There’s much more to a skiing or snowboarding holiday than time spent on the slopes – including where you choose to base yourself for the duration. Why opt for a generic accommodation experience when you could sip a drink in an outdoor bath under the stars, or switch off completely in a tiny cabin overlooking the mountains?

NORTH ISLAND
Rangataua Kōwhai Tiny Home – Rangataua
With ideal proximity to Mount Ruapehu (and its ski slopes), this wee cabin sleeps four people in two bedrooms. Admire breathtaking views of the mountain without even having to leave this pet-friendly Airbnb. If you’re up for an adventure, aside from snow-based activities you can tramp through the surrounding native bush or go horseriding in the local forest.

Redrock Hut – Ohakune
Sleeping up to eight guests, Redrock Hut is a welcoming cabin decorated in rustic yet contemporary style with exposed macrocarpa walls, curtains made from army surplus woollen blankets and eclectic artwork. Unwind at the large kitchen table after a day at the Turoa or Whakapapa ski fields (30 and 45 minutes away by car, respectively). It’s also only 35 minutes to the start of the Tongariro Crossing – one of Aotearoa’s spectacular Great Walks.

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SOUTH ISLAND
**High Country Cabin – Ben Ohau**
If you’re after a truly out-of-the-way place to lay your head, this 50-square-metre cabin is a rural beauty surrounded by the majesty of the Mackenzie District’s scenery, near Aoraki Mount Cook. Take in mountain views beside the log burner. There’s no TV, but there are 10 acres of surrounding land to roam free on, as well as activities to such as snow sports, mountaineering, tramping, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. Or, you could just curl up with a good book.

**The Raven's Nest Bed & Second Breakfast Farmstead – Springfield, Canterbury**
Channel a Hobbit for a couple of nights at The Raven’s Nest, a sweet tiny hut that has been crafted for lovers of fantasy realms. It’s less than an hour west of Christchurch, and only a 20-minute drive to see the Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area. For a different kind of mountain experience, jump on the Tranzalpine train at Springfield Station nearby, which will take you on a scenic day trip through Arthur's Pass to the West Coast.

Pisa Cabin – Bendigo, Central Otago
This petit cabin is a romantic couples’ getaway or stopover near Queenstown and Wānaka. Set in a rocky outcrop on the hillside, it has panoramic views over Central Otago’s landscape and the Pisa Range, its namesake mountains. The lack of wi-fi will appeal to those after a total switch-off but don’t worry, there’s still mobile reception. Instead of scrolling, you can explore the area and learn about its gold mining history, sit back in the outdoor bath or cosy up to the wood burner.

Peaceful Lodge – Wānaka
Only a five-minute drive to Wānaka’s town centre, this spacious lodge was built by a couple who have lived in the area for nearly 30 years. Look out at mountain views from the outdoor bath or the deck. Designed to sleep four people, the two bedrooms both have ensuites, and an open fireplace invites plenty of lazing in the open-plan living area.

Secluded Luxury Escape – Wānaka
Surrounded by native Kānuka trees, this tiny container hut is modern and comfortable with wi-fi, a smart TV with Netflix, heat pump and stylish outdoor bath. With central Wānaka only a 15-minute drive away, you can enjoy the activities and food options in the area then retreat to your cosy nook overlooking the hills.

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