Mapu Restaurant created by passionate chef Giulio Sturla, offers a new dining concept and experience, in his six seated experimental kitchen set in a lush, organic fruit and vegetable garden in Lyttleton near Christchurch. I spent a day with Giulio foraging the foreshores near Lyttleton at Rapaki Beach for sea beet, wild parsley and samphire and photographed his sumptuous dishes created with these fresh local ingredients.

58 Kilometres north of Christchurch is the spectacular wine region of the Waipara Valley. Known for its superb Rieslings and Pinot Noirs, the picturesque valley is a popular day trip from Christchurch, reached by car, bus or a quick 15 minute helicopter ride with breathtaking views over the velvety green hills.