Queenstown is famous for its natural beauty. Iconic scenic views and the opportunity of a uniquely outdoor lifestyle makes Queenstown one of the most appealing places to live and work in New Zealand. This vibrant town offers exciting career opportunities, excellent living conditions, and world-class entertainment. Find where to live and work in Queenstown with Working In today. Plus, discover all the best things to do and see in the region.
Queenstown Population and Demographics
Queenstown is a resort town in the South Island of New Zealand. The town is known for its welcoming community, and is home to a wide mix of cultures and ethnicities. People of over 40 different nationalities currently reside permanently in the town. Queenstown’s population is small compared to other urban areas of New Zealand. However, the region has some of the country’s the highest population growth figures.
Queenstown Weather and Climate
In terms of weather, Queenstown is a pleasant place to live all year round. The region enjoys long summers, with an average temperature of 17C. The summer is a great time of year to enjoy the region’s many water-based activities, including jet-boating and white-water rafting. Autumn and spring offer milder weather and a more relaxed pace of life.
Winters in Queenstown are cool and crisp, with an average temperature of 6°C. The cold season opens up the opportunity for you to enjoy a wide array of snow sports. Queenstown features four ski fields, open from June to early October.
Major Industries in Queenstown
Queenstown is an international tourist hub that, year after year, attracts excited visitors from all over the world. Tourism plays a major role in its economy, with many employment opportunities related to tourism, food services and accommodation.
The winter months offer plenty of seasonal work – for work during these seasons, applicants are advised to apply early, due to high competition. Other key industries in Queenstown include construction, retail trade and professional, scientific and technical services.
Foreigners hoping to work in Queenstown must have a relevant visa. Information about the visa process is on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Places to Live in Queenstown
Queenstown offers various residential housing areas. Accommodation options include serviced apartments, hostels, hotels, lodges, resorts and more. Visitors and residents can choose between budget accommodation and more luxurious options. No matter where you stay, you’ll enjoy quality living in Queenstown.
The cheapest place to live in Queenstown is outside the town centre. Most of the outer suburbs are a short drive from the town centre. Suburbs such as Fernhill, Sunshine Bay and Kelvin Height are great, peaceful places to live, away from most of the tourist bustle but still a convenient distance away from major amenities.
Cost of Living in Queenstown
Since Queenstown is a tourist resort town, it’s more expensive than most other areas of New Zealand. Many of the shops feature tourist prices, as in some cases, you may have to pay more than what you’re used to.
Rental costs in the town centre are particularly high. Queenstown is a tourist hotspot, so finding affordable accommodation can be competitive. The average price for a room in the city is NZD 300 per week. However, prices can change depending on the season. Competition is generally highest during the winter peak tourist season.
The rent is generally much cheaper across the outer suburbs. In the suburbs, the cost of rent ranges from about NZD 170-250 per week.
Getting Around in Queenstown
Getting around Queenstown is easy. The town centre is packed with restaurants and activities, all within walking distance – one of the greatest perks of living in Queenstown. But if you’d like to travel further, Queenstown also has an excellent public transport system.
There are taxi services available throughout the region, as well as a bus and ferry network. If you don’t have your own car, rental car services are readily available.
Education in Queenstown
Getting an education in Queenstown can lead to many great career opportunities. The region is home to excellent primary and secondary schools, language schools and tertiary institutions. You can choose from a huge range of study options and training opportunities. These include hospitality, adventure tourism, the English language, business administration, computing and more. International students living in Queenstown will enjoy a welcoming and vibrant study environment.
Queenstown’s outdoor lifestyle offers a student experience like no other – with the town being one of the exciting places to study in New Zealand. Students can spend days off sightseeing, doing adventure sports, and enjoying the nightlife.
Queenstown Entertainment and Things to Do
Queenstown is famously known as “the Adventure Capital of New Zealand.” In every season, there is no shortage of activities in Queenstown. From jet-boating and bungee jumping to skiing and snowboarding, there’s a perfect activity for everyone. People from all over the world visit Queenstown to experience its adventure sports.
Queenstown is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts or nature lovers. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. There are also scenic flights and cruises you can take to discover the region’s full beauty. Most of the activities in Queenstown be enjoyed all year round.
As well as thrill and adventure, Queenstown also caters well to people who are looking for a more relaxed way of life. Queenstown is home to world-class restaurants, wineries, movie theatres and great shopping. If you’re interested in history, you will enjoy the cultural shows, art galleries and museums. The town is also a popular hub for hosting large sporting events, such as the New Zealand Winter Games.
