Queenstown: Adventure Capital of New Zealand

Queenstown packs more adventure per square kilometre than anywhere I've been, but it's also achingly pretty if you just want to ride gondolas and stare at lakes. This guide balances both: the bungy and jet-boat thrills, the Ben Lomond and Roy's Peak hikes, a long but spectacular day trip to Milford Sound, and the chilled wine-and-lake afternoons in Arrowtown. Plus the Fergburger logistics (it's real, and the queue is real). Adjust the adrenaline dial to taste.