Queenstown has earned its title as the “Adventure Capital of the World” with an almost absurd concentration of adrenaline-pumping activities set against some of the most stunning mountain and lake scenery on Earth. This compact lakeside town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, cradled by the Remarkables mountain range, is where modern bungy jumping was invented — AJ Hackett’s original Kawarau Bridge jump still sends thrill-seekers plummeting 43 meters toward the turquoise river below. But bungy is just the beginning. Jet boat rides scream through narrow rock canyons at terrifying speeds, tandem skydivers free-fall from 15,000 feet with panoramic views of the Southern Alps, and paragliders launch from the summit of Bob’s Peak to soar above the town.

Yet Queenstown is far more than an adrenaline factory. The surrounding landscape offers world-class hiking along routes like the Routeburn Track and the Ben Lomond summit trail, wine tasting in the Central Otago region (famous for its pinot noir), and scenic cruises across Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, which has been plying these waters since 1912. The town itself has a vibrant food and bar scene that punches well above its small-town weight, with lakefront restaurants, craft breweries, and the legendary Fergburger drawing queues at all hours.

Pro tip: If you’re only going to do one adventure activity, choose the Nevis Bungy (134 meters, New Zealand’s highest) or a skydive at 15,000 feet — both offer views that make the experience transcendent rather than just thrilling. For a free adventure, hike the Queenstown Hill trail for a panoramic view of the lake, the Remarkables, and Cecil Peak, especially beautiful at golden hour.