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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
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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
2020
National GDP Growth(5)
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)
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.
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Healthy Lifestyle
Queenstown Lakes is blessed with one of the most beautiful, unique landscapes attracting visitors from all over the world.
Local Information
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Residential Property
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Schools and Education
World-class opportunities are on offer for students of all ages in the Queenstown Lakes.
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