"What’s really special is that as I’ve grown up, so too has the area. My grandparents lived in Bannockburn for most of my childhood and my cousins and I would visit them every school holiday. I remember clearly when the first vineyards were planted and we all thought ‘why would you plant grapes?’ Of course it’s what the area is famous for now. In fact, when I visit nowadays it’s to Carrick Winery where I sit overlooking the hillside covered in wild thyme. Bannockburn is freezing throughout winter but it’s such a beautiful, relaxed spot in summer. I have fond memories of sun-baking on the rocks near the Clutha River with my mum, sister and cousins. I’d plunge into the fresh, cold water; so clear like aquamarine."

Kanoa Lloyd’s new TV series, Moving out with Kanoa, follows the journeys of New Zealanders who have made a life-changing move – whether from the city to the provinces, from urban to rural, or to a tiny house, boat or house truck. The show airs on Three later this year. See threenow.co.nz for more.

Reported by Monica Tischler for our AA Directions Summer 2019 issue

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