Four designs for a structure to replace the ageing jetty on Lake Wānaka’s foreshore have been produced by a landscape architect, with the hope they will inspire Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to incorporate a new jetty in its remaining lakefront upgrade.

“The current jetty is well past its use-by date—visibly deteriorated, limited in functionality, and no longer up to the standard this stunning spot deserves,” QLDC deputy mayor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App.

“While this isn’t yet a formal council project, the concept strongly aligns with several strategic pieces of work already in play: the Lakefront Development Plan, the independent Heart of Wānaka visioning work, and the ongoing review of waterway access and facility needs.”

Quentin said a recent catch-up with RMM Landscape Architects director Brooke Mitchell had “sparked some creative thinking from the RMM team about what a new, fit-for-purpose jetty in Roys Bay could look like”. 

One design option is ‘Traditional: The Wharf’. 

RMM landscape architect Gerard O'Connell said the conceptual designs (which the business developed pro bono) explored what a future jetty could look like, and how it could connect to the town and provide for a growing range of activities and a diverse local community. 

The designs put a new jetty a short distance west of the current jetty and aligned with Helwick Street, to create a strong physical and visual connection from the town centre to the lake.

The four designs are a ‘traditional heritage’ design based on a wharf; a toki (Māori adze) inspired design; a design inspired by the concept of Kotahitanga (unity); and a design inspired by the huruhuru (feather) and korowai (cloak), intertwined with the symbolism of the kea feather.

The designs each incorporate access to swimming, boat mooring and social engagement.

Toki: The Wharf

Wānaka Property Owners’ Group spokesperson David Crawford said the project was “a fantastic thing for Wānaka and long overdue”.

“The jetty that’s there is well overdue for a spruce up,” he told the Wānaka App.

“We’re really impressed with the design. You put up a concept like this and it evolves. We’re really rapt about the opportunity to explore and get all our members’ opinions on it.”

Quentin said it was “refreshing to be part of something so positive and forward-looking”.

“I’m hopeful this early design thinking will help lay the groundwork for a future upgrade and feed directly into stage four of the lakefront project and the long-term improvements to our town centre and lakefront experience."

Huruhuru: Korowai

IMAGES: Supplied