There’s no gondola that takes you here, nor is it accessible by cars. Which explains why the summit of the Queenstown Hill – 500 metres above lake level – is off the tourist track. The ascent can be steep at times but if you’re up for a challenge, put on your trainers, pack your backpack with water and snacks and head for the Basket of Dreams sculpture: a steel bar coiled to form a large dish, mounted on a stone foundation. Your reward? Sweeping views of the Wakatipu Basin, minus the crowds. Locals are known to head here every day after work for a bit of exercise and sunset views.

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