A Queenstown day on Arrowtown's creek and the Gibbston wine road

A preserved 1860s gold-rush village twenty minutes' drive from Queenstown. Breakfast at Provisions on Buckingham Street — sourdough, poached eggs, local yogurt. The historic Chinese settlement at the west end is the quieter attraction.

A two-kilometre stone path along the Arrow River from the town out to Bracken's Lookout. In April the oaks and willows turn orange and gold; in any season the river is clear to the bottom. An hour return.

The first Gibbston Valley winery, founded 1981. A tasting flight of five Pinot Noirs ($15-20). Their wine cave — cut into the hillside — is a short tour worth adding. Lunch at the cheesery next door.

A striking modern winery building with a roof like a peregrine falcon's wing. Flights of six for about $20. The views across the valley are better than the wines, which are also excellent. Book ahead in summer.

The original AJ Hackett commercial bungy jump, 43 metres over the Kawarau River. Watch from the free viewing platform if you don't want to jump. The river gorge is spectacular either way.

Back in town. Walk the lakeside esplanade from the Bay Point to Gantley's jetty. The Remarkables turn pink as the sun drops; locals walk dogs and skip stones into the water.

A lakeside restaurant in the old 1870 Archer House. Aged beef, wild venison, local lamb. Book a window table overlooking the lake and the mountains behind. The wine list is deep; ask for a Central Otago Pinot.