While the pure mountain water of Lake Wakatipu is certainly the gem of Queenstown, there are innumerable riches within and around the city. Avid golfers have the opportunity to play some of the most picturesque courses in the world, including links at Arrowtown, the award-winning Millbrook Resort, Frankton, and Kelvin Heights. Jet boating, white water rafting, or canoeing in the surrounding rivers of the Lake region of Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau is a must for water-loving tourists. Wine lovers are encouraged to coat their palates with wine from what is rapidly becoming a highly respected wine-producing region. Peregrine Winery, Gibbston Valley, or Chard Farm plus other outstanding boutique wineries offer tours regularly.

Skipper¹s Grand Canyon, a gold mining region since the 1860s, should be near the top of your must-do list. Encompassing nearly 20 acres, the region is full of activity–from gold mining operations to the famous Pipeline Bungy, Skippers Canyon Jet and the Pipeline Walkway. A jaunt over to historic Arrowtown, whose story is steeped in mining and early settlement history, will satisfy history and culture buffs seeking a broader understanding of the Queenstown region.

Sufficed to say, Queenstown and its surrounding area abound with places of great interest and excitement. There are few places in the world that can offer such a broad spectrum of travel adventure and delight all year round. It is the reason why New Zealand¹s Queenstown continues to rank among the highest in travel destination lists.