Queenstown, New Zealand, Zip Code: 9348
When I first set foot in Queenstown, New Zealand, I had little idea of what to expect. I’d been offered a promising job here, which was exciting, yet there was a nagging sense of unease. Moving from India, with its rich culture, bustling cities, and close-knit communities, to a relatively quieter, remote place on the other side of the world was daunting. I worried about feeling isolated and about adapting to a new way of life in a place so different from everything I’d ever known.
But my fears began to ease as soon as I was greeted by the breathtaking landscapes that Queenstown is known for. The mountains, with their snow-capped peaks, the serene lakes, and the wide-open skies painted an idyllic picture. It was a far cry from the bustling streets of Mumbai where I grew up. Here, there was a calmness, a stillness, that made me feel both humbled and inspired. I had never experienced such a profound connection to nature before, and in the beginning, it was this landscape that filled the void of familiarity.
Queenstown
As days turned into months, I started noticing subtle reminders of India that made Queenstown feel less foreign. While the culture was vastly different, there were hints of home scattered throughout. The Indian diaspora in Queenstown was surprisingly more prominent than I expected, and meeting other Indians in social gatherings or even just at the local grocery store felt like discovering pieces of home. Slowly, these interactions made the town feel a bit warmer, and I no longer felt like a stranger navigating uncharted territory alone. Queenstown was not only becoming a place where I lived but one where I belonged.
One of my favorite morning routines is stopping by my go-to coffee spots before heading to work. I’ll often grab a flat white from Vudu Cafe & Larder—their coffee is smooth and strong, and I love sitting near the lake there, even if just for a few minutes, to soak in the morning tranquility. On days when I want something cozy, I head to Patagonia Chocolates. Their hot chocolate is unbeatable, and it reminds me of homemade treats from back home. I also pop by Yonder sometimes for a quick pastry and coffee on busy mornings, a spot popular with both locals and visitors. It’s become a ritual that adds joy to my routine, and these familiar places help Queenstown feel more like home each day.
Vudu Cafe & Larder
One of the first friends I made here was another Indian woman who had been living in Queenstown for a few years. Her guidance and support were invaluable as I adjusted to the nuances of daily life. We exchanged stories, recipes, and laughs, and it felt comforting to have someone to whom I could speak in Hindi, share my cravings for home-cooked Indian meals, and celebrate the festivals with. Diwali, for instance, became an event I looked forward to all year. The Indian community here may be small, but we gather every year, lighting up our homes with diyas, sharing sweets, and celebrating in the traditional way. And it’s moments like these that remind me that home isn’t always a physical place; it’s a feeling we create, even in unexpected corners of the world.
As time went on, I found myself growing more adventurous with local New Zealand cuisine. Coming from India, where spices rule, I was initially skeptical about the comparatively milder flavors here. But I grew to love the fresh produce, the incredible seafood, and the unique Maori-inspired dishes. One of my favorite local foods has to be the traditional hangi – a Maori way of cooking food in the ground with heated stones. There’s something deeply comforting about this slow-cooked meal, and the ritual behind it made me appreciate New Zealand’s rich indigenous culture.
Another highlight of life in Queenstown has been embracing the outdoors. In India, I was more of a city person; my weekends were often spent in cafes, malls, or theaters. But here, life seems to revolve around nature. My colleagues and new friends are constantly planning hikes, skiing trips, or camping weekends. Hiking trails like the Routeburn Track have become my go-to escapes. Standing at the summit, surrounded by the grandeur of nature, I often find myself reflecting on how far I’ve come, both physically and mentally. These experiences have taught me resilience and patience in ways I’d never experienced before.
Routeburn Track
The people of New Zealand have also played a huge role in making me feel at home. There’s a friendliness and an openness here that I hadn’t anticipated. People are quick to smile, to say hello, and to lend a hand if needed. It’s a community in the true sense of the word. I’ve often been invited into homes for a classic Kiwi barbecue, and each time I’m met with warmth and curiosity about my life and culture. The locals here have a genuine interest in learning about India, and in turn, I’ve loved discovering the traditions and stories that make New Zealand unique.
Living in Queenstown as an Indian has been a journey of self-discovery. I’ve learned to embrace the balance of carrying my heritage with pride while immersing myself in the local culture. With every new festival we celebrate, every local dish I try, and every friendship I forge, I feel my life here becoming richer. Queenstown, with its stunning landscapes and kind-hearted people, has given me a gift I never expected—a second home.
As I look around now, with the mountains in the distance and the lake glistening under the sun, I realise that I have truly fallen in love with New Zealand. The landscape, the people, the food, and the harmony I’ve found between my Indian roots and my new life here make me grateful for every step of this journey.
- Check out more neighbourhood stories on Global Indian