Cityscape spoke with Vanessa Ortynsky about what excites her the most about Christchurch, what brand she would love to work with and her favourite early morning hotspot for a coffee.

What excites you about Christchurch? There’s always something new to discover in Christchurch. New businesses are opening all the time and there’s so much opportunity here. I love supporting the hard-working people who are making this city such a wonderful place to live.

Anything coming that you’re particularly looking forward to? I just got married (in Christchurch, of course) and my husband and I are about to embark on a working/studying honeymoon in Amsterdam. I love returning to Christchurch with a new perspective. Plus there are always new cafés that open up whenever I go away.

If you had $5000 to spend in one store, where would you go? Infinite Definite is a beautiful locally owned store that supports New Zealand designers and sustainably made garments.

What brand would you love to work with? As a former dancer I’d love to work with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, either on their marketing team or to create content to promote their upcoming shows.

What’s your favourite thing to do in the city during winter? I’m looking forward to going ice skating, and drinking hot toddies at The Last Word.

You’ve got friends coming from out of town. Where do you go and what would you do to show off the city in: two hours, a half-day and 24 hours? Two hours: I’d take them to The Crossing, Tūranga, the Botanic Gardens, and probably for a quick cycle on bikes from my friends at Action Bicycle Club. Half-day: Lunch at Miro, a walk around the city/along the Avon River and through Victoria Square, stop into the Christchurch Art Gallery to check out the latest exhibition, and finish with drinks at Smash Palace (mulled wine in the winter, G&Ts in the summer). 24 hours: With some extra time to spare, we would venture to Akaroa, which is one of my favourite spots in New Zealand. Brunch at Rona’s, a brisk walk to the lighthouse and a visit to see the alpacas at Shamarra Alpaca Farm, before heading back to Christchurch for dinner and drinks at Twenty Seven Steps.

Where do you go to ... Wine and dine with friends: Earl is my new go-to. Take a date: I could never tire of Twenty Seven Steps. Morning coffee: Kadett or Coffee Embassy. See the sunrise: The Port Hills. Blow off some steam: Grit Strength class at Les Mills or a run around my neighbourhood. Shop up a storm: The Crossing, definitely. Get away from it all: Back to Saskatchewan, where my family lives. My hometown is an idyllic spot where I can truly relax.

@vanessaortynsky