Grasmere is a destination. While it might be situated at the gateway to the Southern Lake Districts and the West Coast this magnificent 1500 acre property bordering Arthur's Pass National Park is an experience not to be missed.

Our suite, the Riverview Cottage complete with fireplace, lounge, library/media room, kitchen and indulgent spa bath all looking out to stunning views of the mountains was the perfect place to watch the sun go down. No need to lift a finger here, nature paints its own art.

And that was just the beginning. A tour of the property revealed the pool adjacent to the underground wine cellar - a summer haven, gym, trout pools, mountain bikes, walking and hiking trails, tennis, horse riding and much more.

After all that activity, there is the spa offering an extensive array of treatments. Grasmere, though is also about people, and we joined fellow guests for pre diner drinks in the lodge before a gourmet dinner. A wonderful time to swap stories and plan for another day.

Our host Tom and his staff could not have been more helpful. Another bonus, the Tranz Alpine Express, one of the world's great excursions runs by the far end of the property and staff are happy to meet you. There are some places that you go in life that you know that you have to return to and Grasmere is one of those.