When I moved back to Queenstown in 2019, I was ready to embrace the adventure capital of New Zealand once more. The town was buzzing with energy, its streets filled with travellers from around the globe. But in early 2020, everything changed.
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, New Zealand closed its borders, and Queenstown, heavily reliant on international tourism, felt the impact almost immediately. The bustling town I knew became uncommonly quiet. Shops closed, and the once-crowded streets were empty. Many businesses, especially in hospitality and tourism, faced unprecedented challenges.
Wearing masks when going outside, queuing in front of the supermarkets, keeping social distance from people, not being able to meet friends and family, all this felt very strange to me. when thinking about it now, it feels like a different world to me.
I had just started a new job at a hotel when the lockdown was announced. After only a few weeks of working, I was made redundant. It was a tough moment. I remember staring at the email, unsure what to do next. The thought of going back to Germany crossed my mind more than once. The uncertainty was overwhelming.
But instead of panicking, I waited. I focused on what I could control. I practiced yoga every morning, went for long walks around the quiet neighbourhood, and finally had time to read all the books I’d been meaning to.
Those weeks, though difficult, gave me space to slow down and reconnect with myself.
Then, after what felt like forever, the lockdown lifted. Domestic travel resumed, and slowly, tourists from within New Zealand started returning to Queenstown. Not long after, I got the call: the hotel was reopening, and they wanted me back. That moment was a huge relief—a sign that things were turning around.
The local community showed incredible resilience during that time. Initiatives were launched to support those affected, and there was a collective effort to adapt to the new normal. While the absence of international tourists was palpable, it also offered a unique opportunity to experience Queenstown’s natural beauty in solitude.
Looking back, the pandemic tested all of us. It highlighted how interconnected our lives are, and it reminded me how important it is to stay grounded even when everything around you is uncertain. Today, as Queenstown welcomes visitors again, there’s a renewed appreciation for the town’s spirit and the people who keep it vibrant.