Perched on the edge of a glacial terrace and overlooking a wide valley covered with native rain forest you will find Bird's Ferry Lodge, located midway between the glaciers and Nelson/Picton.

Alison, who hails from Scotland, and Andre, originally from Cape Town, and Mick and Merlot the two charming terriers are there to greet me. Alison has spent 15 years in the catering business and both she and Andre are keen gardeners so naturally the kitchen is a centre of activity with most of the produce and free-range eggs being turned into culinary delights.

The lodge has three well appointed bedrooms. A recent addition, the Ferry Man's Cottage, overlooks a lake so your fellow residents are native wekas, pukeko's and ducks. Quirky artworks fashioned from pieces of history and interesting flora abound.

The West Coast is steeped in history and Andre, who spent many years as a guide, is a wealth of knowledge and can fill you in on all the details including the story of Mr Bird's ferry after whom the lodge is named.

Relax with a glass of champagne in the spa or the outdoor bath and enjoy the peace and serenity. Surrounded by birdsong and the constant rumble of the Tasman Sea you won't need any entertainment here, the changing scenery will do it for you. One day is just not long enough here.