Queenstown was founded after gold was discovered in the Shotover River in 1862. A town gradually popped up around sheep farmer William Rees’ homestead, the site of today's central business district. And in 1866, a merchant named Bendix Hallenstein gifted the area's peninsula to the town. Today, that public piece of land is called Queenstown Gardens.

The Queenstown Gardens area extends along the Frankton Arm, an inlet of Lake Wakatipu. This area may be quieter, but it's within walking distance to the CBD and the main tourist areas. The best thing is you'll be surrounded by the natural beauty and design of New Zealand's top tourist destination.

You'll be spoilt for choice with restaurants and cafes, art and culture, and the stuff Queenstown is best known for: daring adventurous activities.