The room tariff at Grasmere Lodge includes pre-dinner cocktail hour, a four-course table d’hôte gourmet dinner , and full cooked or continental breakfast. Every guest room at Grasmere Lodge has a king bed or two single beds, two armchairs and a coffee table, CD player with Ipod dock, minibar, wi-fi, a work desk and chair. Each private patio or deck has two outdoor chairs for enjoying the views and fresh mountain air. A selection of teas, freshly ground coffee, home-baked cookies and port is also provided in each room. The tiled ensuite bathrooms feature a jacuzzi bath, separate glass shower, double vanities, thick bathrobes, hairdryer, and nightlight. They have underfloor heating and demisting mirrors. Each room has original artworks inspired by the landscape outside, and is decorated in the rich colours of the tussock-covered hills. Transfers are provided from the TranzAlpine Express train stop at Cass by prior arrangement.

Complimentary Activities:
• A 4WD sightseeing excursion of the property and surrounding district (approximate duration 90 minutes), weather permitting
• Heated outdoor swimming pool
• Internet access
• Kayaks and a Canadian canoe, ideal for birdwatching and peaceful picnicking
• Fishing on our lakes and rivers (a licence is required, but can be issued at the lodge). Season 1 October to 30 April.
• Mountain bikes
• Tennis court and equipment

Games and equipment at lodge also include petanque (boules), snooker/pool table, table-tennis, croquet. Three pianos are available for guests’ use. Bush and farm walks of between 20 minutes and two hours are on-site and exclusive to house guests.

To secure your reservation, a deposit equivalent to your first night's stay will be debited against your credit card at the time of booking. If your plans change, this is fully refundable up to 30 days before your scheduled arrival

We charge a cancellation fee of 25% for each room night cancelled within 30 days of the stay, and 100% if cancelled within seven days and for no-shows, in line with New Zealand Lodge Association policy. We recommend you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy so you are covered in the event of loss of deposit or holiday payment through cancellation, as well as for personal belongings and health.

If you do not have travel insurance, we suggest considering Comprehensive Travel Insurance Ltd. Visit Comprehensive's website and select the Inbound Travel Plan for a quote. You may be surprised by how little it costs. This policy has been specifically designed to cover overseas residents travelling within New Zealand. Australia can be added as an additional destination. It also allows cover for up to six days in total in transit to and from your country of residence and includes the option of medical repatriation. This policy is not available to New Zealand residents.

Free transfers are provided from TranzAlpine Express train (pick-up at Cass) by prior arrangement. With notice, we can arrange private car transfers to and from Christchurch at a rate of $NZ295.00 + GST each way for the 10/11 season.

On the night of 25 December 2010 there is a surcharge of $NZ265 + GST per person to cover pre-dinner champagne and a selection of award-winning New Zealand wines and other Christmas treats during the day and over the special Christmas banquet. No arrivals or departures on 25 December.

Grasmere Lodge is designed to be an executive retreat for adults, but we recognise it is also an ideal spot for families, with its range of leisure and farm activities, and wide open spaces.

Particularly during the busiest season from 24 December to 15 March, we prefer not to accept children between two and ten years old (as we cannot provide baby-sitting facilities), unless the children are accompanied by a care-giver/nanny or child over 14 who will take over that responsibility. In New Zealand it is illegal to leave children alone or in the care of anyone under 14.

We are able to offer dining for a family in a separate room, ensuring peace and quiet for other adult guests. The pre-dinner drinks area is for adults only, but we can provide unsupervised children’s entertainment during this time in the library if required.

On this basis, children will be accepted with adults at the following rates:

• An infant in a cot (under two years old) in its parents’ room will be free of charge
• A child on a rollaway in its parents’ room will be charged 50% of the adult share twin rate. This option is only available in the, Grasmere Suite and River View Cottage.
• Children in their own room, of any age, will be charged the appropriate adult tariff (share twin or single).