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New Zealand has a superb range of accommodation to suit every style and budget, within easy reach of its snowfields. Here are our 10 favourite places for South Island ski-holiday stays.
The lowdown: Spacious, family-friendly, one- and two-bedroom apartments with glorious views of the Remarkables, with well-equipped kitchens, gas fires and a heated outdoor hot tub to help soothe apres-ski aches and pains. It's a short drive or easy 10-minute walk to the centre of town.
The bonus: Ski-fields shuttle buses stop directly outside if you want to avoid driving to the slopes.
The details: Two-bedroom apartments $NZ655 per night, with seasonal deals. 110 Frankton Road, Queenstown, +64 3 4424 868, www.pounamuapartments.co.nz.
The lowdown: Spectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge is sophisticated retreat just seven minutes from the centre of town and part of a trio of high-end Kiwi lodges that includes Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs. Acclaimed New Zealand designer Virginia Fisher has created elegant but supremely welcoming interiors in the common spaces and 12 luxurious guest rooms; there's also a spa, an infinity pool, and a fully equipped fitness centre.
A separate Owner's Cottage features four suites with private hot tub, kitchen and courtyard.
The bonus: The ski concierge can arrange equipment hire and fitting in the comfort of your suite.
The details: From $NZ595 per person per night twin share. www.matakaurilodge.com.
The lowdown: With a unique copper-lined exterior and stunning artwork throughout, The Copper House is one of the most prominent homes in Queenstown, with sensational lake and mountain views, a large open-plan living-dining-kitchen area, a cosy snug for TV watching plus its own cinema. There's a covered outdoor deck with a large fire and heat lamps. It's perfect for a high-end house party of up to 16 guests, and anyone wanting to feel like a celebrity.
The bonus: The six-sleeper bunkroom with kids' height sinks is child heaven.
The details: From $NZ20,000 per night. http://touchofspice.co.nz.
The lowdown: Perched high on Queenstown Hill these three- and four-bedroom stone and timber villas offer amazing views over the town, lake and surrounding mountains. There are three types, each varying in size and style: Grand Promenade Villa, Promenade Villa and Highland Residence.
The bonus: The villas sit in a private compound with little through traffic.
The details: From $NZ1395 per villa per night. http://www.commonagevillas.com.
The lowdown: With 60 hotel rooms and 90 luxury apartments, The Rees provides the best of both worlds with knockout Lake Wakatipu views. The on-site restaurant True South is one of the best culinary experiences in Queenstown.
The bonus: True South's wine cellar, including its Bordeaux collection.
The details: Three-bedroom apartments from $NZ825 per night. http://www.therees.co.nz.
The lowdown: Situated on the spectacular Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka, this historic inn is one of New Zealand's oldest hotels, and probably its most photographed. There's more than a touch of the wild west about it; a dusty wild boar head above the enormous stone fireplace lords it over the lounge. The simple accommodation in queen and twin ensuite rooms reflect its rustic charm.
The bonus: A nice beer garden at the rear (rug up!), Speight's Old Dark and Pale Ale on tap and better-than-average pub grub.
The details: Doubles from $NZ185. http://cardronahotel.co.nz.
The lowdown: The relative absence of on-mountain accommodation in New Zealand ski resorts makes Cardrona's simply furnished two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments highly sought-after.
The bonus: Ski in, ski out, no travel.
The details: Two-bedroom apartments from $475 per night, four-bedroom apartments from $780. http://www.cardrona.com.
The lowdown: Comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation in a quiet corner of Wanaka. The roomy guest chalets, set in grounds behind the main lodge, are built of schist stone and local timber.
The bonus: Lord of the Rings fans can stay in the hobbit-themed Barlimans room.
The details: Doubles from $NZ295 per night. www.minaretlodge.co.nz.
The lowdown: New Zealand luxury at its understated best, the lakeside Whare Kea is about five kilometres out of town on the Mt Aspiring Road.
The bonus: Access to overnight stays at the private chalet at 1750 metres on the edge of Mt Aspiring National Park (through Aspiring Helicopters).
The details: From July 1, exclusive use for five nights for 12 people, self-catering, $NZ12,500. http://www.wharekealodge.com
The lowdown: Methven is the closest town for Mt Hutt skiing. The friendly Brinkley Resort is a cluster of pretty townhouses surrounded by well-tended gardens with knockout views to the mountain itself.
The bonus: Shackleton's Bar and Grill, the on-site restaurant.
The details: Two-bedroom apartments from $NZ285 per night. http://www.brinkleyresort.co.nz.
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