Grasmere Lodge, Cass, South Island

rooms

Complete with gorgeous views over the lawn and deer farm and decorated in the same earthy tones to compliment the views, all the rooms have king or single beds, TV's and DVD's along with cozy fireplaces, a little seating nook, jacuzzis and heated bathroom floors to warm your toes. Enjoy your tea or coffee with a selection of homemade biscuits (or port if the hour allows) on your private patio and soak in the views.

Choose from one of the six rooms within the lodge (two can be interconnected) overlooking the lake or the Grasmere Junior Suite with its squishy sofa, fireplace and walk in wardrobe. The suite can also be connected to one of the deluxe rooms – a good option for a family.

A short walk away is the Mountain View Chalet, home to four spacious suites. These can be booked individually but also be combined with the central lounge to form the chalet suite, also giving plenty of room for a family (the sofa itself can seat 8). Enjoy the spacious high ceilings and stunning traditional west coast schist while you soak in the views.

Or choose the gorgeous River View Cottage. Built to compliment the setting with its modern alpine style, it houses two luxurious suites with cosy fireplaces, opulent bathrooms, king or twin beds and a snug along with a private deck from which to enjoy the incredible views.

facilities & activities

Set in 13,000 acres of sweeping farmland, home to sheep, deer and beef cattle, the opportunities for out-door adventuring are endless. Alternatively unwind and refresh in the tranquil mountain spa or indulge in a few laps in the heated outdoor pool with the towering mountains as your back drop.

All staff live within the site and are the font of knowledge about the area and its activities. There is a complimentary 4WD of the property along with kayaking, fishing and mountain biking. Have a tinkle on one of the three pianos available for guests, play a game of petanque, chess or table tennis or just snooze in the library under a book (they'll take it as a compliment).

The hiking is led by fifth generation locals, with a wealth of knowledge and tips about local tracks leading to waterfalls, alpine gardens, and snow topped vistas of the alps. You'll be packed off with specially prepared hiking lunch, it's up to you the choose the views from where to savour it.

Or allow the sure footed farm hacks to take you trekking for the day. Originally used by the shepherds for mustering sheep these lovely horses can easily traverse across any terrain whether it be steep mountain sides or the wide open grasslands. You'll be taught the philosophies behind horse handling and will be comfortably seated on a saddle designed for the uneven routes. And whether you are old hat or new to horse riding, there'll be a trek to suit you.

And if you need more to do, then the Lodge can organise a wealth of further activity including trout fishing, clay pigeon shooting, rafting and bird watching. Just make sure you have a lot of space on the memory card for the endless photographs of the scenery you'll take. And when you've done it all, lie under one of the willow trees next to the nearby lakes and relax.

dining

Relaxed, simple and elegant, the meals are prepared using only the freshest and finest of local ingredients. Start the day on the terrace with a hearty selection of a la carte or continental breakfasts to set you up for the day ahead. Meal times then become social occasions with canapés and aperitifs served before dinner followed by a dinner party for all the guests. In keeping with the warm family atmosphere, guests sit together and it's a great way to hear about local adventures and suggestions. And as it's more a dinner party, less a dining room, there is no menu.

Guests are served a four course gourmet delight made up of seasonal local fare, usually what has been bought at market that day. For families or couples who prefer more privacy then dining by the fireside or in the glass topped conservatory beside the rose garden is also available. And if you enjoy your wine then the beautiful wine cellar, dug into the hillside beside the house, is home to 5000 bottles of the finest New Zealand wines.

The feast is then finished off with handmade chocolates, tea, coffee and perhaps a little nightcap in the lounge.

family

Families are very welcome at the Lodge and they will love all the outdoor adventures on offer. Along with splashing in the pool they can run wild in the rural setting, play football on an expanse of green, potter around the lakes, play table tennis, snooker, pool and chess and there's even a selection of DVD's for rainy days. All activities can be tailored to suit all ages and ranges including short walks led on horseback. Order a picnic and hit the great outdoors.

For sleeping, there are inter connecting rooms available within the lodge, one of which can also be joined to a spacious suite. Or choose the exclusive two suite cottage, just a short walk away and a home away from home. A cot or rollaway bed can also be provided in each room and children in cots or under two are free.

The Lodge will provide a children's menu on request as well as high chairs. And while the adults enjoy their (adults only) complimentary evening drink, there is entertainment in the library. Or babysitting if you'd like the whole evening to yourself.

location

From what was once the longest inhabited and highest station in the South Island, the ranch has now flourished into a luxurious peaceful retreat found high in the rural southern alps, yet only a 90 minute drive from Christchurch. The sheer scale and size of the vistas encountered along the way will ensure your jaw remains firmly rooted to the floor and the hotel will provide comprehensive driving instructions leaving you with little else to do but sit back and marvel.

Alternatively, take the train, the Tranzalpine Express between Christchurch and Greymouth being one of the best train excursions in the world. And, as if only you know an exciting secret, the train will only stop at Cass (the nearest station) by prior booking. The hotel will then arrange a complimentary transfer to the lodge. Or arrive in style via limousine or private aeroplane organised by the Lodge and be delivered right to the door.