visited to capture stories and photos for our business. We are not paid by anyone we mention in our Local Gems stories on this page - these are experiences, businesses, or people that we wanted to celebrate and acknowledge that we thought you might also enjoy knowing about.
Lewis Pass Scenic Tarn (South Island)
When you’re driving between Christchurch and Nelson via the Lewis Pass there’s a magic place to stop at the start of the St James Walkway. A short walk from the car park takes you to a beautiful tarn. When the season is right there’s a covering of snow on the mountains. Clem and I love…
The Pier Hotel (Kaikōura)
The Pier Hotel in Kaikōura offers tasty food and a cold beer or wine with arguably the best view in town. Clem and I have spent quite a bit of time in the beautiful town of Kaikōura but it wasn’t until recently that we discovered The Pier Hotel. It has undergone a major redecoration and…
Little Dutch Bakery (Nelson)
We were awaiting the opening of the new Little Dutch Bakery in Bridge St with considerable anticipation. Clem is hard to please (but always hopeful) when it comes to Dutch Apple Cake but he compared the bakery’s version with his mother’s! I had a Stroopwafel. It was delicious and it was so lovely to have…
Seido Karate (Christchurch)
Jacquie worked with Seido Karate in Christchurch, the dojo led by her father for the past 57 years, to raise the profile of the dojo and to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
Sweet As Cafe (Nelson)
Sweet As is a little cafe very near the Provincial Museum at the top of Trafalgar St in Nelson (near the Cathedral steps) which makes great coffee and food. We love the scones (cheese for Clem and date for Jacquie). It’s a cosy spot when it’s a cooler day and the outdoor seating is lovely…
Tāhunanui Beach (Nelson)
Tāhunanui Beach, Nelson It’s never a bad day for a walk on the beach. In Nelson your chances of beautiful weather for a beach walk are better than most. Clem and I are often sitting with a coffee in our hands looking at the blue of Tasman Bay whenever we’re home in Whakatū (Nelson).