A two‑day event, organised by the Mountain Club, will welcome eight ultra‑rich adventurers to Queenstown as a reward for investing in New Zealand’s golden visa scheme. The club, which has helped new citizens settle, aims to turn the influx of wealth into a boost for the country’s economy.

More than 700 wealthy foreigners applied in the last 14 months, up from 115 in the previous three years, after the government relaxed property, investment and residency rules. Applicants must invest a minimum of NZ$5mn in local funds, companies or charities within three years, or NZ$10mn over five years in passive assets. Since April 2025, the two tiers have attracted NZ$4.8bn of capital, compared with NZ$14.8bn of foreign investment in the first quarter of the year.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the visas will reverse a “brain drain” and bring capital, knowledge and talent to start‑ups. Yet critics worry about market distortion and taxation. Some investors, like Julian Robertson and Peter Thiel, keep a low‑profile presence, while others demand more benefits.

Queenstown, home to billionaires such as Anthony Malkin, now sees its median house price at NZ$1.8mn, twice the national average. The town’s luxury food hub Ayrburn opened for NZ$200mn, and a planned NZ$250mn cable‑car aims to ease traffic. The scheme’s impact on housing and local economy remains contested.