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 a competitive 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. This place stands out for its expertise and unique collection.
Small Planet isn’t Darryl’s first outdoor gear endeavour. “Some mates and I set up a store called R&R Sport. We started selling surfboards, wetsuits, and mountain bikes down in Dunedin.”
R&R Sport expanded to stores across New Zealand before being acquired by Torpedo7. Darryl had already moved on. “R&R Sport became more corporate, so I sold my shares and moved to Queenstown… But I still had all my connections. Outdoor gear was what I knew and all I'd ever done, so I opened Small Planet, and here we are.”
Supportive Community for Startups
Queenstown is increasingly considered a nurturing ground for startups. The community here 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 and office spaces, and a commitment to high-speed internet infrastructure.
In the early 1990s, 21-year-old Fleur Caulton arrived in Queenstown with a modest bank loan and boundless enthusiasm. Six months later, she opened Solera Vino, a wine and tapas bar. Since then, Caulton has launched and successfully operated numerous renowned hospitality venues in Queenstown and New Zealand while maintaining her remarkable energy and drive.
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.
“Queenstown has become this wonderful colourful collage. 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.”
Relocating Your Business to Queenstown
Moving an existing business to Queenstown is a strategic decision many entrepreneurs find rewarding. The region’s economic resilience, fueled by a consistent influx of tourists and a supportive local market, provides a stable base for businesses looking to diversify or tap into new customer segments. Queenstown's global reputation as a premier destination enhances brand visibility and opens opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with other local and international businesses.
The community's commitment to sustainability and innovation aligns with the values of many modern businesses, offering a competitive edge in today’s market. Let’s not forget the quality of life in Queenstown, which can be a significant draw for retaining and attracting skilled employees. Its unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and culture enhances staff wellbeing and productivity.
Joerg Henkenhaf, owner and distiller of Broken Heart Spirits and the Arthurs Point gin tasting room, the Gin Garden, discovered Queenstown in 2001. Back then, he was a commercial pilot living in Germany and regularly flew to New Zealand. On one stopover, he hired a camper van, drove south into Gibbston, saw a sign saying “vineyard for sale,” and realised his dream.
“There’s no clearer drinking water in the world. And because we’re fortunate enough to know the owner of the land, we’re able to use that water for our spirits. Our water comes from Paradise. Not many other gins can say that,” Henkenhaf explained.
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 important in facilitating business connections providing resources and events designed 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.
The Technology Startups 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.
An ambitious initiative aims 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.
Mat Weir is a 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.
Starting as a solo venture in Queenstown, First Table has since evolved from a startup to a scaleup, expanding into new global markets.
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.
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.