Lake Wakatipu

Shaped like a cartoon lightning bolt, Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s third largest lake. It reaches a depth of 379 meters, meaning the lake bed actually sits below sea level. Five rivers flow into it but only one (the Kawarau) flows out, making it prone to sometimes dramatic floods. If the water looks clean, that’s because it is. Scientists have rated it as 99.9% pure – you’re better off dipping your glass in the lake than buying bottled water. It’s also very cold. And because cold water increases the risk of drowning, local bylaws require the wearing of life jackets in all boats under 6m, including kayaks, on the lake and all of the district’s lakes.

Skyline Gondola

Hop aboard for fantastic views as the gondola squeezes through pine forest to its grandstand location 400m above Queenstown. At the top there’s a cafe, restaurant, souvenir shop and observation deck, as well as the Queenstown Bike Park, Skyline Luge, Ledge Bungy, Ledge Swing and Ziptrek Ecotours. At night there are Māori culture shows from Kiwi Haka and stargazing tours. Walking trails include the Skyline Loop track through the Douglas firs. You can forgo the gondola and hike to the top on the Tiki Trail, while the popular Ben Lomond Track climbs on another 940m.

Peregrine

Peregrine by name, peregrine by design; the award-winning construction of the cellar door, shaped a bit like a falcon’s wing in flight, looks particularly modern as it sits beside the old Kawarau Station woolshed and shearers’ quarters. There are free tastings of six wines, and you can take a stroll through the adjoining barrel room.

Chard Farm

The most picturesque of the Gibbston wineries, Chard Farm’s rustic cellar door is reached by a precipitous 2km road overlooking the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. Tastings are free if you purchase, or $10 if not.

Underwater Observatory

Six windows showcase life under the lake in this reverse aquarium (the people are behind glass) beneath the KJet office. Large brown trout abound, and look out for freshwater eels and scaup ducks, which dive past the windows – especially when the coin-operated food-release box is triggered.