Queenstown

Queenstown is billed as the adventure capital of the world, a stunning resort town set on the shore of the deep-blue Lake Wakatipu beneath the jagged peaks of the Remarkables on the South Island. The birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, it is a year-round hub of adrenaline, from jet boating, skydiving and white-water rafting to superb skiing in winter and hiking, biking and world-class Central Otago wine in the warmer months.

What you actually see

• The lake and mountains - the town beneath the Remarkables on Lake Wakatipu.
• Bungee jumping - the original commercial bungee at the Kawarau Bridge.
• The adventure sports - the jet boating, skydiving and rafting.
• Central Otago wine - the pinot noir vineyards nearby.

When to go

December to March for summer hiking, biking, wine and lake activities; June to September for skiing at the nearby fields. It is a year-round destination, busy and lively in both peak seasons, with spring and autumn quieter and beautiful.

Honest expectations

It is expensive and, in peak seasons, crowded and busy, a resort town geared to tourism and adventure rather than a quiet retreat. The adventure activities are thrilling but pricey and add up fast. Its setting, though, is genuinely spectacular, and it is a great base for the wider South Island.

Nearby

Milford Sound, the historic town of Arrowtown and the Central Otago wineries are close.