Our Life

The beauty of going off-grid is no more power bills, but there are ways to save on the setup too.

The man often referred to as the godfather of Central Otago wine is still chasing the perfect pinot well into his 80s.

Welcome to the brave new world of perpetual pandemics.

A Tītahi Bay start-up is bringing sustainable toothpaste to the masses, cancelling out plastic tubes in the process.

Tiny forest plantings are gaining international momentum and being promoted by one of the country’s most enduring eco-warriors.

Crafting comes before housework in the dictionary, says this committed crafter

This easy DIY bunting brightens up any room. It's fit for any King's coronation celebrations you may have coming up.

Antonia and Mike Radon farm pāua, sheep and cattle, grow pearls, host visitors and sell jewellery to tourists in Whekenui Bay, Marlborough Sounds.

Ready yourself for cosy winter evenings with this handy step-by-step guide

A good fire can be clean, if you get a few fundamentals right.

This fatigue is more than the sort we experience at the end of a demanding week.

Refashion three pre-loved T-shirts into shirt dress with this handy tutorial.

Guy Hilson can blame it on The Saint. The stylish and charming television character drove a sporty Volvo, so why shouldn't Guy?

A calculated guess by a doctor nearly two centuries ago continues to influence the world today.

An old railway carriage, named Primrose because of the flower’s association with love, renewal and optimism, has found a new home on a hillside overlooking the sea.

A used shipping container has travelled the equivalent of a trip to the moon and back, and is still tough enough to become a dream house.

Some people get socks for their birthday; the owner of this Model A Ford was gifted an automotive classic.

Water, water everywhere and far too much to drink…

For those struggling to drift off into slumberland, it's time to get back to basics.

Hundreds of old-school caravans have been restored and returned to the roads in recent years. Each reflects the personality of its owner in a kaleidoscope of ways — and is infinitely interesting for it.

One of the world’s largest one-day regatta fleets sets sail every Auckland Anniversary Day.

This macrame plant holder project is ideal for beginners - and your next rainy day.

A backcountry hut along the Forgotten World Highway lights up thanks to the sun.

Adding herbs and spices lift a dish's taste and can help improve your mood.

Perfume the air with heavenly scented floating candles while entertaining al fresco − and fend off bite-y bugs while you are at it.

The DIY straw bale home and food forest garden of Monika and Hermann Geister is their recipe for life, and a labour of love.

It’s loved by visitors to Arrowtown for its historic 1870s bones, but Stevenson’s Cottage is a portal to the halcyon days of this family’s 1980s youth.

A Dunedin designer’s beautiful bespoke garments incorporate wild pest fur. No wonder Central Otago’s plentiful rabbits steer well clear of Jane Avery’s tiny Earnscleugh holiday cabin.

His gallery is a Gypsy Caravan, he is possibly a gypsy himself, but Blair Somerville is far from lost in the world of fantastical art.

Life in Aotearoa is celebrated in a bach and matching tiny house on the Horowhenua coast.

Approaching a century old, the Iona lies high and dry on the eastern bank of the Whanganui River. Her working days may be behind her, but this beautiful fishing boat is far from washed up.

Seven years ago, David and Jennifer Rodrigue were townies, dreaming of the country. Today, they produce award-winning boutique cheeses and share their lives with a herd of happy princesses.

Light up your backyard with these glowing orbs of twine.