Meet our Locals

We Are Queenstown

We can't wait to welcome you to our special place again so we're introducing you to a few of our local faces in a series of videos, showcasing the people of Queenstown. Get to know some more of our wonderful locals, hear their stories and discover the reasons we call Queenstown home. We can’t wait to see you all again here soon. #WeAreQueenstown

Jim Boult, QLDC Mayor 

Meet Jim Boult, mayor of Queenstown and keen adventurer. Discover what he loves about our community and living in Queenstown, and one of his favourite things to do.

Louisa 'Choppy' Patterson, Over The Top Helicopter Pilot

Meet Choppy, Chief Pilot & CEO at Over The Top Helicopters and her handsome Greeting Officer, Honey Boy. Discover what Choppy loves about living in Queenstown, and why flying helicopters here is a passion of hers.

Simon Cox & Leah Seifert, Cox's Vineyard

Meet Simon and Leah, owners of Cox’s Vineyard in beautiful Gibbston. Find out the things they love about Queenstown, including the outdoor activities and the art and culture scene.

Paul Kavanagh, Kiwi Birdlife Park

Meet Paul, park manager and passionate conservationist at Kiwi Birdlife Park. Discover what Paul loves about the Queenstown community and the outdoors, and find out some of his favourite places to visit.

Shaun Kelly, KJet

If you’re thinking about a Queenstown adventure, meet Shaun, the director of world's first commercial jet boating operation, KJet. Discover what he loves about living in Queenstown and why it is a special place to bring up his family.

Judi Sneddon, Body Sanctum

Meet Judi, owner of Queenstown’s award winning Body Sanctum Day Spa. Hear Judi’s most memorable Queenstown experience, discover her favourite things to do and what makes Queenstown the special place it is.

Steve Norton, Around the Basin Bike Tours

Meet Steve, local personality, adventure pioneer and owner of Around the Basin bike tours. Find out what Steve thinks defines our place, and some things about Queenstown that only locals might know!

Miles Wilson, Champions of the World

Meet Miles Wilson, owner of Champions of the World sports store and passionate Queenstown local. Discover what Miles thinks makes Queenstown the special place that it is, and what some of his favourite things are to do.

Jo Finnigan, Hotel St Moritz

If you’re thinking about escaping to Queenstown this winter, meet Jo Finnigan, General Manager of Hotel St Moritz. Hear what defines Queenstown, learn about our people and collaborative community culture, and find out Jo’s favourite thing about Queenstown.

Alex Giallonardo, Patagonia Chocolates

Next time you visit Queenstown, make sure to try one of our delectable eateries. Meet Alex Giallonardo, owner of Patagonia Chocolates. Find out what he loves about Queenstown, why he has chosen to call Queenstown home, and his personal favourite place to dine.

Our People