Queenstown, New Zealand, sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps. Renowned for adventure sports, it’s also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns. There’s bungee jumping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge and jet-boating on the Shotover and Dart rivers. In winter, there’s skiing on the slopes of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. There are several interesting places here such the historic area of Arrowtown and historical buildings like William’s Cottage, the Lake Lodge of Ophir, Queenstown Police Station, and St Peter’s Anglican Church that were all established and built during the 1860s.

The area gives a whole new meaning to the word “wilderness,” and you don’t have to be a pack-carrying tramper to appreciate its grandeur. From mountain peaks, lakes, and rivers to native bush, waterfalls, rural towns, and more organized tours and adventures than anywhere else in New Zealand, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your recreational appetite.

Before you hit Queenstown farther south, you’ll come to Wanaka, a lakeside settlement that serves as the gateway to the Mount Aspiring National Park and World Heritage Area. It’s a pretty town that quickly seduces you into a state of total relaxation. Mount Cook, which the Maori named Aoraki, is the highest point in New Zealand. Queenstown is undeniably the hub of it all. Spreading out from the foot of the Remarkables on the northeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, it’s an international resort, and ever since gold was discovered in the region in the 1860s, the town has been on a winning streak. Today it is booming and spreading in every direction — and Queenstown real estate values are the highest in New Zealand.