Queenstown could be test for tourist levy

Queenstown Lakes mayor Jim Boult is proposing that the resort be used as a test case for a tourist levy. Photo / File

The Queenstown Lakes mayor is proposing the resort be used as a test case for a tourist levy.

Jim Boult and council chief executive Mike Theelen will meet Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and key ministers next Thursday to discuss challenges the tourist town is currently facing.

These include housing, transport, traffic and freedom camping.

But Boult placed a visitor tax at the top of the priority list.

''My proposal is that the Government look at a visitor levy and put some work into figuring out how it may be collected.

''It could be national or they could consider us to be a good place to trial a system individually.''

Housing and Transport Minister Phil Twyford and Finance Minister Grant Robertson will also be involved.

Boult said local ratepayers would not be able to fund what was needed to resolve Queenstown's creaking infrastructure.

He also did not think they should have to foot the bill.

''As things sit at the present time, without an enormous increase in rates, I cannot see how the district can pay for the infrastructure that it will need over the next 10 years.