Queenstown, New Zealand 🇳🇿
#611
-45.032192, 168.661
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Queenstown is a resort town located on New Zealand's South Island, famed for its adventure sports and beautiful lakeside scenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 15,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is New Zealand Dollar (NZD) - 1 NZD ≈ 0.58 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is drinkable and considered safe. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz with Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers are Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ANZ, Westpac, and ASB are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation options range from hotels to Airbnb, with shared flats also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | YHA Queenstown and Base Backpackers offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Queenstown is a popular coworking space. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Vudu Café & Larder is known for its excellent coffee and work-friendly atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup Queenstown hosts regular networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Queenstown Expat Community Facebook Group organizes local meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Queenstown. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Around the Basin offers bike rentals for exploring. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Frankton Beach is nearby, about 10 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air New Zealand serves the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qantas and Emirates provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | State Highway 6 provides access to nearby areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Queenstown does not have a train station; bus services connect to nearby regions. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | KiwiBus offers travel passes for regional trips. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses (InterCity) connect to Christchurch and other nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queenstown Lakes District Hospital provides primary healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Lake offers various yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Club Physical Queenstown is a well-rated gym. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Queenstown Laundry Services provides laundry services across town. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Menulog are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Fergburger, known as the best burger in the world. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Beside the Bar offers great vegetarian and vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patagonia Chocolates is known for its delicious treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Pack and Save is a budget grocery option. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Trade Me is the local counterpart to eBay for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available through Countdown. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Searle Lane is a popular nightlife area with various bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Queenstown Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Winery offers a great selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Thursday Evening Market features various street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Spice Room offers excellent Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Skyline Queenstown provides breathtaking views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Lakes District Museum is worth a visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Town of Queenstown offers some historical insights. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Peter's Anglican Church is a notable religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Queenstown Winter Festival takes place annually in June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Arts Centre showcases local art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Queenstown Memorial Centre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Queenstown Farmers Market is vibrant and held every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be enjoyed at various venues like The Bunker. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore local street art along Shotover Street. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Queenstown Cooking Classes offer unique culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries like the Queenstown Arts Centre display local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic post office building is located in the town center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The town’s heritage is tied to gold mining history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Glenorchy is a scenic escape located about 45 minutes away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Fiordland National Park is accessible and offers stunning landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Queenstown Trail offers cycling and walking pathways. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The top of Bob's Peak offers spectacular views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Moke Lake is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Queenstown Gardens allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | NZ Post provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | TechFix offers tech repair services in town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Queenstown Events Centre has table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like the School of English offer classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Queenstown Library provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Queenstown Community Centre hosts various local events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Epic Gaming Lounge offers a space for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Skycity Queenstown Casino provides gaming entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NZD 220,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NZD 160,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 6,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NZD 360,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NZD 270,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 5,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 440,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 320,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The standard corporate tax rate is 28%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 33%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 39%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, New Zealand has CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on local council rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No tax on property purchases, but a one-off purchase cost may apply. |