9 Best Sights in The Southern Alps and Fiordland, New Zealand

Don't leave Arrowtown without dropping in to this small but very cleverly constructed museum. It gives a great insight into the history of the area, with artifacts of the gold-rush days and even a whole streetscape underground, complete with Victorian schoolroom, bakery, and blacksmith. There's also an information center, small bookstore, and gallery. You can even rent a pan for NZ$3 and get gold-panning tips to try your luck in the nearby Arrow River. When your patience frays and your hands go icy, keep in mind that a hobby prospector found a 10-ounce nugget in this very river in 2006. (He sold it on eBay for NZ$15,000).

This lovely old ship is more than 100 years old, and one of the world's few coal-fired steamships still operating. It's in superb condition partly because it's only been on this lake and the water's so pure. T.S.S. (Twin Screw Steamer) Earnslaw runs across to Walter Peak and back on a 1½-hour cruise. You can do a stopover at Walter Peak High Country Farm and watch a sheep shearing and farm dog demonstration. But the best trip is to go to the Colonel's Homestead Restaurant for dinner (or lunch); it's an exceptional buffet—make sure you leave room for the sumptuous selection of desserts. The cruise back into Queenstown's particularly beautiful when the sun's going down.

In a less-visited part of the town is the former Chinese settlement. Chinese miners were common on the goldfields, brought in to raise a flagging local economy after the gold rush abated, but local prejudice from resident Europeans forced them to live in their own separate enclave. Some of their tiny 19th-century buildings, which have been restored, were built of sod, which endures well in the dry climate; others were built of layered schist stone, with roofs of corrugated iron or tussock thatch. Ah Lum's store (also restored) was built in a style typical of the Canton Delta region of China and operated until 1972. The settlement is a worthwhile part of any day-walk in the area.

At this excellent facility, you can have a hand at clay-bird or rifle shooting, archery, or get a basket of golf balls and swing away. It's fun for experts, and you get full instruction if you're a novice. There's an activity for everyone including the kids at the minigolf course. Largely undercover, this is a great option if the weather's misbehaving.

If you're extremely lucky, you'll see the southern lights in this area. Even if you don't, you're still at one of the best stargazing sites in the world. Dark Sky Project operates from the Mt. John Observatory and studies the skies above Lake Tekapo. The glass-enclosed Astro Café has ham-off-the-bone sandwiches, telescopes, and dizzying views. Stargazing trips leave from the town office in the evening, and reservations are essential. Dark Sky Project also offers a shorter 75-minute tour of the Cowan's Observatory, which is more suitable for those with younger children.

The cartoon-like houses built at funny angles with the Leaning Tower of Wanaka is just the start. Turn off here for a number of puzzling life-size brainteasers, including the amazing Tumbling Towers, Hologram Halls, and Tilted House, which is on a 15-degree angle (is the water really running uphill?). There's a 3D Great Maze to get lost in and a Sculptillusion gallery. For a break, head to the café, take on the puzzle of your choice, order a cup of coffee, and work yourself into a puzzled frenzy.

Boats and walkways take you through a maze of caves containing underground whirlpools, waterfalls, and gushing streams. Then you'll reach the inner, quieter part, and, on the cave walls, glowworms shine like constellations in a clear night sky. It's a surreal experience. The caves can only be reached by water. This is a lovely family trip that takes around 2½ hours. Don't miss it if you're going through Te Anau; if you're short on time you can do it in the evening.

If you've taken advantage of the walks around Tekapo then you'll really appreciate this complex with its beautiful views. There's a day spa, sauna, steam room, three hot pools, and a traditional plunge pool at lake temperature. In winter, there's a skating rink and tube park.

Lying somewhere between a treasure trove and a junkyard, this compelling and slightly disorienting museum covers a full century of memories. One man's hoard featuring hundreds of vehicles, from cars and motorcycles to fire engines and aircraft, is almost overwhelming in its abundance. It can feel like there is just too much stuff. The toy collection is also enormous and includes display cabinets overflowing with Star Wars collectibles and many other well-known brands.