ST ARNAUD

The Tophouse Inn is a heritage-listed boutique hotel just a short distance from St Arnaud, Lake Rotoiti and the Rainbow Ski Field. The main dwelling was constructed from thick cob in 1887 ensuring it is crammed full of character and history. With spectacular mountain views, antiques in keeping with the inn’s age and the smallest bar in New Zealand, it is regularly lauded for its unique ambience. Along with the accommodation available in the house there are also four self-contained cottages on site and space for up to ten motorhomes. Owners, Helen and Clint Brough, are well known for their warm and accommodating hospitality and offer breakfasts in the historic dining room complete with roaring log fire in the winter. In the evenings the room turns into the Prickly Vine Restaurant where experienced chef Sebastian Stasiak and wife Angelina serve delicious three course meals that can be pre-booked by guests and visitors alike.

The Woodsman’s Den at St Arnaud is gaining a reputation as the sanctuary you don’t want to leave. Secluded but close to all the activities the alpine village has to offer, the guesthouse is popular with couples, families and friends who want to spend quality time together. With two bedrooms it can sleep five and everything is provided for a blissful stay. A handcrafted hot tub sits invitingly on the deck. “It is an absolute highlight for guests,” say owners Anna and Nick King. Luxuriating in it beneath the magic of the night sky or listening to the abundant bird life during the day provides complete relaxation and a sense of well-being. In winter a blazing fire in the living room adds to the ambience. Providing quality accommodation at the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park, the Woodsman’s Den is an opportunity to step off the treadmill and draw breath.

Artist Jan Thomson feels extremely lucky to live at St Arnaud, surrounded by inspiration for her art. Painting mainly landscapes, her work in both acrylic and watercolour is sought after. “Most years I go to one of the high-country stations to paint so am always finding wonderful new vistas,” she says.

Particularly drawn by the different moods of light as it settles on alpine areas, she tries to paint plein air as much as she can. “Being outside with my paints and canvas in the landscape is very inspiring,” she says. Jan enjoys undertaking commissions which can include any subject matter from shearing gangs to birds or plants.” She also runs popular watercolour classes from her studio and shows her work at the Wall to Wall Gallery in Bridge Street and on her website. “Visitors are welcome to visit my studio from 10am to 4pm whenever I am home,” she says.

The Rainbow Ski Area, serving local communities, has been enticing people to its slopes for forty years thanks to the efforts of many volunteers and sponsors who have put their heart and soul into creating an alpine experience that everyone can enjoy. “We welcome skiers and snowboarders from complete beginners who have never seen snow before to those who are highly experienced, and this year we are excited to have an international team of instructors back with us who can provide coaching at all levels,” says mountain manager Andrew Malcolm. “There is no necessity to bring your own equipment because everything needed can be provided at our hire store on site,” says Andrew. Rainbow’s own café on site ensures hungry tummies are well catered for and there are a range of ski pass and package options available. There is also a shuttle hire available from the bottom car park if required.