An AI-generated future Queenstown has skyscrapers and cargo ships
By reporter Debbie Jamieson:
An AI-generated future for Queenstown including skyscrapers and a container ship is dividing opinion in the tourist town.
According to the vision, the golf course at Kelvin Heights will be covered in development and linked by a bridge to Queenstown Gardens, which hosts a line of glass-covered buildings.
Spread out skyscrapers sit in the central business district and on the popular lake front, while Shotover St has become an eight-lane highway.
Local André Chalmers took the photo of Queenstown and created the image with Photoshop Generative AI Fill to see what the town would look like with increased building heights.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council is consulting on plans to allow higher density development in the district, as directed under central Government’s National Policy Statement.
Queenstown, Frankton, Arrowtown, Wānaka and Lake Hāwea all face potential changes with buildings in the Queenstown town centre potentially reaching heights of 24m – or up to seven storeys.
They are currently restricted to 15.5m.
Of course, the skyscrapers in Chalmers’ image are much taller than 24m, but then the possibility of getting container ships and an oil tanker into Lake Wakatipu is also absurd – let alone considering where they might be going.
One commentator has suggested the ships could provide workers' accommodation.
Other social media followers have referred to the image as The Rio of the South, Queenscity, and Queenscoast.
Some have expressed concern that the image was an over-exaggeration and being used to spread misinformation and confusion.
Others are concerned there’s no snow on the Remarkables, no queue at Fergburger and no more car parking spots.
Plans to increase urban areas around the district have caused concern in communities such as Arrowtown, where a public meeting was held last month to understand the proposals.
High density residential areas could increase to 16.5m in Queenstown and 12m in Wānaka (from 10m) with medium density across much of the district to increase to 11m and low density increasing 1m to 8m.
The removal of setbacks in some zones will allow for more buildings and residential units to be constructed within a site than at present.
Minimum lot sizes in new developments are smaller and there is a reduction in car parking for developments close to public transport.
In its analysis of the proposal Todd and Walker Law said more development upwards and outwards would be permitted.
“We expect that new buildings constructed to the maximum height limits will disrupt existing views and amenity values for some landowners.
“The increase in townhouse and apartment complexes may also change the nature of existing suburbs.”
Submissions on the Proposed Urban Intensification Variation should be made by October 5.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
🚒 Our Fire and Emergency crews have been kept busy lately
And they’re once again reminding everyone: please don’t light fires when it’s windy.
Central Otago will move into a restricted fire season from 1 December 2025, which means anyone planning an outdoor fire will need to apply for a permit and plan ahead.
So we’d love to ask you — how do you make sure you’re being fire-safe at this time of year?
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