Good stuff
People, happenings and things, locally and abroad, that we applaud.
Electric beer
Wanaka’s first neighbourhood brew pub, b.social, is brewing its beers on-site using 100 per cent renewable energy. The brewery in Anderson Heights is electric, providing an eco-friendly alternative to most gas powered brewing processes. It also boasts Wanaka’s largest tap selection with 16 beers. Local craft brewer James Hay and businessman Matt Laming converted a car workshop into what is now a brewery, tap room and restaurant. Future plans include solar panels and an electric delivery vehicle.
Creative soda serves
The magical craft sodas dreamt up by Wellington’s Six Barrel Soda Co. are taking on the country and the world. Now exporting to Hong Kong, Canada and Australia, Six Barrel Soda has also just opened its first Auckland store, partnering with Electric Chicken, at 309 K’Rd. Unique drinks include Smoke Cola Everyday (made with smoked cola) and the Mermade (made with butterfly pea flower). Known for its calming properties, the blue flower turns purple when mixed with citrus and the soda also comes with a side of fairy floss. The syrups are made by hand using fresh fruit, natural ingredients, organic fair trade cane sugar and filtered water. “We are excited to grow Six Barrel’s presence in our largest market – it’s always been a goal to open a physical store in Auckland to complement our factory in Wellington,” says Six Barrel Soda Co. founder Joe Slater. “We want to offer something unique and create a fun place for people to try our sodas – perfect for times like this when we’re all looking for a bit of an escape.”
Luxury conservation experience
Canterbury luxury boutique hotel The George has taken experiencing dawn chorus in New Zealand to whole other level. The Christchurch hotel has partnered with Christchurch helicopters to support Flight Path – a fundraising programme that sponsors the conservation work for the critically endangered kākāriki karaka (orangefronted parakeet) that lives ‘locally’ in the foothills and valleys of the Southern Alps. The conservation experience includes a helicopter ride over the Canterbury Plains to Lake Sumner Forest Park, a chance to see kākāriki karaka, natural hot springs, gourmet lunch and private chauffeur transfers.