Queenstown is one of the most desirable places in the world to live — but finding somewhere to actually live, or getting between towns without your own car, can be a nightmare.
Trade Me listings come with agent fees and competition. Facebook groups are full of spam and ghosted messages. Rental agencies want references, deposits, and long-term commitments before you've even landed.
We've built two simple, free platforms to fix this.
Find a Room — Queenstown, Wānaka & Beyond
The rooms platform lists private rooms, studios, whole flats, and shared houses across Queenstown, Frankton, Fernhill, Arthurs Point, Kelvin Heights, Sunshine Bay, and Wānaka.
Every listing includes:
- ✓Photos — see the actual room and common areas before you message
- ✓Rent per week — clear pricing, no hidden fees
- ✓Bond amount — know what you need upfront
- ✓Bills included or not — no surprises after move-in
- ✓Available date — plan your move
- ✓Amenities — WiFi, heat pump, parking, washing machine — all listed
- ✓House rules — know the vibe before you commit
- ✓Direct WhatsApp contact — message the landlord instantly, no middlemen
Current listings range from $220/week (shared house in Albert Town) to $550/week (whole 2-bed flat in Kelvin Heights with lake views). Most are in the $250–$290 range for a furnished private room.
Browse rooms at queenstowntourism.com/rooms.
Share a Ride — Queenstown to Wānaka, Christchurch & More
Getting between South Island towns without a car is expensive and slow. Bus tickets add up. Hitchhiking isn't for everyone. Our rideshare platform connects drivers with empty seats to passengers heading the same way.
How it works:
- ✓Drivers list their trip — from, to, date, time, seats available, price per seat
- ✓Passengers browse and message the driver on WhatsApp
- ✓You agree on pickup location and payment
- ✓You share the ride, split the cost, and maybe make a friend
Recent rides include Queenstown to Wānaka ($15), Queenstown to Christchurch ($40), and Christchurch to Queenstown ($35). All direct, no booking fees, no platform commission.
Browse rides at queenstowntourism.com/rides.
Why We Built This
Queenstown Tourism started as a tour comparison site — 500+ experiences from bungy jumping to Milford Sound cruises. But we kept hearing the same thing from travellers and seasonal workers: "I wish finding a room was as easy as booking a tour."
So we built it. No fees, no commissions, no middlemen. Just direct WhatsApp connections between people who have space and people who need it.
What Makes It Different
- ✓No fees — listing a room or ride is free. No commission on rentals or ride payments.
- ✓Direct contact — WhatsApp buttons on every listing. Message the landlord or driver instantly.
- ✓No accounts — you don't need to sign up to browse. If you want to list, just fill in the form.
- ✓Real listings — every room and ride is posted by a real person. No scraped content, no dead listings.
- ✓Queenstown focus — unlike national platforms, this is built specifically for Queenstown, Wānaka, and the surrounding South Island.
Tips for Finding a Room Fast
- ✓Message quickly — good rooms go within hours. If you see something you like, WhatsApp the landlord immediately
- ✓Introduce yourself — a short message with your name, what you do, and when you want to move makes a huge difference
- ✓Be flexible on location — Frankton and Fernhill are often cheaper than the CBD and only 10–15 minutes away
- ✓Check daily — new listings appear all the time
Tips for Offering a Ride
- ✓Post a few days ahead — last-minute rides get fewer passengers
- ✓Set a fair price — $15–25 for short hops (Queenstown to Wānaka), $30–50 for longer trips (Queenstown to Christchurch)
- ✓Be specific about pickup — "Queenstown CBD" is vague. "Outside Fergburger at 8am" gets more responses
- ✓Mention luggage space — especially for ski season, passengers need to know if gear fits
Start Here
Whether you're moving to Queenstown for the season, planning an extended South Island trip, or just need a ride to Wānaka for the weekend — start with these two pages:
🏠 Find a Room → 🚗 Share a Ride →
And if you want to stay in the loop with local tips, seasonal deals, and community updates, join the free Queenstown Travellers WhatsApp Community.
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