Build high-end homes in Queenstown and Wanaka while spending your summer surrounded by mountains, lakes, ski fields, and some of the best outdoor experiences in the world.
Mills Recruitment is partnering with a well-established Queenstown construction company that is expanding rapidly across Queenstown and Wanaka. The company is currently delivering its own premium townhouse and residential developments, with a strong focus on high-end timber-framed construction and quality craftsmanship.
This is not a large corporate building company. It’s a close-knit team where people stay for the long term because they enjoy the work, the projects, and the culture. The current team of five builders is growing to ten, making this the perfect time to join.
Whether you’re a final-year carpentry student, apprentice carpenter, or qualified builder, this is an incredible opportunity to gain international experience, earn excellent money, and enjoy an unforgettable New Zealand adventure.
What You’ll Earn
- Final-year carpentry students / apprentice carpenters: NZD $35.00 per hour
- Qualified carpenters / builders: NZD $45.00 per hour
Why This Company?
This is the kind of employer tradies hope to find.
- Working on premium townhouse and residential developments
- Strong focus on timber framing and quality construction
- A foreman who has been with the company for 25 years
- A managing director with over 30 years of building experience who still gets on the tools and works alongside the team
- Quarterly team-bonding activities and a genuinely supportive work environment
- A business that values good people and invests in building a great crew
You’ll be joining a team that takes pride in its work and enjoys working together.
Why Queenstown & Wanaka?
Imagine finishing work and spending your evenings and weekends exploring:
- The Remarkables and Coronet Peak
- Lake Wakatipu and Lake Wanaka
- Hiking and alpine trails
- Mountain biking
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Bungy jumping, jet boating, and adventure sports
- World-class wineries and food experiences
- Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park
- Queenstown’s vibrant international backpacker and nightlife scene
Come for the summer and stay for 3, 6, or even 12 months.
About the Role You’ll join a skilled and supportive construction team working on high-end townhouse developments and premium residential projects across Queenstown and Wanaka.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in:
- Timber framing
- Structural carpentry
- Cladding systems
- Interior fit-outs
- Finishing carpentry
- Decking and exterior detailing
- High-end residential construction
- Premium townhouse developments
These are projects you’ll genuinely be proud to have on your CV.
About You We’re looking for people who have:
- Completed or are in the final year of a carpentry or building qualification
- OR experience working as a qualified carpenter, builder, or construction tradesperson
- A strong work ethic and willingness to learn
- Pride in producing quality workmanship
- The ability to work well in a team
- Good communication skills
- A current driver’s licence (preferred but not essential)
- Eligibility to work in New Zealand, including a Working Holiday Visa
What’s On Offer
- $35–$45 per hour depending on experience
- Full-time work available immediately
- Projects across both Queenstown and Wanaka
- Work with a respected construction company delivering premium developments
- Flexible stay options: 3, 6, or 12 months
- Gain valuable international construction experience
- Live and work in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after destinations
We’ll Help You Settle In
Mills Recruitment has a consultant based in Queenstown who can help you get settled when you arrive. We can assist with local advice, accommodation guidance, and even airport pick-up, so you’ll have a friendly local face waiting for you when you land.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, we’ll help make your move to New Zealand as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you’ve ever dreamed of spending a summer in Queenstown or Wanaka, this is your chance.
Apply now and start your New Zealand construction adventure.
Not available right now? We recruit builders, carpenters, apprentices, and construction workers across New Zealand throughout the year. If the timing isn’t right, send your CV to kelly.roach@millsrecruitment.com and we’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities.
