US billionaire Peter Thiel’s bid for a huge luxury lodge overlooking Lake Wānaka is being heard in the Environment Court this week.

It’s the latest attempt in a years-long effort by the tech entrepreneur (under his company Second Star Ltd) to get approval for a lavish, multi-building retreat off Wānaka-Mt Aspiring Road.

The project has already been given the thumbs down twice.

Independent commissioners rejected Thiel’s resource consent application in 2022, saying the lodge would be “inappropriately dominant” in the Outstanding Natural Landscape (ONL) zoned setting.

Their decision, made on behalf of Queenstown Lakes District Council, followed an earlier recommendation by council planner Sarah Gathercole to refuse the proposal. 

Mediation took place between QLDC and Second Star Ltd last year, but an Environment Court hearing was scheduled after the mediation failed to resolve all issues. 

Peter Thiel.

Thiel purchased the 193ha Damper Bay property he hopes to transform into an extravagant retreat for $13.5M in 2015.

In late 2021 architectural plans for the site were unveiled, revealing a sprawling luxury lodge and private residence which could together sleep up to 30 people, kitted out with pools, libraries, spa facilities, and (until it was withdrawn by the applicant’s lawyers) a dedicated building for meditation.

Architects Kengo Kuma and Associates, best known for designing for the Tokyo Olympic stadium, designed the proposed buildings.

They have envisioned them tucked into the hillside and covered in living green roofs to blend into the landscape. 

Since the 2022 hearing, changes have been made to the plans to reduce the visual impact of the lodge. 

The Environment Court hearing is currently before Judge Prudence Steven and commissioner Mark Mabin.

PHOTOS: Supplied