Plans for Lake Hayes Estate reserve
Queenstown Lakes District Council is asking for feedback on its plans for Widgeon Park.
The 29.4 hectares public reserve located on the lower river terrace of the Kawarau River, sitting beneath Lake Hayes Estate. It's mostly flat open grassland with mature exotic vegetation and connects to the Twin Rivers Trail and popular swimming holes.
The long-term vision is to provide greater community connection to the space with improved access and trail networks, while enhancing biodiversity with planting and pest control, and protecting the unique natural and rural open space character of the reserve.
QLDC has released a draft concept development plan for the park.
“We’re keen to hear if the community support this draft plan which shows a long-term vision of the area that builds on existing uses and aims to enhance the local residents experience of the reserve,” QLDC Community Services General Manager Kenneth Bailey says.
A drop-in session will be held on Thursday, 28 August, between 6pm - 8pm at the Shotover Primary School Library in Shotover Country.
You can view the draft plan online and share feedback by Sunday, 14 September, at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Once public engagement closes, changes will be incorporated into the draft concept plan based on community feedback. The final plan will then be presented to the Community & Services Committee to consider recommending the plan to Full Council for adoption in early 2026.
