Q&A

Wendy Nowell-Usticke Founder of slow beauty brand, Corbin Rd.

What is one place you would take every visitor to New Zealand, and why?

There is no better view than a bird’s-eye view.

It doesn’t matter where you are in New Zealand, the vista from a small plane, glider or balloon is fascinating. My husband is a pilot so I’m lucky to have been treated to this magnificent slow-moving, visual patchwork a few times.

Otherwise, I would choose Lake Tekapo and the Aurora Australis. There’s nowhere in the world that offers such a breathtaking experience.

What is your secret backyard favourite spot?

Halfway between Hastings and Waima¯ rama is Cape South, the most gracious, peaceful retreat.

It’s an old homestead with sweeping views to the sea, and generous hosts who encompass all things holistic. It’s absolute tranquillity.

What is your favourite place for a pie/coffee?

Before I relocated to Hawke’s Bay to launch Corbin Rd, and when overseas travel was still a thing, scrambling to the retro Airstream caravan parked out front of the Auckland International Airport was my ‘‘yay, I’m home to the best coffee in the world’’ ritual.

These days, I get my coffee fix at Georgia on Tennyson around the corner from my office in Napier.

Owner Benny Fernandez is the coffee connoisseur of Hawke’s Bay. Sit outside and soak up the sun.

What’s one New Zealand spot that is at the top of your bucket list?

I would love to head down to Wa¯ naka’s Minaret Station Alpine Lodge. I would savour every moment.

Staying safe

New Zealand is under Covid-19 restrictions.

Stay home and follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.