Two-bedroom rentals in the resort town hit $924 a week on average according to realestate.co.nz, the Lakes District — including Queenstown — becoming the first district in the country to surpass $900 per week. The next constraint is the cost, and there is a limited amount available at a certain price." Such significant housing costs could price locals out of the market, damaging community cohesion, Queenstown Lakes District deputy mayor Quentin Smith, of Wānaka, said. "We can’t squeeze ratepayers any further, so we need to find other ways to support our infrastructure needs," Cr Smith said. "That’s why we’re working with the government around a visitor levy, or other measures that could support our infrastructure needs."

Source: Otago Daily Times March 10, 2026 16:13 UTC