Safer Speeds 2026
We're proposing some speed limit changes across the district and want to hear your feedback.
Queenstown Lakes District Council is responsible for setting safe and appropriate speed limits on our local roads.
People's safety is our number one priority. Whether driving, walking, cycling or even scooting, everyone should get where they're going safely.
As our district grows, there will be more people trying to get from A to B. Our vision is that every single one of them can travel around the district safely and efficiently. We’re already partnering with emergency services and schools. Now we want your views on the proposals.
What's proposed?
Changes to ensure a consistent experience for road users, for example:
- 40km/h in new residential development areas
- 50km/h for urban fringe areas such as Domain Road and Cemetery Road in Lake Hāwea
- 60km/h for rural settlements such as Wilson Bay and Bob’s Cove – this change has been requested by many in these local communities.
Reduced speeds in shared spaces and areas that support alternative ways of getting around, for example:
- 10km/h for Queenstown Town Centre shared spaces to give equal priority to all users
- 80km/h for roads that cater for multiple modes of transport or are popular tourist routes, such as Malaghans Road and Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
- 60km/h for areas of high safety concern, such as Windmill Corner in Hāwea Flat – this is another change that has been regularly requested by the local community.
A full list of roads and their proposed speed limit changes can be found on the right-hand side of the screen, under Documents. Click on the PDF titled: Appendix 1: Table of proposed speed limit changes in the district.
Can I view a map of the roads?
Yes, when you make your submission, an online map is available, allowing you to click onto each road, view the proposed changes, and submit your feedback on each road.
Why speed matters
Approximately one person dies every day on New Zealand roads. These are preventable deaths.
When it comes to speed, every little bit matters. Speed affects the severity of all crashes, even when it’s not the cause*. A small change in speed makes a big difference, especially when people on bikes or pedestrians are involved.
Lower speeds reduce both the number and severity of crashes, which in turn lowers the social cost associated with each crash, as well as the burden on emergency services.
How will these proposed changes impact my travel time?
In most cases, the impact of the proposed changes is negligible. For example, on the longest section of road with proposed speed limit reductions, the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, the travel time impact is estimated to be only 1–3 minutes for the length of the road in each direction.
How do I make a submission?
At the top right-hand corner of this page, click on the orange and yellow tile that says Click here to submit. This will open up a new tab and take you to a short survey with a map, where you will be able to provide feedback about specific roads.
Or, if you would prefer, you can email letstalk@qldc.govt.nz with the subject line: Speed review.
What happens with the feedback?
Feedback from this survey will be used to finalise speed limit changes in the Speed Management Plan, as well as to inform what should be included in the next iteration of the Speed Management Plan.
*https://www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/speed/
Got a question?
Check out our FAQ on the right-hand side of this page. If your question isn't answered, please submit it below and we'll get it answered as soon as possible. All questions and answers will be published for everyone to see. Alternatively, email letstalk@qldc.govt.nz with your question.
