Once upon a time there was a hospital that served the entire Waimarino district (now Ruapehu). Right next door, a beautiful native timber Nurses Home was built to accommodate the staff. In later years, this building was purchased by one of the doctors and a part of it was converted into The Doctors Residence. The hospital has since gone but the Nurses Home (see listing 10058) and The Doctors Residence have been renovated by the new owner who, ironically, stayed in this very building when she was just a kid (and fondly remembers skiing down the front lawn!) The Doctors Residence (otherwise known as The Villa at Snowy Waters) is fully self-contained with a large, open-plan, kitchen and lounge, plus four guest bedrooms with either mountain or garden views, all set within 5 acres of park-like grounds. Restored, big old water filled radiators (European central heating) will keep you cosy warm and a log burning fireplace is perfect for toasting marshmallows. Outside, a spa pool is set amongst rocks and palm trees with views of snowcapped Mt Ruapehu. It is breathtaking. We have our own onsite playground, trampoline, bouncy castle (weather permitting), The Snowy Train, a miniature horse and a pet goat. Towering gum trees, enormous oaks and colourful gardens surround your accommodation, making it private and peaceful, yet within a 10-minute walk of Raetihi’s main street cafes. There is plenty of off-street carparking, plus a BBQ and outside table and chairs. We are 10 minutes from Ohakune, 30 minutes to Turoa Ski Area and 45 minutes to Whakapapa. The ski season is our busiest time, however the three-day Whanganui River canoe journey is fast becoming our most popular summer activity. One-day jet boat tours and mountain bike rides to the Bridge to Nowhere are also available. Transport to the Tongariro Crossing departs from our doorstep daily during summer. Trout fishing is popular here, as is bird watching (the rare and endangered karearea and whio live nearby), plus there’s golf, horse trekking and the Whanganui River Road. Room configurations are as follows: 2 x queen room (with private ensuite bathroom) 1 x queen room 1 x quad room (two sets of bunks) For meeting facilities or if you have more than 10 guests, see our listing for the Old Nurses Home (sleeps 30). Or add a garden cabin to your reservation (enquire directly).