A day of art, laughter, and connection

What do you get when you mix great company, delicious food, and stunning art?
Another unforgettable day out with the fabulous ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ crew!

Expertly curated by the ever-wonderful Jeanette and hosted by Janine, this year’s day trip was a vibrant tapestry of laughter, connection, and discovery. As we headed into the first day of the conference, we felt richer for the energy and connections we had already made – thanks to a lineup of experiences that were as unique as they were memorable.

Not just for shoppers!

While not all of us would call ourselves avid shoppers, the journey proved delightful in every way. From quirky boutiques to artisan studios, each stop offered something new to admire, taste, or take home. The Huka Falls were in full flow, and for once, we could enjoy the spectacle without worrying about our children leaping over the sides!

A feast of art and creativity

We were treated to a visual banquet of creativity:

Mosaics and pottery at the charming L’Arté Café and Gallery
Raw clay artistry at the studio of the incredibly talented Isabell Meyer, “Dahlia in Clay”
Glass blowing demonstrations that left us in awe of the precision and beauty of molten art

The visit to the Bee Shop buzzed with busy shopping, where most of us couldn’t resist making a purchase or two. After a delicious lunch at Café Lava, we enjoyed the Glassblowing Studio, Sculpture Garden, and Art Gallery. The Lava Glass gallery, with pieces priced at up to $55,000, was more of a feast for the eyes than the wallet. We figured our fencers wouldn’t appreciate such extravagant souvenirs… though they might have been making their own significant purchases back at the National Fencing Field Day!

Spirits and stories

Our final stop was a true gem: the Five Mile Gin and Vodka Distillery. We were honoured to be their very first visitors! The entrepreneurial story behind their award-winning spirits was inspiring, and the tastings were divine. It was the perfect way to toast the end of a spectacular day.

Celebrating connections

We wrapped up with a few well-deserved prizes:

Most Unique Purchase: Lisa Brown
Best Story Shared with New Friends: Jessica Kane

Congratulations to our winners – and to everyone who made the day so special. We’re already looking forward to the next Ladies’ Day Out in Timaru, 2026. So don’t be shy – come join the fun, the friendship, and the fabulousness!

Written By Janine Swansson