Guide To Working In Queenstown, New Zealand

Relocating to Queenstown for work and unsure what to expect? This world-renowned South Island town comes complete with breathtaking scenery, thrilling adventures, and a busy, vibrant atmosphere that’s hard to resist!

In this Queenstown location guide, we highlight the unique benefits of the area and its healthcare facilities, specifically for doctors and nurses applying for jobs in the area. This post is part of a wider series showcasing what it’s like working in New Zealand.

About Queenstown – Everything You Need To Know

Nestled on the shores of the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown boasts a picture-perfect alpine environment. From snowy winters ideal for skiing and snowboarding through to warm, inviting summers perfect for hiking and waterborne activities - Queenstown offers up the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Widely known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown offers an unparalleled array of adventure activities, with everything from bungee jumping and jet boating to whitewater rafting and paragliding. Beyond the adrenaline, the town also thrives as a hub for tourism and a growing number of professional services.

Cost Of Living In Queenstown

Is it expensive to live in Queenstown? The short answer is – yes. Whether you are a local or international visitor, Queenstown is generally considered one of the most expensive places to live in New Zealand. However, the lifestyle and earning potential often offsets the higher costs of living, especially for those seeking access to its unique opportunities.

Housing, in particular, is one of the highest expenses in Queenstown, with availability for permanent residents sometimes a significant barrier to remaining in the town over the longer term. However, Queenstown is home to a variety of housing options, including in suburbs like Fernhill, Sunshine Bay, and Frankton, which offer a range of apartments and family homes.

Average daily living costs, including groceries and entertainment, are generally higher in Queenstown than the national average. Transportation costs are on the higher side, as many residents opt for personal vehicles due to the terrain and also widespread attractions. Essential services such as electricity and internet are readily available, with pricing similar to other New Zealand centres. Despite the higher cost of living, Queenstown’s appeal lies in its fun lifestyle, stunning environment, and strong tourism and hospitality industries.

Queenstown Demographics

Queenstown has a rapidly growing population of approximately 52,900 people (as of the 2023 census). A significant proportion of the population lives in rental accommodation, largely due to the transient nature of the workforce (and associated tourism industry), but also because of above-average house prices.

Queenstown’s population is fairly diverse and dynamic with a strong international presence. There is a large number of young professionals and seasonal workers to be found in Queenstown year-round. The median age of people in Queenstown is 35.5 years, younger than the national median of 38.1 years.

Transportation In Queenstown

While Queenstown may feel like it's a world away, it is in fact, remarkably well-connected transport wise. Queenstown Airport offers frequent domestic flights to major New Zealand cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, and even direct international flights to several Australian cities.

Driving distances to nearby towns include Wanaka (approximately 1 hour), Te Anau (approximately 2 hours), and Dunedin (approximately 3.5 hours). Within Queenstown itself, traffic can be busy at peak times but more so during tourist season. The public bus transport system provides scheduled services connecting key areas like Frankton, Kelvin Heights, and the CBD.

Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. For those who enjoy a more active commute, cycling and walking are popular options, although this option may be weather dependent! Parking in the town centre is a bit of a challenge (and it’s expensive) so make use of the public transport if you can!

Queenstown Weather And Climate

Queenstown experiences a distinct four-season climate, opening up the perfect setting for a diverse range of activities throughout the entire year. Summers (December to February) are warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and waterborne activities.

Autumn (March to May) brings crisp, clear days and stunning golden foliage, with temperatures around 10 to 15°C. While in winter (June to August) you will enjoy colder temperatures with the added touch of snow on some days, with average temperatures hovering around 0 to 8°C.

Spring (September to November) sees the rivers swell and the famous wildflowers bloom, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 15°C. Rainfall is fairly consistently spread throughout the year, with a little more typically experienced in winter.

Education Services In Queenstown

Queenstown offers a good range of educational facilities catering to its growing community. There are several primary schools, an intermediate school, and Wakatipu High School, providing excellent schooling options for all ages. Most people choose to send their kids to the school nearest their home location within the Queenstown Lakes District but you can venture outside of this norm if you prefer.

For higher education, the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has a campus in Queenstown offering a variety of programmes, particularly in tourism and hospitality. There are also private training providers and opportunities for professional development relevant to Queenstown's key industries.

Top 5 Things To Do In Queenstown

Nestled in the heart of the Southern Lakes region, Queenstown is the ultimate destination for adventure! Throw in some pretty amazing landscapes, and a bustling and vibrant town centre and you’ve got the perfect New Zealand destination! Check out our top 5 things to do in Queenstown below!

1. Hit The Slopes At A World-Class Ski Resort. Queenstown is simply a winter paradise for skiers and snowboarders. Boasting access to four fantastic ski fields including Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona Alpine Resort, and Treble Cone - whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find incredible terrain, breathtaking views, and awesome skiing!
2. Get Your Adrenaline Fix. Queenstown isn’t called the "Adventure Capital of the World" for nothing – jump off a bridge with a bungee jump, feel the water spray on a thrilling high speed jet boat ride, go paragliding, whitewater rafting adventure zip lining canyon swinging and more!
3. Explore The Stunning Walking And Biking Trails. Beyond the thrill of extreme sports, Queenstown is also well known for its countless scenic walking tracks, cycling trails. From leisurely lakeside strolls like the Queenstown Trail to more challenging hikes up Ben Lomond, or mountain biking trails ranging from family-friendly paths to expert downhill runs – there really is something for everyone in Queenstown!
4. Indulge In The Food And Wine Scene. Queenstown offers a wide array of dining experiences, from casual cafes, to roadside coffee, to fine-dining restaurants. Beyond the town centre the renowned Gibbston Valley wine region famous for its Pinot Noir offers the opportunity to enjoy wine tours, cellar door tastings, and gourmet food pairings!
5. Soak Up The Views. Take a relaxing uphill gondola ride and enjoy sweeping views of the landscape from an entirely new perspective. Go kayaking on the Lake and see the watery depths from a new angle, take a scenic helicopter ride and get a bird's eye view – whatever you choose, you won't be disappointed!

Healthcare Facilities In Queenstown And Central Otago

While Queenstown is a major tourist destination, its healthcare facilities are well-equipped to serve both residents and visitors. Queenstown Lakes District Hospital provides essential primary and urgent care services, and is a hub for general medical needs, minor injuries, and diagnostic services across the Queenstown Lakes District, including Queenstown, Arrowtown, Kingston, Garston, Glenorchy and the Wakatipu Basin.

The hospital has a total of 20-25 beds, consisting of Inpatient Acute Care, Maternity, Disability Support, Long Stay Elderly Hospital Care, Allied Health Services, Diagnostics, Radiology, District Nursing, Mental Health and Emergency. For minor procedures, there are visiting specialists who provide outpatient clinics and day surgery. There are around 400 ED presentations each month, with up to 50 transfers to secondary or tertiary hospitals, creating a varied work environment for staff.

For more specialised medical attention and surgical procedures, patients are often referred to Te Whatu Ora Southern's larger hospitals in Dunedin (Dunedin Hospital) or Invercargill (Southland Hospital). These facilities offer a comprehensive range of specialist services, including general medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and paediatrics.

Medical professionals working in Queenstown have the opportunity to be part of a small yet dynamic healthcare environment. While the local hospital focuses on immediate care, there are opportunities for doctors and nurses to work within general practices, urgent care clinics, and private medical centres.

The unique demands of this tourist town mean a varied caseload and the chance to interact with a diverse patient population. Opportunities for professional development and training are often available through connections with the larger regional hospitals and ongoing medical education programmes.

Working In Queenstown

Queenstown offers a unique work environment, characterised by its strong tourism and hospitality sectors. The town enjoys relatively low unemployment with ample job opportunities for both healthcare professionals and their family members. Beyond healthcare, popular industries in Queenstown include hospitality, adventure tourism, retail, and construction.

Employers in Queenstown often allow workers to prioritise work-life balance, understanding (and accommodating for) the appeal of the lifestyle that attracts people to the region. The opportunity to live and work in such a beautiful and vibrant setting, with a strong sense of community and endless recreational pursuits, makes Queenstown a highly desirable location for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover or are just looking for a bit of diversity in your work and lifestyle, Queenstown has something for everyone! Discover more about the employment opportunities waiting for you in Queenstown, including locum and permanent positions. Contact the Triple0 team today to learn more.

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