Where should you start your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

Queenstown is probably the little sister to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Yet despite its small size, the city is sure to win you over, and it’s not hard to see why! Tucked away in the mountains, Queenstown lies on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The town centre stretches from this picturesque spot up into the surrounding hills. With its many cafés and restaurants along the shore, Queenstown will probably remind you of small European town centres.

Accessibility and budget

Although international, Queenstown airport is in fact only directly accessible from other New Zealand cities and Australia. This makes it a popular arrival point for working holiday makers coming from Australia. However, if you are coming from elsewhere, it can be difficult (and more expensive!) to start your WHV in Queenstown, unless you take other internal flights.

Situated in the south-west of New Zealand, in the province of Otago, Queenstown is also close to other equally spectacular regions. In just a few hours, you can find yourself in the fjords of Milford Sound, the wild beaches of the Catlins, or the peaks of Mount Cook. So if you’re the kind of person who wants to go on a little weekend adventure, this could be the place for you.

Finally, the city centre is very well served by numerous bus routes. So you don’t need a car if you live and work close to the centre. However, it can be useful if you want to explore the outskirts of Queenstown.

Work and housing

There was a time when the job market in Queenstown was very tight. Competition was fierce and job opportunities rare. In recent years, however, there have been a huge number of vacancies in many areas: hospitality, hotels, tourism, office work, construction, etc. So it’s not difficult to find a job in Queenstown these days.

Unfortunately, there is one major problem: the city has a housing shortage. As a result, it can be very difficult to settle here. To avoid this problem, it is advisable to move there in the low season (September, October, March, April) before the arrival of tourists and seasonal workers.

Atmosphere and activities

Queenstown is a city full of life and, above all, full of surprises. Summer and winter alike, the city is brimming with all kinds of activities to satisfy your wildest desires. The social life here is rich, with its many restaurants, cafés, social events and festivals. Queenstown is also a very safe and supportive community. The town has several self-help groups and associations, such as Happiness House, to support people in need (mental health, clothing, food, etc.).

Queenstown is also the adventure capital of the world. So if you enjoy heights, speed and thrills, then Queenstown is the place for you. Skydiving, canyoning, rafting, canyon swinging, water skiing, jet boating and paragliding are just some of the activities on offer in the city. Of these, bungee jumping is by far the most popular and has helped give Queenstown its world title. Indeed, it was here that the very first commercial bungee jump opened, at the Kawarau Bridge, and is now also home to one of the highest bungee jumps in the world, the Nevis Bungy (134 m, no less!). So this activity has become something of a rite of passage for any traveller passing through Queenstown.

If you’re more of a nature enthusiast, Queenstown is sure to please once again. The region is full of incredible walks of varying lengths and difficulty. Take in the city from Queenstown Hill (5 km, 2-3 hrs) or Ben Lomond (14 km, 6-8 hrs), stroll to magnificent Moke Lake (6.5 km, 2 hrs) or admire the turquoise waters of Bob’s Cove (2 km, 30 min). It’s also from the Queenstown area that you can start the famous Routeburn Track. If you’re heading to Wanaka, don’t miss the must-see Roy’s Peak (16 km, 5-7 hrs). In winter, make nature your adventure with the region’s many popular snow sports.

Finally, all this adventure wouldn’t be complete without a few moments of relaxation. What better way to unwind than soaking in a hot tub with a panoramic view? That’s exactly what Onsen Hot Pools offers in its wooden baths overlooking the Shotover river canyon. You can also enjoy an out-of-the-ordinary experience in the floatation pools of Salt Float Spa, renowned for giving you a feeling of sensory deprivation and intense relaxation. Alternatively, enjoy a drink or meal while taking in the views of Queenstown after a gondola ride.

More information about Queenstown.