The Australian attraction to Queenstown's famous hill
Despite Australia being renowned for its world-renowned beaches, Aussies love the snow.
There's no shortage of ski fields, albeit for Sydneysiders they're a six hour drive to the closest, well inland from Canberra. Melburnians have a slightly easier drive to Mt Buller, which is about half the distance.
And while the ski fields are more locals, most Aussies who are keen ski enthusiasts look elsewhere in the southern hemisphere when they dig out their salopettes once a year.
The most favoured spot is Queenstown, where some of the world's best ski fields live. For Sydneysiders, it can take less time to fly to Queenstown and hit the slopes than to drive to Thredbo or Perisher.
The Auckland-based developer Safari Group recently noted the number of Queenstown residents who were based in Australia when they were putting together plans for their recently launched development Lakecrest, 25 well-appointed apartments and six multi-level villas on Queenstown's sought-after hill.
A render inside one of the villas. Image supplied
“What we have seen over the past few months, with the border reopening and now the relaxation of pre-departure testing, is a massive influx of bookings from our Australian friends," Safari’s Senior Development Manager, Simon Taylor says.
"We know that prior to Covid, over 70 per cent of all international arrivals who skied were Australian, and when they come down to Queenstown, they fall in love and before they leave, are planning their next trip back.”
A render inside one of the villas. Image supplied
Taylor says while many Australians have already purchased a holiday home in Queenstown, there will still be more who are looking at Queenstown as a potential option for retirement.
"Queenstown is no longer just a tourist destination, it has steadily grown as a popular retreat for those wanting retirement with a stunning backdrop, access to world class golf courses, walks, lakes and wineries."
Lakecrest is located in Queenstown's most sought-after spot. Anything on the hill looks down to Lake Wakatipu and has sweeping views across the whole of the town.
Lakecrest's six luxury villas are located at the top of the elevated site and offer either three, four or five bedrooms, with extensive terracing off the living areas. And of course each come with a fireplace.
There will be 25 two and three-bedroom apartments on offer,
"Given this special location, we wanted ensure the offering was a perfect pairing," Taylor added.
Construction on Lakecrest will start at the end of the year, with completion slated for early 2024.
Lakecrest is Safari Group's fifth Queenstown project, having previously delivered Residences Queenstown Central and Residences Kawarau River. They own and operate the Wyndham Garden and LQ Kawarau River hotels.
