Air New Zealand flies direct to Queenstown from Sydney and return on Saturdays all year round. (On other days via Christchurch.) Introductory offer $499 for bookings before November 21 travelling before December 5. Aircraft type: 737-300. Flight time 2hr 50min.
Population 16,000. Accommodation plentiful, especially in summer. Full range from backpackers to five-star.
Eating: More than 100 eating places, up to fine dinning.
Things to do: From the sedate (steamer rides, sight-seeing) to the quite mad.