The athlete said Queenstown was superb given the facilities at the Event Centre and the surrounding area.
Having only arrived in town earlier this week he has cycled Queenstown trail, the scenic route to Glenorchy, swam in Lake Hayes and plans to cycle the Crown Range in the coming days.
His training at the Event Centre coincided with Remarkables Primary School's annual triathlon. The Yorkshireman took time out of his training session this week to speak to year five to eight pupils, stressing the importance of hard work and dedication.
Speaking to the Otago Daily Times he said New Zealand was well ahead of the UK for junior triathletes.
"There appears to be great structure here [in schools]. In the UK we do the same for football or cross-country, but there isn't the same focus on triathlons. That is the only way you will make a sport successful these kids are getting a great start to potential careers."
Growing up in the Yorkshire Dales he made comparisons with Queenstown's mountainous terrain.
"I draw inspiration from the hills and I have always wanted to come here. They [the Remarkables] are stunning; it is such a beautiful place to train. There will be full on training while we are here."
Ranked third in the world, he started competing at the age of seven. He won bronze at the Olympic Games in London 2012 and described it as his biggest achievement to date particularly in front of a home crowd.
Event Centre booking co-ordinator Gareth Jones said Mr Brownlee's decision to train in Queenstown was significant.
"To get someone like Jonathan to speak to these kids is hugely important. All sport starts from grass-roots and engaging kids at a young age is the only way we will help sport grow and develop in the future."
He explained the Events Centre had hosted a number of international athletes recently including Australian Football League team Collingwood. The response from all leading athletes has been how lucky Queenstowners are to have such a natural training environment on their doorstep.
Mr Brownlee's Queenstown training will be tested at the Auckland World Series event at the end of this month.
By Louise Scott
