Founded in a 19th-century gold rush, nearby Arrowtown has a fascinating historical legacy, much of which can be explored in the Lakes District Museum and Gallery, 49 Buckingham Street (tel: (03) 442 1824; website: www.museumqueenstown.com). Many restored 19th century buildings remain in the quaint town and tourists can visit the old gaol or travel out to the restored Chinese Miner's Village. Ways to get to Arrowtown from Queenstown include the Double Decker Bus Tour (tel: (03) 441 4421), which includes a 50 minute stopover in Arrowtown, and the Arrowtown Bus (tel: (03) 442 1900 or 0274 367347; website: www.arrowtownbus.co.nz), which runs regular return services. For more information contact the Arrowtown Promotion & Business Association (website: www.arrowtown.com).

The majestic Milford Sound is just within reach for a long day trip from Queenstown. Here visitors can experience the impressive landscape of cliffs, peaks and waterfalls (created long ago by ancient glaciers) whilst driving along the beautiful alpine Milford Road and cruising on the waters of the fiord itself. Many tour companies run buses out to Milford Sound, but if budget is not a factor, airborne trips are much faster as they avoid the circuitous road around the Remarkables. For further details contact Destination Fiordland (tel: (03) 249 7959; website: www.fiordland.org.nz).