The finish line is in sight for the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s Fulton Hogan team working on Wānaka’s new Mt Iron roundabout.

The last major detour for the project has involved losing the westbound lane of SH6 into Wānaka, allowing crews to focus on completing the final leg of the project. 

All the other sections of the roundabout, including driving from Wānaka to Luggate, are unaffected by this detour. 

Open for Wānaka A&P Show and Easter weekends

The detour that started on February 19 will continue until Friday March 22, but two lanes will open temporarily for the Wānaka A&P Show weekend (March 8-10).

The lanes will be fully open in time for Easter’s Warbirds over Wānaka airshow.

“This is always a busy time for Wānaka and we’re doing what we can to help make sure things run smoothly,” NZTA said in a statement. 

Ballantyne Road will be open to two-way traffic for show weekend (March 8-10). Riverbank Road south will remain closed to all traffic other than residents and businesses. 

“With the Mt Iron Roundabout also open this should help keep the increased traffic moving,” NZTA said.

During Easter weekend the intersection will be open as normal from midday Thursday March 28 to Tuesday April 5.  

“Please note the surface will be compacted gravel and we’ll have a maintenance crew on standby in case any upkeep is required. Please follow all signage, reduced speed limits and take extra care over this busy time.” 

Find detour maps here.

In the coming weeks construction work on the roundabout will continue, culminating with the sealing of the two Luggate lanes of SH6.

Workers will then put the finishing touches to landscaping and drainage on the road shoulders. 

Waka Kotahi expects the roundabout to be completed by the end of April 2024. 

Ballantyne Road roundabout update

Construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Ballantyne and Riverbank Road is progressing as planned, and work has been completed to widen the road, with further earthworks along Riverbank Road south underway. Work to improve drainage in the area and trenching to upgrade the underground services has also begun.

Queenstown Lakes District Council said it is aware of “some frustration” since the new detour was introduced, adding the council appreciates “it can be challenging during these construction projects – especially when there is so much going on in Wānaka to improve the roading network”.

QLDC is aware of “some frustration” with the Ballantyne Road roadworks. PHOTO: Wānaka App

“Thank you for bearing with us so far. We’ll continue to work closely with affected businesses to support wayfinding signage to ensure customers know how to find you. This signage will be rolled out over the coming days. “

The council said it is working on improvements to traffic movements at the Golf Course Road intersection.