A New Largest Ski Area in New Zealand?

The Remarkables is hoping to overtake Cardrona as New Zealand’s largest ski area under a major NZD 150 million‑plus expansion proposal lodged by owner NZSki.

The plan, now progressing through the country’s fast‑track approvals process, would push the Queenstown ski field deep into the neighbouring Doolans Basin adding 262 hectares of new terrain and transforming the resort into a multi‑valley operation.

The expansion would increase The Remarkables’ skiable area from 449 ha to 711 hectares (1,757 acres), making the ski area more than half as big again (58% larger to be precise) and place it well ahead of Cardrona Alpine Resort, which itself only expanded last winter 2025 into Soho Basin adding 150 hectares and taking it up to 615 hectares (1,520 acres).

NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson described the application as a “milestone decades in the making,” saying the Doolans Basin’s higher, south‑east‑facing slopes also offer more reliable snow and long‑term operational resilience as the climate warms and weather patterns shift.

Apart from just adding more runs, the project aims to ease pressure on existing terrain, reduce lift queues, and nearly double annual visitor capacity from 290,000 to 500,000 within five years. Daily capacity would rise from 3,500 to 6,000 skiers.

A new 2.7 km long 10‑seat-cabins gondola is at the heart of the plans. Set to become the longest in New Zealand it will link the new basin to the current Rastus Burn base. Plans also include a learner zone, a new hospitality building, upgraded facilities, and improved transport infrastructure on State Highway 6 to manage increased traffic.

An independent assessment submitted with the application forecasts an annual economic boost of up to NZD 168 million for the Queenstown Lakes region, alongside nearly 1,900 new jobs. Construction is planned over four summer seasons, with winter operations continuing throughout.