There have been few incidents on the Upper Clutha’s lakes and around rivers during the holiday break: an “encouraging” start to the season, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) waterways regulatory services manager Craig Fahey says.

Craig, who oversees the council’s waterways team and the harbourmaster contract, said while it has been “incredibly busy”, most people have been complying with safety rules.

“On the whole behaviour on the lakes has been really positive,” Craig told the Wānaka App. 

“Thankfully there’s been very few reported incidents and no accidents during this period which is really encouraging.”

“The trends are more volume in every area, more jet skis, more people using all types of recreational craft so more pressure on ramps and launch areas for the two week holiday period,” he said.

“We’re largely really happy with the way people cooperated, understanding the pressure on resources.”

He said Saturday December 28 was probably the busiest day on the water (Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea and the Clutha/Mata-Au River) the district has ever had.

The waterways team also estimated more than 500 passive users (people swimming or floating) were on the Clutha River on New Year’s Day.

Despite concerns raised on social media by locals about the conflict between jet boats and passive users, Craig said there had not been any reported incidents of concern.

“It’s something we’re keenly aware of and the harbormaster is actively monitoring as much as resources allow,” he said.

The number of unauthorised motorised craft using the river between the Outlet and the Albert Town bridge had reduced this year because of ongoing monitoring and education, Craig said.

In general, there have been reports of “the occasional person who breaks the rules”, including a few incidents of vessels exceeding the speed limit close to the lakeshore, he said.

There have also been complaints on social media about the reduction in space for boats at the Wānaka marina (due to completion of stage five of the Lakefront Development Plan and a new walking and cycling track), but Craig said ramp management meant boats and cyclists and pedestrians were managed “smoothly” during the busy period.

Craig said the waterways team expects a very busy January and into February on the lakes and rivers but “the real peak holiday period influx seems to have abated”.

Meanwhile, periods of rain and wind during the festive season meant a relatively quiet few weeks for Wānaka’s Coastguard.

The Coastguard, which is based at Eely Point, focuses on rescuing people on the lake including assisting those who have broken down.

Coastguard president Jonathan Walmsley said the lake had been “relatively quiet” so far this summer.

Wānaka Coastguard president Jonathan Walmsley PHOTO: Wānaka App

“We had a couple of calls a week ago on the same day. One was a breakdown at Mou Waho and one had run out of fuel north of Ruby Island,” he said.

Both boats were towed home safely.

Apart from “a couple of other calls” the year had so far not been particularly busy, Jonathan said.

“I think the combination of not so great weather and wind has resulted in less than perfect conditions for the lake,” he added.

Coastguard will be supporting the Upper Clutha multisport annual event this coming weekend, and will also support the Ruby Island swimming event at the end of January.