Frankton
Frankton is a suburb in Queenstown, located close to the airport, golf course, and several entertainment centres. It is approximately 7 km from Queenstown’s city centre.

Pros

It hosts the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Queenstown campus in Remarkables Park Town Centre. It offers walking-distance access to classes, shopping centres, supermarkets, and public transport hubs.

Cons

Peak seasons lead to increased traffic and housing competition. Because it’s a busy commercial hub, Frankton can feel crowded and noisy.

Fernhill

Fernhill is a hilly residential suburb on the northern outskirts of Queenstown. It is elevated above the town centre with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains.

It offers a quieter, scenic alternative to central areas, featuring a mix of family homes, apartments, and budget rentals popular among students seeking affordability in a compact tourist town.

Pros

Regular bus services make it easy for students to travel to town and back.

Cons

There are a few supermarkets, and students might need to travel for shopping, which increases time and costs.

Shotover Country

Shotover Country is a newer residential suburb in Queenstown, located a bit on the outskirts but still fairly accessible to central Queenstown and surrounding amenities.

Pros

It offers a calmer lifestyle with modern housing developments and easy access to wider Queenstown amenities. The area attracts long-term residents and students who prefer a quieter environment away from the busy tourist centre. It’s close to shops and main routes, making daily errands manageable.

Cons

The longer commute to central Queenstown can add to travel time and costs. There are fewer student-focused facilities and social spaces compared with older, more established suburbs.

Arthurs Point

Arthurs Point is a small, scenic suburb about 5 to 7 minutes from central Queenstown. The cleaner surroundings and access to regular bus routes help international students adjust without the pressure of central Queenstown’s noise and rush.

Pros

It is quiet, safe, and surrounded by nature. Rent is often slightly cheaper than the town centre, and buses connect students to Queenstown easily.

Cons

There are limited shops and supermarkets nearby. Students often need to travel to town for groceries, services and part-time jobs.

Lake Hayes Estate

Lake Hayes Estate is a peaceful residential suburb located outside Queenstown. It is known for its family-friendly streets, access to green spaces, and a calmer environment compared with the tourist-heavy town centre. The area suits students who prefer stability and quiet over constant activity.

Pros
Slightly more affordable than central Queenstown, especially for long-term or shared housing. The neighbourhood is quiet and stable, offering a good environment for study and routine.

Cons
Its distance from town means commuting to jobs, classes, or social activities requires transport and adds to costs. There are also fewer student-oriented rentals, making it harder to find flatshares.

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Based on our conversations with the local Nepali students in Queenstown.