If I could dream up any tourism business to start in Queenstown in 2025

If I could dream up any tourism business to start in Queenstown in 2025, it would be an adventure park of a different kind located at Deer Park Heights.

Here’s what it would look like (ignoring all rules and restrictions - let me have my dream):

- All-year mountain biking: A Doppelmayr Official pro tow T-bar (see picture in comments) hidden from view on the south side. Reliable uplift + world-class trails = a drawcard for locals and visitors alike.

- The ultimate zipline: From the top of the hill to the beach. Could this be New Zealand’s longest zipline? (cc Trent for partnership)

- Lakefront integration: Picture this- lift-access biking straight to a lakeside beach. The beach becomes the hub; cafe/bar/F&B options that everyone living in Kelvin Heights could use and be a destination for visitors to catch a water taxi to.

+ Vessev electric hydrofoiling boats/water taxis with mountain bike racks soaring across Lake Wakatipu would be the coolest thing you've ever seen.

- KristallTurm® GmbH & Co. KG high ropes course and Sunkid GmbH mountain coaster for all year round appeal - especially school groups.

- Connecting cycle trails to the airport, Hanleys Farm, Jacks Point and Park Ridge - with growing visitation and a growing population (me included! This dream is quite selfish) they want a place to ride without having to go across or into town.

- Resilient at its core: An all-electric adventure park, powered by grid electricity and solar. From the electric pro tow to trail maintenance vehicles (think UBCO - Electric Utility Vehicles bikes and electric Polaris buggies), sustainability becomes a key differentiator that maximises this sunny spot. Supplemented by native forest replanting that ensures trails are surrounded by future greenery.

Why this business model works:

1. Diverse revenue streams: Year-round appeal from ziplining, high ropes, and F&B activities to aim for steady income across seasons. MTB would prob close for a few months in winter.

2. Targeted markets: Appeals to locals (repeat customers), families and enviro adventure-seekers wanting a unique Queenstown experience.

3. Future-proofing: Go for long-term sustainability and resilience, aligning with future guest demand profiles and Queenstown’s reputation as a green destination.

You could ask why does ZQN need another place to ride?

Having multiple mountain bike areas makes a destination more attractive.

In the same way that successful ski destinations have more than one mountain to ski on.

It encourages longer stays, repeat visits, and fosters (healthy) competition.

This drives a better visitor experience for everyone - which is what it's all about.