A new park and ride service between Queenstown Airport and a nearby retail park has been announced as a measure to combat congestion.
The service, with parking at Five Mile, Frankton, is expected to open in March or April - one of four major projects due for completion in 2017.
Upgrades to Frankton's bottleneck BP roundabout begin after the busy summer period.
Queenstown's Mayor Jim Boult said he has assurances from New Zealand Transport Agency it will stop cars being parked along the side of Kawarau
Rd near the airport, and it will bring forward the four-laning of the road.
That news has been welcomed by Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay, who launched a petition on the matter.
Mr Boult also says there have been positive discussions with Otago Regional Council about a revamped public transport system. He has been pushing for a simple single fare structure, affordability, increased frequency, and better reliability.
``These are big ticket projects and involve an enormous amount of planning and co-operation to get them across the line.
``It is fantastic to see the proactive and pragmatic approach taken by the QLDC, the New Zealand Transport Agency, Queenstown Airport Corporation
and the Otago Regional Council with regard to a wide range of issues, and we look forward to making some significant improvements to Queenstown's
transport system over the next 12 months and beyond.''
Queenstown Airport chief executive Colin Keel said the new service is aimed at those parking for three or more days and would particularly appeal
to those from the wider region, such as Arrowtown, Cromwell, Wanaka and further afield.
``We've been working through various options over the last few months and the opportunity to work with QLDC is our preferred option.
``The offering will provide an affordable, efficient and easy-to-use service where locals can park their car and jump on a shuttle to right outside the
terminal.''
