A strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake has rocked much of the West Coast and Otago this morning.

As you drive up the long tree-lined road into Millbrook Resort, you get the eerie sensation that you're leaving the world behind you.

Looking back at interior design helps inform today's choices, says visiting lecturer Stephen Taylor.

The 30km latest addition to Te Araroa - the nation's 3000km north-south hiking trail - over country music star Shania Twain's Central Otago high country property - is no walk in the park.