Whether you’re a snow-mo, an adrenalin junkie or a lad/ette of leisure, Queenstown takes the crown as the South Island’s greatest, gayest year-round holiday destination.

Taking pride of place on the banks of Lake Wakatipu with the aptly-named Remarkables and Coronet Peak in the background, Queenstown is a stunningly picturesque stomping ground for the snow set in the winter, outdoorsy types in the summer and travellers after a good tipple, an evening boogie and some pamper time year-round. Fly into Queenstown directly, or if you’re watching your pennies score a cheap flight into Dunedin or Christchurch, which are a four and six-and-a-half hours’ drive away, respectively.

Check out some of our favourite haunts for disco ball aficionados, locals-only restaurants and bars, and activities for him & him (as well as her & her).

Year-round musts

With so much to see and do, start each day early with the locals at Joe’s Garage. What started as a simple coffee machine repair shop is now one of the busiest, and best, cafes downtown. The delicious eats, great coffee and hot baristas make it worth avoiding the snooze button.

Next, gain your bearings by heading up the hill for some awesome views of Queenstown and beyond. You could take the gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, the hill dominating Queenstown’s skyline. But why not work off your brekkie by hiking? Take the trail just to the left of the gondola entrance, and after about an hour later you’ll find yourself at the observation deck. With the money you’ve saved on transit, take a spin down the luge before gondola-ing back to town – great fun!

Snow-mos a go-go

The time of year will likely affect your next steps – during the winter it’s nigh on impossible for a dedicated snow aficionado to avoid a trip up to Coronet Peak, the closest to town, or the Remarkables, a larger ski-field about an hour’s drive away. Queenstown is also a great base for Wanaka wannabe ski bunnies (the quiet little town that plays host to most Treble Cone and Cardrona skiers and boarders) that are after more of an emphasis on après and don’t mind a longer slog to the slopes.

Who you callin’ a tramp?

In the warmer months, mountain bikers and hikers ought head west to Glenorchy for a ride or a ‘tramp’ (Kiwi for bushwalking). From the Glenorchy Cafe you’ll get unrivalled views of magnificent Mt Earnslaw up the Dart Valley. Outside the Glenorchy Cafe you’ll come to the end of the road at a place called ‘Paradise’ for a reason – a perfect jumping off point.

Living dangerously

Let your inner daredevil run rampant; some favourite activities for scream-queens in town? A scenic Shotover Jet Boat down the river of the same name is hugely popular with families and fraidycats who shy away from some of the other adrenaline adventures on offer, which include jumping from the world’s first commercial bungy and pushing off on the world’s highest swing, amongst others.

Posh possibilities and pools

Not looking to lay your life on the line this holiday? Never fear. A drive to one of the most stunning landscapes is another experience not to be missed. Milford Sound is just a few hours away (or a short scenic flight from Queenstown International Airport) and worth the journey. The fjord stretches for 15 kilometres inland from the Tasman Sea, with sheer rock races stretching 1,200 metres up from azure inlets. You can hike along the sound or cruise its waters on a boat tour, but far and away the best views and experience comes from onboard a sightseeing flight; they’re worth the hefty price tag, so save up.

Regardless of the time of year, end your day at the Onsen Hot Pools at the base of Coronet Peak and on the banks of the Shotover River. This Japanese-inspired collection of Jacuzzis has all the trimmings – your private room has a tub with temperature control, a retractable roof and views over the canyon, a rainforest shower and, most importantly, some sexy seclusion. Sneak in a bottle of bubbles and book your dip for sunset.

Tonight, tonight

Head back to town for pre-dinner drinks at Barmuda. Sadly Queenstown isn’t currently home to a gay bar (despite the short-lived camp and cool 12Bar, which didn’t survive 2009 as a gay venue), but Barmuda and most others are incredibly queer-friendly. This town has too much style for anything less than acceptance, honey.

Next stop? The Cow may not have the most inviting name, but this tucked-away treasure serves up some of the best homemade pizzas in town. The atmosphere is also unrivalled (you’ll feel oh-so-in-the-know if you even manage to find the place).

Time to pub hop! With an oft-changing line-up of cheap happy hours (it’s possible to down discounted drinks from 5-6pm, 6-7pm, 7-8pm, 8-9pm and 10-11pm at a different venue each hour, with half the fun coming from following your boozey brethren from one place to the next). One mandatory and perv-worthy evergreen stop is Winnie’s. If you’re keen to tear up the tiles, head to Debajo for killer music and after-hours shimmies. And before hitting the sack, a mandatory stop at Ferburger is obligatory for arguably the best bunhuggers in town.

Discover more about 100% Pure New Zealand on NewZealand.com.