New Zealand off Camera

With its surfeit of Oscars, Lord of the Rings has done more for New Zealand than any tourism campaign. Thankfully, there's plenty of the country's dreamscape left for those who want wide-screen scenery but don't care for Middle Earth hype. Base yourself in one of New Zealand's charming lodges and leave Hollywood behind.

Old Saint Mary's Convent: It's hard to believe that nuns once lived in this artfully restored five-room lodge in Marlborough, New Zealand's Sauvignon Blanc capital, but it remains perfectly heavenly today. Rates start from $163 a night; convent.co.nz ....