The proliferation of food trucks in the Upper Clutha are signs of a growing hospitality community which also offer competition to more established businesses, but there’s no doubt of their popularity.

Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat told the Wānaka App the increase in food trucks and mobile dining options in Wānaka and the surrounding areas over the past few years “is part of a broader trend where people are looking for more casual, convenient, and diverse dining experiences”.

The impact on local restaurants and cafes is “a bit of a mixed picture”, Glenn said.

“Food trucks offer something different, a more flexible, often lower-cost dining option, which can complement the hospitality scene rather than directly compete. 

“That said, naturally, more choices mean increased competition, and it’s fair to say some restaurants may feel the pressure, especially in tougher economic times… Every operator will have a different take, depending on their offering, location, and customer base.”

Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board member Chris Hadfield, who co-owns Ritual Cafe on Helwick Street, said the food trucks are “generally … not popular with any of the more established hospitality businesses” as they create “an uneven playing field”.

“Our rents have seen massive increases and the same with other expenses,” he said.

Chris said the food trucks on Brownston Street “create traffic and pedestrian issues not to mention parking”, while the newer trucks at Three Parks “compete directly with the other food businesses”. 

“I believe they are a useful resource but should be better managed and located away from major traffic and other permanent food outlets,” he said.

The Wānaka App visited the food trucks at Three Parks and found QLDC councillor Cody Tucker waiting for his Subway order.

Cody said he is a loyal customer at the business because it’s close to work, there are carparks, and somewhere to sit outside. Some of the food options there are “very cost-effective”, he said.

A proprietor at one of the Three Parks food trucks told the Wānaka App he didn’t see why cafe owners should be worried.

Food trucks add to the range of menu options on offer in the town, they are evidence of Wānaka’s growth, and they provide more work options, he said.

“It’s much better to have different options. [Cafes] need to see it not as a competition but more like a community,” he said.

A Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) spokesperson told the Wānaka App that resource consent applications for food trucks depend on the location and its underlying District Plan zoning. 

“Anyone setting up a food business (or making changes to an existing business) needs to meet the requirements of the Food Act 2014, enforced locally by QLDC's Environmental Health Team,” the spokesperson said.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App