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Skyline Queenstown has opened a new extension building at the top of Bob’s Peak, marking a major milestone in the redevelopment of one of New Zealand’s most visited tourism attractions.
The new building opened to guests on March 16 and forms part of the $300 million redevelopment of the Skyline Queenstown complex, which has been underway since 2018.
The extension includes an expanded viewing deck, new food and beverage outlets and a redesigned Stratosfare Restaurant, which is scheduled to open on March 18.
Skyline Enterprises chief executive Geoff McDonald says the opening marks a significant moment for the company ahead of its 60th anniversary next month.
“Skyline started with a simple idea in the 1960s – to build a gondola up Bob’s Peak so more people could enjoy the view,” Geoff says.
“Nearly 60 years on, that same commitment drives everything we do. This building is the next chapter in that story, and it’s one we’re proud to deliver for Queenstown.”
Geoff says the project has been the most complex construction undertaken by the company.
“This is the most complex construction project in Skyline’s history. It hasn’t been straightforward, but this upgrade is something the community can enjoy for generations to come,” he says.
The new extension introduces four food and beverage concepts, including premium dining at Stratosfare Restaurant, a café and bar-style offering, a gelato bar and a grab-and-go deli.
Skyline Queenstown general manager Wayne Rose says the new building significantly enhances the visitor experience at the top of the gondola.
“It has been designed from the ground up to make the most of the views, with a dramatically larger viewing deck alongside a refreshed food and beverage offering,” Wayne says.
The interior design draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, incorporating colours reflecting Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps, alongside a 32 square metre living wall.
The building also features a fully electrified commercial kitchen as part of Skyline’s move away from gas in an effort to reduce its environmental footprint.
Later this year Skyline plans to open the Vortex slide, a high-adrenaline attraction launching from the viewing deck with a 20-metre vertical drop.
Construction on the wider redevelopment continues, with the existing top complex now set for deconstruction as the next phase of the project begins.
Wayne says the full redevelopment of the upper complex is expected to be completed by early 2029.
“This is an important milestone, but it’s not the finish line,” Wayne says.
“Guests will see ongoing construction at the top as we work through the next phases. Our focus is on maintaining a high-quality guest experience while completing the final stage of the redevelopment.”
Once complete, the viewing deck will expand from 68 square metres to 430 square metres, while the capacity of Stratosfare Restaurant will increase from 330 seats to 650.
The finished complex will also include conference and events facilities, an additional café, a new bar, an indoor children’s play area and expanded retail space.
Geoff says the scale of the investment reflects Skyline’s long-term commitment to Queenstown.
“This is one of the largest private tourism investments in Queenstown’s history,” he says.
“We’ve been operating here for nearly 60 years, and this project is about making sure the experience at the top of Bob’s Peak reflects that. We’re building for the next 60 years, not just the next few seasons.”
