"Have you tried bungee jumping?" This question echoes on every corner in Queenstown, the birthplace of commercial bungee (www.bungy.co.nz). In 1988, pioneers A.J. Hackett and Henry van Asch, drawing from Vanuatu's traditional land diving (once known as the New Hebrides), made this extreme sport accessible to all. Adrenaline junkies now leap into a heart-pounding 40m freefall from Kawarau Bridge. Those seeking milder thrills can try a tandem paragliding experience (www.tandemparagliding.com). Queenstown's year-round outdoor pursuits—from summer hikes to winter skiing—quickly become addictive, fueling epic parties till dawn with international friends. The truly adventurous press on to the breathtaking Routeburn Track, among New Zealand's finest trails.
Where to lunch? Fergburger, the legendary burger haven.
Where to stay? The elegant MGallery St Moritz, where French hosts extend a warm welcome!
