Peake's Kitchen and Papatowai Country Store

28/08/2026

🎬🍿 TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT… “THE SUMMONING” PREMIERES! 👻

Grab the popcorn, dim the lights and tune in tonight because Peake Productions is hitting the screen once again! 🎥✨

At 6pm tonight, our latest entry in the 48Hours Film Competition will premiere on YouTube — and we would absolutely love for you to join us and watch it for the first time.

👀 Keep an eye out for The Summoning — we’re the SECOND film in tonight’s line-up!

For anyone unfamiliar with 48Hours, it is exactly the wonderfully chaotic challenge the name suggests. 😂 Teams are given just 48 hours to write, film, edit and submit a complete short film, with a randomly assigned genre and several compulsory elements that have to make their way into the story.

This year Peake Productions drew:

👻 Genre: Comedy-Horror
🖼️ A portrait or drawing
🤫 A rumour
👁️ An extreme close-up
🚪 An interruption

And then, because apparently 48 hours wasn’t challenging enough already… Mother Nature decided to throw us an extra obstacle. ⛈️😅

We lost electricity for around three hours during the storm at the very beginning of the competition.

But there was no time to waste.

Ideas were thrown around, plans changed, cameras rolled, sleep was sacrificed and somehow our little Peake Productions crew battled through the chaos to submit The Summoning, a film just under five minutes long, with only moments to spare. 🙌🎬

And we had SO much fun doing it.

What first started as a lockdown adventure has now become an annual fixture on our calendar, and each year another slightly ridiculous little film gets added to the growing Peake Productions collection. 😂❤️

🍿 HOW TO JOIN US TONIGHT

🎬 Tune into the 48Hours YouTube premiere from 6pm:
https://youtu.be/35cA6bg7-hA

Tonight’s line-up is:

🎥 The Cool Oscars — She Taught Me How to Dance
👻 PEAKE PRODUCTIONS — The Summoning
🎥 Free Cinematic LUTS — A Man of Great Taste
🎥 Midnight Sunburn — Chrono-Narcos
🎥 Prestige Worldwide — One Stroke
🎥 Tuatara Sandwiches — Theo and Lola
🎥 The Doomsday Preppers — Heist School Musical
🎥 Discombobulated Pistachios — Out of Control
🎥 Aura Farmers — Storage Steve
🎥 Anubis House — Peter Ingram & the Roach Smoker
🎥 Peaked in Film School — Ruin

🏆 AND YOU GET TO BE PART OF IT!

For a short time following the screening, viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their THREE favourite films as the teams battle it out for the Fan Favourite Award. 🙌

I’ll pop the voting link into this post tonight as soon as it becomes available to make it nice and easy.

So whether you’re supporting The Summoning, discovering some brilliant amateur filmmakers, or simply looking for something fun to watch tonight…

🍿 Get the popcorn ready.
👻 Prepare yourself for a little comedy-horror.
🎬 And come premiere our newest Peake Productions creation with us!

We are ridiculously excited to finally see it on screen and hope some of you can join us. ❤️

If you’re tuning in tonight, drop a 🎬 or 👻 below so we know who’ll be watching with us!

Voting is live and available for a short time here:

https://vote.48hours.co.nz

26/07/2026

💃✨ THE CATLINS IS GETTING DRESSED UP! 🕺❄️
Dust off those boots, polish those dancing shoes, and find that outfit you've been waiting for an excuse to wear...

The Catlins Winter Ball 2026 is almost here! 🎉
This Saturday, 1 August, our friends at River Ridge Retreat are hosting what promises to be a fantastic evening of great food, music, dancing and community spirit.

Winter can sometimes feel a little quieter around here, so what better excuse to get together with your partner, friends, family, or neighbours for a memorable night out? 🥰

If you're looking for an evening filled with laughter, great company and a chance to celebrate our incredible local community, this sounds like just the ticket 🎟️

We'd absolutely be there ourselves if we could, but this year it clashes with our annual 48Hours Furious Filmmaking Competition 🎬🎥 (we'll be busy running around with our Peake Productions Team, lights, cameras and action instead of dancing!).

We'll definitely be cheering you all on from afar and can't wait to see the photos, videos and hear all about the evening afterwards.

We're counting on you to get behind another wonderful local event and help make it a night to remember. Hopefully with a great turnout, it will become another fantastic tradition for the Catlins for years to come. ❤️

👉 Who's planning on going? Tag your ball buddies below and get the excitement started! 💃🕺✨
You can find all the details and secure your tickets here:
https://www.riverridge.nz/catlins-winter-ball-2026?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2026-07-26&utm_campaign=Could+you+help+us+spread+the+word+about+the+Catlins+Winter+Ball+

Join Catlins Winter Ball 2026 in Owaka, New Zealand. Enjoy an unforgettable Boots & Ballgowns evening with accommodation check-in, licensed bar, supper, live entertainment, and stunning Catlins countryside surroundings. Secure your tickets today.

18/07/2026

🌿 Nature Finds from Papatowai
🌈 Chasing Rainbows Between the Rain

Celebrating the little wonders that make the Catlins so special. Slow down. Look a little closer. Discover the magic for yourself. ✨

⸻

☔ Some people avoid rainy days…

🌈 We know that’s when Mother Nature puts on her best show.

After a day of showers rolling through the Catlins, the clouds moved swiftly across the sky, and for just a few fleeting minutes, everything came together.

The estuary glowed a deep shade of blue, the native bush looked fresh from the rain, and a rainbow quietly appeared above the treetops while the clouds raced across the sky.

Even Tom’s blue Hilux seemed right at home, blending in with every shade of blue nature had painted around us. 💙 🛻

Rainy days often get a bad reputation…

But some things can only be experienced because of them.

The smell of fresh rain in the bush.

The reflections on the water.

The dramatic skies.

And, if you’re lucky, a rainbow reminding you that beauty often arrives just after the storm.

Sometimes nature doesn’t ask us to wait for perfect weather…

It simply asks us to look up. 🌈

⸻

🧭 Nicole’s Nature Quest

Recent discoveries

✅ Violet Coral Mushrooms 🍄

✅ Wild Oyster Mushrooms 🌳

✅ Leopard Seal 🦭

✅ Rainbows After the Rain 🌈

⸻

💬 Are you a sunshine chaser, or do you love the beauty that rainy days can bring? What’s the most memorable thing you’ve discovered after a storm?

Until next time… keep looking a little closer. 🌿✨

Nicole 💚

17/07/2026

🌿 Nature Finds from Papatowai
🍄 Fungi Finds: Wild Oyster Mushrooms

Celebrating the little wonders that make the Catlins so special. Slow down. Look a little closer. Discover the magic for yourself. ✨

⸻

🍄 I may have wandered off the track slightly when this incredible display of mushrooms caught my eye… 😄

Tom has learnt that if I suddenly disappear into the bush……there’s about a 95% chance I’ve spotted a mushroom! 😂🍄

Today’s “distraction” was well worth it though.

Growing up the side of a tree trunk was a beautiful cluster of Wild Oyster Mushrooms — the first time I’ve ever come across this variety growing naturally in the rainforest.

I’ve actually grown Oyster Mushrooms at home before using one of those grow-your-own kits, so seeing them thriving out here in the wild somehow made the discovery even more exciting as it was so unexpected!

🌿 These mushrooms grow on decaying trees and fallen timber, quietly helping recycle the forest by breaking down wood and returning nutrients back into the ecosystem.

They’re one of nature’s great recyclers.

I’ll admit…

As I stood there admiring them, my mind immediately wandered to how they would go quite well in a creamy mushroom and herb risotto, finished with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan. 🤤🍚🧀

Unfortunately…

I’m nowhere near confident enough to eat wild mushrooms, so these beauties stayed exactly where they belong — continuing their important job in the forest and allowing others to admire them too, should they also come across them on the Old Coach Road walking track.

Tom even managed to capture a sneaky candid photo of me completely absorbed in the moment…

Proof that I really do stop for mushrooms! 😂📸

Sometimes the best discoveries aren’t the ones you’re looking for…

They’re the ones that quietly appear when you take the time to slow down.

⸻

🧭 Nicole’s Nature Quest

Recent discoveries

✅ Violet Coral Mushrooms 💜

✅ Wild Oyster Mushrooms 🍄

✅ Leopard Seal 🦭

✅ Starfish Rescue ⭐

Still searching for…

⬜ Blue Mushrooms 💙

⬜ Glow-in-the-dark Fungi ✨

⬜ Mystery Crab Identified 🦀

⸻

👉 Have you ever spotted Oyster Mushrooms growing in the wild, or is there something in nature you’re still hoping to discover one day? I’d love to hear what’s on your own nature wish list! 🌿

Until next time… keep looking a little closer. 🌿✨

Nicole 💚

06/07/2026

🌿 Nature Finds from Papatowai
🌊 Coastal Curiosities: Nature’s Starry Night

Celebrating the little wonders that make the Catlins so special. Discover the magic for yourself. ✨

⸻

🌧️ Most people see a storm…
…We saw a masterpiece. 🌊✨

With wild weather sweeping across Otago today, Tom and I layered up from head to toe and headed down to the beach to experience the power of Mother Nature.

The waves were crashing with incredible force, sending spray high into the air and filling the shoreline with thick sea foam.

Then we noticed something magical…

As the tide rolled in and out, the foam began swirling in the pools it had created around the rocks, creating patterns that reminded me of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. 🌌

It looked as though tiny clouds had drifted down from the sky and scattered themselves along the beach.

Yesterday’s tide had delivered mountains of seaweed.

Today’s waves had reclaimed almost every last piece, carrying it back out to sea.

It’s amazing how quickly nature can rewrite the landscape.

Standing there in the wind and rain, watching the ocean at work, was a beautiful reminder that the Catlins isn’t just stunning on blue sky days.

Sometimes its wildest moments are its most unforgettable.

⸻

🧭 Nicole’s Nature Quest

Recently discovered

✅ Violet Coral Mushrooms 🍄

✅ Leopard Seal 🦭

✅ Starfish Rescue ⭐

✅ Nature’s “Starry Night” 🌊✨

Still searching for

⬜ Blue Mushrooms 💙

⬜ Glow-in-the-dark Fungi ✨

04/07/2026

🌿 Nature Finds from Papatowai
🌊 Coastal Curiosities: Beachcombing After the Storm

Celebrating the little wonders that make the Catlins so special.

Slow down. Look a little closer. Discover the magic for yourself. ✨

⸻

🌊 Every tide tells a different story…

Tom and I headed down to Papatowai Beach to see what the ocean had left behind.

And honestly… Beachcombing never gets old. 🐚

You simply never know what you’re going to discover each time you wonder the shore.

Today’s walk turned into a little treasure hunt, with all sorts of fascinating marine life and natural treasures waiting amongst the seaweed.

One of my favourite moments was finding a stranded starfish and being able to gently return it to a nearby rock pool. 💙

We also found a beautiful crab with a bright orange body and striking purple claws. 🦀 Sadly it hadn’t survived the rough seas, but I’d love to know what species it is.

Can anyone identify it?

⸻

🧭 Nicole’s Nature Quest

The adventure continues…

✅ Violet Coral Mushrooms 🍄

✅ Leopard Seal 🦭

✅ Starfish Rescue ⭐

⬜ Blue Mushrooms 💙

⬜ Glow-in-the-dark Fungi ✨

⬜ Mystery Crab Identified? 🦀🤞

⸻

👉 What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever discovered while beachcombing?

I’d love to hear your stories below. Every beach has a tale to tell. 🌊

Until next time… keep looking a little closer. 🌿✨ 🌊

Nicole 💚

02/07/2026

🌿 Nature Finds from The Catlins
🌊 Coastal Curiosities: Leopard Seal Encounter

Celebrating the little wonders that make the Catlins so special ✨

🦭 Well… that wasn’t on today’s bingo card!

Tom and I were exploring Curio Bay today when we spotted something very unexpected stretched out on the sand…

A LEOPARD SEAL!!! 🤯

At first, it was the unmistakable head shape silhouette that caught our attention. Then, with a closer look through the binoculars (and a bit of zoom from the camera), we could clearly see its beautiful silver-grey coat covered in distinctive leopard-like spots.

What an incredible sight!

I couldn’t help but laugh because they remind me of something that should have been swimming alongside the dinosaurs… almost like a modern-day Liopleurodon! 😂🦖🌊

The ocean really does have some amazing creatures.

⸻

💡 Did you know?

🦭 Leopard Seals are one of the top predators of the Antarctic, feeding on fish, squid, penguins and even other seals. (Just please leave our penguins and dolphins alone…)

🏊 They’re incredibly powerful swimmers and can reach speeds of around 40 km/h through the water.

😮 Their long reptile-like head and huge jaws are perfectly designed for hunting, giving them that prehistoric look.

🇳🇿 While Leopard Seals regularly visit New Zealand waters, seeing one resting on our beaches is a very special experience and always a memorable wildlife encounter.

⸻

❤️ Wildlife Reminder

If you’re lucky enough to spot one…

Please admire it from a safe distance.

While we recommend giving all marine mammals plenty of space, Leopard Seals deserve even more space than you think. They’re powerful, highly territorial animals and should never be approached.

A camera zoom or your binoculars is much safer than getting too close yourself! 📸😊

It’s moments like these that remind me why I love exploring the Catlins.

You simply never know what’s waiting around the next corner.

Maybe it’ll be a rare mushroom…

Maybe a fascinating spider…

Maybe a native bird going about its day…

Or maybe… a prehistoric-looking Leopard Seal soaking up the sunshine in Curio Bay. ☀️🦭

Nature always has a surprise up its sleeve.

⸻

🔎 Nicole’s Nature Wish List

The adventure continues…

✅ Violet Coral Mushrooms 🍄

✅ Leopard Seal 🦭

⬜ Blue Mushrooms 💙

⬜ Glow-in-the-dark Fungi ✨

⸻

👉 What’s the most unexpected wildlife encounter you’ve ever had in the Catlins? We’d love to hear your stories below! 👇

Until next time… keep exploring your own backyard. 🌿✨

Nicole 💚

27/06/2026

🍄 🤭 Wolfs Fart Mushroom
Couldn’t resist….

27/06/2026

🌿 NATURE FINDS FROM PAPATOWAI: 🍄 FUNGI FINDS
Celebrating the little wonders that make the Catlins so special.
Slow down. Look a little closer. Discover the magic for yourself. ✨

Tom has learnt that if I suddenly stop walking while on a nature walk…
…there’s about a 95% chance I’ve spotted a mushroom. 😂🍄

What can I say? Once you start looking, there are cool fungi to be discovered everywhere!

Today's walk certainly didn’t disappoint. Along the Picnic Point track I discovered not just one, but three fascinating fungi.

After keeping an eye out for mushrooms on local walks over the years, I stumbled across my first-ever vibrant purple mushroom!
And honestly…
I may have been more excited than I should admit! 😄🍄

💜 Violet Coral Mushrooms — look like tiny clusters of purple coral growing from the forest. While these mushrooms are native to Aotearoa, finding them is considered a special treat as they are uncommon and rarely abundant. I also learned that they are only vividly purple for a short window. They quickly age and fade into a dull, greyish-brown colour that easily blends into the forest floor.

🤍 Coral Tooth Fungus — cascading over an old tree like a miniature frozen waterfall. These are apparently a highly prized edible mushroom, known for its slightly nutty and seafood like taste and texture. Can't say that I'm game enough to eat one though without the assistance of a mushroom identifying expert!

🤎 Wolf's Fart Puffball Mushrooms — Yes, that is what they are called. They get this name from its Latin scientific name which translates to "wolf breaking wind" and their habit of releasing millions of spores into the air when it's tapped or hit by raindrops. Just be cautious not to get a whiff of these spores as they can cause respiratory issues in large doses.

Nature really is fascinating isn't it... I do enjoy learning these fun facts as they are discovered... never know when they might come up in conversation 🤣🍄

One of the things I love most about fungi is how temporary they are. They can appear almost overnight, put on an incredible display for a few days, and then quietly disappear again until the conditions are just right to spawn once again.

That makes every discovery feel a little bit magical. Being there at the right place at the right time to witness it and snap a photo!

And here’s the funny thing…

Once you start looking for mushrooms…
…you begin noticing everything else around it too.
🕷 Tiny spiders.
🐜 Curious insects.
🌿 Mosses, lichens and miniature worlds tucked away on old tree stumps, cliff faces and beneath the ferns.

It reminds me that sometimes the best part of a walk isn’t how far you go…
It’s what you notice along the way. 💚

⸻

🔎 Nicole’s Nature "Keep A Look Out" List:

✅ Purple Mushroom 💜

⬜ Blue Mushrooms 💙

⬜ Glow-in-the-dark Fungi ✨

Maybe this winter I’ll finally tick another one off the list!

👉 Have you discovered any interesting fungi or wildlife while exploring the Catlins?

Until next time… keep looking a little closer. 🌿✨🍄📸

Nicole 🥰

26/06/2026

Sunset drive and Sea lion