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What's new in Central Otago, New Zealand
What's new in Central Otago, New Zealand

NZ Herald

time19-07-2025

  • NZ Herald

What's new in Central Otago, New Zealand

You can even cycle around the track before the park opens with the Power Hour by Trail Journeys. At the end of last year, the team added to the fun with a new 18-hole mini-golf course. It's a fabulously eclectic mix of famous pop culture cars – think Herbie and Lightning McQueen – and more local icons like the famous giant Cromwell fruit, a tractor, and even an overgrown Sanga's pie (if you haven't tried these local delicacies, please rectify this as soon as possible) Can you get a hole-in-one at the Sanga's pie course? Penny Black Right on the shores of Lake Dunstan, Penny Black has been a local favourite for some time now. But last year, the owners decided to hand over management and take it from a local pub with great bar bites to a very different food experience. Chef Steven Sepsey has an impressive culinary CV, including time on the pans at highly awarded Aosta in Arrowtown. He is bringing big-city fare to Cromwell, and the locals are loving it. The menu is all about twists on Kiwi classics, and even though it's the kind of creative kai that wouldn't be out of place in Auckland, Sydney, or Melbourne, the vibe remains eternally approachable. All the best bits about fine dining, minus any pretensions. Penny Black offers Kiwi classic dishes, and creative dishes that show the city's best offerings. Penny Black visitors are in for a unique time. For example, this extraordinary shellfish dish as a starter. Cottages at Monte Christo If you're looking for somewhere amazing to stay, the new accommodation at Monte Christo Vineyard is where it's at. The country chic vibe of the cottages makes them the perfect place to hole up after a long day enjoying Central Otago, all earthy tones, natural textures, warm lighting, woolly throws, oversized cushions and luxurious bathrooms, which feel a bit like a spa. Monte Christo is one of Central Otago's newest vineyards and weirdly also its oldest. In 1863, French prospector Jean Désiré Féraud became one of the first people to produce wine in Aotearoa, but by the late 1800s had shut down operations and torn out the vines. The Paris family recently revived it, incorporating the original stone building and even replanting a direct descendant of the original vine clone. They have a stunning underground tasting room and winery tours on offer. Hold your intimate gatherings at the new cottage accommodations at Monte Christo Vineyard. Station Brewing Yes, Central Otago is wine country, but they do brew a cracking beer too. In October 2023, Station Brewing rolled into Alexandra, much to the delight of locals. It's a laid-back, no-fuss, bring-the-kids kind of spot that churns out great ales, hazys and pilsners. The founder has spent a decade honing his craft across Samoa, Germany and New Zealand and it shows in the drinking. Food-wise, they're not mucking around either – think brisket-loaded fries, juicy smash burgers, sticky wings and other soul-hugging dishes you want with a beer in hand. Skip the usual glass of Central Otago wine and grab a beer at Station Brewing. Orchard Garden Opened late last year by ex-Dunedin dwellers Bryan and Frances Raymond, Orchard Garden is the kind of place where you can let the kids loose and reclaim a bit of sanity. With a meticulously-pruned macrocarpa maze, vast rambling gardens and giant lawn games like cornhole, Jenga and Connect Four, it's easy to see why this place has so quickly become such a hit. Once everyone is sufficiently tired, grab a platter, some cabinet food or something off the menu and kick back. Lake Dunstan Explorer Whether you're cycling the Lake Dunstan Trail or just keen to soak up the scenery, the Lake Dunstan Explorer is a great, and relatively new, way to experience this part of Central Otago's stunning landscape. Hop on the Lake Dunstan Explorer to enjoy Central Otago's stunning landscape. Founded by the chatty and informative Andrew Dalton a couple of years ago, the boat trip takes you across the lake with plenty of photo stops and interesting commentary. You'll get up-close views of trail highlights like the Hugo Swing Bridge and those famous, often-photographed cantilevered boardwalks that cling to the cliffs. Most people use the service as a scenic and very pleasant way to transport themselves and their bikes, pre- or post-ride, but you can also book it as a standalone trip – either directly or through Obelisk Tours. If conditions allow, there may even be a diversion to the lone Miner's Cottage, a fab photo stop with tales to tell. Whether you're on two wheels or not, this is a spectacular way to view the lake, the landscape and the trail from a totally different angle. Have a photo stop at the lone Miner's Cottage. Wooing Tree Cellar Door Wooing Tree Wines have always had a presence in Cromwell but as of last year they are right in the heart of it with a beautiful new cellar door experience. (Fun fact, the vineyard is named after an infamous radiata pine that was known as a wooing spot – the site of many blossoming romances, the odd teenage tipple and whatever else may have come after that). It's a great place, especially if you don't have time to go further afield to more remote wineries but still want great Central Otago pinot – their Blondie bubbles and Rosé are particularly popular too. Grab a bottle to take back to your accommodation, do a tasting at the counter or settle in at an indoor or outdoor table for wine with lunch, dinner or a platter. Wooing Tree Cellar Door offers a new wine tasting and buying experience. Jackson Orchards Most people make a stop at a fruit stall when in Central Otago – and honestly, you'd be mad not to. This is the beating heart of some of the best produce in the country (especially during stone fruit season – all those juicy cherries, peaches and plums). As of last year, you can also stock up on artisan products such as dried fruit, sweets, spreads, jerky, pasta, olives, gourmet salts, and snacks when you stop at Jackson Orchards – or even grab lunch or a sweet treat. Take a quick tour around Jackson Orchards and get to know how your food is made. The She Bakes Caravan sells bangin' cakes, scones and slices, Kitchen Window turns out salad bowls, soups and toasties from the same kitchen where it produces its wildly popular condiments; there's coffee, warmed cookies – it's a whole thing. If you're there in summer, don't miss Jackson Orchards tours – a wonderful way to connect with where your food comes from. Get your favorite snacks and souvenirs to take along the road, from dried fruit to gourmet snacks. Coming Soon The fun doesn't stop here. Watch out for the completion of the 32km Kawarau Gorge Trail, which will link Gibbston Valley to Bannockburn, and a new Cooking School due to open later this spring at The Packing Shed in Alexandra.

Prime Day Deal: Grab This Toniebox Audio Player for $80 Off to Make Your Kids' Bedtime Routine Easier
Prime Day Deal: Grab This Toniebox Audio Player for $80 Off to Make Your Kids' Bedtime Routine Easier

CNET

time09-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • CNET

Prime Day Deal: Grab This Toniebox Audio Player for $80 Off to Make Your Kids' Bedtime Routine Easier

Whether it's getting the kids ready for bed or keeping them entertained while they're awake, there's nothing like a good story-time session. Toniebox is a screen-free audio player that allows kids to listen to stories and music without getting sucked into the vortex of a tablet or phone. And right now, thanks to Amazon Prime Day, you can pick up a Toniebox audio player starter kit for just $100. If you're curious about this unique addition to a kid's room or playroom, the low price is a great way to check it out. Your Toniebox starter kit includes the audio player and four lovable Disney characters -- Woody from Toy Story, Lightning McQueen from Cars, Simba from The Lion King and Winnie-the-Pooh. Each Tonie comes with one story (though Winnie-the-Pooh comes with three) plus some of the best songs from each Disney movie. The total run time for each Tonie is about 30 minutes. To activate the player, kids set a Tonie on top. They're super easy to swap out, and you can invest in other Tonies, choosing from a huge array of characters, including Disney Princesses, Paw Patrol characters or Dr. Seuss characters. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The box is kid-friendly and durable, with two ears that act as volume controls. A single charge gets you up to seven hours of playtime. Suitable for ages 3 and up, Toniebox is controlled by swapping characters, tapping the box, and pressing the ears, making it interactive for kids. Why this deal matters Normally, this package with all four Disney characters and the Playtime Puppy would cost $180. While we've seen the Toniebox, including starter kits like this, drop down to $90 during bigger events like Black Friday, the $100 price is still a good deal if you have little kids in your household. It's only $10 more than the lowest price we've seen for this audioplayer. The same bundle is on sale at the Tonies site for $160, but the Amazon deal beats that by $60. We've been scouring Amazon's Prime Day event to find some great outdoor items to get you ready for better weather, plus a nice list of items under $25.

DURHAM DAY TRIP: Here's your guide to exploring the rich history of Oshawa
DURHAM DAY TRIP: Here's your guide to exploring the rich history of Oshawa

Hamilton Spectator

time03-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Hamilton Spectator

DURHAM DAY TRIP: Here's your guide to exploring the rich history of Oshawa

With modern issues dominating headlines, it's easy to forget the rich history of the City of Oshawa. Birthplace of Canada's automotive industry, Oshawa is the largest municipality in Durham Region and is home to many museums and historical sites, making it the perfect destination for a historical day trip. Clark and Chase Wight get up close and personal with Disney's Lightning McQueen at the Canadian Automotive Museum in Oshawa. 1. Canadian Automotive Museum 99 Simcoe St. S. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located in downtown Oshawa, the Canadian Automotive Museum opened in 1962 and continues to enthrall visitors with its detailed history of the automotive industry in Canada, from the end of horse-drawn carriages to present times, and its unique exhibits, including Disney Cars' Lightning McQueen and a 1983 Delorean made famous in the Back to the Future film series. A 1983 Delorean is a fan favourite among the many vehicles displayed at Oshawa's Canadian Automotive Museum. The Robert McLaughlin Gallery. 2. Robert McLaughlin Gallery 72 Queen St. , in the Oshawa Civic Centre Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Another automotive association, the famed Robert McLaughlin Gallery is named after the founder of the McLaughlin Carriage Company, precursor to General Motors, and is renowned for its extensive collection of Canadian art. Current exhibits include a retrospective of Painters Eleven, Ontario's first abstract artists collective. Visit Oshawa's Robert McLaughlin Gallery and immerse yourself in Canadian art. Brush up on military history at the Canadian Tank Museum in Oshawa while viewing some of its more than 140 military vehicles. 3. Canadian Tank Museum 1000 Stevenson Rd. N. Open daily from noon to 4 p.m. through the summer Immerse yourself in the rich military history of The Ontario Regiment artifacts exhibit and get a glimpse of more than 140 operational, historic military vehicles spanning the time period from the First World War to the Afghanistan conflict. An accredited Canadian Armed Forces Museum, the facility is run with the help of more than 200 volunteer members. The Canadian Tank Museum and Ontario Regiment Museum in Oshawa features military vehicles from its collection of more than 140 operational tanks and vehicles. 4. Parkwood Estates 270 Simcoe St. N. Tea House Restaurant open weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gift shop open daily 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For guided tours/events, visit Enjoy tea al fresco at Parkwood Estate's Tea House Restaurant, open May through September. Step back in time at the Parkwood National Historic Site, one of Canada's last remaining grand estates. The former home of Canadian auto baron R.S. (Colonel Sam) McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada, the estate offers historic tours, workshops, tea at its outdoor café and more. Take a step back in time with tours of the historic Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa. A popular film spot, visitors can also spy familiar set locations from film favourites such as 'Billy Madison,' 'X-Men' and others. Take a step back in time with guided tours of Parkwood Estate, the former home of General Motors founder R.S. McLaughlin and film site for many popular movies and television shows. The Oshawa Museum at Oshawa's scenic Lakeview Park. 5. Oshawa Museum 1450 Simcoe St. S. For hours/tours, visit Located within Oshawa's scenic Lakeview Park, the Oshawa Museum is the perfect last stop. Find out about the less-known history of Oshawa with current exhibit 'Untold Oshawa,' which focuses on stories not previously published in any historical books or works. Open year-round for tours, the museum also offers Tea & Talk events and more. After visiting, enjoy a stroll along Oshawa's scenic lakeshore or a relaxing afternoon at the beach. Meticulously researched and written in an engaging, accessible style, 'Untold Oshawa' shines a spotlight on the tapestry of experiences that have shaped the city.

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