Noise Complaints in Queenstown: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

Queenstown’s adventurous and scenic lifestyle doesn’t exclude it from everyday neighbourhood issues, and noise complaints are among the most common.With late-night parties, construction jobs, and traffic noise around the town, managing these concerns is crucial. Knowing how to handle these concerns is essential. This guide breaks down your rights, responsibilities, and next steps.

Key Takeaways

• Excessive noise is regulated under national and local laws

• Tenants must respect neighbours’ quiet enjoyment rights

• Construction and household noise have strict time limits

• Repeated noise breaches can lead to tenancy termination

• Clear communication and documentation strengthen your case

Defining Excessive Noise

According to the Resource Management Act 1991, excessive noise is considered any human-made noise loud enough to unreasonably interfere with comfort and convenience or exceed a national environmental standard. 

Some examples of excessive noise include:

• Loud parties or music after 10:00 PM

• Construction noise beyond a reasonable hour

• Building and demolition activities 

• Karaoke machines, band practice, or other musical instruments beyond manageable noise

• Constant operation of heat pumps or spa pool motors near neighbours

Everyday activities like mowing the lawn are fine during reasonable hours. Noise naturally emitted by aircraft, trains, or vehicles is also allowed.

Understanding Local Noise Rules

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s noise control rules outline different hours for noisy work, especially construction activities:

• Sundays and public holidays (noisy work is not allowed)

• Monday to Friday

  • 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM (quiet preparation only)

  • 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (reasonable noise only)

  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (work can continue, but not noisy work like hammering or using power tools)

• Saturday

  • 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (reasonable noise only)

If not followed, the Council can issue a verbal or written 72‑hour noise direction under a noise control officer’s discretion, then escalate to an abatement notice for chronic issues. 

Tenancy Regulations About Noise

Under Section 38 of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) 1986, tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment of their rental home. This also means landlords must not interfere with their peace while in rental premises. Section 40(2C) also requires tenants not to cause any disturbance to their neighbours.

If tenants create noise issues unresolveable beyond direct communication, landlords can take legal steps. They must first issue a 14-day notice to remedy if the tenants breached a part of their rental agreement about noise. If the behaviour continues, application to end the tenancy in the Tenancy Tribunal is encouraged.

Since the 2021 RTA amendments, persistent noise can also count as anti-social behaviour. If it happens three times within 90 days, with formal notices given each time, landlords can apply to end a periodic tenancy.

For fixed-term tenancies, landlords need to follow the standard breach process, usually by issuing a 14-day notice to remedy. If the issue is not resolved, they may apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to end the tenancy, but the anti-social behaviour provision does not automatically apply.

How to Address Noise Complaints in Queenstown

Noise issues in Queenstown are common but manageable with the right approach. Here is a step-by-step approach.

1. Identify the source

For construction or general residential noise, you may contact the Queenstown Lakes District Council. They can issue inspections and directives. For tenant-related noise, the neighbour or landlord can issue proper notices, then proceed to the Tenancy Tribunal.

2. Document everything

“Keep detailed records of dates, times, duration, and witness details. This helps if you need to escalate the issue.. Ongoing noise issues can also be noted during routine property inspections, helping landlords take timely action.

3. Communicate with neighbours or tenants

Noise disturbances must be directly communicated to the involved parties first before taking legal action. If no amicable solutions have come up, you may request assistance from the Council or conduct tribunal notices.

4. Take legal action

A complaint may be submitted to the Queenstown Lakes District Council for general residential noise, available 24 hours. If speaking directly with the neighbour doesn’t resolve the issue, you can call the Council’s noise control team at 03 441 0499 (Queenstown) or 03 443 0024 (Wānaka) for assistance. A noise control officer may then visit the area and issue a warning or notice if necessary.

For tenant-related noise, landlords can issue a 14-day notice to remedy when tenancy agreements are breached. Under anti-social behaviour legislation, they may also apply for tenancy termination after three notices in 90 days.  

Final Thoughts

In a vibrant town like Queenstown, where tourist hubs and tight-knit communities all coexist, managing noise is a must to protect its charm. Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities around noise complaints in Queenstown is part of respecting shared space and knowing when to take proactive steps. It's how everyday neighbourhood issues are resolved before turning into lasting conflicts.

If you’d rather not deal with tenant noise issues alone, consider working with a trusted property manager who can act on your behalf.

Want to better understand Queenstown’s property landscape, community issues, and local regulations? Our blog is full of helpful guides, insights, and updates to help landlords, tenants, and homeowners stay informed and confident. Explore more on the Staircase blog.

Frequently asked questions

Does Queenstown require Council permission for loud Airbnb events?

Possibly. While ordinary Airbnb stays don’t need Council approval, loud parties or commercial events at Airbnb properties can breach local noise bylaws. In some cases, a permit or resource consent may be required, especially if the activity goes beyond normal residential use. Airbnb also has its own platform policies, which may apply alongside local council rules.

How can I prevent noise problems?

Notify neighbours if you are planning a party or construction work. To prevent further disruptive noise levels, turn down the volume and keep windows and doors closed, especially at night.

Does a noise complaint go on my rental record?

Noise complaints do not automatically appear on your records. Formal Tenancy Tribunal decisions are more likely to show in background checks by landlords or agents.