Build a Life - Healthier Business Queenstown Lakes

Start building your life here

It takes more than great views and fresh air to feel at home.

Connect with a community of talented, highly-skilled people drawn to a healthy, adventurous lifestyle.

So much more than postcard good looks, the Queenstown Lakes District is a vibrant mix of lifestyles, backgrounds and expertise, all here for exceptional work and lifestyle opportunities. World-class schools, ultra-fast connectivity and an established community of dynamic business minds are all on offer. Tap into a healthier lifestyle without giving up connectivity to the global scene.

Discover a place where work-life balance matters and you and your family can find breathing space amongst a like-minded community.

Permanent population 41,400 (2020)

Expected to grow to 56,400 in 2028 and to 74,400 in 2048 ⁽¹⁾

Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Farm, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak

Quality of Life Survey - over half of respondents indicated they exercised 5-7 days a week (55%). ⁽²⁾

Healthy Environment

World-class events

Motatapu Off-Road Marathon, Sotheby’s International Queenstown Marathon, Luma Southern Light Festival, Winter Games.

Arts, Film & Culture

Queenstown Lakes is the third largest production hub in New Zealand.

In-house QLDC Film Office - coordinating screen activity in the region.

Tech & Start ups

A thriving ecosystem for startups supported by Startup Queenstown Lakes.

HIGHLY SKILLED RESIDENTS

Queenstown Lakes residents hold degrees or masters level qualifications at a rate of 37% more than the national average. ⁽⁶⁾

More than 20% of the population are self-employed

Work and lifestyle co-exist. Access to outdoor spaces is easy. As is, doing business while outside the office.⁽³⁾

2020
Regional GDP Growth

(Queenstown Lakes)

2020
National GDP Growth⁽⁵⁾

New Zealand

Construction activity reached $901m in the year to March 2020

Despite COVID-19, construction activity has remained stronger than expected and will likely exceed Infometrics’ forecast of $770m for the year ended March 2020/21.⁽⁴⁾

SOURCES

^1/4 Queenstown Lakes District COVID-19 Recovery Intelligence Report, March 2021

^2/3 Quality of Life Survey

⁵ Infometrics

⁶ 2018 census

Space to live and grow in Queenstown Lakes.

Far from the corporate rat race, Queenstown and Wānaka put health at the forefront — for people, the environment and the economy.

Queenstown

Shaped by glaciers, gold rushes and tourism booms, Queenstown is a town born of a rich and ever-changing past. The town’s trail-blazing spirit is its enduring legacy.

Today, Queenstown boasts a population of 16,000 and provides a lifestyle where work and play go hand in hand. Queenstown is both hyper-global and hyper-local, and residents enjoy a work-life balance where flexibility is not only condoned but strongly encouraged. With world-class vineyards, golf courses, mountaineering and ski fields all within easy reach, it’s no wonder Queenstown is a bucket-list destination both as a place to visit and a place to live.

Arrowtown

A lovingly preserved historic gold town, Arrowtown offers a glimpse into the region’s incredible gold mining past as well as an impressive lineup of boutique shops, galleries and restaurants.

Arrowtown is located 20 minutes from Queenstown and sits alongside the Arrow River, a location intrinsically linked to the region’s first gold strikes. Today, Arrowtown is a picturesque place to live and work and is always top of the must-do list for visitors to the area.

Glenorchy

Despite its population – just 500 people call Glenorchy home – this little town at the head of the lake packs quite a punch.

Glenorchy is situated in a sublime position at the head of Lake Whakatipu and alongside the breathtaking braided Dart and Rees rivers. The township is the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park and the many hikes on offer. Glenorchy feels a million miles from the bustle of Queenstown but don’t let appearances deceive you. Glenorchy is home to plenty of big-sky thinkers, including the world-class Camp Glenorchy, New Zealand’s first net-positive visitor accommodation.

Kingston

The settlement of Kingston occupies an enviable position on the southern end of Lake Whakatipu and offers its residents an idyllic, relaxed way of life.

Located just 45 minutes from Queenstown, Kingston has become a popular choice for those looking to step away from Queenstown’s busier lifestyle. Commuting from Kingston to Queenstown delivers the driving pleasure that is the jaw-dropping State Highway 6, also known as the Devil’s Staircase.

Wānaka

The tranquil, laid-back atmosphere of Wānaka belies a community of forward-thinking, entrepreneurial and active residents.

Nestled on the shores of sparkling Lake Wānaka with Mt Aspiring National Park in the backdrop, Wānaka is an absolute delight. Discover a town where work-life balance is a genuine priority, with residents making the most of some of the best biking and skiing options in the country. Getting outdoors is simply part of the Wānaka lifestyle. Alongside an exceptional array of outdoor pursuits, Wānaka is famed for its community of self-starters and startups that retain a strong focus on sustainability initiatives.

Hāwea

Hāwea is a small township on the edge of some very big scenery. Standing on the shores of Lake Hāwea an immense lake and alpine landscape rolls out before you.

Hāwea is just 15 minutes from Wānaka but could be another world away. Here, locals enjoy a strong sense of community spirit and easy lifestyle making it a favourite for families. During warmer months, Hāwea is a hotspot for water activities, including boating, kayaking and swimming. Just up the road, the landscape changes again as you head towards Makarora and Mt Aspiring National Park before hitting the wild and rugged West Coast.

What others have said

"We had been coming here on holiday since 2005 and we always used to think, ‘Imagine living here’. So one day we decided to take the plunge, and we haven’t looked back. The community has been very welcoming."

"Our girls have access to the most amazing opportunities – they go to a wonderful school, they get to go to art classes, ballet, tennis lessons and ski in the winter. And after-school activities are all within a 10-minute drive from home or work."

Success Stories

Katie Evans

During Katie’s tenure at Aptiv she was involved in the firm’s $4 billion joint venture with Hyundai, which saw her head up the talent strategy to recruit more than 500 tech and engineering experts from around the globe. By early 2020, Katie needed to press pause on her corporate career. Life involved weekly red-eyes, global travel and the burnout...

LOCATION

Queenstown

YEARS IN DISTRICT

18 months

Michael Rewi

Michael, the son of local kaumatua Darren Rewi, is now the chief executive of Mana Tahuna, a charitable trust that was borne out of lockdown to support local whānau. In just eight months, Michael has helped lead a group of volunteers to become a fully-fledged organisation with diverse revenue streams, an office space, a team of 18 paid staff...

LOCATION

Queenstown

YEARS IN DISTRICT

Born, raised and returned

Ready to make the move? We’re here to help make it happen.

Free access to resources and contacts in the Queenstown Lakes. Sign up now to start the conversation.

Start building your life here

Connect with a community of talented, highly-skilled people drawn to a healthy, adventurous lifestyle.

Permanent population 41,400 (2020)

Expected to grow to 56,400 in 2028 and to 74,400 in 2048 ⁽¹⁾

Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Farm, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak