Abstract:
This study adopts a transformational perspective of globalization and draws on the theoretical framework of the ‘new mobilities paradigm' (Sheller & Urry, 2004) and more specifically, employs the lens of ‘lifestyle mobilities' (Cohen et al., 2015) in order to highlight the intersection of tourism, migration and neoliberal market flows within Queenstown, New Zealand also known as the world's top adventure mecca. I analyze the discourse produced by lifestyle migrants currently residing and working in the area in order to illustrate the social consequences of the ‘darker side' of hypermobility on the micro level, which are strongly influenced by the country's past and current national labour and immigration policies.