Queenstown Cable Car Plans Unveiled with Two New Routes

The proposed Queenstown Cable Car project, spearheaded by Southern Infrastructure Ltd, aims to establish two new routes: one linking the town centre to Queenstown Airport and another connecting Frankton to the upcoming Ladies Mile residential area. The initiative, backed by venture philanthropist Rod Drury, represents a significant step towards enhancing public transport in the region and addressing ongoing road congestion issues.

On October 31, Southern Infrastructure submitted an application to the Ministry for the Environment for referral under fast-track approval legislation. A determination on the application’s completeness is anticipated shortly. According to Ross Copland, chief executive of Southern Infrastructure, if the application receives a positive referral, a comprehensive proposal will be presented to an expert consenting panel. This process will involve assessments and input from local landowners, the Queenstown Lakes District Council, iwi, and the community.

If approvals are granted, construction is scheduled to commence in 2027-28, with operations expected to begin in 2029. The proposed cable car system is envisioned as the “high-capacity spine” of Queenstown’s future mass rapid-transit network. It is designed to accommodate up to 3,000 passengers per hour in ten-seater cabins, equivalent to the capacity of a 50-seat bus every minute.

The new mass transit system is set to offer a “reliable, all-weather, fully electric alternative” to current transport options, targeting the severe road congestion that plagues Queenstown. The project is estimated to cost around $400 million, with commitments from private capital already secured to advance its development.

In discussing the project’s community engagement, Copland emphasized the importance of collaboration with private landowners. “We’ve been prioritising individual conversations wherever we can — listening to people’s views and understanding what matters most to them,” he stated. While not all discussions have concluded, he assured that efforts to engage with all stakeholders will continue.

The Queenstown Cable Car project not only promises to enhance public transport infrastructure but also aims to reshape the commuting landscape in one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations. As the process unfolds, residents and stakeholders will be keenly watching the developments that may significantly impact the area’s transport dynamics.