In this summer series, the Country Life team is taking you back to some of the places we've been to over the past year.
A scent of the past on Māhia Peninsula
Writer, illustrator and historian Mere Whaanga in her Māhia studio Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
A grove of ancient trees cultivated for perfume centuries ago is among the surprises unearthed on Mere Whaanga's ancestral land on Māhia Peninsula.
For years the writer, historian and farmer had driven past the tītoki trees and not given much thought to the way they were placed in a straight line.
When Mere and her family delved further, more evidence came to light about the way her tīpuna (ancestors) used the trees.
Putting a steak in the ground with heritage breed
Adam and Eddie Rivett Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Two brothers have combined their skills to launch a paddock-to-plate business selling purebred Galloway meat products.
Chopped Butchery is based on a farm at Morven in South Canterbury. The cattle are reared by farmer Adam and butchered by Eddie.
"We'd be the only butchery in New Zealand we know of that specialises in Galloway beef," Adam said.
You can read more of Cosmo Kentish-Barnes' story on the two brothers here.
Nevalea Alpacas
Photo: Susan Murray
On an alpaca farm in central King Country, it's simply a matter of a female alpaca spitting or sitting when a male ventures near and the pregnancy test is done.
If she spits that's a sign for him to move on. If she sits, come on over.
Read more about the alpaca's speed-dating way of things and more adorable photos here.
