Peninsula Bay Reserve Regeneration

We’ve partnered with Upper Clutha community groups on a long-term ecological restoration initiative focused on controlling wilding conifers and enhancing biodiversity across the district.

The first phase of the project will be to remove a one-hectare stand of Douglas fir and radiata pine at Peninsula Bay Reserve. The site sits between Lake Wānaka and the Peninsula Bay residential area and has been identified for restoration due to the dominance of exotic conifers and the opportunity to establish a more diverse native seed source for the wider reserve.

The removal of wilding pest species aligns with the QLDC Tree Policy 2024.

Tree removal is scheduled to begin in the last week of October 2025 and will take approximately three to four weeks to complete, weather permitting.

What to expect

• During the removal period the operational area will be taped off and there will be no public access. Those wanting to move through the reserve may be asked to wait temporarily while felling is underway or trucks move in and out of the area.

• Signage, cones and caution tape will be in place to guide visitors safely around the operational area.

• Machinery noise may be heard around the reserve during the operation.

• Vehicles will be restricted from entering the reserve and will need to be left at the road end.

• Walking and bike access to the wider reserve will remain open. Please be mindful of your proximity to the removal area.

Replanting of the site is planned for autumn 2026, with around 4,400 eco-sourced native shrubs and trees to be established over three to five years. The restoration plan also accommodates two future trails through the reserve, which will be constructed in line with the reserve development plan when funding allows. More details to be shared on this soon – watch this space!

This project is being funded by the Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group (UCWTG), with support from Otago Regional Council, and delivered in collaboration with Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, Bike Wānaka, and a local resident group.

We’re delighted to be part of collaboration on this scale to support the preservation and restoration of public reserve spaces.

What our partners have to say

Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group Committee member Arne Cleland talks about the impact this project will play as part of the long-term strategy to control pest species spread in the Upper Clutha.

"This stand of Douglas fir is adjacent to Stevensons Peninsula which the UCWTG, in collaboration with Mt Burke Station, recently completed wilding conifer control on. Douglas fir was found to be the main pest species at the southern end of the peninsula. By removing the stand of coning trees in this reserve, we're continuing to reduce the seed spread into the surrounding landscape," said Mr Cleland.

Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust Chair Greg Nelson shares how this initiative is closely aligned with their mission to foster community-led habitat restoration through hands-on participation.

"By involving local residents and community groups from planting through to long-term care, the project aims to bring back native habitat and enhance local biodiversity. Te Kākano nursery will also play a role in propagating and providing native seedlings for this site," said Mr Nelson.

Upper Clutha Tracks Trust Founding Trustee and Treasurer John Wellington is proud to be involved with the project as part of its new track development connecting the Peninsula Bay community and tracks with the lake and Lakeside track.

“The project meets two of the Trusts objectives of building a new track and sustaining and improving the environment through native regeneration,” said Mr Wellington.

If you have any questions or concerns about the operation, please contact the QLDC Parks Team at: 

parksrequests@qldc.govt.nz