Are you new to the
Queenstown Lakes region?

Welcome!
Start Here with the QLDC Newcomers Guide
& our Integration Support Services 👇🏻

Moving to a new place can be exciting… but also a bit overwhelming.

That’s why our local council, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), has created a Newcomers Guide to help you get settled and feel at home in our region.

The Newcomers guide includes practical advice for day-to-day life in Queenstown and the wider district. Whether you’re looking for information on housing, healthcare, schools, transport, or community support, this guide brings together everything you need to know in one easy place.

If you need help translating information, look out for the language support icon throughout the book. This shows websites and organisations that offer language support, such as interpreting services or written resources in multiple languages.

What’s Inside?

  • Renting and housing

  • Finding a job or starting a business

  • Healthcare services

  • Driving and public transport

  • Education and schools

  • Local laws and safety info

  • Language, culture, and community groups

  • And more!

💡 This guide is updated regularly by QLDC and is designed especially for migrants, newcomers, and ethnic communities living in the Queenstown Lakes District.

Support Beyond the Guide

LMC Integration Services & Community Workshops

At Lakes Multicultural Collective (LMC), we know that settling into a new country or town takes more than just information—it takes connection, confidence, and community.

That’s why we offer free integration support and a range of interactive workshops designed to help migrants and newcomers find their place in Queenstown.

🌿 Whether you’re new to Aotearoa or have been here for a while but still feel like you’re finding your feet in the Queenstown Lakes community, we’re here for you.

Our Integration Services Include:

1:1 Settlement Support

Personalised help with understanding local services, systems, and how to navigate life in NZ.

Book in for an in-person chat with our team to see how we can help.

Educational Workshops & Events

Covering topics like:

  • The Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi

  • Emergency Preparedness

  • Working in NZ

  • Renting and tenant rights

  • Parenting and family life in a new culture

  • Community connection & belonging

Multilingual Support

We know a large network of people who speak more than one language—and we’re always happy to connect you to interpreters or community groups that speak your language.

🌈 All Are Welcome!

Our services are inclusive, respectful, and culturally safe. We celebrate the diversity of our community, and we’re here to walk alongside you as you make Queenstown your home.

📅 Keep an eye on our Events Page for upcoming workshops, or get in touch if you’d like to book a 1:1 session.