Spend a day in Kurow

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Support small businesses this Christmas and browse the offerings on Bledisloe Street.

First stop, Jessica Flora and In Good Company. Offering slow fashion and strong values, Jess Beachen is a local designer making beautiful clothes made-to-order. Using 100% natural fibres and with the earth in mind, Jess releases only a few series a year, so make sure you put your orders in for the holiday season.

In her store, you’ll find smaller delights too. In Good Company is home to Jess’s studio and a swathe of local brands. From natural skincare and candles, to accessories and jewellery, Jess’s picks make perfect Christmas gifts.

Next door you’ll find Whistle and Pop with local designer Bex Hayman who has been making sophisticated jewellery with a rural twist since she gifted her husband a silver dog whistle instead of the traditional ring.

After a visit to these two stores, pop to Feliz and Sage for a coffee and a sausage roll before browsing their selection of cards, books, and deliciously smelling things. For greeting cards and stocking stuffers, the cafe-meets-gift-shop is perfect. You can even find a postcard or paperback from local photographer Chloe Lodge or buy a portrait session or calendar online at her online art store.

Images taken by Neat Places.

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Taste

Looking for a bottle of wine for summer? Visit River-T Wines and VALLI Wine Bar for an extra special tipple.

Based on-site and surrounded by vineyards, River-T’s cellar door is situated along the picturesque Kurow-Duntroon Road. Pop in for a tasting or stay for a platter and browse their vast selection of local wines from their vineyard and beyond.

Back on Bledisloe Street, park up at VALLI Wine Bar for an education on their award-winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris varieties. With four vineyards across Otago and Waitaki, owner Grant and his wife Nicole set up the VALLI Wine Bar last year in the old Kurow post office for tastings, small plates, and warm hospitality.

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Explore

Want to spend the weekend in the Waitaki Valley? Gift an adventure or glamping experience.

Home to Valley Views Glamping, Nest Treehouses, and Hight Tree Chalets, you’re spoilt for choice. At Valley Views, wake up in a geodesic dome to a panoramic view of the Hakataramea Valley, or enjoy a luxurious night in the treetops with Nest Treehouses. Book a lakeside escape with Hight Tree Chalets, before wining and dining at a selection of pubs, cellar doors, cafes, or in-house with a host-made platter or picnic.

For the active adventurer, plan a trip on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, or hire a bike with Cycle Journeys and explore trails with breathtaking scenery.

If you’re spending the day in Kurow, make sure to visit the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark as you drive past Anatini, Elephant Rocks, and the Vanished World Centre at Duntroon. Stretch those legs and take some amazing photos.

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