The Remarkables Could Become New Zealand's Largest Ski Area With NZD 150 Million Doolans Basin Expansion

NZSki has formally applied to expand The Remarkables into the neighbouring Doolans Basin - a proposal that would make it the largest single ski area in New Zealand.

The application, lodged under New Zealand's fast-track approvals process, seeks to grow The Remarkables from its current 449 hectares (1,109 acres) to 711 hectares (1,757 acres) - an addition of 262 hectares (647 acres) of skiable terrain into the valley adjacent to Rastus Burn. The project is estimated at NZD 150 million-plus (USD 88.5 million), and if approved, would see The Remarkables surpass Cardrona Alpine Resort to claim the title of New Zealand's largest standalone ski area.

NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson described the application as a milestone that has been a long time coming. "Expanding into the Doolans Basin allows us to create more room to ski, ride and explore in a world-class, multi-valley ski resort that supports the long-term resilience of skiing in Queenstown," he said. "It means more terrain, fewer lift queues and a better experience for everyone."

What the expansion involves

The centrepiece of the proposal is a new 10-seat gondola stretching 2.7km from the Doolans Basin down to the existing Rastus Burn base building - which would make it the longest gondola in New Zealand. The new basin would include a full mix of terrain, a dedicated learner area, a new hospitality building, and upgraded visitor facilities designed to spread skiers more evenly across the mountain.

Daily skier capacity would increase from 3,500 to 6,000, with annual visitor capacity projected to nearly double from 290,000 to 500,000 within five years of completion. The proposal also includes an upgrade to the State Highway 6 intersection and enhanced bus and shuttle infrastructure to manage the increased traffic.

Anderson flagged the natural characteristics of the Doolans Basin as a core part of the rationale. "The Doolans Basin is higher and south-east-facing, offering more reliable snow," he said. "Expanding into this terrain is intended to strengthen the resilience of winter operations as climate and weather patterns change."

Construction is expected to take four summer seasons, with normal winter operations at The Remarkables continuing throughout. The start date remains tied to the outcome of the approvals process.

The economic case

An independent economic assessment submitted as part of the application projects an annual boost of up to NZD 168 million (USD 99 million) to the Queenstown Lakes economy, with 1,851 jobs created locally. Total visitor spend at The Remarkables is forecast to rise from NZD 235 million (USD 138.5 million) per year currently to between NZD 347 million and NZD 402 million (USD 205 million to USD 237 million) within ten years of completion. Total GDP contribution is projected to increase from NZD 115 million (USD 67.8 million) to between NZD 170 million and NZD 197 million (USD 100 million to USD 116 million) annually.

"This project caters both for our growing local community as well as the increasing number of ski tourists," Anderson said. "It's about meeting the demand in a responsible way while protecting the future of skiing on our maunga."

Where it sits in New Zealand's ski landscape

NZSki operates The Remarkables alongside Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt, giving it significant reach across both Queenstown and Canterbury. At 711 hectares post-expansion, The Remarkables would become the largest individual ski area in the country. For context, the combined terrain of Whakapapa and Tūroa on Mount Ruapehu - before the two fields came under separate ownership - collectively offered around 1,050 hectares (2,595 acres). The proposed 711 hectares would remain smaller than that historical combined figure but would comfortably lead any single ski area currently operating in New Zealand.

The proposed Doolans Basin expansion crosses a district boundary - the existing Remarkables sits in the Queenstown Lakes District, while the new terrain falls within Central Otago District. Consents are required from both Queenstown Lakes District Council and Central Otago District Council, as well as Otago Regional Council, in addition to the national fast-track process. The project was listed on the government's fast-track approvals register in late 2024, and NZSki has now filed its substantive application.

The pushback

The proposal has attracted opposition from conservation groups and backcountry users. Critics argue that the Doolans Basin has long been the domain of ski tourers and mountaineers - terrain earned through effort rather than lift access - and that installing infrastructure there would permanently alter its character.

NZSki has stated the expansion has been designed to minimise environmental impact, with construction areas consolidated, sensitive ecological habitats protected, and water management plans developed with specialist advisers.

"We know The Remarkables is an important part of life here in Queenstown," Anderson said. "As we take this next step, we'll continue working closely with our community to create a better Remarkables experience to enjoy for generations to come."