Queenstown Consortium Announcement

(May 17, 2026)

QUEENSTOWN BUSINESSES HELP ADVANCE WHOOSH^® NETWORK

Local leaders have united with Whoosh to help solve regional transportation challenges.

 

“You can’t solve your problems with the same mindset that created them. New thinking is required, and we believe Whoosh can be a key part of getting Queenstown moving again." - Dr Chris Allington, Whoosh CEO

In May 2026 at Electrify Queenstown, Whoosh CEO Dr Chris Allington officially announced that a new consortium of Queenstown business leaders has formed to advance the development of a Whoosh network for the region. Speaking to an audience of conference attendees and journalists, Allington presented updates on the technical progress of Whoosh and shared the details of the consortium and their efforts.

NZSki, Remarkables Park, Skyline, Queenstown Airport Corporation, Technology Queenstown, and Queenstown Resort College have initiated the work to explore the feasibility of a staged Whoosh network to significantly improve transport options for Queenstown’s residents and visitors. The group is applying its extensive capabilities and experience to advance the networked transport solution.

They have also opened discussions with Southern Infrastructure, the company promoting the Queenstown Cable Car proposal, and will continue to explore possible opportunities to ensure Queenstown’s transport options are fully optimized.

 

 

“Traffic congestion in Queenstown is affecting daily commutes, business productivity, and the visitor experience. It has real costs for locals and the town’s reputation — and there is an urgent need to explore new approaches alongside traditional public transport options. The businesses behind this work, like all residents, depend on Queenstown functioning well. That gives us all the incentive and the responsibility to help progress practical solutions,” explained group spokesman Matthew Day, who also spoke at the Electrify Queenstown conference.

The Whoosh network is proposed to be staged, with an initial focus on local journeys including along Frankton Road, from downtown to the airport through and around Remarkables Park to The Remarkables Ski Area Transport Hub on the southern side of the Kawarau River.

Whoosh is looking forward to organizing future events to collaborate with the Queenstown community. We're excited to gain input on the network layouts, as well as preferences for the rider experience.

"Queenstown has always been a pioneer town, developing new systems which the rest of the world adopts. From jet boats to bungy jumping, hydro power to luge rides. The consortium embraces this pioneer attitude and believe you can’t solve your problems with the same mindset that created them." Allington said during his presentation. "New thinking is required, and we believe Whoosh can be a key part of getting Queenstown moving again."