Summer rush begins
Queenstown Airport is expected to hit pre-Covid passenger numbers over Christmas and New Year.
In the next fortnight alone, there will be more than 65,000 domestic passenger movements (arrivals and departures) at ZQN, and more than 32,000 international passenger movements.
On the busiest days around New Year, about 9,000 passengers a day will arrive and depart through the airport. That’s similar numbers to 2019, before Covid hit.
“While everyone else is winding down for the holidays, we are gearing up for a couple of big weeks,” Queenstown Airport’s Chief Operating Officer Todd Grace says.
“At this time of the year, we advise people to take a leisurely approach and arrive at the airport earlier than usual to ensure a stress-free trip.”
The airport as a whole, security screening, check-in areas and carparks, are going to be much busier than usual, so customers should allow additional time. The airport park-and-ride service has been relaunched to meet demand.
Businesses across Queenstown Lakes are preparing for the same onslaught, as the holidaymakers, family and friends descend on Queenstown and Wānaka.
Air New Zealand expects Queenstown to be the busiest regional airport.
Queenstown Lakes District Council is also preparing for an influx of campers after two summer seasons affected by the pandemic.
It has responsible camping ambassadors in place, along with more enforcement staff, funded by $450,000 from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment’s (MBIE) Freedom Camping Transition Fund.
The ambassadors will be tasked with engaging with visitors, heading to popular freedom camping spots to share information on how to camp responsibly, and promoting local campgrounds nearby.
Additional enforcement staff will allow QLDC to monitor an increased area of the district, educating visitors on camping rules and managing any unlawful behaviour when required.
“In the past, we’ve found the majority of visitors to the Queenstown Lakes want to do the right thing and care for our world class environment, but the poor behaviour of a small minority of campers can have a disproportionately negative effect and remains our concern,” QLDC Community Services GM Ken Bailey says.
“This year, our summer camping initiatives will help visitors take only photos and leave only footprints. However, if you spot any camping in a non-designated area, any pollution, or public nuisance, we ask that you please report this to QLDC.”
Enforcement staff will be available to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be reached by calling 03 441 0499 in Queenstown and 03 443 0024 in Wānaka.
