Where is it? On New Zealand's North Island, in Ohakune. Geoff Pitman and his wife, Viv, have opened the doors of their own golf paradise so wannabe Tiger Woodses can play in private ... in their rooms if necessary, which are so big they can practise their swings without destroying the furniture.
What's so special about Geoff? A former coach of both the New Zealand men's and women's golf teams, Pitman has personally tutored the PGA Tour's Michael Campbell and was the resident golf pro
at the Royal Wellington Golf Club, in the capital. And he pours decent wine.
Is it a lodge or a golf club? More like Geoff and Viv's home than a guest lodging, Ruapehu sits on the edge of the region's premier golf course, the Waimarino Golf Club. The property is Viv's creation,
with a sweeping driveway, high ceilings and timber doors. The decor is French and includes open fireplaces and heated floor tiles. In a particularly homely touch, the four guest suites come with homemade biscuits in glass jars. The walls are adorned with retro golfing memorabilia, just in case you were thinking of playing tennis.
What if I don't play golf? If you don't play golf you ski on nearby Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano and the location for Mordor in Lord of the Rings. The ski resort of Whakapapa (the 'wh' is pronounced 'f') enjoys all-day sunshine and plenty of powder. The local town, Ohakune, is the carrot capital of New Zealand, as indicated by the giant carrot on the road into town. With a population of a mere 1,400, you can meet relatives of everyone in an afternoon at the Powderkeg bar and restaurant. In summer, hike the volcano to the crater lake and hope she doesn't blow.