Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has approved the final Mt Iron Reserve Management Plan (RMP).

Councillors signed off on the RMP at last Thursday’s (April 17) full council meeting, the culmination of a long process in securing the reserve - a hugely popular local landmark - and deciding how it will be utilised by the community.

The RMP envisions the reserve as “a revered Wānaka landmark where indigenous ecosystems thrive, providing outdoor recreation in the heart of an urban environment”. 

RMP planning began after QLDC purchased 94 hectares of Mt Iron and Little Mt Iron in May 2023.

More than 870 people shared their visions and goals for the reserve - which is located just 2km from the town centre and attracts up to 180,000 walkers each year - during public consultation on the draft RMP.

A hearing on the draft RMP was held in December and public insights helped shape the final RMP.

The Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board agreed to recommend the final RMP last month before it was signed off by councillors on Thursday.

PHOTO: Wānaka App