TL;DR
NZSki has formally applied to expand The Remarkables into the Doolans Basin - a NZD 150 million-plus (USD 88.5 million) proposal that would grow the resort from 449 to 711 hectares and make it the largest single ski area in New Zealand. A 2.7km gondola, doubled visitor capacity, and four summers of construction. Here's what's on the table.
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.
