NZSki given New 38‑year concession to operate at The Remarkables

NZSki has been granted a 38-year concession to operate The Remarkables Ski Area, marking one of the longest tourism concessions awarded on New Zealand's conservation estate and providing the operator with unprecedented certainty to invest in the popular ski field.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced the decision on February 12 alongside two other major South Island tourism concessions, in a move designed to strengthen regional economies and support employment across the tourism sector.

"My focus is supporting jobs and regional economies," Mr Potaka said "Long-term concessions give operators the certainty they need to invest, train staff, and plan ahead."

Investment Security for Major Infrastructure

The concession supports hundreds of jobs across the Queenstown visitor economy and numerous local businesses . The Remarkables, located within the Rastus Burn Recreation Reserve just 45 minutes from Queenstown, is one of the region's most significant alpine tourism assets.

The extended concession term addresses what has been a pressing issue for the ski operator. The original 33-year lease expired in February 2022 and the company has been operating under a periodic tenancy arrangement while negotiations for the new concession progressed.

NZSki had initially applied for a 40-year term, arguing the extended period was necessary to recoup a $15 million investment in major infrastructure upgrades, including a new Shadow Basin chairlift capable of transporting an additional 900 people per hour.

The Remarkables concession was announced alongside a 30-year guided walking concession for Tourism Milford Limited on the Milford Track and a 25-year concession for RealNZ at the Te Anau Caves, signaling a government push to provide greater certainty to major tourism operators on conservation land.

The Remarkables attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the world with its dramatic alpine terrain, including sun-soaked bowls, challenging chutes, and the legendary Burton Stash terrain park—the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The field operates alongside NZSki's other Queenstown resort, Coronet Peak, as well as Mt Hutt in Canterbury.

With the 38-year concession now secured until 2064, NZSki can move forward with confidence on planned infrastructure improvements that will enhance visitor capacity and experience while maintaining the field's reputation as one of New Zealand's premier ski destinations.

NZSki welcomed announcement from the Government, saying "We’re grateful for the trust placed in us to continue operating on conservation land and remain deeply committed to caring for the maunga, protecting the environment, and ensuring it remains accessible for everyone. This long‑term certainty gives us confidence to keep investing in our people, facilities, and future plans that support the Queenstown visitor economy."

Long-term tourism concessions that will support jobs, strengthen regional economies, and keep visitor access open at key South Island destinations have been announced by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.

“Long-term concessions give operators the certainty they need to invest, train staff, and plan ahead,” Mr Potaka says.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the decisions provide important confidence for the tourism sector and the regional economies that depend on it.

“Tourism supports thousands of jobs across the South Island. Giving operators long-term certainty helps businesses invest, retain staff, and deliver high-quality experiences for visitors, while supporting local communities,” Ms Upston says.

“These decisions strike the right balance of protecting our natural environment, supporting regional livelihoods, and ensuring people can continue to enjoy these places safely and responsibly,” Mr Potaka says.

These concessions include enforceable environmental and safety conditions, with the Department retaining full regulatory oversight.