Overnight parking ban plan
New overnight parking restrictions could soon be introduced some of Queenstown’s lakefront roads, including Park Street and Lake Esplanade.
The move is aimed to address growing parking congestion, including freedom camping, and low turnover, which Queenstown Lakes District Council staffers say is limiting fair access to short-term parking for locals and visitors.
But they'll be no permits for residents, under the plans.
Summer ambassadors observed an increase from 11 to 96 vehicles parked overnight on Park Street, between December 2024 and April 2025.
"Observationally they noted vehicles are there for periods of weeks (while there is a current parking restriction of no more than seven days concurrently, if users move their vehicle to a new location on the street within the seven days, this is not enforceable)," report writer Monique Barnes, QLDC's Community Partnerships Manager, says.
"Ambassadors spoke to ‘regulars’ and to community members who voiced their frustrations at vehicles parked for long periods."
Council received 61 complaints from the public about freedom camping in Park St over that period, and 34 complaints about general parking, including vehicles parked for long periods.
Lake Esplanade is experiencing similar issues. QLDC's freedom camping bylaw, which restricted it across the district, is no longer valid after being successfully challenged in the High Court by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association.
The rules proposed would see 'no stopping' from 10pm to 6am on both roads, from the Frankton Track entrance to Queenstown Gardens on Park St, and from Beach Street to One Mile Carpark entrance on Lake Esplanade. The restrictions would only apply to the lakeside side of the roads.
There'd also be 'no stopping at all times' between One Mile Roundabout and start of guardrail, on the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road, a spot often used by campers and locals alike.
The report recognises these parking restrictions will limit overnight parking options for residents living in this area, and community and recreational users of these popular lakefront roads.
"However current long-stay parking behaviour is also causing this problem."
Resident parking permits will not be introduced along with these restrictions, the report reads.
"The development and implementation of a district-wide resident parking permit process will need to ensure a fair and consistent approach is introduced and is an action for consideration in QLDC’s draft Parking Strategy."
QLDC's Infrastructure Committee will consider the proposal on Tuesday, 13 May. If approved, the new restrictions will take effect once signage is installed.
