22/07/2021

Queenstown delivers adventure & new beginnings

It’s no secret that the Queenstown region is a popular travel destination but what many don’t know is that people are choosing not to leave. Long gone are the days that living and working in Queenstown was a distant dream and only possible for tourism operators or ‘born and bred locals’. The shift is real with innovators jumping at the chance to do business and have the lifestyle they desire. With the region growing at a rapid pace and technology closing the communication gap, no wonder entrepreneurs are choosing this stunning location as their new home.

After retiring from the role of CEO for Xero, Rod Drury made the move to Queenstown in 2019. “Covid has certainly accelerated remote working in NZ and that proves to us that location doesn’t matter – you may as well have the best possible lifestyle. We need to encourage clusters of skilled people to live and work here and have multi-office companies establish a presence here, even if remote working. Creating these hubs is a good way to jumpstart diversification and broaden the business and employment opportunities in the Queenstown Lakes.” Since making the move, Rod has embedded himself in a number of community projects including one that ties in with his biggest passion – the development of world-class mountain biking infrastructures. — read more on Rod Drury

Michael Rewi was working in Auckland for Air New Zealand before he made the move back to his hometown of Queenstown to be closer to friends and whānau. “My lifestyle has changed completely. There’s mountains here, you can go and chill out if you need to de-stress. For me, my friends and family are here. That close-knit community feel wasn’t there for me in Auckland but I’ve definitely found that down here again” — read more on Michael Rewi

With Queenstown’s population growing it has seen exciting new developments to boost the region. The eagerly anticipated Southern Cross Hospital is close to completion and once it opens its doors many opportunities will come with it. People thinking of making a move to the region, particularly those working in healthcare have even more reason to weigh up their decision. Residential and commercial developments are thriving and again, creating opportunities. Kawarau Heights is amongst these builds and welcomes its new owners who are ready to embrace such a prime location of Queenstown.

Living the dream couldn’t be more real than it is today so if you want to know more, have a read of these case studies from ambitious people who have made the move and never looked back.