Escape to a Winter wonderland

The ski season is as good as here and dreams of beachside retreats turn to places nearer the winter sport action, places that are a home away from home, offer indulgent comfort but also put you within minutes of top ski and snowboard areas. There's something for everyone in our specially selected list, which starts with a popular South Island retreat.

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RIVER RUN LODGE

River Run epitomises a new breed of stylish lodges that has appeared in recent years. The location is inspiring - expansive tussock-covered hills with an imposing mountain backdrop.

The building blends beautifully with the landscape, and the classic architecture uses recycled timbers and local stone. Guestrooms are in a separate wing, away from your hosts, and all are of a high standard.

There are differences in room size, with some having lounge chairs/sofas. Some en suites have baths as well as showers and the downstairs rooms have french doors that open to the veranda.

Despite the good range of food in nearby Wanaka, dining in-house is recommended, with starters and drinks by the fire or on the veranda followed by a creative three- or four-course meal blending fresh New Zealand produce with the flavours and styles of Italy and France.

Hosts Meg and John are young and have travelled widely. They know what guests need and provide it with flair. This is a high-quality, recommended New Zealand experience.

Nearest skifields: Both Cardrona and Treble Cone skifields are 35-40 minutes' drive from River Run Lodge.

Contact: (03) 443 8454.

Where to find it: Halliday Rd, Wanaka.

What it costs: From $290 a person a night (twin share). Add $80 a person for breakfast and evening dinner.

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CAIRNBRAE HOUSE

Peter and Devon extended a warm welcome to their purpose-built, Cape-Cod-style house, Cairnbrae House. Devon spent 14 years in the hospitality industry before moving to Ohakune. The couple run their four-bedroom accommodation with a good understanding of how to make people feel at home.

The size and configuration of the bedrooms differ. Each has a rural or mountain outlook and is furnished in a practical manner with bathrooms that are light and roomy. A guest lounge with views of the mountain is comfortably appointed with TV, CD player, mini-bar and tea- and coffee-making facilities - very snug after skiing, a walk in the alpine environment or a dip in the spa.

In an enclosure behind the house, the couple breed a herd of dainty fallow deer. Proximity to Tongariro National Park is also a big attraction and Peter takes guests to the Mangawhero River, which flows through the property, to show them good places to fish for trout. Devon cooks or smokes their catches.

Nearest skifields: Turoa is 25 minutes' and Whakapapa 45 minutes' drive from Cairnbrae House.

Contact: (06) 385 3002.

Where to find it: Mangawhero River Rd, Ohakune.

What it costs: From $95 a room for one person or $140 for two people.

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HOROPITO LODGE

Horopito Lodge Horopito Lodge was a great surprise. The building is an architectural masterpiece. The barn-shaped portion is a nod to the farm the building sits on and the lofty glass-walled tower, with a huge open fireplace set in its base, faces the magnificent bulk of Mt Ruapehu.

The lodge provides self-contained accommodation of the highest quality. The sculptured forms and cladding of the interior, as well as being living spaces, are works of art, placed to make the most of the intimate and dominating view of the mountain.

Such a level of luxury was unexpected in the remote setting of hosts Don and Phyl's 650ha sheep and cattle farm, which is surrounded by Tongariro National Park. The lodge is perfectly situated for all the outdoor pursuits this area is famous for - skiing, walking, canoeing and fishing.

But the lodge itself is such a fascination that it is tempting to light the fire, open a bottle of wine, stay put and enjoy it. With its large dining table, pool table, five bedrooms and multi-level living areas, it is perfect for a group - but whatever the number of people, the whole place is your own. A stay here is highly recommended.

Nearest skifields: Whakapapa and Turoa are both 20 minutes' drive from Horopito Lodge.

Contact: (06) 385 4144.

Where to find it: Matapuna Rd, Raetihi.

What it costs: $100 a person a night (yes, you could have the whole place to yourself for $100 a night). Breakfast is $12.50 pp extra.

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GUNYAH COUNTRY LODGE

Built in 1912 to grand proportions, the Gunyah Country Lodge homestead is blended into the landscape by rambling mature gardens, creating the feeling of a colonial outpost.

To quote from the guest book: "Gunyah is an experience, an atmosphere, and a feeling you will long to capture."

The integrity of the architecture has been retained and there are fine examples of wood panelling, exposed beams and leadlight windows, which indicate the style of the period.

Furnished with early New Zealand antiques, Gunyah houses the largest private collection in the country.

The bedrooms, all en suite and elegantly decorated, are upstairs, some with direct access to the veranda and views over the lawn and trees to the hills beyond.

Gunyah specialises in gourmet country cuisine using the best of Canterbury produce and locally grown organic vegetables where possible.

Four-course dinners, French- or Italian-inspired, can include Canterbury lamb, salmon, venison, game or fish, complemented with fine New Zealand wines from the cellar. Desserts are extreme.

At Gunyah you will feel perfectly relaxed in gracious surroundings and stylish accommodation with fine dining. William and Simonetta are passionate about their antiques and fine food. Spanish, French, Italian and German are spoken.

Nearest skifields: Mt Hutt and Porter Heights are 30 minutes' drive, Mt Cheeseman 45-55 minutes' and Mt Olympus 1 hour's drive from Gunyah Lodge.

Contact: (03) 318 6800.

Where to find it: Sleemans Rd, Glenroy, Canterbury.

What it costs: From $178.50 a person a room.

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STRONECHRUBIE SKIFIELDS

Sitting on one hectare, surrounded by farmland with views to the mountains, Stronechrubie is set well off the main road and offers a quiet and comfortable stay in your own chalet.

Each unit has been decorated with a different colour scheme and has comfortable beds, furniture and a television. The bathrooms and kitchens, while not new, are well set up and impeccably clean. Units have a selection of coffee and regular and herbal teas.

Breakfast is served on a tray or in the restaurant if you don't want to cook your own.

Weather permitting, you can open sliding doors and spread out onto your own small balcony, which looks over the lawn and garden. Each unit is made private by trees and shrubs and six of them have garages.

One of the most appealing aspects of staying at Stronechrubie is that it has its own intimate restaurant. Mark, the resident chef, offers outstanding food. The menu changes regularly. Dave, who is also a musician, entertains on request and we understand some enjoyable events develop. Great after a day's skiing or walking in the mountains. The restaurant is closed every Monday and Tuesday.

Nearest skifield: Mt Hutt skifield is 25 minutes' and Porter Heights 80 minutes' drive from Stronechrubie.

Contact: (03) 303 9814.

Where to find it: Scenic Highway 72, Mt Somers.

What it costs: From $80 a person a night. Breakfast $10 extra a person.

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SHOTOVER LODGE

Perched high above the Shotover River, Shotover Lodge is a private paradise that contains all you might need for a blissful escape from the real world.

Quality appointments and conveniences go without saying - what puts this lodge apart is the location, attention to detail and extras. You can soak up the views in the jacuzzi or request any of a huge range of day spa services.

On-site skiers are catered for with a drying room. The hydrotherapy jacuzzi gets a good workout after skiers come down the hill. Play snooker and take advantage of the wine cellar or just relax in front of the fire with an espresso coffee.

Indulge in breakfasts that could include items such as "compote of spiced apricot and red berries with baked honeyed ricotta" or "leg ham and jarlsberg croissants".

Of course you don't come to Queenstown just to relax. Many activities are just minutes away by car, and there is the bonus of staying somewhere that is part of the dramatic environment and being able to walk to an historic pub or restaurant, the Shotover Jet river experience and several other nearby adrenaline adventures.

Shotover Lodge is a good choice for novice and experienced anglers. Anything can be arranged, from helicopter trips taking in wilderness streams and rivers to casual drift fishing in a small lake with equipment provided.

Hosts Steve and Jeanette are constantly reviewing what they offer and aim to make your stay unique and memorable.

Shotover Lodge tariffs include complimentary transfers to ski resort shuttle buses.

Nearest skifields: The entrance to Coronet Peak is just two minutes' and the Remarkables 45 minutes' drive from Shotover Lodge.

Contact: (03) 441 8058.

Where to find it: Atley Rd, RD 1, Queenstown.

What it costs: From $400 for a twin room a night.

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THE DAIRY GUESTHOUSE

If you want to stay in Queenstown, just a one-minute walk from town but out of the way of the noise, the Dairy Guesthouse will suit perfectly.

Seven of the guestrooms have views over the lake and Remarkable Mountains and four overlook the town.

Hosts Sarah and Brian have created an atmosphere reminiscent of earlier New Zealand lakeside dwellings, but with all the modern comforts you would expect.

There are three guest lounges - one with underfloor heating, a TV room and the largest area - where a wood fire warms guests and many travelling tales are shared.

The building is new except for the clever use of the original 1920s corner dairy (general store), which is now a sociable breakfast room. It contains shades of the past in old New Zealand product, packaging and dairy items.

Bedrooms and guestrooms are furnished and decorated with individual pieces, collected by Sarah and Brian, and the result is a welcoming and homely ambience.

This is an ideal place from which to experience all the winter activities the area has to offer. The hosts make recommendations for restaurants, services and tourist operators, and will book for you where necessary.

Nearest skifields: Coronet Peak is 25 minutes', the Remarkables 45 minutes' and Cardrona 55 minutes' drive from the Dairy Guesthouse.

Contact: (03) 442 5164.

Where to find it: Isle St, Queenstown.

What it costs: From $215 a person a night. Price includes breakfast.

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THE STONE HOUSE

The Stone House has become somewhat well-known to Queenstown visitors, so much so that, during our visit, we could catch only glimpses of guestrooms, between people arriving and leaving.

Three rooms have lake views and the en suite queen room has french doors that open on to a deck. Like the rest of this beautifully restored 1874 home, the bedrooms are authentic and well-appointed.

The guest lounge contains complimentary sherry, a TV and a selection of books and games. This is where guests congregate in the evening in front of a roaring fire for complimentary wine and cheese.

Breakfast is delicious and can include hot porridge, croissants, fluffy omelettes, pancakes, waffles and eggs benedict. Served in the dining room overlooking the lake, this could be the highlight of your day.

The building is listed by the Historic Places Trust and it is a treat to experience a piece of New Zealand's past in such comfortable style.

The hosts, Jo and Steve, are well-informed, and belong to the "younger set" of hosts that was rare in New Zealand not so long ago. Guests from Toronto, Canada, wrote, "Warmth and hospitality emanate throughout The Stone House".

Ski packages are available including gear, lift passes and door-to-mountain transport.

Nearest skifields: Coronet Peak is 25 minutes', the Remarkables 45 minutes' and Cardrona 55 minutes' drive from The Stone House.

Contact: (03) 442 9812.

Where to find it: Hallenstein St, Queenstown.

What it costs: From $220 a person a night.

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MINARET LODGE

Aptly named after the Minaret Peaks across Lake Wanaka, Gary and Fran's Minaret Lodge is an inviting lodge in rambling rustic grounds.

This restored house is hung with interesting local art and is perfectly set for embarking on your pursuit of choice in this adventure playground. It seemed appropriate that Gary and Fran's architect commissioned all-natural and non-toxic building materials, with natural oil used on the woodwork.

Rooms are named after local rivers such as the Matukituki, with carved named plates. All rooms have 4-channel Sky TV along with mini-bar.

Every detail has been thought of in these attractively decorated rooms which all have easy access to the outdoors, where you can wander to the spa or outdoor games room. The tennis court is off in the trees.

Should your stay be in winter, there is good ski storage and a drying area plus on-site ski maintenance.

Gary and Fran invite guests to a glass of Central Otago wine with hors d'ouevres before dinner. If you are dining in-house, wine is included. Transfers to local restaurants are also provided.

Minaret Lodge is quiet and peaceful, set in spacious grounds, a short walk to the lake and close to town.

Nearest skifields: Treble Cone is 30 minutes', Cardrona and Waiorau Snow Farm (cross-country skiing) 40 minutes' drive from Minaret Lodge.

Contact: (03) 443 1856.

Where to find it: Eely Pt Rd, Wanaka.

What it costs: From $330 a room a night.

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WANAKA SPRINGS LODGE

Purpose-built in the centre of Wanaka, Wanaka Springs Lodge is a boutique hotel that's proving to be a quiet and popular choice for travellers.

Murray and Lynne welcomed us and explained they had their own accommodation, so we could see as little or as much of them as we wanted.

We were shown the inviting guest lounge where there is a TV, cosy couches and a small library with a roaring fire. Drinks are offered here in the evenings.

All the bedrooms are comfortably appointed and immaculate, with brocade duvets on the beds. Many have outlooks to the garden or the lake and mountains.

Our view also incorporated the stream that wells up from a natural spring and winds through the garden. In a corner of the garden, there is a luxurious spa house where you are able to sooth away those aching muscles on arrival back from the slopes.

Breakfast is a lavish affair and pleasantly social, with plenty of variety to cater for different tastes. We had an early start but Murray and Lynne could not have been more warm and accommodating of our needs.

Afternoon tea with scones was also served every day in the breakfast room, as part of the tariff.

The hotel has an office for guests and a good information system.

A Ski Shuttle service offers a pick-up and drop-off at the lodge door.

Nearest skifields: Treble Cone and Cardrona are both 30 minutes' drive from Wanaka Springs Lodge.

Contact: (03) 443 8421.

Where to find it: Warren St, Wanaka.

What it costs: From $170 a person a night. Evening meal $95 a person.

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Advisory: Tariffs are subject to change, so please confirm prices when making a reservation. Some properties do not include GST in their published rates.

Many of the properties featured appear in the fourth edition of Boutique Lodgings of New Zealand. The book, published by Boutique Lodgings (formerly Holdsworth Press), costs $24.95 and includes reviews of more than 180 of the country's special places to stay. ISBN: 0 9583704 3 5. However, the company's website has been updated to include a wider selection of properties than appear in the book.

* Reviews by SHONA STILWELL, JILL MALCOLM, ROSIE FOWLER, EMMA FOWLER.