Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Ellie, Kula Studio
The Volkswagen Polo is returning to New Zealand, so we’re teaming up with the Volkswagen Polo to meet some little legends of our own: the people behind the places that make Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch special. We handed each of them the keys and asked for their favourite spots.
I’m the founder of Kula, a yoga and Pilates studio here in Christchurch. I started teaching seven years ago, following a deep love for the practice that began way back when I was a teenager growing up in Vancouver, Canada.
I’d always felt a pull to create a space dedicated to movement and community. What I love most is watching people grow in their practice. Yoga can create these really special pockets of time where people get to move, breathe and connect inwards.
I’ve lived in Christchurch for more than 14 years now and I love it here. The mountains and ocean are never too far, the cafés are incredible and the sunsets are hard to beat. We’ve got all the best parts of a big city, but it still feels like a small, tight-knit community.
I drove the Volkswagen Polo from our place in Mt Pleasant out to Lyttelton, and it’s such a beautiful car to drive. It’d be ideal for darting around town from the studio, too.
These are some of my favourite places!
Kula Studio
Step off funky Welles Street, glide up a set of green stairs and enter the oh-so-beautiful Kula Studio.
The Eve Apartment - OGB Suite
The Old Government Building in the heart of Christchurch’s centre is a true heritage treasure for the city and is now home to a variety of businesses and accommodation...
The Muse Christchurch Art Hotel
Step off Manchester Street in Christchurch’s CBD and into the lobby of The MUSE Art Hotel and there is an immediate mood change.
Drifter Christchurch
The first thing you need to know about this hotel is that it’s not just a hotel.
Objectspace at Sir Miles Warren Gallery
Objectspace is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading gallery dedicated to design, craft and architecture.
Ngaio Marsh House
Ngaio Marsh House sits in a beautiful spot on the lower slopes of Christchurch’s Cashmere Hills.
Movementor Pilates
Movementor is a well-known Pilates studio situated within the Beckenham hub at the corner of Christchurch’s Colombo and Tennyson Streets.
Hinewai Reserve
Not far from the township of Akaroa (walking distance if you’re really game), lies an idyllic haven of regenerating native bush nestled in the wild south east corner...
The Margaret Mahy Family Playground
If you have kids and are looking for a way to burn some energy in Christchurch’s city centre, look no further than the beloved Margaret Mahy Family Playground.
Nifty
Driving along the industrial end of Christchurch's Cashel Street, you don’t expect to come across a pale pink pop of colour that is the Nifty building.
New Brighton Community Gardens
Around Christchurch Ōtautahi there are so many unique suburbs and within these, there are amazing communities and initiatives that deserve the spotlight.
The Mayfair
For the discerning modern traveller, The Mayfair is a rare and precious find in the typically heritage-focused city of Christchurch.
Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Shafeeq, EDIZi & ODEON
The Volkswagen Polo is returning to New Zealand, so we’re teaming up with the Volkswagen Polo to meet some little legends of our own: the people behind the places that make Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch special. We handed each of them the keys and asked for their favourite spots.
I’m a chef and restaurant owner here in Christchurch, with EDIZi and our sister restaurant ODEON both in the central city. One of the things I enjoy most about what I do is mentoring new people and helping other chefs believe in their craft.
Naturally, a lot of my life revolves around food. When I’m not at one of our venues, I’m usually looking for somewhere to eat and get outside with my family.
That’s one of the things I love about Christchurch. There’s plenty of great places without having to go far.
I’ve got a Volkswagen back in India, which I love driving, so I was already familiar with the brand. But the Volkswagen Polo felt really solid on the road and the steering is so smooth. Compact and fun.
These are some of my favourite places around the city.
The Well - Whole Body Studios
When you say the word gym, you don’t often think of a zen-like space that you would quite happily spend many hours at, multiple times a week.
The Observatory Hotel
The Observatory Hotel is a beautiful central location in Christchurch, allowing you to leave the car for your stay and explore the city on foot.
Tussock Hill Vineyard
The long and winding road up to Tussock Hill Vineyard & Cellar Door is as inconspicuous as it is rewarding.
He Puna Taimoana
Nestled beside the sandy beaches of New Brighton, you’ll find He Puna Taimoana, aka the New Brighton Hot Pools, boasting five luxurious hot pools with jaw dropping...
7 Unique Date Night Ideas in Christchurch
Movement Art Practice
Start the journey into contemporary dance without judgement.
Okuti Garden
A garden for creating, learning, playing and celebrating. And a garden you can stay in.
The Tack Rooms
The Tack Rooms by Hotel Montreal is one of Christchurch's most innovative and unique accommodation options that doubles as an equally spectacular event space.
Tūranga
It’s not often that grand designs are plucked from the mind’s eye and brought to life. At Tūranga they are, every day.
Riverside Market
This unique Christchurch establishment brings fresh produce, artisan bakeries, independent food stalls, rooftop bars and restaurants, high-class retail and eclectic market stalls all under one roof.
Christchurch Adventure Park
Christchurch’s unique Adventure Park is a tranquil escape for those seeking more than just thrills.
French Bay House
A sprawling, idyllic guest house steeped in local history and offering genuine hospitality in the picturesque Akaroa.
Ōtoromiro Hotel
Perched at its grand position on a hillside at the end of Te Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour, the historical Ōtoromiro Hotel offers hard-to-beat views, friendly service and...
Nicola Quinn Beauty & Day Spa
For indulgence from your head down to your toes, pop along to this renowned Merivale day spa.
Christchurch Farmers Market
One of the best food markets in Christchurch.
Black Estate
A winery, tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate is famous not only for its organic and biodynamic wines but its refreshing approach to food.
