The 2018 count was the highest since Colliers’ records began in 2005, up nearly 18 per cent on 2017 and 10 per cent higher than the previous record pedestrian count in 2016.

John Scobie, Valuation Director in Colliers International’s Queenstown office, says the survey results reflect Queenstown’s well-publicised tourism and population growth.

“Our pedestrian count usually mirrors and reinforces growth trends in the Queenstown Lakes District and 2018 was no different. Pedestrian numbers in the CBD have increased again, reflecting the high growth in local residents as well as visitors.”

The Queenstown Lakes District’s population was 37,100 in 2017 (6.9 per cent higher than 2016), according to Infometrics.

Total visitor numbers, estimated at 24,900 on an average day and 79,300 on a peak day in 2018 (Queenstown Lakes District Council Growth Projections), take Queenstown’s day population to anywhere between 62,000 on an average day and 116,400 on a peak day.

“Strong population and tourism growth trends are bringing more and more people into the Queenstown town centre, as evidenced by our annual pedestrian count,” Scobie says.

“This is resulting in some very strong property market dynamics in the CBD, including very high demand for retail premises and restricted supply.

“There is currently zero vacancy in ground floor retail property in central Queenstown. As a result, retail space is commanding very high rents and there are also very few sales of prime commercial property in the CBD as owners retain their assets,”

Once again, central Camp Street (outside O’Connells Mall) had the highest volume of foot traffic in 2018. This location has occupied the number one spot in Colliers’ survey for 13 consecutive years.

The biggest increase in pedestrian numbers was recorded on Upper Beach Street, which is likely to be a result of the conversion of the street to a pedestrian mall with outdoor cafe seating.

There was also a huge increase in pedestrian numbers recorded at the entrance to Steamer Wharf (pictured above) at 8pm.

The survey is taken in March every year at 31 locations around the CBD, for half-hour periods at 10am, 3pm and 8pm.

To discuss the findings in further detail phone or email John Scobie of Colliers International via the below contact details.

See also:

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NZ hotel markets reach saturation point