It's true, most people come to New Zealand and especially Queenstown for the 'Extreme' sports. And though I spent much of my time in New Zealand wondering where all these extreme sports were, there is no doubt that they are in abundance in Queenstown.
Despite my coming to New Zealand for a bit of solitude and serenity - in the end Queenstown was one of my favourite places to visit in the entire country.
But it has a lot more to offer a traveller than just the change to jump off of things or ride down rivers. This you can do until your heart's content - and for a very reasonable rate given the standard prices for things in New Zealand.
But don't rule out Queenstown as a place to visit if you're looking for something a bit more subdued.
Perched on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. The lake itself - though not the surreal turquoise of some of the nearby Alpine lakes, is stunningly clear and almost the blue of the Pacific Islands. Yes - there are boats and jet skis and kite sailing to be done all along it, but the size and serenity of the lake mean that you can stop any number of places just on the walking path around it just to sit and enjoy watching the other travellers exert themselves.
Beautifully arranged and kept, Queenstown is a great place for wandering about, and the weather here seems to be particularly nice. A good spring day (sometime in November is always good) is excellent in Queenstown as the weather warms and the skies clear - and yet the hardcore summer visitors haven't yet arrived (while the winter sportsmen have moved on)
Not to mention that the off season prices in Queenstown accommodation and events drop drastically - in some cases as much as half price.
The shopping district is filled with lots of options from traditional kiwi souvenirs to nice clothing stores and good restaurants. There are plenty of cafes and lake front eateries to enjoy, and little local walks to meander down that don't involve anything too strenuous.
There's an excellent cheesery just outside of town and you're only a short drive away from the stunning wineries of Cromwell and the famous Otago Pinot Noir.
This is a great city to visit, and one that I wish I could have spent more time at while I was in New Zealand.
No matter what you are coming to New Zealand for, I highly recommend you make time for a wander about Queenstown - and if you feel up for it there is no small choice in activities if you want to do something a bit more adventurous.