Increase in Local Tourism, Cruise Ships Arrive in Lyttelton

Lyttelton Harbor will play host to a steady influx of cruise ships over the next two weeks. More than 14,000 tourists are expected, mainly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism note that numbers of cruise visitors to the region have jumped by three times that of three years ago, from 35,000 to this year's anticipated 100,000. It is estimated that last year's cruise visitors directly contributed $22.7 million to the Canterbury economy.

To find out about the best days for viewing cruise ships coming in and out of Lyttelton Harbor, refer to the Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Press Release on business.scoop.co.nz.

Image Source: Cruiselinehistory.com

BumbleBee Cake at Dunsadel Store

A group of us took a little trip down Rakaia way this weekend on a Trade Me excusion, and while on the road stopped off at the Dunsadel Cafe for cup of tea and treats. The slice of Bumble-Bee cake I ordered was a huge hit, with flavors of vanilla, almond, and honey. This is a must stop when heading out of town down Highway 1.

Dunsadel Store
Dunsadel, past Selwyn, Main South Road (Highway 1), Canterbury, NZ

New Zealand Made Food Goods at Culverdon Fete

Here are a handful of standout New Zealand made food goods from my fairly recent outing to the annual Christmas Country Fete in Culverdon - a day of crafts, foodie tastings, and music in the fresh air of an open country field.

Lighthouse Gin, Mandy's Horseradish Sauce, Olive NZ Olive Oil, and Traditionally Tuscan Panneforte and Marzipan. Refer to each product's website for a list of stockists. Traditionally Tuscan products are carried in several fine food retailers in Christchurch including the Mediterranean Food Company.