Hospitality in Queenstown

Experience a world-renowned hospitality sector

The hospitality job sector in Queenstown is vibrant, benefiting from its status as a famous tourist destination. There's a consistent demand for skilled workers in hotels, restaurants, and bars, especially during peak tourist seasons. Opportunities range from front-of-house roles to culinary positions, offering a fast-paced, adventure-filled work environment against a picturesque backdrop.

Renowned for its friendly service, award-winning local cuisine, and world-famous Central Otago wines, Queenstown is an excellent location to advance your hospitality career.

People dining outside next to the lake with the Remarkables mountain range in the background at The Boat Shed

 

Why work in the Queenstown hospitality industry?

  • Engage in a fast-paced, vibrant work setting that matches Queenstown's lively tourist scene.
  • Find diverse roles that cater to your skills and interests, from luxury resorts to quaint cafes.
  • Enhance your hospitality skills with comprehensive training and multiple customer service experiences.
  • Connect with professionals from around the world, opening doors to global career opportunities or friendships.
  • Work in some of the most picturesque settings imaginable, where every day feels like an escape.
  • Benefit from competitive wages and potential job growth in Queenstown's thriving tourist economy.
  • Enjoy an unparalleled work-life balance where adventure is just steps away from your workplace.
  • Work alongside famous chefs in world-renowned restaurants, expanding your culinary knowledge and advancing your career in the heart of Queenstown's esteemed dining scene.

 

Dining al fresco at Soda Bar

 

19%

of FTEs (or 4,479 jobs) are employed in accommodation and food services

3/4

People in the industry plan to still be working in the same area in the next 12 months

70%

of people in the hospitality industry enjoy their working environment

  • Accommodation and food services is the largest contributor to GDP (15%, or $441m to the Queenstown GDP) *
  • Accommodation and food services is also the largest employer - 19% of FTEs or 4,479 jobs *
  • 3 out of 4 people in the industry plan to still be working in the same area in the next 12 months **
  • 70% of people in the industry enjoy their working environment **

* Infometrics (YE March 2023, Queenstown Region)

** MBIE A RESEARCH REPORT ON TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS IN NEW ZEALAND (2022)

 

Ready to start your hospitality career in Queenstown?

Discover all the essential information you need right here.

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Upskill

  • Study Queenstown offers a range of courses that will link directly to exciting hospitality career opportunities. Each institute has it's own character and you will find the perfect match for your learning goals.
  • Grow Tourism provides online learning and business insights to power the visitor economy of tomorrow. Grow Tourism offers bite sized, online learning pathways and NZQA recognised micro-credentials to grow and advance your tourism and hospitality career.

Upcoming training courses:

 

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