Grasmere Lodge - High Country Retreat - where luxury and natural splendour come together in the heart of the Southern Alps, to form what one international guest described as "a whole other world of peacefulness & serenity."

Built in 1858, the original limestone homestead, now the core of the lodge, introduces you to the style of personal pampering that earned the Harper's Hideaway Report Grand Award in 1998.

At the same time this traditional New Zealand high country station (ranch), set amid towering 7000 ft peaks, provides a wide range of outdoor activities for those seeking a more adventurous interlude.

Grasmere Lodge also offers a richness of traditional New Zealand hospitality. Owner, Tom Butler, and his staff epitomise New Zealand friendliness and generosity of spirit. Together they take great delight in sharing the magic of Grasmere with their guests.

These days guests prefer larger bedrooms than when Grasmere was established in 1858, and accommodation has been purpose-built in several newer buildings.

Every guest room at Grasmere Lodge has a king bed or two single beds, two armchairs and a coffee table, CD player, minibar, a work desk with a modem plug and chair. Each private patio or deck has two outdoor chairs for enjoying the views and fresh mountain air.

A selection of teas, freshly ground coffee, home-baked cookies and sherry is also provided in each room.

The tiled ensuite bathrooms feature a jacuzzi bath, separate glass shower, double vanities, thick bathrobes, hairdryer, and nightlight. They have underfloor heating and demisting mirrors.

Each room has original artworks inspired by the landscape outside, and is decorated in the rich colours of the tussock-covered hills.

Tennis, heated swimming pool, kayaks, mountain bikes, 4WD tours, bushwalks. Nearby and at extra cost: riding, fishing and clay pigeon shooting. Adjacent to Arthur's Pass National Park. Helipad.

Near Arthur's Pass, one and a half hours west of Christchurch.