Snowy mountain high, by gondola

An artist's view of the proposed gondola, which is expected to be a summer as well as winter attraction.

Backers of New Zealand's first alpine gondola say it will add a world-class edge to the country's winter tourism.

Central Otago's Treble Cone Ski Area has announced a $20 million proposal to run a 3.3km-long gondola climbing 945m into the South Island's largest ski area.

If consent is given, it is hoped the gondola will be built and ferrying 2000 skiers an hour up the slopes by 2008. New Zealand has several gondolas that already service the tourist market, but this will be the first that takes people right into the snow.

"For some, the prospect of winter driving conditions is enough to favour an alternative to a ski holiday in New Zealand. Improving mountain access will reintroduce New Zealand as a travel option for a large section of the snowsports tourism market," said Treble Cone director Richard Hanson.

Last year the Southern Lakes ski areas contributed $182 million to the national economy. Overseas and especially Australian visitors were recognised as being the highest-value winter visitors to the region.

As well as providing a safer and more convenient access to the slopes, it is envisaged the gondola will also become a summer attraction for sightseers, trampers or diners at the ski area restaurant.

"The gondola ... will provide Wanaka with a year-round facility which can provide visitors with a world-class alpine experience," said Lake Wanaka tourism chief executive John Alldred.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton said: "This new gondola looks set to create a more comfortable experience for our visitors. If facilities are of high quality - modern, clean and efficient - this will help spread the positive word about New Zealand as a ski destination."

Mr Hanson said a gondola at Treble Cone had been contemplated for more than 30 years, but it was only in the last few years that freeing up of Government restrictions on high country land made it realistic.

An application for land use consent for the gondola has been lodged with the Queenstown Lakes District Council, and the public will be able to have their say before a decision is made.

Asked if he expected opposition to the proposal, Mr Hanson said: "I will never be confident with anything in relation to consents".

Treble Cone Gondola

* Rises 945m from the base station at 309m above sea level.

* Each gondola cabin will be able to carry eight passengers.

* The gondola trip will take just over 10 minutes. The cost will be added into the price of a ski pass, while in summer a charge of about $20 will apply.

* If approved, construction of the gondola will take about nine months. This will support 13 fulltime jobs, three of them continuing once construction is completed.