My home was built in around 10 years ago in Pegasus, which is a very new township, developed around a large lake.
It is 2 storey, with the main bedroom upstairs, leading out to a very sunny balcony, with views of the town and in the distance you can see the mountains.
An international Golf Course (Pegasus) is walking distance from my front door.
One of the 2 bedrooms downstairs is currently my work office, the other has a double bed.
Situated north of Christchurch city, Pegasus sits in the middle of the east coast of the South Island, where  my home is close to both the city centre, many beaches as well as the gorgeous countryside. About an hour west to a good ski slope, an hour north to Hanmer (mineral natural hot pools - see photo).
Our summer is December to late March.
5 hours south to stunning Queenstown - the surrounding area is certainly worth a trip. (This is now listed in the Lonely Planet, as a must do !)
The Marlborough Sounds, with the most beautiful inlets, a boaties dream, although 4 hours drive north, is worth the drive and at least one nights stay.
Fancy swimming with dolphins in Akaroa Harbour ?? (1 hour away)  or Whale watching off Kaikoura Coast (2 hours away) - a once in a lifetime opportunity.
There are many cycle trails around this area.