Everything you need to know about the WHV in Queenstown

Queenstown is a busy city year-round, and is in constant need of seasonal workers. The hotel and catering sector represents around 30% of professional opportunities, followed by the sales sector (a little less than 15%). The unemployment rate in Otago is low at around 3%, which is below the national average.

Working in a ski resort

Many working holiday makers are drawn to Queenstown during the winter season, hoping to work as a ski instructor or in a ski resort. Note that recruitment begins well before the start of the season, often in the summer (around February-March). Expect waitlists to be long, as the ski resorts around Queenstown are the most sought after for backpackers looking for work.

NZSki manages recruitment for some of the biggest resorts in Queenstown. You might also consider working outside of Queenstown, for example at the Cardrona Alpine Resort or Snow Farm in Cardrona (1 hour away), or Treble Cone near Wanaka (1.5 hours away).

Hospitality/Catering/Tourism

If you are looking for a job in this sector outside of a ski resort, the easiest and most effective way is to walk around town with your CV and ask to speak with the manager directly. You should also check out the ads on Trade Me or local Facebook pages.

On the tourism side, there are fewer vacancies but occasionally you will find ads for guides, bus drivers, etc. Keep an eye out and feel free to contact various service providers or look on their websites directly.

The local newspapers or bulletin boards in youth hostels are other good ways to find ads for job vacancies. You can also speak with other backpackers who are leaving Queenstown to find out if their workplace needs a replacement!

Sales

Door-to-door sales are still common in Queenstown. You will find ads on Trade Me and Facebook.

Top tips

Make sure you register with temporary employment agencies like Addstaff or One Staff.

For more tips, read Finding a job in New Zealand.