Find out about noise control and how to make a complaint about excessive noise in the Queenstown Lakes District. 

What is noise control?
The Council has certain powers under the Resource Management Act 1991 to ensure that everyone living in the community can enjoy a noise free lifestyle. 

This doesn’t cover every day activities such as lawn mowing, as long as these are carried out at a reasonable hour.

It does include Building and Demolition activities – they are required to abide by New Zealand Standard: Acoustic – Construction.

How to make a complaint
Complaints about excessive noise can be made to Lakes Environmental during normal business hours: 
•  Lakes Environmental - 03 450 0300 (Queenstown) or 03 443 0006 (Wanaka).

After hours complaints should be made to the Council 03 441 0499 (Queenstown) or 03 443 0024 (Wanaka).

What happens when I make a complaint?
A Noise Control Officer will be dispatched and if the noise is excessive, and an 'Excessive Noise Direction Notice' will be issued.  This requires the offenders to reduce the noise to an acceptable level.