Queenstown, New Zealand’s rapidly growing resort town, is set to welcome a new residential development aimed at meeting rising demand for quality housing as tourism rebounds to pre-pandemic levels. Wildridge Projects founder Vijay Singh has secured a 4,695-square-meter site on Frankton Road, just minutes from Queenstown’s central area, for a project named The Reach.
Scheduled to begin construction shortly, The Reach will feature 38 three-level alpine townhouses designed to capitalize on scenic views of Lake Wakatipu. The development, arranged in eight blocks with varied configurations, is intended to offer a unique living experience in each unit. The homes include 21 four-bedroom and 17 three-bedroom layouts designed by Steve King of AWA Architects, incorporating local schist and timber materials on the exterior to reflect the region’s alpine character.
Each residence will cover between 154 and 192 square meters of internal space, exclusive of decks and patios, and will include private outdoor areas and garages. Interior finishes are planned to emphasize quality and comfort, featuring engineered hardwood flooring, wool carpeting, and well-crafted joinery. The kitchen, living, and dining areas are strategically located on the top floor to optimize lake views.
Singh, who has over a decade of experience with approximately 400 residential units developed in Auckland, expressed confidence in the project, highlighting the assembled construction team and projecting completion by late 2027. He described The Reach as a potential landmark on the Queenstown-Frankton corridor, combining premium architecture, landscaping, and a blend of residential and visitor accommodation.
The development holds consent for 365-day visitor accommodation status, permitting owners who do not live permanently in their units to rent them out year-round. Three of the townhouses will feature dual-key designs, allowing separate rental or guest-use spaces on the ground floor. Singh emphasized the ease of access to town amenities such as shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and the gondola as a key attraction for both residents and visitors.
Market response has been substantial, with roughly half of the units reportedly sold within the first three weeks. Singh is considering acquiring neighboring land to potentially expand the development. The Reach is being marketed by New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty in Queenstown, with agent Ben Terry noting steady sales activity and interest from both local buyers and Australian investors. Terry also observed that the site’s long-vacant status led some to believe it was public reserve land, and he suggested further large-scale developments so close to central Queenstown are unlikely.
“The Reach” has been described as a fitting name for the property, marking a gateway point along the road that residents and visitors alike associate with having arrived in Queenstown.