Nestled among snow-dusted peaks and mirrored lakes, Queenstown has long been a magnet for adventurers and dreamers alike. It’s a place where the world’s travelers flock for adrenaline-pumping sports, stunning vistas, and a taste of that friendly Kiwi hospitality.
Yet today’s Queenstown feels markedly different not just to visitors, but to the very people who call it home. As prices for everything—from coffee to rent—skyrocket, an increasing number of locals are quietly steering clear of the town center, sparking a candid conversation about value, identity, and the future of this much-loved destination.
A Costly Reputation
Queenstown’s popularity has always come at a premium. What once felt like playful tourist surcharges have transformed into eye-watering bills that even lifelong residents find hard to swallow. “It’s like every year, the dial turns up another notch,” remarks Tom, a hotel porter born and raised in nearby Arrowtown. “A couple years back, a trip into town was a weekly treat. Now, I’ve started weighing up if a burger and a pint are really worth it.”
When Luxury Becomes the Norm
The shift isn’t just anecdotal. Over the past five years, the average cost of living in Queenstown has soared past other tourist hotspots across New Zealand, outpacing wage growth and even housing booms.
Here’s a side-by-side rundown, comparing a few of Queenstown’s current expenses to similar ones in Wellington and Dunedin:
| Expense | Queenstown | Wellington | Dunedin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat White (café) | $6.50 | $5.10 | $4.80 |
| 1-Bed Apartment (monthly, central) | $2,650 | $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Pint of Beer | $13 | $10 | $9 |
| Taxi (3km) | $18 | $13 | $12 |
| Gym Membership | $95 | $68 | $55 |
Sources: NZ Cost of Living Index 2024
For many, these figures aren’t just numbers; they’re daily hurdles. “I love this town, but sometimes it feels like it loves tourists more than us,” says Jess, a local mountain guide. “A night out with friends is now a luxury I can’t afford.”
From Community Hub to Playground
Historically, downtown Queenstown bustled with locals and visitors alike. Now, however, there is a quiet exodus—one that doesn’t make the news, but leaves once-thriving local businesses struggling for familiar faces. At the farmer’s market, stallholder Ian notes, “It used to be everyone knew everyone. You’d pick up fresh veg, chat to neighbors. These days, we’re catering mostly to people with guidebooks in hand.”
Factors driving this change include:
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- Rental prices exceeding local wages
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- Parking rates that deter locals from even short visits
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- Restaurants and bars pivoting menus and prices to fit tourist preferences
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- Scarcity of affordable entertainment options beyond outdoor activities
The evolution seems relentless. As one primary school teacher puts it, “Queenstown is starting to feel like a theme park—here for the day-trippers, not those who build lives here.”
Locals Draw the Line
With household budgets squeezed tighter than ski boots, residents are finding inventive ways to navigate their own hometown. Some opt for surrounding towns like Kingston or Cromwell for groceries and nights out; others connect through sporting clubs or BBQs far from the waterfront’s glare.
Bolder initiatives have emerged, including discount schemes targeting locals and segregated pricing on certain services. Still, many see these as band-aid solutions rather than real fixes to deeper issues.
How Much Is Too Much?
The conversation echoing quietly through Queenstown may sound familiar to residents of other international destinations facing overtourism. But here, the stakes feel personal. “There’s a sense of pride living here,” says local chef Moana. “But I want my kids to feel like they belong—not like they’re trespassing in their hometown.”
As the debate continues, Queenstown’s future hangs in a delicate balance—between the dazzling dream sold to the world and the daily realities of those who keep the town’s heart beating. Whether it’s coffee, rent, or simply a night under the stars, many locals are privately asking the same question: can you put a price tag on home?
This is typical of New Zealand. Money trumps all. Soon this entire country will be too expensive to live in or visit. It’s a demise brought on by it’s own residents and money hungry business owners alike. It’s a shame, 5 years ago, NZ was affordable and energetic. Now it’s overpriced and dull.
I perfer to catch a plane from dunedin
rather than go to queestown.. it is so crazy driving in this mad town..the infrastructure dosnt work..accomadation is sh.. wages are poor ..and what about us older folks?? sh.. ! Cant afford to live there. And please dont move down the road to MY town..We dont want any more people a nice amount of people live here noow!!.
When I was a lad (many years ago) our family and friends all spent our holidays in Queenstown. Queenstown was built on the working mans money untill greed overtook the infrastructure that was available. Thy are now paying the price for that with clogged roads and an almost total reliance on the tourist dollar. If the covid debarcle taught us anything it was that tourism isn’t our country’s backbone it’s our agriculture, always has been and always will be.
Seems this picture isn’t actually Queenstown
My thoughts too, lived here for years and have no recollection of that street, assume its an AI generated / photoshop made image to dramatise this article, which shouldn’t really be the point of news. Also the prices in the table seem a little inflated to me. Not sure about this article.
At long last the truth has hit home.I am from the North Island I have been to Queenstown about 3 to four times but now avoid it like the plauge. We visited the South Island for six months last year,Arrow town was the closet we came as like the locals we found the prices out of reach for us. I we will be down for another visit again this year but we won’t be going anywhere near Queenstown.
Mate, this is not even queenstown! And your content is incorrect! What a load of nonsense.
The picture isn’t Queenstown but the facts are absolutely correct
I don’t appreciate your usage of American spelling- it denatures our language and removes the fullness. Americans can adapt to our proper English the way we have to to their butchered English 😉
We’ve already lost too much to tourism and land sales
As a visitor to Queenstown it is too expensive. Accommodation has really increased since 2yrs ago. We are planning a trip to do some cycling and I’m struggling to find reasonably priced accommodation and am now looking at nearby towns to base myself. Even the camping grounds cabins and units are pricey.
We
There is nothing wrong with having a few mates round for a veer and burger at home …beer cost $2…burger $5….or a family round for dinner in the weekend. AVOID the takeaway lifestlye and have family and friend time at home. Coffee is $1😁
Very disappointed to read the prices for food and accommodation. Five years ago I could take My grandchildren for a holiday to Queenstown but not now .will have to look for accommodation further a field and just have one day trip to queenstown and budget while there. I am a chch residentthanks
Where is that picture from!? Not sure that is queenstown even if it is remarks in the background. Definitely not this decade!
Na it was taken 6 months ago/s
The photo is not Queenstown!
We used to stay in Queenstown when we took our annual road trip. It is so expensive there now, we just drive on through and stay elsewhere.
We had 3 nights in Queenstown this month as an older couple. I had not been for 34 years! It was busy but not overwhelmingly so. I loved it! We got a great deal on our accomodation and chose to eat out in a budget friendly way – it is possible. We parked on side streets and walked into the town centre… agree parking is expensive. There is a huge amount of development going on and it must be very difficult for locals to find work and be able to afford homes. It’s such stunning part of the country so its no wonder tourists flock – I for one am already planning my next visit…
Greed, who owns and controls most of the tourist sites in Q.town.
That explains a lot, just like White Island, greed is their god