Industry News
The Remarkables, one of New Zealand’s most popular ski resorts, could become the country’s largest single ski area after NZSki lodged a formal application to expand into the neighboring Doolans Basin under New Zealand’s fast-track approvals process.
The NZD 150 million-plus (USD 88.5 million) proposal, reported by the New Zealand Herald, would increase the resort’s size from 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. If approved, The Remarkables would surpass Cardrona Alpine Resort to become the largest standalone ski area in New Zealand.
What the Remarkables Expansion Involves
The centerpiece of the proposal is New Zealand’s longest gondola — a 10-seat, 2.7km link that would connect the new Doolans Basin terrain with the existing Rastus Burn base building, docking directly into the current base structure. 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 nearly doubling from 290,000 to 500,000 within five years of completion. The proposal also includes infrastructure upgrades to the State Highway 6 intersection and enhanced bus and shuttle facilities to manage the increased demand.
NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson described the application as a significant milestone after decades of planning. “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.”
Anderson pointed to the basin’s natural characteristics as a key advantage. “The Doolans Basin is higher and southeast-facing, offering more reliable snow. 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 dependent on the approval process.
The Economic Case
An independent economic assessment commissioned as part of the application found the expansion would boost the Queenstown Lakes economy by up to NZD 168 million (USD 99 million) annually. Total visitor spend at The Remarkables is projected 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 10 years of completion. Total GDP contribution would 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, with 1,851 jobs created locally.
“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.”
New Zealand’s Ski Area Landscape
NZSki operates The Remarkables alongside Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt, giving it significant influence over skiing in both Queenstown and Canterbury. The Remarkables sits in the Queenstown Lakes District, while the proposed Doolans Basin expansion falls within Central Otago District — meaning consents will be required from Queenstown Lakes District Council, Central Otago District Council, and Otago Regional Council, in addition to the fast-track national approval process.
At 711 hectares post-expansion, The Remarkables would become the largest individual ski area in New Zealand. For historical context, the combined operation of Whakapapa and Tūroa on Mount Ruapehu — before the two ski fields came under separate ownership — collectively offered approximately 1,050 hectares (2,595 acres) of lift-served terrain. The Remarkables’ proposed 711 hectares would remain smaller than that historical combined figure but would comfortably lead any single ski area currently operating in the country.
Opposition and Environmental Concerns
The proposal has not been without scrutiny. Conservation groups and backcountry users have raised concerns about the development of terrain that has historically been the domain of ski tourers and mountaineers. Critics argue that installing lift infrastructure in the Doolans Basin would diminish its wilderness character — an alpine environment that has remained largely undeveloped and accessible only to those willing to earn their turns.
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 expert advisers. The project was listed on the New Zealand Government’s fast-track approvals register in late 2024. NZSki has now filed a substantive application, with the formal review process underway.
“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.”
