Moving to Queenstown? Here’s what you need to know.
Queenstown is a lifestyle and a destination.
Peter Pan Land we often call it, where you never grow up. Whether it’s the snow that’s prompted your move for the ski season or your dream home in an alpine setting. Moving here comes with the usual surprises. At BRS, we’ve handled everything from lakeside mansions to town centre baches and apartments. Trust us: no moves in Queenstown look the same.
Here we share some local knowledge that may assist in your next move.
What makes a Queenstown move unique?
Queenstown is all about the adventure and moving here means bringing the gear with you.
- The Toy Reality: Most garages in Queenstown double as adventure playgrounds. Filled with Jet skis, skis, snowboards, bikes, paddle boards, fishing gear, kayaks, motorbikes – all the toys. It’s not just moving a house, it’s moving a life of adrenaline fuelled fun gear and a home. We know how to pack it, stack it, and protect it.
- Holiday Hustle: Queenstown never slows down. Moving at any time of year involves navigating tourist traffic. You’re sharing the road with campervans, shuttle buses, and tourists as well as the service providers that fuel the town. We know the shortcuts, backroads (there aren’t any) the quiet times, and how to get the job done without stress, we’ve also the patience to navigate the chaos.
- Weather with a Wild Card: It’s the only place you’ll need sunscreen, snow tyres, and windscreen wipers on the same day. Never leave home without a jumper in Queenstown. Our team is prepped for all four seasons (often before 9am).
- Premium Properties, Premium Expectations: From alpine retreats to Dalefield luxury, Queenstown homes are often bespoke builds with high-end finishes, filled with antiques. We treat each one with the respect (and equipment) it deserves.
- It’s Personal: For many, this isn’t just a move, it’s a dream. We get it. That’s why we treat every Queenstown move with a bit more care, a bit more precision, and a whole lot of local know-how.
When is the best time to move in Queenstown?
Queenstown’s seasons are stunning—but they do bring challenges:
- Winter Moves: Snow and ice can impact timing and access (but we’ve moved plenty of homes in the snow).
- Summer Moves: Traffic choas mean you’ll want to plan ahead and choose your timing very carefully.
- Off-Season (Spring/Autumn): Ideal for smoother, quieter moves with more flexibility, though weather, events are always inevitable.
We work year-round and know how to navigate around the chaos, weather, and seasonal fun.
What should I know before moving into a Queenstown property?
Whether you’re renting or buying, a few things to check:
- Driveway Access: Is there space for a truck? Are there low-hanging trees or tight turns?
- Parking Restrictions: Especially in central areas like Queenstown Hill, Fernhill, and town centre.
- Storage Solutions: Downsizing or building? Our Cromwell-based storage is perfect for staggered moves.
Pro tip: We offer on-site assessments so we can plan for every angle, move and piece, no surprises for you or us. Book a virtual call to show us through the property.
Can you help with fragile or luxury items?
We move these kinds of pieces every day, it’s Queenstown. Whether it’s a family heirloom, designer furniture, or something with sentimental value, we treat it with the care it deserves. Our team is experienced in handling everything from high-end lighting and artwork to mirrors, antiques, and specialty furniture. Our contract with MacKenzie and Wallace Furniture is testiment to our expertise in Speciality Items.
If it’s delicate, valuable, or simply irreplaceable, we’ll make sure it gets where it’s going in perfect condition—no fuss, no stress.
Do you move within the Queenstown basin only?
We’re based here, but we move far and wide:
- Locally: Arrowtown, Jacks Point, Kelvin Heights, Lake Hayes, Frankton, Glenorchy, Fernhill, Hanley Farm and more.
- Regionally: Cromwell, Wanaka, Hawea, Alexandra, Dunedin, Invercargill. With weekly trips to Christchurch.
- Inter-Island: Moving into or out of Queenstown? We do the big moves too. Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington and more.
Wherever you’re heading, we’ll get you there—smoothly.
What if I need storage between moves?
Our Cromwell storage hub is just down the road:
- Short or long-term options
- Climate-safe and secure
- Ideal for staggered moves or pre-sale staging
Need your gear held and delivered later? No problem.
Why choose BRS for your Queenstown move?
- We’re locals — we know the streets, the seasons, and the shortcuts.
- We’re flexible — full house, partial load, single item, last-minute changes —we adapt.
- We’ve got the fleet — capacity to move hotels and multiple homes all in a day. Multi-truck moves.
- We move with care — your home, your gear, your time—it all matters to us.
Just ask around—we’ve likely moved someone you know.
Because in Queenstown, it’s not just a move—it’s an adventure. And at BRS, we’re built for it.