OK - There is the good news and the bad news. First up the good news ... Temple Basin is at the top of the magnificent Southern Alps, right in the heart of Arthur's Pass National Park in one of those take-your-breath-away locations that feels like you're on top of the world.

The downside is that you don't drive right onto the field like you do with some of the commercial fields. The good news about that is that you don't tend to get the ski bunnies but get people who are into good snow, good skiing or boarding and having fun. And a casual stroll (we're exaggerating here, it's actually a bit of a hike up a hill!) just gets you warmed up for some of the best snow action you can imagine, and, if nothing else, drums up a thirst.

But it's really not that bad. There is a Goods Lift for all your gear, so it's only you that you have get up the track. We like to think it's part of the charm. And, if you could just drive to it, it wouldn't be worth coming to, would it?

Once you're at Temple Basin you're a million miles away. Incredible.

Fantastic. Forget about the rest of the world stuff. It's got a really special attitude that no website or brochure can do justice to. You have to experience it yourself. So what are you waiting for?

Temple Basin has the finest on-field ski accommodation lodge in New Zealand notable not only for accommodation but for leisure rooms, lecture theatres, bars and top education aids.