New Night Flights Boost Auckland Demand for Queenstown Holiday Homes

Auckland demand for a new multi-million dollar Queenstown subdivision has been strong with more than 31 sites selling within just two months, and the introduction of night flights a reason for the spike in sales, according to one developer.

Peregrine Ridge is a new-to-market neighbourhood on the northern terraces at Jack's Point - 9 km from Queenstown airport.

Developer Dean Franklin says the sites have been popular as they represent strong value for money in comparison to other previously favoured holiday destinations.

The recent announcement of night flights into the region has meant that weekend holidays are now possible for Aucklanders and even Australians.

"There are Peregrine Ridge sites selling for under $300 per square metre. These sites are just 15 minutes to the top of the Remarkables, when you weigh up the convenience of the location versus the travel time to the closest ski field to Auckland, the value stacks up strongly for upper North Islanders," he says.

Franklin says although night flights into the town are not expected to start until next year, the feedback from buyers has been positive. He says for many corporates the idea of being able to finish work on Friday evening, and be skiing on the slopes of the Remarkables on Saturday morning has significant appeal.

“Recent research has shown Queenstown ski resorts were already out-selling some of the world’s top ski destinations with annual growth of nearly 20%. From what we have seen already, the introduction of night flights is only going to further increase demand.”

Franklin says Peregrine Ridge which is located at the base of the Remarkables featuring mountain and lake views and close proximity to skiing, golf and a range of other tourism activities including an extensive cycle trail network.

Aucklander Karl Christensen, who recently purchased one of the new Peregrine Ridge sites, says it was the introduction of more flights and the location's ready access to a variety of attractions which convinced him this was the perfect getaway for his family.

"The night flights mean that anyone investing in the area can be assured they will get maximum use of their holiday homes and I think this will attract a growing number of Aucklanders to Queenstown and away from more traditional holiday spots like the Coromandel, Omaha and Taupo," says Christensen.

“The broad diversity of the region was certainly a major drawcard and factor in our purchase. It's not simply the skiing which makes Queenstown so attractive for our family as a holiday home, but the value for us is in the range of year round activities. We can go hiking, cycling as well as take part in a huge variety of adventure tourism activities in any season," he says.

For more information visit www.peregrineridge.co.nz