Queenstown's economy is as diverse and exciting as its landscape, offering career opportunities in tourism, adventure sports, hospitality, real estate, technology, film, and more. This economic mix fosters a unique work environment.

Local professionals often cite the town's innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture as key factors that drew them to Queenstown. In this article, we speak to professionals across different industries to get the lowdown on what it’s like working in this southern haven.

The Work-life Balance Dream

One of the most celebrated aspects of working in Queenstown is its exceptional work-life balance. The natural beauty and outdoor activities seamlessly integrate into everyday life. Locals can hit the ski slopes, hike, or enjoy lake activities, often before or after a day's work.

Darryl is a skier, outdoor lover, and owner of the famed Queenstown outdoor gear emporium Small Planet. He explains: “Modern society can pile up on you. We're tied up paying mortgages and filling the car, which is a shame. But here, you can stop and breathe and see what's in front of you. Sometimes, I just like to sit and look at the mountains, and it’s good.”

Regarding business, Darryl says, “We focus on people, not money. That’s what I’ve found most important over the 40 years I’ve been adventuring outdoors: focus on the people first, and everything else will happen if you've got a good heart.”

“I also like to simply sit in peace. One of my favourite things is having a cup of tea and a caramel square in Glenorchy, just sitting, looking, and being. If you have a busy life, being still in this gorgeous region is amazing,” Explained local entrepreneur Karen Hattaway

Darryl Tatom, owner of Small Planet

A Community of Like-minded Individuals

The sense of community in Queenstown is palpable, with professionals from all over the world coming together to work. This melting pot of cultures and ideas creates a vibrant professional network, fostering collaboration and innovation. 

Local professionals say they appreciate the supportive environment where exchanging knowledge and experiences is commonplace. The community spirit extends beyond the workplace, with numerous events, groups, and social gatherings.

Jenny Mehrtens is an Arrowtown-based artist, primarily a painter. She has had several group and solo exhibitions; her work can be found in private collections worldwide. She says, “The international tourism and the amount of local buildings in this area have driven people to my studio. A lot of my sales are to international tourists, and I still get a thrill when I think of my work in homes in NY or London.” 

Julia is a writer and independent contractor. “I am lucky because my work allows me to live anywhere,” she explains. “Having that choice, I still choose Queenstown. Despite being a town founded on tourism, there is a huge supportive network for working professionals. These include networking groups and access to shared working spaces.”  As a writer, Julia says she can see why so many other artists have chosen to make this place their home. “It’s a region where the way the light hits the mountains or the lakes reminds and inspires you of the beauty in the world every day.”

Jenny Mehrtens, Arrowtown artist

Sustainable and Forward-thinking

Queenstown's approach to business and development is engrained in sustainability and innovation. The town's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism resonates with many who choose to work here, aligning their careers with their values.

Joerg discovered Queenstown in 2001. He owns and distills Broken Heart Spirits and the new Arthurs Point gin tasting room, the Gin Garden.

Back then, he was a commercial pilot living in Germany who regularly flew to New Zealand. On one stopover, he hired a camper van, drove south into Gibbston, and saw a sign saying ‘vineyard for sale.' This was when he realized he’d found his dream.

“I love how cosmopolitan it is here, so many different nationalities In our business alone, we have people from all around the world.”

Growing up on a sheep farm in the Otago Peninsula, Nadine Cross had always been interested in agricultural production. She went into a Viticulture post-graduate course at Lincoln, thinking she would get into the business side of winemaking. Still, to her surprise, the production side of things sparked her interest. “In Central Otago, about 25% of vineyards are managed organically, so we are leading the country in organic winemaking, which is really exciting,” says Nadine.

When Steve Norton moved to Queenstown 33 years ago, he was drawn to the whitewater kayaking, the skiing, and the spectacular scenery. He was around when bungy was invented, helped establish New Zealand’s biggest paragliding school, and was a driving force behind the Magic Bus coach service. Today, Norton is managing director of Around the Basin, a bicycle hire and tour company that helps visitors make the most of the region’s stunning riding. “I came to Queenstown to open a hotel. At night, I was working as a maître d’ in a restaurant, and by day, I was a raft guide.”
These stories demonstrate the diverse mix of Queenstown’s professionals, united in their shared innovative spirits. 

Nadine Cross, winemaker

The Film Industry

The film industry is a burgeoning part of Queenstown’s economy, drawing on the region's breathtaking landscapes to offer an unparalleled backdrop for filmmakers from around the globe. Queenstown has been the setting for numerous international blockbusters and acclaimed films, showcasing everything from its towering mountains and serene lakes to its rugged terrain and lush forests. This has put Queenstown on the map as a premier filming location and spurred growth in local production companies, post-production facilities, and a skilled workforce specialising in film production.

Wondering if you’ve seen something filmed in the region? The answer is probably yes! Many international blockbusters, such as X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Lord of The Rings Trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and Prince Caspian filmed some scenes in Queenstown. 

Through the eyes of its local professionals, it's clear that Queenstown goes beyond the conventional job experience. It's about embracing a lifestyle that values balance, community, and innovation. Queenstown offers a rare opportunity to have it all for those who seek meaning in their work and beauty in their surroundings.