When Lexi Davey landed in Christchurch with her then 6-month-old, she quickly fell in love with the city’s wide-open spaces, welcoming community, and endless playgrounds — but finding up-to-date info on what to do with tiny humans wasn’t as easy as she’d hoped. Spoiler: it didn’t exist… So she built it herself.

That’s how nook NZ came to life — a down-to-earth platform packed with inspiration, ideas, and honest advice for families across New Zealand, with a soft spot for Christchurch’s brilliant local gems. We sat down with Lexi to hear how nook NZ got started, why she’s passionate about keeping things real, and how it’s making family life easier — and a lot more fun.

What inspired you to start nook NZ?

Before kids, I was a managing editor for lifestyle and parenting publications in Hong Kong, always hunting for content that spoke to real people. Then I had kids. And suddenly, I was Googling at 5 a.m. trying to figure out what to do with two under-5s and a dog in a new city. I realised there was a massive gap — something that gave me the local, real-life scoop on things to do with kids in Christchurch. Everything I found was outdated or didn’t hit the mark.

So, I decided to fix that. Enter nook NZ: a place for parents and caregivers to find things to do — without endless scrolling. No one’s got time for that, especially when you're trying to figure out how to make a sandwich that isn't just carbs. I wanted to create something that was easy to navigate, inspiring, and fun — while keeping it real. We’re talking local gems, rainy-day activities, tips on surviving school holidays, and so much more. It’s about making life a little easier, a lot more fun, and maybe even finding a new favourite spot.

What sets nook NZ apart from other parenting platforms?

nook NZ is built for real life — the cold coffee, the chaos, the everyday beauty of raising kids. We’re not about “Pinterest-perfect” parenting. Parenting is messy, unpredictable, and way more fun when you embrace it. We’re here to offer support, ideas, and a reminder that you’re absolutely crushing it, even when covered in half-eaten toast and the kids are on their third round of the same movie.

We also launched The Canterbaby Club — community events that give parents a chance to connect and enjoy perks. Think of it as your backstage pass to the best of what Christchurch has to offer, with exclusive events, discounts, and meetups that make the parenting gig a little more enjoyable.

Who is nook NZ for?

nook NZ is for anyone raising, caring for, or just keeping a tiny human alive — mums, dads, grandparents, caregivers, aunts, uncles, and family friends. We’re all about supporting the village that helps raise kids, because it truly takes a village (and sometimes a large glass of red).

Every family is unique. Whether you’re navigating life with a newborn, a teenager, or something in between, nook NZ has your back with practical advice, local tips, and a bit of humour to get you through the day.

What’s been the most rewarding part of running nook NZ?

Honestly, it’s hearing from parents who say, "I found the best park/café/day out thanks to nook." That feedback never gets old. Parenting can feel overwhelming, and when you’re running on cold caffeine and no sleep, finding somewhere to take the kids can feel like a job. If nook helps take a little of that mental load off and makes life easier, then that’s a win.

What’s one hidden treasure or secret spot in Christchurch that families should check out?

Riverlution Café at the Richmond Community Gardens is an absolute must. It’s one of those places that just works for families — great coffee, real fruit ice cream, and a huge mud kitchen play area where kids can make a mess without the guilt. You can also wander through the Fungi Farm, with nature play elements like stepping logs and secret tunnels. Avebury Park is right next door, complete with a paddling pool in summer for a cool-off. It’s the perfect spot to let the kids be kids while you actually finish your drink (well, mostly). It sums up everything we love about Christchurch — creative, welcoming spaces built by the community.

What’s the next big thing on the horizon for nook NZ?

We’re just getting started. Launching The Canterbaby Club has been a huge highlight. There’s something special about bringing parents together in real life. From here, we’re dreaming bigger. We’ve got more local events planned, better guides to family-friendly spots (so you don’t have to scroll through endless lists), and a few surprise projects quietly bubbling away.

Can businesses advertise with nook NZ?

Absolutely! If you’ve got a brand, business, product, or event that fits with our community, we’d love to chat. We offer advertising that connects your business with a passionate group of Kiwi parents and caregivers. Whether you're a family-owned café, a local event, or a product that makes parenting easier, we’re here for it.

Where can we find you?

We’re proud to call Christchurch home, and it’s honestly a city that just keeps on giving. From the vibrant community spirit to the endless family-friendly spots, there’s no place we’d rather be. Whether it’s the parks and playgrounds or the local cafés that welcome families, Christchurch strikes the perfect balance of laid-back charm and modern conveniences. We love sharing these local treasures with you. So grab a coffee (or two), take a moment for yourself, and explore all the amazing things Christchurch has to offer. Visit us online anytime — we’re always here with the latest local tips and a whole lot of Christchurch love.