Retire in Queenstown, New Zealand
Last updated on Jul 08, 2023
Summary: Retirees share their experiences living in Queenstown, New Zealand. What are the challenges and rewards of retiring in Queenstown?
What is it like to retire in Queenstown?
"Life for a retiree in Queenstown is filled with a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty, with a backdrop of majestic mountains and the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and even bungee jumping for the more adventurous retirees. There is a vibrant expat community in Queenstown, with people from all over the world choosing to retire in this picturesque town. This diverse community adds to the rich cultural fabric of the town, and there are plenty of social activities and groups to join, making it easy to meet new people and make friends. Cultural attractions in and around Queenstown include the Queenstown Arts Centre, which hosts exhibitions, workshops, and events, and the local Maori culture, which can be explored through various tours and experiences. The town also has a number of excellent restaurants and wineries, offering the chance to enjoy local produce and world-class wines. Recreational activities are plentiful in Queenstown. The town is known as the 'adventure capital of the world', and retirees can partake in everything from golfing to scenic cruises on the lake, to more adrenaline-fueled activities like skydiving and jet boating. The surrounding area also offers a number of beautiful walks and trails, perfect for those who enjoy a more leisurely pace. Nightlife in Queenstown is lively but not overly raucous, making it suitable for retirees. There are a number of bars and pubs, many with live music, as well as a few nightclubs. The town also has a cinema and a theatre, and hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, providing plenty of entertainment options. In summary, life for a retiree in Queenstown, New Zealand is active, culturally rich, and surrounded by natural beauty. It's a place where one can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, while still having plenty of opportunities for adventure and socializing," said one retiree in living in Queenstown, New Zealand.
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With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Queenstown?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Queenstown?
- Will I be able to find a job in Queenstown?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Queenstown appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Queenstown?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Queenstown accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Queenstown like?
- How are healthcare services in Queenstown?
- What are medical services in Queenstown like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Queenstown?
- What are emergency services like in Queenstown?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Queenstown?
- How are local medical facilities in Queenstown?
- As a foreigner living in Queenstown, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?