There's adventure to be had all around in Queenstown

IF YOU'RE an adrenaline junkie, not many places will give you a rush like Queenstown, writes Sarah Nicholson.

queenstown

WHEN it comes to snow you can't do much better than Queenstown.

The lively settlement in the heart of New Zealand's South Island serves as the gateway to two popular ski resorts Coronet Peak is just 18km from town while The Remarkables is 26km from the hotels on the edge of Queenstown Bay. And there are another four world-class hills between 60 and 90 minutes away. But there's more to this spot than snow sports, with the destination offering a vast collection of winter activities for those who want to mix a few days on the slopes with some serious sightseeing. "Queenstown is world-famous for its huge range of activities, from the mild to the wild," Destination Queenstown communications manager Jen Andrews says. "Because the snow is generally on the mountain, and the town is down in the basin, it means our activities operate year round. NEWS-3051 Promo Travel NZ Ski "If you want an adrenalin rush, there are plenty of thrills like bungy jumping, jet boating, sky diving, zip trekking, paragliding, dirt biking, and four-wheel driving. "But more relaxed pursuits include walking and biking, wine tours and winery lunches as we have 200 vineyards within a 90-minute drive of Queenstown, golf at the six courses within 25 minutes, boat cruises, scenic flights, day spas, shopping and art galleries. "The great strength of Queenstown is it caters to everyone - young and old, families and backpackers - and whether you're a couple keen for a romantic getaway, a family looking for some quality time together or friends having fun, it's all here. "Plus we're only a three-hour flight from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, so you can feasibly fly here in the morning and be skiing in the afternoon." If you want to take a more leisurely approach on the snowfields, check out the snowshoe tours on offer, which can take you to areas that skiers can't reach. Queenstown's reputation as a culinary haven has been boosted this year, with a swag of new eateries opening and a couple of acclaimed chefs moving in. Boat Shed Cafe and Bistro sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu at Frankton Marina, Ivy & Lola's Kitchen & Bar offers home-style meals made from local ingredients, Rata has Michelin-starred chef Josh Emett cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and the Jervois Steak House has been open since December. Locals describe No 5 Church Lane as Queenstown's leading cocktail venue, Postmasters Restaurant in neighbouring Arrowtown serves seasonal dishes in a historic cottage, the menu at nearby La Rumbla is inspired by the owner's Spanish travels, and Sassy is a new Italian place in historic McNeill's Cottage near the water. Andrews says that while there's always something new happening in Queenstown, there's nothing more exciting than when the snow starts falling to signal the start of a new ski season. "There's a real buzz here in winter - the town is busy and vibrant, and everyone's happy to be here," the Queenstown local says. "When we get snowfall it's particularly great as everyone is keen to get up the mountain and enjoy some fresh tracks." For more information on a Queenstown holiday see the town's tourism website or The Remarkables and Coronet Peak internet pages.