If you hit a patch of turbulence while on your cheap flights to Queenstown it may just get you in the mood for the adventure capital of the world. Superlatives come thick and fast when describing this resort town in the Southern Lakes Region of New Zealand's South Island.
It's described as adrenaline-filled, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants and so-fast-it'll-make-your-hair-turn-white, and New Zealand's No. 1 holiday destination for international visitors. You'll need plenty of superlatives for the town itself. Queenstown is jaw-droppingly beautiful. It sits beside Lake Wakatipu - clear, turquoise and calm. Above the town and lake rise the Remarkables, the majestic, snow-capped moutains.
It's the hub for adventure tourism - the first commercial bungy jump was based at the Kawarau Bridge - from aerobatic flight to parapenting via jet boating, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and fly fishing among many, many, many others.
It's also a major centre for skiing and snowboarding. Its four main mountain skifields are Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone. Cross-country is available at the Waiorau Snow Farm, near Cardrona village. And after a day in the snow, the apres ski is hot. There are more than 200 bars and eateries, one for every 75 people, it is said.
An hour west of Queenstown is Fiordland, New Zealand's largest national park. Milford Sound is the best known of all of the fiords, unspeakably gorgeous.
