‘World class’ suppliers picked for Queenstown cable car

Southern Infrastructure has chosen two top-tier suppliers to oversee the development of the proposed $400 million Queenstown Cable Car network.

Leitner will be in charge of the Queenstown Airport to town centre route, which is planned to pass through the Frankton Bus Hub. On the other hand, Doppelmayr will lead the detailed design development for the Frankton Bus Hub to Ladies Mile line.

The proposed route will link the transport hub with the expanding Ladies Mile residential and commercial area, with a station at the Queenstown Central precinct.

Ross Copland, CEO of Southern Infrastructure, stated that the evaluation process was thorough and competitive.

“High capacity, aviation-grade safety performance, financial strength, and a proven track record in New Zealand were key factors in the selection process,” he said.

Leitner is a well-known presence in New Zealand, having completed major projects such as NZSki’s Coronet Express, Mt Ruapehu’s Sky Waka gondola, and Mt Hutt’s new eight-seater chairlift.

Doppelmayr, with 50 years of experience in New Zealand, has worked on projects like the country’s first detachable chairlifts and the recent Skyline Queenstown gondola redevelopment.

Copland mentioned that various transport technologies were considered before finalizing the preferred solution for the initial two lines of the network.

“We have chosen a proven system that is ready for construction to ensure a reliable mass transit system for Queenstown,” he explained.

The project, which has received conditional endorsement from the Infrastructure Commission, will proceed to the next phase involving detailed design, engineering, environmental assessments, and community consultation.

Construction is scheduled to commence in 2027, with the first line expected to be operational by 2029, pending approvals.

“By alleviating congestion and offering a sustainable alternative, we aim to support local businesses and unlock Queenstown’s economic potential,” Copland added.

Doppelmayr New Zealand CEO Garreth Hayman expressed disappointment over not being selected for the Queenstown Airport to town centre route but emphasized the positive impact the project will have on the town’s growth and quality of life.

– ALLIED MEDIA