Night flights 'boost Queenstown market'

More than 31 sites have sold in two months at Peregrine Ridge, a new-to-market neighbourhood on the northern terraces at Jack's Point - 9km from Queenstown airport.

Developer Dean Franklin said the sites had been popular as they represented strong value for money.

The recent announcement of night flights into the region has meant that weekend holidays are now possible for Aucklanders and even Australians.

"There are Peregrine Ridge sites selling for under $300 per square metre. These sites are just 15 minutes to the top of the Remarkables, when you weigh up the convenience of the location versus the travel time to the closest ski field to Auckland, the value stacks up strongly for upper North Islanders," he says.

Franklin says although night flights into the town are not expected to start until next year, the feedback from buyers has been positive. He says for many people, the idea of being able to finish work on Friday evening, and be skiing on the slopes of the Remarkables on Saturday morning has significant appeal.

Aucklander Karl Christensen, who recently purchased one of the new Peregrine Ridge sites, said it was the introduction of more flights and the location's ready access to a variety of attractions that convinced him this was the perfect getaway for his family.

"The night flights mean that anyone investing in the area can be assured they will get maximum use of their holiday homes and I think this will attract a growing number of Aucklanders to Queenstown and away from more traditional holiday spots like the Coromandel, Omaha and Taupo.”