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 was to remove a one-hectare stand of Douglas fir and radiata pine at Peninsula Bay Reserve in October-November 2025. 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.

More than 80 people came together on Saturday 13 June 2026 for the first community planting day at Peninsula Bay Reserve, helping to plant 600 native trees across the site.

The event was hosted and led by Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, who delivered a well-run, welcoming day that made it easy for volunteers of all ages to get involved. It was especially great to see so many families and young people taking part.

While planting moved quickly, mulching proved to be a bigger task - with volunteers putting in a real effort to ensure the new plants have the best chance to thrive.

The project was supported by QLDC, including site preparation, fencing and materials, alongside generous contributions from Glen Dene Hunting and Fishing, and local residents Harald Bettin and his son Matt, who provided food for volunteers.

With great weather and a strong community turnout, it marks an exciting step forward in the long-term restoration of Peninsula Bay Reserve.

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. Te Kākano nursery will play a key role in propagating and providing native seedlings for this project.
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 private donors through 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 appreciate the collective efforts of these groups working together 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," 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