Once upon a time I had to travel all the way to Sydney to acquire Lindt hot chocolate as a gift to win the heart of my partner. Now Aucklanders need only drive… Pretty much the entire way to the airport to visit Chocolate Mecca. Located at the brand new […]
Hidden away in the busting heart of Auckland, an urban retreat awaits at the Luxe Spa at Pullman, where you can drop the to-do lists, meeting requests, and all those other things that add to the stress of daily life for a moment of tranquil reprieve. But the Luxe Spa […]
As the Winemaker for Spy Valley, Emily Gaspard-Clark has continued a legacy of innovative winemaking techniques and a deep respect for the terroir. In 2019, Emily’s talents were recognised nationally when she clinched the prestigious title of Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year. This accolade not only celebrated […]
This is SO EASY! A summer smash — and also excellent in winter. This is another fine example of chilli getting busy with sweetness and fruitiness. MAKES ABOUT 500ML 190g icing sugar 4 limes 2 fresh habaneros 450ml cream (or crème fraîche) Note Pour some boiling water into a small […]
Another one-pot wonder! This dish is great with some buttery, crusty bread — we usually have a big green salad/slaw with it too. We also love it on toasted Vogel’s with fried or poached eggs for brunch or weekend brekkie. SERVES 6 2 tbsp canola oil 3 chorizo sausages, chopped […]
In LA, most of the fish tacos you’ll find are ‘Baja style’, named after Baja (BA-HA) California in Mexico. They’re made with deep-fried battered fish. However, when we were in Tulum on Mexico’s east coast near the end of our taco odyssey, we had some incredible tacos made with grilled […]
What’s On the Board The new seasonal menu has landed at Jervois Steak House, celebrating the best and freshest produce of spring and summer. New dishes include a Savannah rib eye on the bone (a new cut, perfect for sharing), a black tiger prawn cocktail with Marie Rose, avocado and […]
The rich and famous have to let their hair down somewhere without getting mobbed. The Soho House caters to this very specific need, offering an oasis from the riff raff. It’s at this club with its very own designer furniture that Megan and Harry would frequent during their dating phase. […]
The Whānau Mārama NZ International Film Festival is back and bringing us another season of International movie magic. Adding more sparkle to this dazzling event is Spy Valley Wines, the official wine sponsor, back for another year. Spy Valley are truly a team of movie buffs, with some Spy Valley […]
From the moment you step off the cobbled lane into the rough-hewn mass punctuated with a constellation of sleek, irregularly-shaped windows, it’s clear that The Hotel Britomart is much, much more than just your regular city hotel. It seems its creators – the same folks that curated the heritage precinct […]
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Wairarapa’s Palliser Bay, Wharekauhau Country Estate embodies a dreamy fusion of luxury, relaxation, and nature. The 3,000-acre property, named “place of knowledge” in te reo Māori, provides discerning travelers with the ultimate Kiwi getaway, combining a warm, personalized service with the untamed beauty of […]
If you are in need of some wine-pairing inspiration for your next celebration, look no further than the wines that we, and Spy Valley, are most excited about… Whatever you put on the table for your next special occassion, whether it’s a Champagne brunch, a sit-down three-course affair, or something […]
Stay cosy and comfortable outdoors when entertaining over the colder months with these simple tips… Just because the winter season is on our doorstep, doesn’t mean you have to give up your outdoor entertainment. In fact, the colder weather is an excellent opportunity to host special outdoor soirees that your […]
Spy Valley Wines might seem like they have a penchant for a bit of mystery what with being tucked away in an obscure part of the world Down Under in seeming cahoots with a spy base no less, but since putting their roots down in the depths of the Waihopai […]
Widely respected winemaker, Wendy Stuckey has spent years honing her craft and refining her gifted palate around the globe, and today can be found championing the Spy Valley Wines style deep in the Waihopa Valley as their Chief Winemaker. M2woman sat down with Wendy to get an insight into the […]
It’s important to step back every once in a while and look at the bigger picture. Even a cursory glance highlights the state of modern technology and our consumerist society buoyed by the fetishization of high-end gadgets as social status. Set against this insatiable cycle of: desire, consume, replace and […]
If you’ve ever gone to Waiheke during any of the peak seasons, you might be overwhelmed at how popular this sleepy little getaway has gotten over the years. It’s now a thriving tourist hub with beautiful beaches and vineyards all just a stone’s throw from one another. It has a […]
Oh man, what a lot of us would get right now for a luxury trip around the most beautiful cities in Europe. A lot of people have already started eyeing 2023 as the year they restart their love affairs with travel (pending the situation at the border) and for those […]
The Gujarati classic chicken curry. A dish often served when the family come together to share a meal. A classic Sunday lunch served with hot roti (rotli). Serves: 4 Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (1kg), cut into pieces 3 tablespoons oil 5 whole […]
While we have a pretty awesome range of cultural sites and monuments down here in New Zealand, one thing you sadly don’t see a lot of is castles. That might be due to the fact we’ve never had our own kings or queens (just a stab in the dark guess), […]
