Arthurs Pass National Park is only 2 hours by car or 2½ hours by train from Christchurch. An incredible destination offering a huge range of outdoor activities in the area. Options include day walks, overnight and multi-day tramps (hikes), mountain biking, skiing, mountain climbing, rock climbing and bouldering, ski touring, trout fishing, river rafting, kayaking or drinking coffees at the local coffee shops.

The Lodge is nestled amongst native bush on Bealey Spur, not far from the historic and iconic Bealey Hotel and on the Te Araroa trail.

It overlooks the upper reaches of the Waimakariri River with magnificent views of the main mountain ranges in Arthurs Pass National Park. Bealey Spur is a small settlement of iconic Kiwi baches / holiday homes located 15 km from Arthurs Pass village. The native beech forest is rich in birdlife.

My home is built of exposed pine and, along with all other homes on the Spur, is not connected to the national electricity grid. Pure rain water is used for the house. There are no power points. Solar panels supply lighting, while cooking is done with LPG.

All day sun streams in through the large double glazed picture windows, that overlook the Arthurs Pass Valley, while the log burner pumps out the heat in the evenings, making for a nice cosy home. The view of the mountains and the Waimakariri River are absolutely magical.

There are two guest rooms, each with a comfortable queen bed for a great night's sleep. Access to the home is by stairs. There is a shared bathroom with a waterless eco-toilet. There is no cellphone coverage or TV reception in the lodge.

The bookshelf has a selection of books on New Zealand plants and birds, local history, hiking guide books and New Zealand short stories. If the weather is unfavourable for outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of board games to play with.