QTS-223 · Board or committee paper · 2026
Queenstown Strategic Network Plan – NZTA Board paper for endorsement (12 August 2026)
Marked 'In confidence' by its author. Publicly released by NZTA / OIA-23524 on 16 Oct 2026.
Part of: Rapid transit evidence →
NZTA management paper asking the Board on 12 August 2026 to endorse the Queenstown Strategic Network Plan. It states that in 2025 demand exceeded 85% of network capacity for up to 6.5 hours a day and peak SH6A journeys exceeded 80 minutes, and that peak-day population is forecast to grow from 83,000 to more than 143,000 by 2055. The plan identifies $1.4–2.6b of potential capital activities over 30 years plus $11–25m a year in public transport operating costs, and does not seek funding for a specific programme. The paper says an off-line public transport system will be required, with technology to be settled in a later investment case, and describes private gondola proposals, including a market-led cable car proposal.
Key figures
- Demand exceeded 85% of capacity for up to 6.5 hours/day in 2025 (p.1)
- Peak SH6A travel times over 80 minutes (p.1)
- Peak-day population 83,000 to 143,000+ by 2055 (p.1)
- $1.4–$2.6b capital over 30 years plus $11m–$25m annual PT opex (p.2)
- 0.5% lower visitor growth: $3.9b NPV GDP loss over 40 years (p.2)
Rapid transit
Mass rapid transit means light rail, gondola/cable car, bus rapid transit and similar dedicated rapid-transit technologies. It does not include ordinary bus services or ferries.
Substantive. Discusses, assesses, recommends or programmes mass rapid transit.
States that an off-line public transport system will be required; the plan is technology-agnostic.
"The QSNP identifies that demand will exceed the capacity provided by other modes, and that an off-line public transport system will be required. The QSNP is agnostic to the technology." (p.2)
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Not separately commissioned. This is an internal or corporate document.
Citation
NZTA (Waka Kotahi). Queenstown Strategic Network Plan – NZTA Board paper for endorsement (12 August 2026) (2026). Released under OIA-23524.