Coveted as the “Adventure Capital” of the world, Queenstown is a mecca for adrenaline junkies. The soaring Remarkables mountain range makes for a dramatic backdrop, set off by the glittering waters of Lake Wakatipu. From skydiving and bungee jumping to hiking and skiing, thrills are never far away in Queenstown.

The CBD may be small, but it radiates the energy of a big city. It’s home to a fantastic après-adventure scene, with bars, clubs and live music venues keeping visitors well fed, watered and entertained. Queenstown CBD also has a cosmopolitan side, with fine dining restaurants serving up some of New Zealand’s best food and wine.

Thanks to its pint-sized footprint, getting around Queenstown CBD on foot is a breeze. The airport is an easy 20-minute bus ride away or 10 minutes by car. Some visitors arrive by plane, while others choose to drive the incredibly scenic six-hour route from Christchurch.

While today Queenstown is all about thrills and spills, it wasn’t always so adventurous. When it was settled in the 1860s, it was a sleepy rural town, primarily used for supporting the gold mining and agricultural industries. It wasn’t until 1947 that it became a tourism hotspot, when Coronet Peak, New Zealand's first commercial ski field threw open its runs.