A new vision for a self-sufficient Kingston
A bold and visionary plan to expand the lakeside township of Kingston into a self-sufficient southern community, with reduced reliance on Queenstown for jobs, services and travel, has been unveiled this week.
In December 2024, Kingston Village Limited (KVL) announced plans for an initial 217 sections in a new village development adjacent to the existing township. As sections were released through 2025, they were quickly taken up by buyers.
KVL is now in the early stages of assessing a longer-term concept to expand Kingston and its surrounding rural area into a self-sustaining and highly liveable township. To do so, it would deliver around 2,500 additional homes, create around 5,000 local jobs, and contribute an estimated $1 billion to GDP.
The concept follows a year of work by KVL on a masterplan for Kingston fit for 2026 and beyond, trialling an electric ferry as an alternative transport option, and an assessment of what services could realistically be delivered for the township. The clear conclusion was that achieving the required self-sufficiency would mean growth at a greater scale than previously considered, spanning up to 20 years.
Research suggests around 10,000 residents, roughly four times Kingston’s current zoned population and surrounding catchment, is the threshold needed to support provision of a supermarket, healthcare, childcare, community facilities, local services and public transport options.
To reach the 10,000 mark, Kingston Village would expand to around 1,500 homes in total, with a further 1,000 homes proposed at Glen Nevis Station, on privately owned freehold land adjoining the existing development.
Homes at Glen Nevis would be designed within the existing landform, with landscape-sensitive design protecting and enhancing natural features, wetlands and ecological values throughout.
Growth would be supported by logical staging, smart infrastructure investment, and transport and renewable energy initiatives aimed at improving Kingston’s long-term resilience.
Kingston Village General Manager Nicola Tristram says the plans are still in the early stages.
“Early engagement is underway with the community, Ngāi Tahu, local government, agencies and stakeholders, and their feedback is vital to getting this right,” she says.
KVL aims to apply to the Minister for Infrastructure to establish whether the concept would qualify for fast-track acceptance.
“If the referral is accepted, 2027 will involve a full year of extensive community workshops, iwi engagement and ongoing collaboration with the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Ngāi Tahu, agencies and stakeholders as the proposal is developed in more detail,” Nicola says.
“What we’re working towards is a standalone, connected community that residents can be proud of, one that retains Kingston’s character, rather than becoming a commuter suburb of Queenstown.”
