The fifth stage of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan - on the lakefront by the marina and yacht club - is now complete, as is the extension of shared pathway Te Ara Wānaka.

There is now a formalised pathway running from the start of Eely Point Lakeside Trail and along the edge of the marina and yacht club, before connecting with the existing footpath and boardwalk on Lakeside Road.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) parks manager Dave Winterburn welcomed the news, saying the new pathway complements improvements in access, retention of ecology, and land use delivered by previous stages of the project to date.

“This part of Wānaka’s lakefront plays host to plenty of vehicles, vessels, and trailers, and given the area also marks the start or end of many a walk, run, or ride around the lakefront for locals and visitors, Stage Five recognises and responds to how different people use this space,” Dave said.

“New sections of the shared pathway Te Ara Wānaka will help keep people safe when moving through the area and along the lakefront, while maintaining existing spaces between the yacht club and marina for recreational lake users too.”

Over 300 metres of Te Ara Wānaka were constructed as part of stage five of the development plan. 

The new pathway near the Wānaka Yacht Club.

The project also delivered three additional car parking spaces for those using the marina, and a new protective screen for the public toilet near the boat ramp.

Dave thanked construction crews from Fulton Hogan for their work on the project, noting they had “battled through challenging weather conditions” to deliver a key piece of infrastructure for Wānaka’s community and in time for summer.

Remedial works are still required before the project is complete.

Some remedial works are still required and are expected to be completed by Friday December 6.

The fifth stage’s original budget in the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan was $2.3M which included $0.78M from the government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF).

In March 2024 a quantity surveyor estimated the fifth stage at $2.1M, however market conditions meant tender responses were more competitive and the project has been delivered at a cost of $1.2M including the TIF’s $0.78M.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App