Description
By virtue of its dramatic location amid 7000ft towering peaks near Arthurs Pass, its ever-changing climate and unashamed emphasis on quality and quiet comfort, Grasmere will always be an unparalleled experience.
The main lodge building houses some of the rooms and suites but there is also a alpine style chalet building with more accommodation and a spacious two-bedroom cottage perfect for two couples or a family and fully equipped with kitchen, laundry room, TV snug etc. Whichever room suits you, all are decorated with the rich colours of the Tussock Hills, have original artworks adorning the walls and have comfortable seating areas, iPod docking stations, Jacuzzi baths and private decks or patios.
Whether enjoying fresh hearty breakfasts on the terrace, a picnic in a secluded riverside location, or a five course menu, meals at Grasmere are prepared with the finest, freshest, locally sourced ingredients and are simple and elegant. The lodge is a relaxed environment and there are pre dinner drinks and canapés are served each evening before the nightly dinner party commences. Families or couples who want some private time together can choose to dine by the fireside or in the conservatory.
This traditional New Zealand high country station encompasses 13,000 acres of farmland, home to some 3000 fine-wool Merino sheep, 200 Red Deer and 200 Black Angus Beef Cattle. Fishing, hunting, mountain biking, hiking, picnicking, horse riding and taking to the rivers for water sports are just some of the activities in this beautiful area but enjoying the holistic mountain spa or simply relaxing by the Lodge's beautiful pool are also equally refreshing.
Accommodation
Within the lodge there are six Lake View Deluxe Rooms which have views over the lawn and deer farm to the lake and mountains beyond. Also in the lodge, the Grassmere Junior Suites have a larger open plan living area with fireplace and can connect to a deluxe room to form and two-bedroom suite. A short walk from the lodge, the alpine Mountain Chalet has four spacious two-bedroom cottage with full kitchen.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Grasmere Lodge and there are several interconnecting room options as well as a wonderful two-bedroom cottage. Children who love the great outdoors will enjoy the mountain and farm activities and the lodge offers family dining in a separate room hence ensuring peace for the other guests. During the adults only pre-dinner drinks, the lodge can provide unsupervised entertainment for the children in the library if required.
Facilities
Locally grown delicious produce is served in the lodge's dining room and the conversation with other guests at pre-dinner drinks or at the communal table is as central to the experience at Grasmere Lodge as the food. Dinners for families or couples can also be arranged in other parts of the lodge. There is a wine cellar with 5000 bottles, a library, gym, heated outdoor pool, mountain spa, tennis courts, games such as petanque, chess, snooker/pool table, table tennis, croquet and three pianos.
Activities
Included in your stay at Grasmere Lodge is a 4WD sightseeing trip of the property and its surrounds, kayaks and a Canadian canoe (perfect for bird watching and picnicking), fishing on the lodge's rivers and lakes, walking, hiking and mountain biking. The lodge can also arrange for horse riding, guided hiking, trout fishing, deer hunting, scenic flights, clay pigeon shooting and rafting amongst other activities.
When to travel
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
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Location and directions
Cass, South Island, New Zealand
Grasmere Lodge is a secluded high-country ranch retreat tucked away in the heart of the Southern Alps of New Zealand
How to get there
The average flight time from London to Christchurch is 23-hours 20-minutes. Grasmere Lodge is approximately 90-minutes drive from Christchurch Airport.
