Coronet Peak: Visiting Queenstown in winter? Head over to Coronet Peak and try your hand at snowboarding and skiing. A favourite with the locals, this ski area has terrains to suit all abilities. Once you’ve had enough of shredding the slopes (or falling on your bum!), you can relax with a drink at base camp. In summer, Coronet becomes a mountain biker’s paradise.
Central Otago: Central Otago is wine country, and is only a 50-minute drive from Queenstown. Head to the towns of Bannockburn and Cromwell, and along the way pop into any winery that takes your fancy — there are more than 80 to choose from. You can also enjoy seasonal food at one of the many al-fresco restaurants. Don’t have time for dinner? Pick up what you need and head back to base for a picnic. Just remember not to drink and drive.
Glenorchy: On the banks of Lake Wakatipu is Glenorchy. This rustic, frontier-like town is surrounded by a beech forest, and is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike, bike and horse ride in landscapes that feature in the Lord of the Rings and Narnia films. Kayak and jet boat in the turquoise waters of the lake, and enjoy the town’s friendly hospitality at the restaurants, cafés and bars.