Jobs in Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is a rather small town, with only 15,000 year round residents, but the population swells during peak tourism times. While it is wise to come to town with a job offer in hand, it is also possible to come into town seeking temporary jobs in Queenstown, seasonal work that often requires more labor than expected.

Popular jobs in Queenstown. In tourism, you’ll find everything from adventure guide positions to more traditional work giving tours around Queenstown. The local flora and fauna make Queenstown a great place for jobs in ecology, especially in the nearby lake and mountains. Lastly, Queenstown is a great place to seek employment in education, be it as a ski instructor or as an au pair. 

Short term jobs and summer jobs vs. long-term jobs in Queenstown. Short term and summer jobs can be great options if you are working with a particular tourist industry that needs extra work during the most popular months. However, if you are coming from the Northern hemisphere, be aware that winter and summer are swapped compared to your previous experience, so December-March jobs are actually the summer time. These jobs let you get a great taste while working a temporary job in Queenstown. At the same time, more long-term employment can help you decide whether you are ready to put down roots in New Zealand. Queenstown is the kind of small town where you can really get to know people even in only a year or two of working there.

Unpaid vs. paid jobs in Queenstown. It is wise to know ahead of time whether you will be able to secure paid employment in Queenstown, since many of the best features of the area will require some spending money. You also will want a working holiday visa, so aiming for something that pays at least something is important. For very low paid jobs, consider how to stretch your money by inquiring about subsidized housing or whether meals are covered in any case. You can also supplement part-time temporary jobs in Queenstown with other work opportunities, which can make life more affordable and introduce you to a whole different sector of the local economy. 

Whether you have a paid or unpaid job, Queenstown’s general atmosphere is aimed toward tourists, so keep your ear to the ground for local haunts to avoid higher prices.