QT Queenstown’s director of adventure, Jonny Little, gives tips on the Alpine city’s leading dining, excursions, and heart thumping activities.

If you’ve never been to New Zealand’s own little Alpine party town of Queenstown then it can be argued you’ve never been to New Zealand. A fantastic destination year-round, Queenstown has made a name for itself with its adrenalin-pumping activities, which are complimented by a world-class dining scene and some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.

Firstly, what is a Director of Adventure?

A quirky take on your traditional concierge, a director of adventure is your go-to person at QT Queenstown who can plan out your perfect holiday with back-to-back activities catered to your own interests.

How adventurous are you and what are your favourite New Zealand adventures?

I live for adventure; it’s one of my life’s passions. I will never turn down the opportunity to explore, try something new, or leap off something which will make my adrenaline skyrocket. Favourite adventures from those three categories (‘cause I can’t choose just one), I’d have to choose hiking the Milford Track Great Walk, learning to snowboard up The Remarkables, and paragliding down into the centre of Queenstown.

What is it that makes Queenstown such a unique destination?

Queenstown, though it may feel a bit like a small town, is packed with opportunities and experiences. You can find serene relaxation being surrounded by mountains and nature, yet they can bring you so many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. The town should be small and sleepy, but instead it’s bustling and vibrant and full of diversity and international ideas. People here are open to everything and that feeling is infectious.

What are some of the most popular adventures that you send QT Queenstown guests on?

Travelling to explore Milford Sound is definitely up there as one of the most popular, and personally I really recommend spending the extra buck to take a scenic fixed-wing aircraft flight — the views will blow your mind. For guests looking to splurge there’s heli-skiing. You get flown over the Southern Alps to an untouched slope of fresh powder that is all yours to carve up. I can’t imagine anything closer to heaven.

How about something a little less heart thumping?

Spend a day on a luxury wine tour to see all the Gibbston Valley has to offer, followed by an evening soak in an onsen where you can watch the sky turn candy floss pink before the stars begin to come out.

Where should we go for post-adrenalin celebrations?

Start at Reds Bar for spectacular views and a beautiful cocktail list. The Sundeck is a great rooftop bar to go soak in the last of the rays as the sun sets. Once the night has begun, head over to The Bunker — if it’s a Saturday, get ready to buckle up for the best DJ set the town has to offer.

Queenstown is also a foodie locale – what are some of your favourite restaurants in the city?

Going out for brunch, you’ve got to go to Yonder. Incredible food, an atmosphere that feels so welcoming and trendy, and staff who are super friendly. Lunchtime, I’d probably call and order a Fergburger so I don’t have to wait in the queue and take it over to Perky’s Floating Bar to enjoy. Then for dinner, if it’s not already booked out I’d go to Blue Kanu for some next level ‘Polyasia’- style cuisine, or if you’re tuckered out from adventuring, I’d hit up one of QT’s restaurants or order in from our fantastic room service menu.

What’s the city’s best kept secret?

You never need to pay full price for anything – there’s a way of getting discounts for almost anything (which honestly, you need to know if you’re going to live in this expensive little slice of heaven). Chat to your Director of Adventure about what you want to do and they’ll teach you the best way to go about it