Parts of the Wanaka lakefront will receive a facelift thanks to funding from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF).

Queenstown Lakes is one of five districts to receive funding for tourism and recreational infrastructure in the latest funding round, announced by tourism minister Stuart Nash yesterday (Friday July 16).

There’s $2.4M for the district and around half of that will be for two Wanaka projects.

More than $780,000 will be spent on safety improvements for pedestrian pathways and upgrades to Lake Wānaka’s boat ramp and jetty. 

Another $432,000 will fund upgrades to the car park next to the Wanaka tree, which will include pedestrian and cyclist access through the car park, sealing of the car park and provision of bus parking. 

“Government funding for these projects will provide much-needed local employment while borders are tightly controlled to keep us safe from Covid-19,” Stuart said. “The new tourism facilities will also help local councils prepare for the return of visitors in greater numbers.”

Mayor Jim Boult said he was delighted with the government investment.

“Not only will this enhance the district’s visitor appeal but there are some real gains for our local communities…”

Over the hill $375,000 will go towards Glenorchy carpark and marina development and a further $826,000 will be spent upgrading and increasing the capacity of the public toilet, lighting and signage at Marine Parade in Queenstown.

“The lakefronts have been an area of focus for this funding and this complements much of our own work, such as the Wanaka Lakefront development,” Jim said. “I very much look forward to seeing these facilities being enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.”

PHOTO: Wanaka App