Queenstown Sustainable Lifestyle Hotel Expansion

Queenstown is set to deepen its global profile as a responsible tourism destination after Radisson Hotel Group confirmed the signing of a Radisson RED hotel, a lifestyle-led property scheduled to open in early 2028. The development reflects a broader shift within international hospitality towards low-carbon growth, inclusive urban design, and long-term community integration.

The new hotel will be located within walking distance of Queenstown’s town centre, in an emerging mixed-use precinct that prioritises accessibility and reduced reliance on private transport. With views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountain ranges, the project aligns economic opportunity with environmental sensitivity, an increasingly critical balance for high-footfall tourism cities.

Designed as a social and design-forward property, the hotel will feature more than 200 rooms, public-facing dining spaces, a rooftop venue, and flexible meeting areas aimed at creative and small-scale business use. Such formats are gaining favour among travellers seeking experience-driven stays without the environmental footprint associated with large resort developments.

The project is being developed by Redwood Group, a regional developer with an established presence in Queenstown. Industry observers note that partnerships between global hotel brands and local developers are playing a decisive role in ensuring projects align with local planning priorities, workforce needs, and sustainability goals.

For Radisson Hotel Group, the signing strengthens its lifestyle portfolio in Australasia and signals confidence in Queenstown’s ability to support growth without compromising environmental resilience. As cities confront climate pressures and changing travel behaviour, developments that embed sustainability and inclusivity are emerging as the new benchmark for hospitality-led urban growth.