Goat Control Operations

Information on goat control operations in Queenstown Lakes.

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Current operation

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Previous operations

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Current operation

A professional contractor will carry out goat control at areas across the Whakatipu Basin.

When will work start?

This operation will take place anytime from Monday 7 July to Friday 26 September 2025 during the hours of 8.00am-4.30pm, depending on the weather, in the following areas:

  • Matakauri Wetland - Gorge Road

  • Queenstown Hill Reserve - Vancouver Drive

  • Boydtown - above Huff and Fryer Streets

  • Ben Lomond Reserve - above Bowen Street and Kiely Lane

  • Fernhill - above Greenstone, Scott and Caples Place

  • Water Tank Reserve - Crow’s Nest Arthurs Point

What to expect

  • Experienced contractors will be clearly visible during the operation, which will be undertaken on the ground, using firearms

  • Public walking tracks through reserves may be closed temporarily if work is undertaken nearby. Signage and personnel will be in place to ensure safe operations.

  • Please follow the instructions of contractors onsite during the operation.

  • Police have been notified of this goat control operation.

  • Please be aware that noise from firearms, which are suppressed, may be heard around operation area.

Area of works

Water Tank Reserve – Arthurs Point

Water Tank Reserve - Arthurs Point

Previous operations

  • A professional hunting contractor carried out a goat control operation over July and August 2024. The aim of this operation was reduce the goat population in several areas and the likelihood of goats causing further nuisance.

    Whakatipu Goat Control Areas Whakatipu Goat Control Area

    Water Tank Reserve – Arthurs Point

    Water Tank Reserve - Arthurs Point

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  • Professional contractors carried out a goat control operation from Monday 17 July 2023 over two-to-three weeks in the following areas:

    • Matakauri Wetland - Gorge Road

    • Queenstown Hill Station

    • Boydtown (above Huff & Fryer Streets)

    • Fernhill (above Greenstone & Scott and Caples Place)

    • Water Tank Reserve (Crow’s Nest Arthurs Point)

    • Ben Lomond Reserve (above Skyline Gondola – Queenstown building and Queenstown luge). 

    This operation aimed to reduce the likelihood of goats as a hazard or nuisance to users of tracks and trails, to vehicles and to native vegetation and biodiversity in these locations.

    Whakatipu Goat Control Areas - Queenstown Hill and Bob's Peak (Skyline), Fernhill, Boydtown and Matakauri Park

    Water Tank Reserve, Arthurs Point

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Looking for more information?

If you are looking for more information, please contact:

Helen Fairlamb - Biodiversity Officer
027 477 149 or 03 441 0499
helen.fairlamb@qldc.govt.nz