However, as a consolation prize, Hasbro New Zealand yesterday announced it was releasing the world edition with a "Kiwi DIY Bonus Pack" next week which would have both permanent and removable board spaces for Queenstown and Auckland.
Queenstown does feature in the official Monopoly Here & Now: The World Edition set as one of the Community Chest cards, being touted as the "adventure capital of the world".
The Wakatipu resort punched above its weight, polling higher than dozens of other cities with greater populations, including Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Moscow and Melbourne.
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Clive Geddes said voting for an official square on the world edition had been a close call but the resort's presence in the international edition game was important to remember.
"Either way it's good news to have the community card and our slot on the game in New Zealand."
Destination Queenstown marketing general manager Graham Budd said Queenstown's official 21st ranking was "a little bit disappointing" but it was still a good achievement given the calibre of the competition.
"Queenstown is this little Kiwi town that was up against London, Paris and New York, big cities and big competition.
"To win recognition with a Community Chest card as the adventure capital of the world is quite an achievement, and to merit the creation of a special Kiwi bonus pack is incredible testament to our reputation as the leading lake and alpine destination in the southern hemisphere," he said in a statement.
Destination Queenstown was excited about the resort's international exposure "that money can't buy and we hope it inspires visitors to come and discover Queenstown for themselves."
During a six-week period earlier this year, Monopoly fans cast more than 5.6 million votes for 70 cities.
