Mr & Mrs Smith

The Bathhouse (+64 (0)3 442 5625) at 15–28 Marine Parade, Queenstown Bay, offers fine dining right by the lapping waters of Lake Wakatipu. Showcasing local produce from Central Otago, this is a stylish spot for an organic coffee, glass of white, a casual lunch or more formal dinner with an optional tasting menu (when reservations are essential). Gantleys Restaurant (+64 (0)3 442 8999) at Arthurs Point Road is another upmarket affair with an award-winning wine list served up in an appealing historic stone building in landscaped gardens. Wai Waterfront Restaurant (+64 (0)3 442 5969), on the lakeside at Steamer Wharf, is known for its strong Central Otago wines, local seafood and freshly shucked melt-in-your-mouth New Zealand oysters, and offers à la carte choices and a seven-course tasting menu. For a friendly local that serves tasty pizza, pasta, salads and good wines, from budget to more rarified options, head for Vknow (+64 (0)3 442 5444) in Fernhill. If fine-cut steak and wild, organic food is more your bag, then make a trip to Botswana Butchery (+64 (0)3 442 6994) at Archers Cottage, 17 Marine Parade. Set in an old villa, it has cosy nooks inside and a large patio outdoors.

The area’s mix of wildly beautiful nature and fun, high-octane sports means you can go hiking, skiing and skydiving, or just relax into more leisurely pursuits such as wine tasting.

June-July The Queenstown Winter Festival, usually held in late June to early July, is a 10-day local party including everything from ski competitions to bands, comedy, food, wine, fireworks, parades and rugby. Up in the mountains ski buffs can also enjoy night races, dog sledding and live entertainment (www.winterfestival.co.nz).