Queenstown is internationally renowned as a breathtaking tourist destination, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a burgeoning hotspot for businesses looking to thrive in a profitable and supportive environment. Renowned for its stunning landscapes and adventurous spirit, Queenstown offers unique advantages for businesses, particularly startups, seeking growth or innovation.

A thriving economic landscape

Queenstown’s economy is heavily influenced by its status as a world-renowned tourist destination. This tourism drives a constant demand for a wide range of services, from hospitality and leisure to retail and technology, creating a fertile ground for businesses to expand. The region’s popularity assures a steady stream of customers and fosters an environment where quality and innovation are paramount.

Darryl Tatom moved to Queenstown to open Small Planet Outdoors in the mid-nineties and capitalise on the region’s status as an adventure capital. “The Queenstown community is a great young community of motivated people from all over the world, and there’s a strong sense of trust. Those things are important in life. They give a sense of well-being.”

Small Planet Outdoors is on Shotover Street in the heart of Queenstown. Step inside and discover diverse outdoor equipment staffed by experts passionate about skiing, mountaineering, hiking, and adventure. 

Supportive community for startups

Queenstown is increasingly considered a nurturing ground for startups. The community supports new ventures, offering networking opportunities, access to venture capital, and a culture that celebrates innovation. This nurturing ecosystem is bolstered by local government initiatives to facilitate business growth and sustainability.

The town’s physical and digital connectivity allows businesses to operate globally despite the remote setting. Queenstown ensures businesses can compete on the world stage with state-of-the-art facilities, ample shared working communities, office spaces, and a commitment to high-speed internet infrastructure. “These days, startups are global by default, especially tech companies. From our perspective, it doesn't matter where you are, so why wouldn't you choose Queenstown?” Explained Mat Weir, Founder of the technology Startup First Table.

Serial hospitality entrepreneur Karen Hattaway, Ngāti Kurī, has been the brains behind some of Queenstown’s best-loved cafés and restaurants over the last 23 years, including Captain's Restaurant, Pier Queenstown, and Blue Kanu. Karen describes the Queenstown business scene as “this wonderful colourful collage.” She explains, “I think we've created something that has given the service industry in Queenstown a little bit more colour by honouring our tangata whenua, our incredible Māori community. I’m a mere learner of our gorgeous culture, and I'm so grateful for the patient, beautiful kaumātua (Māori tribal elders) we have in this town who are so open, available, and sharing.”

A place where sustainable businesses can thrive

Queenstown is an ideal location for sustainable businesses, thanks to its strong community focus on environmental conservation and a robust tourism sector emphasising eco-friendly practices. The region’s natural beauty, from its crystal-clear lakes to scenic mountain ranges, attracts tourists and inspires businesses to adopt sustainable models to preserve these attractions. Local government and community initiatives support green business practices, offering incentives for sustainability projects and innovation.

Queenstown’s reputation as a hub for adventure and wellness attracts a market segment that values and supports environmentally conscious businesses, from organic food producers to eco-tourism operators. This alignment between consumer values and business practices enhances the potential for sustainable enterprises to thrive, making Queenstown a magnet for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to positively impact the environment while tapping into a lucrative and growing eco-conscious market.

Driftaway Queenstown, a newly launched Holiday Park on the shores of Lake Whakatipu in Frankton, is redefining sustainable tourism. Since opening in March 2022, Driftaway has offered 110 sites, ten villas, modern facilities, private hot tubs, and a capacity for up to 400 guests. Owners Rochelle Peychers and Bryan and Georgia McChlery bring over two decades of industry experience, emphasising environmental stewardship. "We wanted to create a holiday park that would be a positive force for the environment," says Rochelle. "We're passionate about sustainability, and we believe that everyone can play a role in protecting our planet."

Driftaway’s commitment extends beyond offering eco-friendly amenities; it involves active contributions to conserving their natural surroundings, setting a new sustainability benchmark in the holiday park sector.“You can’t just take. You have to give back. Plus, maintaining and reinvesting in regenerative initiatives will save money for your business in the long run. Everyone and everything can change – we can all do something”, says Rochelle.

Driftaway Holiday Park

The technology startup scene

Tech innovators find a welcoming environment in Queenstown that encourages experimentation and growth. The local success stories are a testament to what can be achieved in this energetic and forward-thinking community.

This environment is fueled by an ambitious initiative to transform Queenstown’s technology sector into a billion-dollar industry. The project, spearheaded by businessman Roger Sharp, Technology Queenstown collaborates with international tech firms, educational institutions, and government bodies to expand the industry. Sharp, has a rich background as a tech entrepreneur has undertaken many leadership roles such as chair of Lotto NZ and WebJet, and former deputy chair of Tourism NZ.

For Mat Weir, the Queenstown technology entrepreneur and founder of First Table. Inspiration ignited at a French eatery offering 50% off their first table nightly. Seizing the chance to have an affordable dining experience with his family, they enjoyed a full-course meal and fine wine economically. Intrigued by how this model benefited the restaurant—creating an inviting atmosphere early to draw more patrons—Mat recognised an opportunity. He envisioned an online platform to scale this win-win concept, addressing the challenge of slow evening starts for restaurants. “I distinctly remember that the restaurant understood the value of having diners visibly enjoying their meals at the window table early in the evening.”

Starting as a solo venture in Queenstown, First Table has since evolved from a startup to a scaleup, expanding into new global markets. “I connected with other founders from Wherewolf, Chomp, and Loaded regularly, thanks to introductions by QLDC. I also became an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and got involved with Startup Queenstown Lakes upon its launch in 2018.”

Startup Queenstown Lakes is a charitable trust established in 2018 to unite founders, investors, changemakers, and citizens to address the need for economic diversity and resilience via a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem of knowledge and innovative sector businesses. The trust champions the startup, innovation, and technology community, providing valuable support and resources to budding entrepreneurs.

Business events and networking in Queenstown

Queenstown is a hub for business events and networking, offering numerous platforms for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and collaborate. The town hosts a variety of conferences, workshops, and meetups catering to diverse industries, from technology and tourism to sustainability and health. These events are opportunities for professional development and serve as a meeting ground for like-minded individuals and potential investors looking to support the next big idea.

The Queenstown Chamber of Commerce is essential in facilitating business connections and providing resources and events to strengthen the local business community. Regular networking events, industry-specific forums, and business awards nights offer valuable opportunities for businesses to get noticed and build meaningful relationships within the community.

Queenstown’s scenic beauty and world-class facilities make it an attractive choice for international business conferences and summits, drawing attendees from all over the globe. This international exposure can lead to new opportunities for local businesses to expand their networks and explore cross-border collaborations.

Living the dream

The lifestyle in Queenstown is an unparalleled blend of work and play. Entrepreneurs are drawn to the quality of life, with the ability to balance hard work with outdoor adventures right on their doorstep. This balance attracts talented individuals who seek a fulfilling life alongside their professional ambitions, making it easier for businesses to attract and retain top talent.

Growing your business in Queenstown means more than just seizing economic opportunities; it’s about becoming part of a community that values innovation, sustainability, and quality of life. The region offers a unique blend of professional opportunities and personal satisfaction, making it a compelling choice for entrepreneurs and businesses ready to take their ventures to the next level. Whether you're a fledgling startup or looking to expand your existing operations, Queenstown provides the perfect backdrop for your next chapter of growth.