Central Otago’s open spaces, landscape, scenery, and clean living are unsurpassed anywhere in the world. The people in the region enjoy a balance of life quite unique with a very rich heritage based on both an agriculture and gold mining past. With a relaxed pace of life away from the hustle and bustle of city living, no rush hour or traffic jams, Central Otago is small and friendly and you soon get to know your neighbours and the wider community.

In a practical sense, Central Otago has a wide range of services with excellent schools and medical facilities. The small compact towns have a stable workforce, high levels of education, community involvement, and their own distinctive character.

The Central Otago region is centred around Queenstown and Wanaka, and the wider community consists of a variety of small towns such as Alexandra and Cromwell, and smaller service towns of Roxburgh, Ranfurly, Naseby, Omakau and Clyde. However, the population is not so thinly spread that the main centres do not offer the same infrastructure as found in other centres of the same size.

Commerce in Queenstown is very diverse, incorporating every aspect of the business sector. Businesses, both small and large, take advantage of the unique situation brought about by Queenstown’s large number of visitors. The region is busy year-round and in winter offers additional seasonal work for the duration of the ski season – tourism operators, hospitality, and other service oriented opportunities abound.

Central Otago is well serviced with excellent educational opportunities from pre-school, primary and secondary schools. The Otago Polytechnic has a branch based in Cromwell with a focus on tourism, horticulture and catering.

SIT’s expanding Queenstown Campus (established 2009) is conveniently located in the Remarkables Park Town Centre at Frankton, with modern facilities providing an exceptional teaching environment; new purpose built spaces, plenty of natural light, magnificent views, ample parking, and easily accessible by public transport. SIT offers a Zero Fees scheme.

Queenstown Resort College offers unique and inspiring courses in hospitality management, adventure tourism management, short courses, unique executive education series and a range of customised programmes. QRC combines world-class education with an international resort holiday experience.

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s top visitor destinations and if you come to the region you will understand why. There’s skiing in the winter and activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round. If hard-core adventure isn’t your thing, there are plenty of mellow options available. Experience one of the many walking and hiking trails, sightseeing tours or indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and excellent food and wine!