Queenstown is paradise for thrill-seekers, with a seemingly endless array of pulse-raising pursuits on offer here. Get into the spirit of things by kicking off your day with an out-of-the-ordinary activity. Brace yourself for a bungee jump over the Nevis River, free-fall from a height of up to 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) during a tandem skydive, go rafting on the rapids of the Shotover River, speed around Lake Wakatipu and Kawarau River on a jet boat, or ride an all-terrain vehicle around Queenstown Hill.

After an exhilarating morning, you’re probably going to want to take it easy with some more laid-back activities. Ride the Skyline gondola up Bob’s Peak, enjoying fabulous views of Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu. Dine at the restaurant at the top and—if you’re still hungry for adventure—fly down the luge track to the bottom of the mountain. 

Back at the base of Bob’s Peak, set off to explore town on a Segway tour or visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park, whose aviaries are home to rare native species including black stilts, New Zealand falcons, and kiwis—the fuzzy brown flightless bird that serves as a national symbol.

Come evening, wind down even more with a visit to the peaceful Walter Peak High Country Farm, a working sheep and cattle farm. Enjoy a scenic evening cruise aboard a vintage steamship before arriving at the farm for a barbecue feast accompanied by a live pianist. After dinner, pull up a stool at the bar to sample New Zealand wine and beer, or take a stroll around the farm and soak up the tranquility of this rural patch of the South Island.