UNO Issue 45

Make the most of it

The next time someone asks who your dream dinner party guests would be, you’ll want to include this issue’s cover star, Hollie Woodhouse (page 112).

You’d think adventurers like her would be single-minded and intimidating, but not Hollie – she’s warm, inspiring company. With a grin on her face, she says things like, “I wish I’d tried cross-country skiing before I cross- country skied across Greenland!” In a classic New Zealand coincidence, we happened to run into Hollie’s parents on the Hump Ridge Track, a three-day walk west of Invercargill (page 122). Boo and Hamish Woodhouse were part of a group with two other farming couples, who we dubbed Team FAshburton. They were such a fun lot and laughed their way over the hills aided by an interesting collection of walking equipment that spanned a few decades. Hollie’s basically Boo’s double, and there’s a twinkle in Hamish’s eye that she’s inherited too. But Hollie’s not the only person this issue who has allowed us and you to relive their feats of endurance from the comfort of UNO’s pages.

In Debbie Currin’s account of running 73km round Mount Ruapehu on page 36, you can feel the momentum of the race building as you will her to pass those purple shorts. Winter gives us a great opportunity to explore different ways to pass the time after a summer spent on the beach.

For our columnist Ben Hurley (page 76), adventure took a more sedate form: a holiday with his family in the South Island. There’s so much to do close to home as well. Take the kids or the dog to new heights on the picturesque trails at Summerhill Farm in the Papamoa Hills (page 46) or spend the day at the superb Summerhill Estate golf course and recreation area (page 100).

This issue also includes some of the best places in which to eat and drink. Papamoa has the coolest new bar called The Island (page 86), where you can sit in front of the fire or watch beer being made in the brewery next door. Dine European brasserie-style at Fire at the Mount or go next door to No.8 for a sophisticated take on Asian fusion (page 78). Whatever you choose to do this winter, get excited about it!

Head out into the bright, cold air and make the most of life.