Queenstown sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, ringed by the jagged Remarkables mountain range, and somehow manages to be both a serious adventure-sports hub and a genuinely relaxing place to spend a few days. This is where commercial bungee jumping was invented, but it's equally suited to slow lake cruises, vineyard lunches, and short hikes with views that stop you mid-step. Few towns this small pack in this much scenery, adrenaline, and good food within a 20-minute drive of the centre.