Just thirty minutes from Picton, perched on the upper reaches of the Queen Charlotte Sound there is Tirimoana House.

New Zealand hosts John and Michelle have transformed this beach front accommodation into a stunning bed and breakfast. After six years of travelling and life in the city Michelle, a qualified chef and John have embraced life in The Sounds.

Tirimoana House has four exquisitely furnished ensuite rooms and a separate suite appropriately named the Queen Charlotte. However it is hard to be prepared for the overwhelming "wow" factor on entering one of their premier room the "Sunrise". Should I rush out onto the deck and admire the view over the idyllic inlet or take in the furnishings?

Some furniture, the bedroom features a queen size four poster, carved bed originally used by senior officers of the East India Company. The linen as in all the rooms is luxurious and sensual.

However it wasn't long before we were joining our hosts for a pre dinner drink. John and Michelle are excellent hosts and amidst much laughter, great food and local wines we planned the next few days.

Walk the Queen Charlotte track, sea kayak the many inlets, take a tour to the renowned Marlborough vineyards, or simply do nothing at all. Take a book, relax by the pool. I could not help agree with them - this is the life.