Decade-Long Plan for South Island Luxury Suburb

A Melbourne-based developer says its luxury plans for one of New Zealand’s most popular destinations will take a decade to realise.

Ninety Four Feet said its Lakeview Te Taumata, a 10ha lakeside suburb, would “redefine luxury living in the heart of Queenstown”.

Situated near the ski town’s Skyline Gondola, the collaboration with ASX-listed Centuria Capital Group and the “visionary pioneers” of the Britomart precinct in Auckland plans to transform a former campground on Lake Wakatipu into a vibrant, world-class community over the next decade.

Queenstown, in New Zealand’s South Island on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, the third largest lake in the country, is a skiing and adventure sport hotspot with notable moutains nearby, including The Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak.

▲ Lakeview Te Taumata would take more than a decade to develop.

“The multibillion-dollar precinct will encompass diverse offerings, including residential apartments, a co-living building, three hotels, a co-working centre, health and wellness facilities, curated retail spaces, an art gallery and a significant food and beverage offering,” the developer said.

“The proposed addition of thermal pools, pending approval, will add an exciting dimension to the project.”

Architectural renders show stone-wrapped shops and restaurants at ground level, and a co-living building and four residential tower blocks up to 12 storeys.

The residential component would include one, two and three-bedroom residences and penthouse suites.

▲ The development comprises five residential buildings.

More than half of the precinct will be open public spaces and walkways, “fostering a sense of community”.

Ninety Four Feet development manager Charmaine Balchin said the project would launch early this year when New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty would invite high-net-worth clients from its database to register interest.

The consortium secured the project in a competitive global bid with the Queenstown Lakes District Council in 2019. Subdivision and civil works began in 2020, with the handover expected in March, 2024.

“Despite global challenges, the Queenstown Lakes District Council has shown remarkable dedication to bringing this ambitious project to fruition,” Balchin said.

▲ Preliminary work on the site began in 2020.

“We anticipate starting construction of the first stage beginning in the winter of 2024.”

Ninety Four Feet said it was emphasising “a cohesive design philosophy centred on sustainability, neighbourly intent and experiential placemaking”.

“Lakeview Te Taumata aims to be a net-positive project for energy, water and waste.

“Collaborating with Maori designers, artists, placemakers and renowned architects Monk Mackenzie and Architectus, the project respects the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the region.”

Lakeview Te Taumata follows Ninety Four Feet’s other NZ projects—the $250-million Hotel Indigo Auckland and 51 Albert residential tower project, also in Auckland.

▲ Developer Ninety Four Feet said it was emphasising “a cohesive design philosophy”.