New Zealand Christmas Tree

Ahhh, now is about that time when you are starting to think about kai for the Christmas barbie, pulling out your speedos again and dusting off the decorations to embellish the Pohutukawa tree. No, we don't really decorate the Pohutukawa tree but December is its time of year to flourish. The stunning blood red colour of its flower gives the Pohutukawa its unique beauty during this festive season.

The first settlers used pohutukawa blossom to decorate their new homes at Christmas time, think of it as New Zealand's rip off to holly. The settlers were the first to give the shrub its name of Christmas tree, but the name 'Pohutukawa' (Po-hootah-car-wah) is the Maori name meaning 'drenched with mist' or 'splashed with sea spray'. The leaves, bark, nectar and honey from this New Zealand native were also used by the indigenous Maori for many medicinal purposes, back in the day. Nowadays you can just get your fix at Amcal.

The trees are amazingly adaptable and can tolerate extreme coastal conditions, much like the common New Zealander really. They can be found congregating on beaches and coastline in the North Island of Aotearoa, much like the enthusiastic tourist.

However, our tree is in danger of being eaten. The possum, introduced from Australia, has damaged the Pohutukawa population, but the Kiwis have, of course, taken action. Project Crimson is the charitable trust which has been set up to protect the endangered species, along with its cousin the Rata. The funded conservation project encourages the growth and plantation of these trees throughout the nation, and plants up to 30 000 trees a year! There will be a tree for every sheep in no time!

Cafe Culture

Its hard not to notice the shear amount of pubs in England. My eyes twinkle and the corners of my mouth turn towards the sky at the idea of meeting friends for a pint, rather than a coffee. I now catch myself giving out directions using pub names as landmarks instead of using street names. In New Zealand, if you are having a rendezvous with a friend, usually one would meet for a spot of delightful chat over a soft chocolate fish and creamy cappuccino. Cafe Culture or 'coffee culture' is in full swing.

Auckland springs to mind, perusing the rim of the downtown viaduct, spoiled for choice as to where i will spend my $3.20 for a single shot latte.

Next to every cafe you find will be the compulsory-trendy-young-professional bar for you to lounge with a martini or high class imported beer. Prices are high, but the view of Auckland harbour is definitely something to drink to!

Lyttleton secrets

The historic Harbour town of Lyttelton has a quiet, country like feel to it, and is just 15 minutes drive through the tunnel from Christchurch. With one small main street and quirky shops and cafes, its known for its bohemian style and other creative types that live there. I love the arty feel to this place. Too much sea air does weird things to you I guess.

I could go on and on about the numerous funky cafes around New Zealand but the Lava bar and Volcano cafe (next door to each other) are fantastic to wind down in after a day strolling the hills and exploring Quail Island in the Harbour.The Lava bar has an upstairs courtyard to lounge in under hanging flowers and overgrown vines on a warm summers evening. It feels a bit like someones back garden but with better food. Downstairs is shared with the Volcano cafe and their main menu starts at 6pm. If you prefer, they have a BYO bottled wine license.

After your meal, waddle across the road to pop your head into the Wunder Bar - a must see for Lyttleton. Even if its just for one drink. They regularly have live music, where up and coming bands start out (including my brothers band!). Local artists display works on the low-lit walls amongst 1920s-50s memorabilia posters and weird and wacky sculptures made from old barbie dolls or farming equipment. Its very colourful and the staff are interesting...

Sign of the Kiwi

Being from Christchurch makes me slightly biased..but that also means I know some brilliant locations around this beautiful city I call home.  One of those is the Sign of the Kiwi. A historic site which was used by the settlers as a rest house and tearooms, still sits high up on the Port hills at the dividing point between Lyttelton and Christchurch. If you stand in the middle of the road (not recommended) you see on one side the sparse flatness of plains spread out before you and great mountains far into the distance, but turn to the other side, the salty sea air cuts your face as you scour the blue-green bay waters of Lyttelton Harbour with tiny houses dotted into hillsides.

The best way to see these views is by car, although there are still many fit examples that cycle and jog around the Port hills for kicks. Winding roads hug the summit, with many an opportunity for that essential postcard shot.

The Sign of the Kiwi put on a home style tea time with scones, cream and jam or freshly made club sandwiches with tea and are open 10-4 daily. But I always choose a goody goody gumdrops ice cream or banana thick shake!