A $25,000 Christmas tree towering 7.4m over the Queenstown Village Green is scheduled to be installed by the Queenstown Lakes District Council today.
The council announced yesterday that as a result of negotiations, the cost of the tree would be spread over two years, the price of freight had been halved and the company supplying the tree would provide free installation.
Arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell said the tree was in response to the many emails and calls the council had received complaining it did not get into the spirit of Christmas.
"Having thoroughly looked into it, in terms of duration and lifespan this is one of the best-value-for-money purchases that you can make in the decoration scheme of things," Mrs Maxwell said.
The council had asked Queenstown police and business operators surrounding the village green to keep an eye on the new festive landmark, she said.
"We hope visitors respect it as much as the community will."
The tree will match the decorations along Shotover St and was expected to have a lifespan of more than 10 years.
A carol service will be held around the new tree, on a date yet to be confirmed.
"All going well, the tree will hopefully move to Wanaka next year with another proposal, a gifted tree, to be installed at Queenstown," Mrs Maxwell said.
Arrowtown will have the wreaths installed this week and a tree installed next week in its village green, covered in gold decorations.
