When Rebecca arrived at Queenstown Resort College, she wasn’t entirely sure where a hospitality qualification would take her. What she did know was that she loved working with people, enjoyed the hospitality environment, and was excited by the prospect of studying in Queenstown
Today, Rebecca Freeman is the Owner and Director of Tāhuna Hideaway and Tāhuna Letting Co., managing around 70 properties across Queenstown and leading a team of four staff. Having built her business from the ground up at just 22 years old, her journey demonstrates how a hospitality qualification can open doors far beyond traditional hotel roles
Finding the right path
Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Rebecca was drawn to QRC after a family trip to Queenstown.
“I had no idea what I wanted to do and I had always worked in cafés,” she says. “After a family holiday to Queenstown and visiting the college, I was locked in from that point. Queenstown also felt like the perfect place to be a student.”
Her outgoing personality and passion for creating great experiences for others made hospitality management a natural choice. Looking back, Rebecca says the hands-on nature of the programme and the connections she made with classmates were among the highlights of her QRC experience.
“The most memorable part was definitely the hands-on learning and the friendships. You’re surrounded by students from all over New Zealand and the world. The practical side of the course and the real-life exposure to the industry made a huge difference compared to traditional study.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
For me, QRC was more than a qualification, it was the starting point for a career that would eventually lead to business ownership.
A key part of my experience at QRC was completing an internship with Peppers Beach Club Resort in Port Douglas, Queensland, where I worked in the Front Office team. The opportunity to apply what I’d learned in the classroom in a real hospitality environment was transformational.
One of the biggest things I learned was how quickly you mature in a real-world environment. I came in quite naïve at 19 years old, and the experience taught me the importance of attention to detail, resilience, and how to handle a wide range of guest personalities, including challenging situations, in a calm and professional way.The internship helped me develop the confidence, professionalism, and practical skills that became the foundation of my career.
Looking back, QRC prepared me for the realities of the industry from day one. It gave me real-world skills early on, including time management, professionalism, and the ability to perform under pressure, setting clear expectations of what working in the industry is really like and making the transition into full-time employment much smoother.
One of the things I value most about studying hospitality is its versatility. Hospitality isn’t limited to hotels or tourism, it’s fundamentally about people, service, and the relationships you build. No matter what industry you work in, you’re serving customers, clients, or stakeholders in some way. The skills I developed at QRC have been valuable well beyond traditional hospitality roles, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities. My journey reflects what makes QRC different with industry-connected learning, real-world experience, and practical, transferable skills that prepare graduates for diverse careers, including building a successful business of their own.
Building my Career and Business
After graduating from QRC, I stayed in Queenstown and immersed myself in the accommodation industry, gaining experience across front office operations, reservations, revenue management, and property management. Working with businesses including QT Hotels and Relaxaway Holiday Homes gave me valuable insight into what it takes to run successful accommodation operations and deliver exceptional guest experiences. Those experiences ultimately gave me the confidence to take a leap of my own. At 22 years old, during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, I launched my own property management business. What began as an ambitious idea has since grown into Tāhuna Hideaway and Tāhuna Letting Co., businesses that now manage approximately 70 properties across Queenstown.
Starting and growing my own business has definitely been my most rewarding achievement. Building a trusted brand, growing a strong team, and managing a portfolio of beautiful homes in such a competitive market is something I’m incredibly proud of.
As the business has evolved, so has my role within it. I’ve worked across every area of the operation, from day-to-day property management to business development and leadership. Today, as Managing Director, I’ve built a team and systems that allow me to focus on the strategic growth of the business while maintaining the flexibility to work remotely, travel, and continue pursuing new opportunities. Alongside growing the business, I completed my Property Management Certificate, further strengthening my knowledge of residential tenancy legislation and industry best practice. However, many of the skills that have contributed most to my success were developed long before that.
When I reflect on my time at QRC, I credit the college with giving me the practical skills and professional mindset needed to thrive in a fast-paced industry. QRC taught me how to manage my time effectively, maintain professionalism, work under pressure, and understand the realities of the hospitality industry from day one. That preparation made the transition into full-time employment seamless and gave me the confidence to take on new challenges throughout my career. Those experiences laid the foundation for what would become the biggest step of my career.
Looking Ahead
One of the biggest rewards of building my own business has been the freedom it has created. I’ve been fortunate to travel to 17 countries and even spend time living in Brisbane while continuing to manage my business remotely. While I’m now based in Christchurch, Queenstown will always feel like home, and my connection to the region remains strong through the businesses and relationships I’ve built there.
As I look to the future, I’m excited by the opportunities emerging within New Zealand’s holiday home and property management sector. The industry has grown rapidly in recent years, and I believe we’re only beginning to see what’s possible.
“The property management space, especially holiday homes, is just getting started in New Zealand and has grown substantially. I’m excited to see how we can make stays even more unique and continue to differentiate ourselves from hotels.”
Alongside growing the business, I’m also passionate about giving back. In the years ahead, I’d love to spend more time involved in charitable initiatives, public speaking, and mentoring opportunities that allow me to share what I’ve learned with others.
Looking back, that’s exactly what QRC gave me. A network, practical skills, and the confidence to back myself. The relationships I built, the experiences I gained, and the lessons I learned helped shape not only my career, but the business I’ve built today. If you’re willing to put yourself out there, work hard, and embrace opportunities, you never know where that journey might take you.
Advice for future students
If you’re willing to put yourself out there, work hard and embrace opportunities. You never know where they might lead. QRC is the perfect place to start building the foundation for your future.
Take every opportunity. Build genuine relationships. Don’t be afraid to back yourself. That’s where the best opportunities begin
“Make the most of every opportunity and start building relationships from day one. Take advantage of being in Queenstown and build connections early. The industry is very relationship-driven, and those connections can open doors later on.”